Page 129 of Cryptic Curse

She sighs.“Oh, that’s nice.”

“Hasn’t anyone taken care of you before?”

“Are you kidding?Of course not.”

Again, I want to pummel all the men who used her, and her father even more so for allowing it.Good thing he’s six feet under, or I’d be on a plane to Bogotá and he’d be toast by morning.

Her pussy is pink and pretty, and I can’t help myself.I slide my tongue between her folds.

Her gasp is music to my ears as I taste her, sweet and purely Daniela.Her legs quiver under my touch as she grips the sheets beneath us, moaning my name in a shaky whisper.

“Hawk,” she breathes out, her voice filled with pleasure.

“Shh,” I soothe her, my hands coming up to grip her hips, holding her in place against the assault of my tongue.“Just feel.”

And she does.She lets out a long sigh, tilting her hips for more.The sight of her spread out before me, writhing in pleasure under my touch, is enough to make me hard again.

But not now.Now is about Daniela—about showing her that this can be good, that it can be about mutual pleasure, can be a physical expression of love…

She reaches down to weave her fingers through my hair.The touch is electrifying—possessive and gentle all at once.

“Hawk,” she whispers again after a few minutes, her breath hitching.“Please…”

“Anything,” I tell her, looking up to meet her gaze.

There’s a plea in her eyes that sends a thrill coursing through me.

“Stay with me,” she breathes out, and it hits me harder than any physical touch ever could.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise her, sealing my vow with a kiss to her inner thigh.

With those words, Daniela seems to relax, surrendering herself to the pleasure.Her body trembles under my touch as I bring her to the edge, over and over again until she’s shaking uncontrollably.

Satisfied that I’ve given her all the care she needs for now, I crawl back up beside her on the bed.She rolls into my arms without a word, snuggling against my chest like it’s where she belongs.

We lie in silence for a while, our bodies slick with sweat but comfortable in each other’s presence.

Soon her breathing becomes shallow, and a soft and perfect snore escapes her.

I kiss her forehead.“Sleep, sweetheart.I’m here.I’ll protect you.”

* * *

Seventeen Years Earlier…

My father saw me hugging Ted.

I’m in for it.He’ll think it’s weak.Never mind that I’m the best shot of all my siblings, that I’m on track to being taller than Falcon, or that I’m a fucking champion bronc buster in the making.

He’ll think something is wrong with me being affectionate to a grown man.

The thing is, Ted is like a big brother to me.He’s never been inappropriate.He’s been helpful, a good role model.

But that’s not how Dad will see it.

I steel myself for the confrontation, but it never comes.Instead, he passes me with a small nod before disappearing into his office.Confused, I turn back to Ted, who shrugs and gives me a reassuring pat on the back.Then he heads toward Dad’s office.

I go outside, where I find Robin working with her pony, Ziggy.Of all of us, Robin is the best with the animals.She talks all the time about going to vet school and staying on the ranch to care for the livestock.