Chapter Four

The warm waves of the Gulf of California lapped at Harper’s toes as she stood staring out at the abyss. Lights from the resort couldn’t block out the stars salting the sky as the moon hung low and full just above the horizon. Spinning the ring on her third finger, she let it slide up and down the digit. Tossing it into the Gulf would be so easy, but she feared the waves would just wash it back to her toes before it sunk to the bottom. Tears pooled in her eyes as she pushed past her anger and hurt. The years wasted and lies told filled her chest to the point she feared vomiting would be the only way to dispel the bile from the memories. No. He would no longer define her. She would claim herself once again. In the courtroom she was a demon no man dared to cross, why not in the rest of her life? Had Dylan taken that from her too?

“Excuse me…”

A deep voice broke into her thoughts. She turned to see a dark stranger standing about ten feet away.

“Do you speak English?”

“Yes.” She sniffled and placed her hands together in front of her, suddenly self conscious of her bare belly. Why had she packed a bikini?

“Well, I know we’re close to the resort, but this beach isn’t one they patrol,” he said sweetly, but didn’t take any steps toward her. “It’s not safe this time of night.”

“You’re out here,” she countered as her shoulders squared to the man who stepped into the moonlight more and she could make out his firm physique. Hard upper body muscles strained against a t-shirt as he repositioned a backpack on his thick shoulder. Deep brown skin made her stomach flutter as she thought of a way to discover herself again.

“I can handle myself. You’re in a bikini,” he said as his eyes traveled along the curve of her hip and down to her toes.

“Then will you stay here with me?” she asked as she stepped backwards into the water and sunk deep into the wet sand. “As my protector?”

“I ‘spose I could for a bit,” he replied with a bit of a drawl she wouldn’t expect from a black man.

“What else would you do for me?” she asked, this time she took long lingering steps toward him.

No longer in a protective stance, he relaxed and a smile curved on his full lips. “You’re not one of those sirens from Greek mythology are you?” he asked, but his eyes said he didn’t care if she was.

“Leading you to your death at sea.” She chuckled as she circled him and let her hand trail across his chest. “Not that I’m aware of.” When she came back to the front of him she could feel the tears again, but Dylan wasn’t going to win, not this time. Her lips found the strangers and as his tongue found hers, she melted against him.

His hands held her firm as they softly glided down her back. “Hi.” He smiled when they broke from the embrace. “I’m—”

“I don’t want to know your name,” she said as her fingers covered his lips. “All I want is for you to make love to me as if I were the only woman you could ever love. No names, no strings, just a connection that we’ll never forget and look back on as the standard we set until our final breath. Unless you can do that, I have no use for you.”

His eyes went from questioning to secure as he scooped her up into his arms. Carrying her back to one of the cabanas, he gently placed her on the oversized mattress and walked around the structure untying the curtains. With each pull of a string the moon and stars disappeared until she was almost in complete darkness. Only small streams of light broke through from the grass top to the cabana.

Her hands trembled as she waited until the stranger reappeared. What should she call him, there must be a name—hands parted the curtains at the front of the cabana and Harper’s breath caught in her throat. Had she really offered herself to a stranger? Hot as he was, this was a ridiculous scenario. He could be a rapist or an axe murderer.

It’s not like she was trapped, not by a long shot, loose curtains in an open cabana she could run from here easily, but when she saw him crawl on the bed with the moonlight creating a halo her mind stopped. Desire over came her as his predatory black eyes were locked on hers. She reached for him, tugging at his shirt.

“No,” he growled.

His tone caused shudders to ripple down her spine as he pinned her arms at her waist then crawled on his knees behind her. She could feel his hardness pressing against her bare back through his jeans.

“You wanted to have me make love to you, not a casual fast fuck where clothes are permanently damaged. Something tells me if you’ve ever had this, it’s been too damn long and you’ve forgotten how it works.”

“How’s that?” she gasped, no longer able to see him as he brushed back her hair and nibbled along her collarbone.

His body felt warm against hers as he used one hand to wrap around her and hold her wrists. “Relax,” he breathed on her neck and she went slack against his body. Damn, they fit well together. Now, a knee was on either side of her as he released her wrists and let her nails trail up the exposed flesh of his thighs. “That’s right, baby, now let me do the rest.”

His fingers nimbly untied the sarong she wore then removed her bikini top, all while his lips trailed up and down her neck coming right to her chin, but never to the lips. That was his tease, she could almost taste him and she wanted to turn, but he wouldn’t let her. Not now, not at this moment. No it was his time to explore and his hands did just that. Gliding up her stomach that fluttered at the touch until he cupped one of her breasts in his hand. His teeth bit at her earlobe and she felt the heat pooling in her bottoms. Goose flesh tore across her skin as his need became firmer against her back, but it was her pleasure he pursued. Hitting the spot right between the neck and the collarbone instantly hardened her nipples.

“Damn your body is fine,” he purred as his hand stroked her thigh from knee to core. He didn’t remove her bottoms, instead he pressed his fingers on the outside of the fabric as he rubbed.

“Oh fuck,” she moaned and brought her arm around his neck for balance as he leaned back on a pillow.

His hand moved up from her bucking and this time, he slid his fingers under the suit and between her folds. When another hand traveled up to her chin, her head swiveled and their lips met. His hand cupped her cheek and for the first time, she felt treasured. He stopped teasing her sexually. Instead, he drew his hand up her side and turned her over, so they were facing each other. Tucking her hair back, he took her face in his hands with a tenderness she’d never experienced in her life. Their lips met, parted and came together again.

Her core was aching for more, but he wouldn’t let her even bring her hand down to guide him inside her.

“Sweetness, is there a reason to rush? Do you have somewhere to be?”

Harper swallowed and licked her lips.

He stroked her cheek lightly with his thumb then brushed his lips against hers. “Look, I’ve had a fucked up couple of months. I haven’t been able to be something to someone in a long time. Let me be this for you. Let me enjoy your body. I’ve never been anywhere near love, but the way you’re reacting, tells me I’m as close as I’ve ever been.”

Now it was Harper holding his face. Claiming his lips.

Again, he didn’t disappoint. His fingers tangled in her hair. He tugged just enough and their lips parted, but his began to trail along her jaw then down to her chest. Soon, he had to release her hair and his hands were sliding down her chest as if he were a blind man wanting to see. Hiking one of her legs over his shoulder he buried his head between her thighs and took her into his mouth. Moans of pleasure vibrated against her as he devoured her in a way that had her hips arching.

When his mouth surrounded her clit, he sucked as his fingers curled inside and up until he hit a part of her she didn’t know was there. “Oh fuck,” she groaned as he swirled his finger and sent her over the edge. “Who are you?”

 

* * * *

 

Montgomery had never lay with a woman he had no fear of tracking him down again. Even one-night-stands had the potential of a bunny boiler coming after him. No names, just sex for pure enjoyment and what it was meant to be. His dick stiffened the moment he saw the slender woman on the beach. Her hair probably went halfway down her back when straightened, but natural, it framed her face perfectly.

Now looking up from between her thighs he saw her perfectly sized breasts arched up to the sky. Sure, she’d asked who he was, but deep inside Monty knew it was more of a stroke his ego, what kind of man can make my pussy sing type question. For that, he always had an answer. Coming to his knees, he pulled his t-shirt off and tossed it.

She looked over his build as if he was the first man she’d ever seen.

Crawling up her body like a predatory cat, Monty made sure to tease her body with soft touches and licks. Her head lolled back, exposing her long slender neck to the point he could lightly brush his lips against the exposed flesh. “Have I met your requirements so far?” he asked with a deep growl.

She moaned an almost inaudible response as she rolled to her side underneath him.

Taking the hint, he slid down behind her then reached inside his bag for a condom. Stripped and properly sheathed, he returned to her neck and nipped her earlobe. His hand found her hip as his leg parted hers just enough he could enter her soft folds. Wet and still contracting from the previous orgasm, his entrance was only slowed by the tightening of her core.

“Oh fuck,” she moaned once he’d pushed to the root.

Their bodies connected in such a way, even he didn’t want to back out. No, instead, he rotated his hips with a slight motion as he bit hard on her neck. He had to or he would say something he might regret.

His arms locked around her chest as they both moved just enough to tease, but not enough to bring him to climax. Oh hell no, he wasn’t about to leave the warmth of her tight core. Soon, their arms were tangled as she held on to his as if she feared falling. Thrusts began as he kept his forehead pressed against her soft curls. He had to. If he tasted her neck or let his lips explore her body more, he would become pussy whipped. Still holding on, he made sure not to pull all the way out. It wasn’t enough. He needed to quicken his pace. He needed to pound against her, while she panted and begged for more. His hands broke free and came to her hips and once again, they turned a quarter and she was on her knees. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he brought his hand back and watched as his dick glistened from her wetness. Her face was buried in the mattress when a scream tore through her body and he almost couldn’t pull out from the way she clenched him. Whiteness covered him when he pulled out this time and his balls tightened, warning of release.

His speed increased as he watched her shake below him. Her ass was a perfect heart in his hand as he slammed himself hard inside and held her tight against him. The orgasm had his vision blurring and all he could do was hold onto her for support as his thighs constricted. “I’m so your bitch,” he groaned when he could move enough to fall on his side and pull her into his arms. She trembled and he couldn’t help claiming her lips again. This time, she responded by clawing at his back and wrapping her long leg around his hip. He’d rest when he was dead.

Their bodies misted with sweat making it so they stuck together by more than their inability to let go of each other.

Letting him recover, she used the time to explore his body. When soft hands tried to surround his biceps a purr of desire came from her lips that helped his recovery time. “You are one large man.”

“You noticed.”

“It’s hard to miss.”

“Is it?” he teased while flexing. “Tell me something, I swear I’m not backing out on our original deal, but why me?”

“You said you’ve had a bad few months,” she said as their fingers intertwined and she put them behind her. “Me too. I just wanted someone to hold me like they cared. You were willing to stand on the beach to protect me. I haven’t been around a man who would do that for a very long time.”

Her wedding band pressed against his bare fingers as he squeezed tight. Why marry a woman if you were not going to cherish her? Part of the reason he had never given himself to a woman was because he knew he would die to protect her. She would not only be his lover and friend, she would be his very breath and reason for living. As he looked into this woman’s eyes, he saw a woman who not only needed that, but deserved it.

 

* * * *

 

The last thing Harper wanted to think about was Dylan, especially with a man who warmed her in so many ways. They fell into another round of deep passionate kisses. How can one find passion with a stranger who didn’t know your very soul? That is where passion came from isn’t it? Or could it come from somewhere else? With in five seconds of seeing him, Harper was ready to let him touch her. Damn it, she needed him. In this moment, she could feel he was back and ready for more.

Kisses became more fevered as he released her for a moment and returned with a condom. Ever her protector. She’d forgotten about them. Six years of marriage had birth control down to a shot every few months. Her responsibility of course, but this stranger, her one-night-stand, she could relax and let him take charge. He wanted her, desired maybe. If he didn’t, he sure as hell didn’t give that impression.

Gripping her hips, he lifted her on top of him. His hand glided between her sex, as he guided his hard organ inside. Penetrating her in such a way, she couldn’t help but call out. His hands cupped her breasts as her hips rocked against his. Riding him, Harper was free. Free to experience love. Free to have a man touch her with emotion. It wasn’t just the orgasm taking her over, she knew now she’d finally be able to cry and grieve the loss of a marriage.

Suddenly, he shifted below her as he sat up and held tight against his body. He trailed his mouth along her neck only to come face to face and their eyes locked. With her legs wrapped around his body, she felt his strong hands supporting her as they truly connected. He thrust up against her and her body clenched around him while she realized for the first time ever in her life, she’d been loved. Truly loved. Even if it was only for a few hours, but she never dreamed in her lifetime she would ever discover that feeling. As they both climaxed with their eyes locked, she saw him giving himself to her, not just taking his pleasure. Their lips brushed against each other, not kissing this time, kissing would have them losing their moment together. His dark eyes swirled before her as his hand tangled in her mess of hair a second before they fell into each other again.

The morning came too soon, a sliver of sunlight hit Harper’s cheek. Next to her the man from the night before held her tight to his body. She was surprised she even woke. What if she was late? Lifting his arm as softly as she could, she slipped from his embrace. Finding her bikini and syrong, she dressed then placed the man’s shirt over his bare hips. It was then she noticed a pair of cowboy boots at the edge of the cabana. A cowboy? Had she really slept with a fucking cowboy? Looking at the man now sprawled out on the bed she had questioned the slight drawl he possessed, but maybe it was one of those urban cowboy situations. Or hopefully, he thought the boots were comfortable. Either way, she needed to get back to her room.

Shit, her key. Searching the mattress she saw a plastic key card, snatching it up she prayed it was hers. When she peeked from behind the canopy they’d dropped, she saw a few staff members cleaning up from the night before. Raking the sand clear of debris and picking up discarded drink glasses.

A man looked up at her, but kept on with his work.

She wasn’t the first woman creeping out of a cabana doing the walk of shame he’d seen. But she wasn’t ashamed. Last night was amazing and she had been right, she would look back on this night for the rest of her life as the standard she wanted to achieve when she was ready to date again. No more settling.

The key card thankfully worked and the first thing she did when she walked in was start the shower. Poking her head in the room far enough to see the clock, she smiled at the red digits saying it was only six thirty. She could enjoy her shower and take her time to let the warm water cascade over her. As she caught her reflection in the mirror, she ran to her bag and dug until she found her travel size tube of Beautiful Curls. A little tonic, little gel and she would be presentable.

An hour later, her hair was up in a bun and she had on a linen top with a pinstriped skirt. Opening the joining door, she saw Rusty with his hand cocked and ready to knock.

“You scare me sometimes,” he said as he dropped his hand.

“Only sometimes? I need to work on that. Breakfast?” she asked as she hiked her thumb over her shoulder.

Over breakfast, Harper reviewed Mexican extradition law. She was supposed to have done that last night, but well…a smile crossed her lips at the memory. The fruit tasted amazing and the eggs had a spicy bite to them.

As she drank her orange juice, Rusty set down his fork. “Okay, what happened last night?”

She swallowed the juice and coughed as it went down the wrong way. “Huh? What do you mean? I’m just making sure I didn’t miss anything last night.”

“Right, you always smile when you read foreign policy law.”

“It’s new to me. It’s been awhile since I got to learn new things.”

“In college, you must have looked like you were high all the time.”

Harper tried to tamp down her smile. This wasn’t the time or place to give Rusty the details of her wild night. Maybe on the flight back after she was sure there was no way of running into the guy again, she would confess to Rusty. This was not the time or place. They had to drive to Carricito de Santos and take down a criminal. Well, she had to do paperwork.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you got some last night,” Rusty observed as he bit a piece of bacon.

“Good thing you know better,” she said as her stomach tightened and she kept her eyes trained on her book.

“Yeah,” Rusty replied sarcastically. “Good thing.”

 

* * * *

 

“There’s the son of a bitch,” JT said loud enough to make Monty crack one eye. The canopy had been pulled back and he was exposed to all who walked by.

Reaching down to scratch himself, he found his t-shirt and nothing else.

“I told you he wasn’t dead.”

“Did you even look for me last night?” Monty asked not interested in the response.

“Nope,” Sunny replied as he leapt inside the cabana and landed stretching out his legs and crossing his arms.

“You’re braver than most,” Miles said as he leaned against the post. “I count at least three discarded condom wrappers. Any chance your ass is feeling wet, Sunshine?”

Sunny jumped off the mattress as if he’d been stung by a scorpion.

“You think you’d know better after traveling with this asshole for years.” Miles pointed to JT who raised his hand to protest, then shook off the comment.

“Have I told you guys how much I love Mexico?” Monty asked. “I mean really love it.”

“You do realize we’re going to be killed by a Mexican drug lord because Monty fucked his unhappy wife.”

“I resemble that remark.” Monty smirked as he warmed from the memory of his latest conquest. “And I did not fuck her. She wanted me to make love to her. Again, I was put on the earth to care for those who have been overlooked and forgotten.”

“You’re a philanthropist,” Miles groaned in distain.

Why his brother cared what he did, Monty would never understand.

“We might need to check out,” JT advised. “Betsy wasn’t exactly happy with me taking off. Coming back cut into itty bitty pieces would have her putting me back together to kick my ass.”

“Look,” Monty said as he sat up only to have the guys protest seeing more of him than they wanted. “You all are children.”

“Says the man who’s lying naked outside in a cabana.” Miles scowled at his little brother.

“Jealous.” Monty pulled his jeans on and slid to the edge of the cabana to tug on his boots.

“I’m the last one to throw stones,” Sunny said. “One-night-stands are great, but there are certain lines you shouldn’t cross.”

“He knows from personal ass whoopins,” JT added then sat next to his cousin at the edge of the cabana. “Tender Root isn’t exactly some great metropolis. How haven’t you been beaten to a pulp?”

“Women, who come to me for comfort, have husbands that don’t give a shit.”

“Every man gives a shit.”

“Okay, so I’ve had a few run ins but you know how it is.” Monty gave them his patented smile. “I have a talent for bull shit.”

“I’ve seen it,” Miles added. “He should be a politician the way he can run circles around the truth and perceived reality.”

“Since when are any of us the morality police?” Sunny asked.

“Aren’t you practically engaged to our sister?” Miles asked.

“Speaking of the love of my life,” Sunny responded. They all knew he wasn’t going to touch that subject. They also knew Sunshine was nervously waiting to hear if they had decided to sell him part of the ranch. “Aren’t we all here to avenge her?”

“Sunny is right,” JT said. “We need to get on the road. The later in the day, the higher the chances that asshole isn’t at home.”

Loaded up in the truck, they headed inland to the small town of Carricito de Santos.

Monty kept his thoughts on last night. Damn, that woman was exactly what he needed. Sure, he was soft and sweet at first, but he’d pounded the shit out of her pussy and that dropped his frustration level enough so he could focus today. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on his interlude and not images of his sister beaten and lifeless in a hospital bed. This man not only killed their neighbor Conrad, but beat Melody within an inch of her life. Her bottom lip was cut on the side and swollen. Cracked a cheekbone, dislocated her shoulder, and practically drowned her. The only blessing was she remembered just enough to charge the man, but not enough to give her nightmares.

“He’s somewhere on this block,” Miles said as he slowly drove up the street. “That’s the closest Monty could get to an address.”

“It’s only because Deputy Sue wanted me to beg her,” Monty protested his shortcoming. “I didn’t have that kind of time.”

“Exactly how long does it take you to make a woman come?” JT questioned as if it were a challenge.

“Is it your speed that Betsy craves?” Monty countered.

“My ratio.”

“Ratio?”

“Just because I come once doesn’t mean she shouldn’t hit double digits.”

Rarely, would you see a cowboy roll his eyes. To see three at the same time was enough to reset the men and get them back on task.

“Sunny and JT take the alleys,” Miles commanded. “One on each end. Monty and I will be on the opposite ends of the street knocking on the door. Anyone shoots out the back, yell. Either way, the asshole will be trapped on both ends.”

“Did Miles just come up with a plan?” Monty laughed. “A real plan that makes sense?”

“It only makes sense if you assholes get in place.”

Monty and Sunny decided to be at the far end of the street. Holding his hand out to Monty, Sunny clasped hands and pulled him into his chest. “We’re going to get this shit head right?”

“Last time he came close, we kicked his ass right?” Monty flashed to his sister rushing into the Hard Root Bar and screaming about Sunny being jumped. The Long’s only hesitated long enough to share the same thought, what idiot would take on Sunny? They found out and right now, he wished Clayton would’ve been well enough to travel. With the way he threw that piece of concrete at Julio’s head when he attacked Sunny back in Tender Root had him flying off of Sunshine right quick. Damn they sure could use him now. “This time, we’re going to have a decision to make.”

There are few things in the world that would bring Montgomery to murder. Premeditated murder at that. Then again, maybe because he hadn’t a hundred percent committed to killing the son of a bitch, it could still be a crime of passion.

Sunny gave Monty a nod then crossed to the opposite alley.

Monty waved to Miles and they began knocking on the doors.

When it was answered, Monty used the little bit of broken Spanish he knew to find out if Julio was there as well as step inside just enough to scan the small homes.

Federated Gas had built the homes he would describe as colorful shacks. Painted in the Southwest style of bright turquoise, pinks, oranges and yellow. As if bright colors could change the probably twenty by twenty one room home and it would no longer be a dump. A few had families, real ones with three or four kids all trying to be crammed into tight living quarters causing the inhabitants to live almost on top of each other.

Each time Monty opened a door, he was waiting for cattle to moo the people were packed so tight. Monty got the strange feeling some of these people were praying he would pick them, just so they could get away.

He couldn’t let that distract him. Fickin’ sissy ass feelings. How many times had his family teased him about being soft? Melody couldn’t pass up an injured animal. Montgomery was the same with people. No wonder he took that woman to bed last night. She was injured, hurting, crying out for help and all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms of protection. If he hadn’t, he would have considered himself less of a man.

Desperate eyes stared back at Monty to the point he was ready to crumble by the time he hit mid block. Closing his eyes as he stood outside a lime colored home with a dark yellow door. Melody, that’s what he needed to focus on, not the squalor that would be on the other side of this door. He had to recognize behind one of these doors was the man who tore her arm from its socket like Monty had done to Mel’s dolls when she was a child. Then the dislocation earned him a grounding with no reprieve until the toy was fixed. No matter how well Melody’s body was healing, like her doll with the arm that can’t move because the only fix was superglue, she would never be completely whole.

“Motherfucker!” Sunny yelled from the alley of Miles’ side of the street.

Miles took off heading toward the shout and JT jetted from the other alley while Monty froze. The three guys were trapping Julio, but Monty didn’t know which way to go.

The world slowed as he saw people poking their inquisitive faces out into the street. At least, they didn’t step out all the way. Sweat beaded across his brow for the first time that day. It wasn’t the heat of the sun or the lack of a breeze spiking his temperature. Nope, it was the sound of trucks, lots of them. They’d been out here for at least twenty minutes without a single car driving by, now at least a half dozen trucks and cars were rolling down the street. Worse yet, on top of those vehicles were lights. If those cops caught Julio, there would be no justice. At least not the kind he needed.

A loud crash jarred Monty enough that he looked forward right as Julio burst through the front door of the home directly in front of him.

Panic danced in his brown eyes at the sight of Monty staring directly at him.

Fool. He should be happy Clay wasn’t at his side. All Monty wanted was to shove him through the door out the back and drag his ass to the truck.

As if someone had fired a starter’s pistol Monty took off and wrapped his arms around Julio’s waist, dragging him back through the door. Tripping over the top step sent the two of them flying and they landed on the floor. Julio struggled under the weight of Monty who had at least fifty pounds on him, fifty muscular pounds. It was the second crash that flooded the room with light and Monty looked up to see seven people surrounding them.

His arms flexed and struggled as Julio tried to flip him over. Not happening. He didn’t care who was trying to pull him off. With a quick swipe, he caught Julio’s right wrist in his hand and pinned it to the ground. “Rope,” Monty barked. “Get me some damn rope. Or a belt. Something to tie this son-of-a-bitch up! We got like a minute to get him out of here.”