Page 47 of Kentucky Nights (Dead Man’s Ranch #1)

Dru is in the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools, video chatting with Carmen. It’s amazing how technology has advanced. I still haven’t figured out this damn touch screen. My fingers are too fat for this damn keyboard. It’s so fucking little. Every word I type, there’s a typo in it.

“I promise, I’m okay. I’m so sorry I didn’t call sooner. The ranch is in the middle of nowhere, and the cowboy who rescued me didn’t have a phone that worked.”

“Do you know how that sounds? It sounds like he lied to you to keep you there, Dru. I can’t believe this. Do you have that Stockholm Syndrome?”

“Carmen, how could I have that when he didn’t kidnap me? Another person did. I ran away, and Kentucky saved me.” Dru reaches her arm towards me. “Come here, Beloved. Let me introduce you to my best friend so she stops freaking out.”

In two large strides, I’m by my mate’s side, waving into the little camera that somehow fits into this tiny phone. “Hey there, Carmen. It’s nice to meet you. Dru has told me a lot about you, and I wanted to let you know that you’re always more than welcome to come visit.”

Carmen’s face fills the screen. “Oh, you bet your cowboy ass I’m coming to visit.

Actually, I’m coming to live there, and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it.

You might be all tall and handsome with your little accent and big muscles, but I’m onto you, buddy.

” She gestures with two fingers, pointing them to her eyes, then at the camera.

A signal to say she’s watching me.

“Don’t be rude, Carmen.”

“I’m not being rude. I’m being protective. I’m packing now. Send me your address.”

“It was lovely meeting you, Carmen.” I give her a slight wave and slowly back away, not wanting to be a part of this conversation anymore.

She’s aggressive.

I slink away into the bedroom, peeking my head out into the hallway to see that her attention is still occupied.

“I can definitely do this,” I say to no one other than myself to hype myself up.

Never in my life have I done something like this.

I tug my shirt off, grab my hat from the top of the dresser, and set it on top of my head.

I won’t lie, I’m blushing.

“Good lord,” I grumble under my breath. “For Dru. She wants this. You can do this for her.”

Swiping the screen, the camera aims at my face, and I lift it into the air for a better angle.

Hooking my thumb into my belt loop, I lean against the wall, tuck my chin down, flex, and press the button.

“Absolutely not.” I delete the image so it can never see the light of day and try again.

This time, I allow my fangs to show with the murderous color of my eyes.

I snap a few photos. I twist my body one way, then another, pinching the brim of my hat like I always do. I must take a hundred pictures. One of them has got to be good enough.

The mattress dips when I sit down as I swipe through the photos until I find a few I like. I smirk, knowing damn well she’s going to love these.

Checking the time, I realize I’ve been in here way too long. We need to leave soon for our date night. I snag a black button-up and roll the sleeves to my elbows, spray a little cologne, shine my belt buckle a little, and make my way down the hall.

Dru has been ready for our date since before she called Carmen. She wanted to make sure time didn’t get away from her while she talked to her friend. It was the right choice considering they have been talking for around two hours.

When she hears me, she turns her head, and her eyes hood with lust. Her arousal marinates the air, and I growl low in warning. She can’t look at me like that when we have plans.

We won’t make it out of the house.

She’s wearing those shorts I love so much. The ones with the frayed hem. They show the slight undercurve of her cheeks, and I can never keep my hands off her when she’s wearing them.

She’s wearing her pink cowboy boots, of course, and a plum-colored crop top with sleeves that hang off the shoulder.

God damn, she looks beautiful. Freckles pepper her shoulders, and she even has a few on her chest. My tongue flicks onto my lower lip as I imagine running my hands down her body and kissing that spot between her legs that will make her squirt on my tongue.

Fuck.

My mate is fucking sexy. I have to look away, or we are never going to leave this house, and I’ve promised her a special night.

I have to keep my word. She tests my resolve.

Her legs look so fucking soft as the light from the kitchen shines on them.

In those shorts, she has legs for miles, and I’m ready for them to wrap around my waist.

Her eyes drop to the bulge in my jeans, nibbling that damn bottom lip again.

Tilting my head, I stare at her, thinking about all the ways I’m going to feed from her tonight. My gaze drops to every spot I’m salivating for.

The neck.

The breast.

The wrist.

Left inner thigh.

And right.

Pulling out my phone, I select a shirtless picture of me and type out a message.

“The sooner we leave. The sooner I can get you home and in bed. Remember, you gotta feed me, Darlin’.”

I press send, crossing my arms over my chest as if I’ve just done the most impressive move known to mankind.

Her phone dings with the message, and when she sees it, she squirms in her seat by pressing her thighs together. The kitchen fills with the smooth spice of her arousal, nearly drugging me with how good she smells.

“Carmen, I need to go. Kentucky and I have plans, but I’ll text you later, okay? I love you.”

“You’ll be seeing me tomorrow. I’ll be on your doorstep first thing if you don’t call me. Be safe. Take pepper spray,” she whispers, so I can’t hear her.

I do.

And I stifle a laugh.

“I don’t have pepper spray, Carmen.”

“Fine. Just be alert and use your head. I’m glad you’re okay, but if anything happens to her, Kentucky, I’m finding you.”

“I don’t doubt it, ma’am.” I wrap my arm around Dru, plucking the phone from her grip. “Have a good night.” Pressing the red button to end the call has never felt better.

“Darlin’, you’re mine tonight.” I grab her ass, my fingers sinking into the thick flesh, and tug her closer to me.

I can’t help but growl. Fuck, she’s perfect.

“I’m yours every night,” she purrs, drifting her finger across my chest.

I’ll be damned if nights haven’t turned into my favorite part of the day.