Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
“How do you feel, sweetheart?”
“I feel good. How was it? Did you like me?”
I roll over, pulling her on top of me. “You’re the best I ever had. I told you, little girl, you were made for me.”
I stroke her hair as she drifts off into a peaceful sleep on my chest. This is what I’ve been waiting for, but now that it’s become a reality, I’m even more concerned about my brother’s presence.
He made more than his share of enemies before he went away, most of whom would take pleasure in getting some payback. I need to make sure he keeps a low profile. I can’t allow him to bring his troubles to my door. Now that I have Samantha, there’s just too much at stake.
8
SAMANTHA
A sense of panic overtakes me as the light from the window illuminates an unfamiliar room.
It takes a moment but the memories of last night with Stephen wash over me like a tidal wave. I touch my chest and let out a silly giggle when I realize I’m still naked. I look over at the empty space beside me and wonder how long Stephen has been gone. Then, I see my two little suitcases on the floor by the bedroom door.
I was so scared that this fairytale was going to end that I never unpacked. I hope Stephen wasn’t offended when he found them this way, but I’m glad he’s thoughtful enough to bring them up.
I pull some fresh clothes from the suitcase and run the shower. It’s strange but I almost don’t want to wash the lingering scent of him away. It’s the only thing reminding me that what happened between us is real.
As the warm water slaps against me, I replay every detail of our lovemaking in my mind.
I never doubted his strength, but he tossed me around like I didn’t weigh a thing. I liked that he was so forceful. It made me feel like he meant it when he said that I was his. I could see the animal in him when he locked eyes with me, but I wasn’t scared. Not even when I felt the weight of his hand crash down on my bottom. I never knew a spanking could feel that good.
I get dressed and make my way downstairs in search of Stephen, but I can’t find him anywhere. I can hear Sherry moving around in the kitchen so I go to see if he’s in there with her.
“I was told to keep breakfast warm for you,” she tells me. “Have a seat.”
“Thank you. Do you know where Stephen is?”
“He’s outside talking to his brother. It’s best that you stay here.” She shakes her head and adds, “I hope four years was long enough for that boy to clean up his act.”
I hope so too for Stephen’s sake, but from what I’ve seen, I doubt it. Still, Stephen shouldn’t have to babysit a grown man.
Sherry brings me a plate filled with bacon and eggs and another holding a stack of pancakes before disappearing into the butler’s pantry. I don’t realize how hungry I am until now. Stephen and I never made it to dinner last night. Remembering that floods my mind with images of him making love to me, and my body flushes with heat all over again.
I’m halfway through the bacon and eggs when I hear one of the rear doors swing open. Moments later, Stephen approaches. He smiles at me and butterflies begin to dance in my stomach. I feel like I’ve been caught doing something dirty.
“Good morning, baby. Did you sleep well?” He leans forward and kisses my forehead.
“I guess so. I don’t even remember falling asleep. I missed you when I woke up, though.”
“I thought I’d let you sleep in while I took care of some business. I’d like to give you your first riding lesson this morning.” He fills a cup with coffee and sits down beside me.
“Really? I’d love that,” I beam, not knowing if it’s because of the horses or because Stephen cleared his schedule to spend time with me. I suspect it’s a combination of both.
“Eat up first. Riding can take a lot out of you and you burned a lot of calories last night.”
My cheeks suddenly feel warm.
“You’re adorable when your cheeks turn red,” he teases.
Samuel comes into the kitchen and pours himself a cup of coffee. The sound of the spoon banging against the cup makes Stephen’s shoulders tense.
“Good morning … uh … what’s your name again?”
“Samantha. Good morning.”
“My brother tells me that you two are a couple. I want you to know that I had no idea about that last night. I’m sorry if you felt disrespected by what I said. I was a little drunk.”
Shocked by his apology, I nod my head. “Thank you.”
He flashes a sinister grin at Stephen. “See, brother? I know how to behave myself.”