Hard Ride: A Rough Romance Page 6

  I cut the lights, tapping on the steering wheel. Maybe he was working. Maybe he was out partying, finding another girl to dominate. Even from where I was sitting, I could see there was at least one light on in the house. Perhaps he was worried I’d come back. I chewed on my lip, debating what to do.

  I’d never been one to take no for an answer. How dare the jerk rescind his offer? Who did he think he was anyway? I had a solid answer for that one. Snorting, I reached into the glove compartment, yanking out my tools. They’d been with me for years, since the early days. And they’d come in mighty handy. I’d lost track of the number of times I’d needed to pick a lock or hell, use one of the instruments to poke out the eye of an asshole.

  Frustrated, I cut the engine and climbed out of the truck, scanning his property for any signs of the douchebag. No, he was definitely off gloating with his buddies, like the sheriff. I did swallow not once but twice at the realization he hadn’t lied to me. He was tight with local law enforcement.

  Groovy.

  Well, no pain, no gain. That’s something my uncle used to tell me. The man had been one tough cowboy, teaching me everything he knew before he died. He was also not the kind of man to take guff off of anyone. He’d taught me that as well. I peered at the full moon lighting up the dark sky, weighing my odds of being able to get away with snooping the second time.

  Was I playing with fire?

  Mmm... Perhaps.

  But Montana Cobalt was enemy number one.

  For some reason my heart was skipping beats as I repeated my actions from the night before, getting inside easily. I eased the tools into my back pocket, allowing my eyes to get used to the darkness. The light was coming from another room, perhaps the kitchen. Maybe I’d do a little snooping to see what the man was actually like.

  I took one step then another.

  The single light switched on was little more than a warm glow, but it allowed me to see the man sitting very casually on the couch, a drink in his hand.

  Oh. Fuck. Me.

  Montana calmly looked at his watch, took a sip of his drink then tapped his other hand on something that he had in his lap.

  A paddle?

  Was the man fucking kidding?

  “I will admit, you’re later than I assumed you’d be, but since you’re not the kind of girl who follows rules in any manner, why should I be surprised?” His voice was even huskier than the night before, the slight twang sexy as hell. He sat with his legs spread open and naturally, my eyes were drawn to the bulge between his sculpted thighs.

  There was no amount of shame that stopped my body’s reaction. I was instantly wet, juice trickling into my panties. Damn the man.

  I had no idea what to say, no retort that was going to get me out of this mess. I’d been caught red-handed again. I stood taller, glaring at him as I folded my arms, unable to keep from darting glances toward his cock then to the paddle. However, the grin on his face did piss me off.

  He was enjoying this even more than the night before.

  “Why are you such an asshole?” I finally threw out, determining how much time it would take me to race back to my truck. About the same amount of time it would take him to pick up his phone.

  Montana took another sip of his drink then eased the glass onto the side table. He placed the paddle in the middle of the couch then crossed his legs. “So, I’ve been thinking. Since it’s obvious that you need strict discipline in your life for various reasons, I know how we’re going to play this.”

  “We’re not playing anything together, you and I.”

  He tapped his fingers against his knee, the expression on his face like a stern father lecturing his wayward child. “Are you finished yet? Do I need to remind you that with one phone call, your ass will be in jail? Not once but twice you broke into my house. I was very lenient the first time, but my patience has worn thin.”

  “Lenient? You spanked me and fucked me and...” The words just naturally trailed off, fuel running out of my system. I felt sheepish, even sick to my stomach.

  “As I was saying, this is how we’re going to play this. I now own you, every sweet inch of that body of yours. I thought I made that clear when you broke into my house last night. I guess being that you’re so hardheaded, you need reinforcement.”

  His smile was far too possessive, forcing the words to sink in. I was queasy, realizing there really was no way out of this.

  “I made one deal with you. One.” As if that mattered.

  “Ah, but you broke into my house a second time. All bets are off as they say,” he said in his huskiest voice.

  “What do you want? Just tell me!”

  “What do I want? Let me think.” He closed his eyes briefly. “You’re going to obey me at all times, no matter what I ask, surrendering to me without question. Trust me, I have some interesting... chores for you. You will be punished for every infraction and I assure you the discipline you receive is going to be harsh and unyielding.”

  “You’re enjoying this,” I managed, my windpipe ready to shut down.

  “Tre-mendously.”

  Tick. Tock.

  “How long?” Why did I care? I wasn’t doing this.

  “As long as I say.”

  I clenched my jaw, fighting not to say so many nasty things to him. “Is that all?” Hell would freeze over first.

  He tapped his forehead, as if debating. “Oh, yes. And you’re going to call me sir whether we’re in public or private. That is irrevocable. I should require you to call me Master. That will come later.”

  I blinked several times, finally bursting into laughter. The man had been serious the night before. “What did you say? I don’t call anyone sir, including the man who spawned me. So fuck you.”

  His eyes lit up like firecrackers. “Thank you for reminding me. And we’ll continue the process of washing your mouth out with soap every time you curse. I purchased a brand spanking new stock of Ivory bars just in case.” His grin was like the cat who ate the canary.

  I was mortified, incensed. Disgusted.

  Worried.

  Angry.

  Every emotion in the world rolled through me even as the rational side of me said I deserved this in some manner. But only some. Calling him sir? That was insane. “You’re really going to turn me in if I don’t do what you ask?”

  “You mean what I demand?” He eased to a standing position and for the life of me, I took a giant step backwards. He suddenly seemed larger than life.

  “Fine. Yes. Whatever.” Curse words were on the tip of my tongue. Jesus. The man had already gotten to me.

  “Sir.”

  He had the audacity to throw that out.

  Montana shifted. “I think you need to be taught a few lessons and I’m the man do to just that. I’m certainly not going to allow you to step foot into another rodeo until you actually know what you’re doing. I’m surprised you’re walking today.”

  “You mean because of your harsh punishment. Sir.”

  His grin highlighted the same dimple as before, only this time my mouth watered. I had to be losing my mind. “No, I mean because you took one hard fall and that was because you don’t have the proper technique.”

  I could swear the man was laughing. I didn’t take the bait even though dear God, I wanted to.

  He took a step closer, raking his eyes down the length of me. I’d never felt so undressed in my life. Granted, I was wearing a flimsy tank top and cutoff shorts. Maybe I’d planned on the attire.

  Ugh!

  “Taught a few lessons? That isn’t going to happen. I don’t know you.” I could hear the wavering sound of my voice and cringed. He was backing me into a corner. “Sir.” Big sir. Asshole sir.

  “How quickly you forget our deal. Seems like we have a line drawn in the sand. I’ll give you two minutes to decide. Free country, but I suggest you weigh the consequences. Ownership or prison.” He walked back toward the couch, taking his time sipping on his drink.

  The same wash of emotions became
chilling, a reminder that I was the bad guy here. I shifted from foot to foot, a quick glance confirming that he’d witnessed my nipples getting hard as rocks. What he must think of me.

  I heard the little voice in my head laughing her ass off. I’d never placed myself in this kind of compromising position before.

  “Time’s up. If you don’t decide, I’m going to do so for you,” he said oh-so casually.

  I swallowed, ran my shaking fingers through my hair then finally nodded. “Fine. I accept the deal.” I hated giving him a sign of respect, but I’d never felt so dirty and ridiculous in my entire life.

  “You accept the deal?” He shot a stern look in my direction.

  “I accept the deal. Sir.” Asshole. Jerkoff. Public enemy number one. I did manage to add a sweet smile at the end.

  He had no idea the kind of revenge I was planning.

  Chapter Five

  Montana

  Damn fiery, opinionated redhead. I’d known instinctively the girl was going to break into my house again. She was just that kind of woman, determined to get what she wanted. However, I wasn’t the kind of man who would take crap from anyone. I’d had a long couple of days. I was tired, still grouchy, and that last thing I needed was a challenge from anyone.

  Holland Kennedy knew exactly how to force my cock to full attention, aching to the point I could have trouble walking.

  She stood in what others called ‘Daisy Duke’ shorts and a form-fitting crimson tee shirt, no doubt aiming to yank me off my game. That wasn’t going to happen. Still, I couldn’t help but admire her long, gorgeous legs, the cowboy boots giving her a rough and tumble kind of look. Even the way her nipples were poking through the thin material of the tee shirt was enough to keep my cock twitching.

  Shit. What was I thinking? I’d entered into a ridiculous alliance with a girl even I’d called my enemy. The whys didn’t matter. No woman had ever pushed so many buttons. Now I had the upper hand and I was going to enjoy myself. I’d always been a dominating man and she was like the sweetest candy. I’d mold her into exactly what I wanted before sending her on her way.

  “All right. Then you’re going to learn another very hard lesson tonight,” I said as I slowly retrieved the paddle. I’d found the implement in my box of collections, a decent memory from my last girlfriend. Hard to believe it had been almost four years before.

  Work had come first, building my surgical practice and honing my skills on the rodeo circuit. Maybe I was nuts trying to hold onto two distinctly different careers, but it kept my mind occupied, which was desperately needed.

  I shrugged the ugly memories of another time aside, talking calculated steps in her direction, tapping the thick wood against my palm. Her eyes followed my every action, the hint of fear in them more appealing than it should be. Maybe I was the sadistic son of a bitch my ex had called me.

  The day she walked out on me.

  I’d been single ever since.

  Holland kept her arms folded, her expression cold and calculating. She had something up her sleeve. Remaining quiet, she simply shook her head.

  “I suggest you wipe that smug look off your face.”

  “And what if I don’t?”

  I almost laughed. The audacity of this girl was far too... stimulating. I shifted my hips to keep from being forced to adjust my aching cock. “Then I’ll add several additional swats to your spanking.”

  Her eyes opened wide, a nervous tic appearing in the corner of her mouth. At least she was beginning to understand the severity of the situation. I had her right where I wanted her.

  Not in your arms.

  Not in your bed.

  I bit back a growl as my desires kicked to the surface. This particular girl could be my demise if I dared allow her to get too close.

  Not going to happen.

  “Now that we understand each other, take off your clothes.”

  “Wha... What?” Her voice held a distinct quaver.

  “You heard me. I usually spank naughty women naked. You just got lucky last night. No longer. Every time you receive harsh discipline, which I’m going to guess will be every day, you’re going to be naked. I don’t like to waste time so get ready.” I turned away then slowly swiveled my head in her direction. “When you’re undressed, lean over the back of the couch. Make it quick.”

  I purposely finished the remainder of my drink, humming even though I was listening for any sign she was obeying my command. It took a full two minutes before she responded, the rustle of clothes further tightening my balls, drying out my mouth.

  All I could think about was burying my head in her sweet pussy, licking every drop as she came violently. I’d take her again, that was certain, but on my terms. For my pleasure, given her criminal activities and our deal.

  I had a difficult time not gawking at her insanely luscious body as she struggled to remove her clothes, shimmying her tight shorts down her hips. When she fought with her cowboy boots, I clamped back a moan. Christ. I was losing my shit over a woman.

  A criminal.

  A troublemaker.

  A brat.

  Exhaling, I closed my eyes and tamped back my raging libido. My extreme hunger wasn’t going to do either of us any good. This wasn’t about passion or romance in any manner. This was about total and absolute submission.

  Her submission.

  If she held some kind of secret that she was planning on using against me, then by God, I’d find out.

  One way or the other.

  I heard footsteps and turned back to watch her as she headed for the couch, unable to look me directly in the eyes. By the warm flush creeping along her cheeks, I could tell she was thoroughly embarrassed. As she should be for her contemptuous actions.

  When she leaned over the back of the couch, her long hair sweeping against the cushions, I swore under my breath. Holy crap, the woman was stunning, curvy in all the right places. Her back was arched, her bottom deliciously lifted, and I could still see a few red marks from her spanking the night before.

  I swallowed not once but twice before moving closer, slapping the paddle against my hand several times. While this was unconventional, the fact she’d broken the law was serious. Then why was I only thinking about how much I craved the woman, not issuing justified punishment? Maybe Garland was right. I needed a diversion from the everyday drudgeries my life had become.

  “I think thirty will be a good target tonight. Don’t you?” I asked as I moved behind her.

  “Thirty? Are you out of your blessed mind, you fu... Fudge head?” She moaned once before her entire body stiffened. “Sir.”

  “Hmmm... I think you can handle a lot more than that. You’re one tough girl. Aren’t you?” I tapped the paddle against her bottom, sucking in my breath when she jumped involuntarily. “Spankings are good for the soul. Cleansing.”

  “Speak for yourself, buster. I mean sir.”

  “Spread your legs.”

  Holland reluctantly did as I asked, still stiff from anticipation.

  “We begin.”

  I smacked one ass cheek then the other with hard but even swings.

  “Fuck!” she yelped. Then after she’d issued the forbidden word, “I’m sorry... Sir.”

  “We’re going to start again, but that’s the only warning that you’re going to get. Why don’t you count them off for me?”

  She tossed her head over her shoulder, murder in her gorgeous hazel eyes. “Fine. Sir.”

  I twirled the paddle then smacked her twice again, hesitating as I lifted an eyebrow.

  “One and two, sir,” she hissed through clenched teeth.

  I couldn’t help rubbing my fingers across her smooth skin, shuddering from the electricity shooting through me. My mouth was now Sahara dry. I even had difficulty breathing. “You really need to learn about authority and rules. Strict regulations are designed for reasons.”

  I could swear she was chuckling.

  I issued four more rather brutal smacks in rapid succession.


  “Shi... Shazam. Three. Four... five and six, sir.” Her entire body was quivering as she dropped further over the couch, kicking up one of her legs.

  I pushed it down, caressing her already heated skin. Still tingling.

  Still hungering.

  “Stay in position. I’m not going to tell you again, Holland. Every inch of you now belongs to me. I can’t wait to train you. Break you.” With every hard crack of my wrist, the idea of possessing her was becoming more enticing. She’d unleased the very beast I’d buried deep inside. There was no way for her to know how dangerous that could be.

  “Yes. Sir.” Every word was huffed through clenched teeth.

  I pressed my hand on the small of her back, holding her in position as I issued four more. She continued the count, her rebelliousness remaining intact. I couldn’t believe she remained so damn defiant, determined to show zero emotions.

  I had to admit that I would enjoy breaking down her defenses, helping her fully embrace the error of her ways. My heart continued to race, the adrenaline adding sparks to the flame as I concentrated on doling out her punishment. I wanted her weak in the knees, obedient in every manner when I finished.

  “Four more. I want to hear you say the numbers very clearly,” I instructed.

  Crack! Smack!

  “Twenty-six... Twenty-seven...” At least her words were breathless.

  Her bottom was the most beautiful shade of crimson. She’d have difficulty sitting down for a day or so. The realization was tasty indeed.

  When I delivered the last two, she slumped completely over the couch, clenching her bottom. Her muffled whimpers filtered into my ears, sizzling my senses. She’d certainly kept me aroused the entire time. What did that say about me? I eased the paddle down beside her then rubbed my hand down her spine. Fuck, my fingers were on fire.

  She took that very moment to jerk up from her position, slamming hard against my chest. As a reaction, I wrapped my hands around her, my fingers brushing against her breasts. While she growled under her breath, my body’s reaction was even more treacherous, my cock begging to be freed.

  “You did well,” I managed, blinking several times in an effort to focus. My fingers had remained, rubbing in slow and easy circles, fighting not to pluck and twist her nipples.