Page 16 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

W ind howls in my ears from Luna’s speed, making it impossible to hear the thunder of hoofbeats. The beautiful scenery is a blur through my watery vision. I tip my head to the sky, soaking in the blissful freedom. There’s nothing quite like running full speed on a horse.

We race for about a minute and it’s obvious our competition is no match for us. It was risky to leave Colton behind, but I trust Bandit to take care of his rider. They’re probably loping along at a cautious pace. I wouldn’t expect anything faster from the safety police.

Luna begins to slow when I sit back in the saddle. A smile naturally appears—from the thrill of the ride and our win. I twist around to spout about our victory, but the boasting dies on my lips. They aren’t behind us.

“Shit,” I breathe.

The liberating vindication sours as concern twists my stomach into a pretzel.

I turn Luna to retrace our path, my pulse kicking into a trot to match the mare’s bouncy stride.

The land in this section is flat and open.

Only a few trees interrupt the grassy expanse.

It should be incredibly easy to spot them, but they’re nowhere in sight.

That doesn’t stop me from scouring the field as if they’ll magically appear.

“Colton?” My voice is loud, but doesn’t carry. I cup a hand around my mouth and try again. “Colton!”

Only the squawk from an agitated bird replies.

Not a peep from my so-called stalker. It’s quiet and still and alarming.

My heart thumps wildly to drown out the silence.

Luna’s ears flick back and forth, which has me searching for the noise I can’t hear.

She flinches a second before I’m yanked out of the saddle from behind.

The world spins as I’m clutched and spun in a pair of strong arms. My back gently meets the ground in the next ragged breath.

Luna takes the opportunity to bolt, abandoning me to fend for myself. Meanwhile, I’m stunned motionless. My shocked state allows Colton to effectively pin me beneath him.

“Gotcha,” he rasps.

This mountain of a man lowers, covering me like an avalanche.

He blocks out the sun and my ability to comprehend how I got into this position.

I should be crushed under his weight, but he props himself on a bent arm to avoid annihilating me completely.

His upper body hovers above mine while our lower halves press tightly together.

That allows me to feel how much bigger he is.

My eyes go wide when an unmistakable bulge pushes into my pelvis.

Holy shit, Colton is hard and definitely not hiding it.

The solid ridge is just as impressive as his ability to sneak up behind me.

It’s only logical that his dick is huge to match the rest of his imposing size.

I bet he fucks like a maniac on a mission.

Images assault me and I squirm against the unfortunate pressure that throbs between my legs.

He grunts and gives me more of his weight to fully trap my hips.

“Well,” I huff. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Not until I allow it.” The gravel in his voice scrapes over me and I shiver.

Colton tilts slightly to block the autumn chill, but I’m not cold. Heat rolls off him to blanket me through our layers of clothes. It’s almost comfortable except for the fact that I’m held captive between two unforgiving surfaces.

My heaving chest meets his with each labored inhale. It’s difficult to breathe with him so close. All I smell is him invading me. It’s smoky and thick—a forest of dense pines that’s impossible to escape. I drag in another lungful of the addictive scent before refocusing on my predicament.

“You planned this.”

It’s not a question, but he nods. “Did I scare you?”

“No, I’m getting used to you sneaking up on me.” The memory of him materializing in my backseat will haunt me for years to come. “But the horses are probably halfway back to Cloverleaf Meadows by now.”

Now he shakes his head. “I tied Bandit to a tree. Luna won’t ditch her boyfriend.”

“How do you know?”

“They’re herd mates and she’s loyal.”

My brown quirks. “Are you trying to imply something?”

“Wouldn’t mind if you came running to me.”

“Sorta did before you pounced from who knows where. Were you watching me look for you?” Not that I’ll admit to being worried.

“I’m very good at my job.” Colton grits out that last word like it tastes foul.

“Those talents don’t extend to games,” I chide. “You misunderstood the point, Cowboy.”

“Stalker,” he rasps.

I smile at his demand. “Such a stalker.”

He glares down at me. This close, I can see dark specks trying to invade his blue eyes. It reminds me of danger smothering light in shadows. How fitting.

But I’m beginning to suspect this tough guy has a gooey center.

That’s totally my type, or who I picture myself truly falling for.

My gaze sweeps across his features curiously.

He’s still tan despite the cooler season, which isn’t fair.

The attraction tugging at me isn’t either.

Maybe if Colton’s nose wasn’t shoved so far up Brody’s ass, there could be more than stolen moments between us.

I settle for admiring him while he shamelessly stares at me in return.

His cowboy hat is missing, exposing light brown hair that’s disheveled in a sexy style.

I’m tempting to run my fingers through the short length and determine if there’s something soft about him.

The scruff on his face looks coarse, much like the clench in his jaw.

My palms choose that moment to wander. Chiseled slabs of muscle flex under my exploration.

I trace the toned definition along his torso until he makes a strained noise as if he’s the one trapped. My hands drop flat to the grass.

“What’s my prize, Princess?” His voice is even gruffer than before.

I squish my lips to one side. “When did we decide you’re the winner?”

“From my perspective, it looks like I ended on top.” Colton glances down at me and a much more pleased sound rumbles from him.

“You’re really dominant, huh?”

“Would you prefer if I’m the one to surrender?”

The visual alone is comical, especially since he doesn’t budge. “Is that another joke?”

“Guess you bring out the funny side of me.” Yet his tone is completely deadpan.“Tell me what I win.”

I pull in another stilted breath. “What do you want?”

His stare burns into mine like a brand. “You.”

“Well, in case you didn’t notice, you’ve got me covered. I’m your helpless captive.”

“We both know that isn’t true.”

“Would you like me to pretend?” I bat my lashes, slipping into the role of a damsel in distress. “Oh, no. You caught me. How will I escape? It seems impossible.”

His answering groan is guttural and he shifts against me. “That’s right, Princess. I’ve got you right where I want you.”

It’s not far-fetched—I’m completely at his mercy. “Will you let me go if I surrender?”

“No.”

My bottom lip pops out in a dramatic pout. “What’re you going to do to me, Stalker?”

“Keep you.”

I walk my fingers up his strained arm. “Forever?”

“Yes.” Now his tone is smoother than melted butter.

I’m not sure if we’re still playing this new game. He sounds serious. A thrill tickles my lower belly. One night of passion might dissolve this pesky chemistry sizzling between us.

“Are you gonna strip me bare and have your way with me?” I try to wiggle with zero luck.

“Not yet.” But the promise of when hangs in the air.

“What’s your plan then?”

“Trying to figure that out.” Colton dips his head until our noses brush. “Just like having you close.”

“I think you’re a romantic.” My chin tips up to bring our mouths within kissing range.

His lips caress mine in the faintest touch. “Would that please you?”

That gritty rasp intoxicates me. A burst of desire has me arching into him. Our chests meet and I rub against him like a mare in heat. My nipples pebble in the restrictive confines of my sports bra, the friction sending sparks to my core. When I mewl, he sips on the sound but doesn’t kiss me.

Masculine energy ripples off him in seductive waves. After a slow inhale, I’m nearly dizzy on the power he’s holding over me. His musky scent might as well be initiating sex.

“Yes,” I sigh. I’m agreeing to everything at this point.

But Colton still suspends himself just out of reach. His stubble scratches my skin. It’s a tease more than anything.

“Do you understand that I’d do anything for you?”

My brain is hazy, wrapped up in the fantasy. “Uh-huh.”

His blue stare travels beyond the fog and protective layers to cradle my deepest yearning. “And in exchange, you’ll be mine.”

Warm fuzzies swaddle me in a cozy embrace. “Okay, Stalker. Do your worst.”

He chuckles and I almost pass out. “You’re in a very agreeable mood.”

My nod bumps his forehead. “I want the sex.”

That flips some sort of switch. Colton stiffens and the heat in his gaze cools. “Is that all you want?”

“Foreplay wouldn’t hurt.” My focus drifts to what I can see of our surroundings. “Doubt anyone will stumble upon us out here.”

“We’re not having sex.”

The lust clouding my judgment wafts away with a gust of wind. “Don’t you want me?”

“With every beat of my heart.”

Warmth returns to my limbs and I slump against the ground. “So, what’s the problem?”

“I’m gonna be your first.”

Shock steals my voice seconds before laughter bursts free. “That card has been punched, Cowboy.”

“Let me finish,” he growls.

My eyes narrow into slits. “Yes, sir.”

“Your first love.” Colton leans in until his breath mingles with mine. “You’ll love me like you’ve never allowed yourself to love another.”

Understanding dawns like a long-awaited sunrise after an especially dark night. “This isn’t just about you protecting me.”

“Haven’t I made that obvious?”

My mouth works silently as I try to process his intentions. “I honestly thought we were just gonna have sex quick.”

“Which is why we aren’t. Not until you’re ready.”

“Ugh, this speech again.” The slight whine in my voice is definitely called for.

“I’ll repeat myself until it sticks.”

“And I’ll take your dick for now.” I manage to rock my hips into his.

“That’s part of the package deal. You don’t get this”—he grinds that impressive length into my pelvis—“until you’re hopelessly in love with me. Until I’m buried so deep, you can’t get rid of me. Even if you try.”

Now isn’t the time to unpack those loaded statements and the attached relationship requirements.

“But you’re hard.”

“You’re near me.” He states that as a logical fact, as if those two things coincide.

I pause to collect my scattered wits, fully aware we’re not on the same page. That leads me to wonder just how far ahead he is.

“Why is the keypad code my birthday?”

“It’s an easy date to remember. I don’t want you to get locked out.” Which mirrors his earlier answer.

“But this is your house.”

“It’s yours too.”

Confusion wars against the sweet sentiments. “Is that why you gave me the master bedroom?”

“You deserve only the best.”

“Did you plant the daisies?”

“I want this to feel like home.”

“That’s why the cupboards and fridge are stuffed full of my favorite foods.” I didn’t take a full tour of the inside, but a brief glance in the kitchen revealed everything I like to eat. Same goes for the products in the bathroom.

“Think of this place as your escape.” He’d said something similar when we first arrived, but it hasn’t truly sunk in.

I search his unwavering stare, finding the answer but confirmation is crucial. “Do you love me, Colton?”

His jaw ticks as if the truth is stuck. “Yes.”

“Since when?”

“The beginning.”

My breath escapes on a whoosh. “Five years?”

His head dips. “Is that hard to believe?”

“Extremely,” I blurt. “We barely saw each other.”

“That’s not true.”

“Fine, I didn’t see you.”

The stalker on top of me ghosts his lips along my cheek, drifting to my ear. “Which is why this is one-sided.”

“You…?” The rest of the words catch in my throat. I clear the disbelief and try again. “You love me?”

There’s not an ounce of hesitation when he says, “Unconditionally.”

My mind goes blank in these uncharted waters. I would’ve guessed the attraction was mutual. That’s simple enough. What Colton just declared is the opposite.

Love.

It’s basically a foreign concept aside from my handful of sexual partners. Those were one and done and forgettable. Something tells me Colton is looking to leave a permanent mark.

Confusion keeps me mute. How am I supposed to react? I’m not in the market for a relationship, let alone whatever he’s proposing. This man has acted as my jailer for the better part of three months. He’s been stalking me for much longer. Nothing about this situation is normal.

“I don’t expect you to ever love me, but that’s the only way we’ll be more than this.”

“Damn,” I breathe. “Is that meant to be a kinky ultimatum?”

A snort scolds me. “No pressure.”

“Sure about that?”

He nods again. “It’s no secret that I don’t deserve you.”

“But you brought me to the middle of nowhere in hopes I’d fall for you.” Not to mention against my will.

“Brody encouraged me to shoot my shot. He knows how I feel.”

And just like that, I’m reminded where his allegiance actually rests. “Would you have admitted all this if he didn’t approve?”

His gaze averts. “Eventually.”

I cluck my tongue. “Doubt it. You can’t go against his wishes and I totally get it. He earned your loyalty.”

This isn’t me being petulant or insensitive.

I just know where I stand when it comes to him and my brother.

Mom’s voice chooses that moment to pop into my head, reminding me of her suspicions.

She was certain Colton stuck so close to the farmstead for me.

The theory seemed highly unlikely, but it’s obvious I wasn’t paying enough attention.

A crease carves into the space between his brows. “You’ll always come first, Princess.”

I pat his shoulder. “Maybe you’ll prove it someday. Better hurry if you’re planning to use our forced proximity to your advantage.”

“Am I supposed to know what that means?”

“It’s a book trope. One of my favorites,” I admit on an exhale. “Which fits right into the unrequited romance you’ve whipped up.”

Colton blinks. “Is that a good thing?”

My palms shove at his chest and he finally relents, rising to his knees. “Depends on what you decide to do next.”