Badass (21 page)

“Avery?” Cady asked just to be sure.

“Yes,” Avery answered, tentatively. She had been around some spiritual powerhouses in her times, people who were connected to the very gates of heaven through the power of prayer – but never had she felt such an aura of peace and – yes, power – that emanated from this one small woman. “I’m Avery. You must be Cady.” She fully expected for the handshake they shared to shock her, but it didn’t. The smile Cady gave her, literally, lit up the room.

“I am so glad you’re here. Isaac has needed you, so much.” Without preamble, Avery was clasped in Cady’s arms and she felt like she had been enveloped in pure love. There was something about this woman that exuded joy.

“Thank you,” was all Avery could think to say.

Cady pulled back and took the other woman’s hand. “This is my Mom, Celeste Renaud. Mom, this is Avery Sinclair – she belongs to Isaac. And I presume you’ve already met Granny Fontenot, sitting there with her underwear in her hand. Have you had those things on your head again, Boss Lady?”

Avery was entranced with Cady. And mystified that everyone kept saying she belonged to Isaac. “Hello, Mrs. Renaud. It’s a pleasure to meet you both, and yes – I’ve been chatting with your grandmother. She is a character.”

“I’m waiting to hear the story of what you did, Libby.” Jessie had sat patiently while the niceties had been taken care of.

“Me, too,” Avery admitted shyly. She sat out cups and arranged tea bags and sugar and cream for everyone to help themselves.

As the kettle hissed – Libby entertained them. “I made a fool out of myself, that’s what. Cady – this party is going to be great, but I’ve gone overboard, I guess. You know I was making those individual place cards with everybody’s name done in glitter.”

“I told you that you were going to too much trouble,” Cady was emphatic. “I am the happiest woman in the world to be marrying Joseph – I didn’t need any fancy decorations.”

Jessie shooed Cady, “We know – we know – Joseph is a sex god. They all are. Let her finish the story.” Granny Fontenot whooped at the sex part. She might be old, but she wasn’t dead.

“Anyway . . .” Libby continued. “I had been working down in the craft room and I had scattered glitter everywhere. As I was trying to clean up, the phone rang. I had been wiping down the counters and when I ran to our bedroom to get this checklist for the caterer, I had that washrag in my hand. I laid it down on the vanity counter next to the sink. When Aron got it in his head that I had to keep the doctor’s appointment, I did a quick wash up just to make sure I was clean . . .” her face fell, and she looked sheepish. “I used the wrong rag.”

“Oh no,” Jessie yelped. “I can see where this is going.”

“Yes,” Libby leaned over and held her head in her hands. “When the doctor got me all spread out like a filleted pork chop, he cracked up and said – ‘Well, hello there. This is the first time anyone’s ever decorated it for me.’ I had glitter everywhere.”

“You were Vajazzeled!” Avery laughed. “When I was out at the Vegas cathouse, I heard all about it.” Now all eyes had turned on Avery.

“What were you doing in a cathouse, pray tell?” Jessie was having the time of her life. She loved being in this family. There was never a dull moment. The giggles and the titters grew to mammoth proportions as Avery explained what she had been up to and Libby continued describing the doctor’s red face and Aron’s shock that she had presented her lady parts in full glitter glory.

“You people are crazy,” Granny Fontenot passed a smiling judgment. “Cady is going to be in good hands.”

“And look at this,” Libby pulled out a package from her purse. “This is going to be his wedding present.” They all crowded around to look. “The sonogram today didn’t show this miracle clear enough for Aron to pick up on it. But the doctor slipped these to me as I was leaving.”

“Twins,” Avery breathed, reverently. “Libby, you’re having twins!”

“That’s wonderful, Libs.” Jessie hugged her first, before she was passed around. “But, we need to talk – it’s important.” As Jessie sat Libby down to tell her that their wedding plans would have to be changed, Avery slipped out to find Isaac. They had some things to work out – besides - she missed him.

****

Isaac helped Aron load his pickup with the gifts that had been delivered for Joseph and Cady. “I like your gift, and they are going to love it.” It was a piece of sculpture – one that would have special meaning for the couple. Aron was a western artist of some renown and had pieces in galleries and museums around the country.

“I hope so. So – what’s up with you and Avery?”

As they stood there, Nathan’s dog ran up to greet Isaac and he knelt to scratch the eager pup that he had rescued and brought home. “We’re getting married, if I have any say I in the matter.”

This information stunned his big brother. “Aren’t you rushing things a mite?”

Immediately, Isaac got his back up. The days of Aron’s questioning everything he did were too fresh in his mind. “Maybe – but that’s my business. I’m man enough to stand by my decisions and try to make the best of my mistakes.” He wasn’t talking about Avery; he was talking about the bar – and his reputation – and the tendency his brother’s had of thinking they knew, better than he, how to handle his life.

All Avery heard was ‘mistake’. And she knew what mistake he was talking about – her. She stopped dead in her tracks. He had fooled her. Almost, he had convinced her that he wanted her, almost. She turned and walked away, but not before Aron saw her go. “Your little mistake just heard what you said and high-tailed it toward the front yard.”

C
hapter Six

Shit! “Dammit, Aron! I wasn’t talking about Avery! Hell!” She couldn’t leave; she didn’t have a vehicle – unless. Sure enough, he heard his Harley start up with a growl. That bike was way too big for her. Plus, she was upset. By the time he rounded the corner of the main house and hurdled over Libby’s rose bushes, Avery was headed down the driveway at too fast of a speed – with no helmet. “If she hurts herself, I’m gonna kill her.” He went right to his pick-up, switched it on and gunned it after her.

****

Why? Why go through this charade? She could handle her dad, what she couldn’t handle was Isaac toying with her like this. The bike was big, but once she got it started, her determination kept it between the ditches. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she couldn’t take the chance to wipe them off. Isaac was going to be pissed that she took his hog, but there was no way she could stay at the ranch another moment. She hadn’t gotten her purse! Crap! She considered turning around, but she couldn’t face him. Maybe Libby or Jessie would meet her somewhere with her stuff. The motorcycle was loud, but it couldn’t drown out the sound of 350 horsepower staying right with her. Glancing over and up, she saw Isaac looking at her with a thundercloud expression. God, he was probably going to have her arrested for grand theft Harley. “Pull over, now!” He mouthed at her and pointed to the side of the road.

She considered her options, and decided to do what he asked. He would follow her all the way and probably make her so nervous that she would wreck. So, she eased off the gas, downshifted and pulled on the handbrakes until she brought the monster bike to a standstill. Isaac whipped open the door; stalked over to her and for a moment, she thought he might hit her. Instead, he caught her by the shoulders, lifted her off the Harley and into his arms. Without a word, he covered his mouth with hers and kissed the breath out of her. It wasn’t a gentle kiss, and as mad and hurt as she was – it didn’t go a long way in helping her feelings. So, she pushed against his chest – to no avail. It was like pushing against a brick wall. His mouth ate at hers like he was starving to death. And a girl can only resist so much – but by God, she tried. When he pulled back for a breath, she tore away. “Stop it!”

“Don’t you ever, ever dare put yourself in danger like that again. That bike is too big for you, and you know better than to go off without a helmet. Why, I ought to turn you over my lap and paddle your ass!” He took the keys from the ignition, and before she could protest, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.

“Put me down! I want to go home. I heard what you said. You said I was a mistake. You don’t want me, Isaac. Let me go.” Splat! He didn’t hit her hard, but a sob escaped, just the same. Her pride was stung and her heart was aching. “Isaac, I swear to God. If you don’t put me down, I’m going to scream.” He flung open his truck door and sat her down.

“There, you’re down.” He was breathing hard, and she noticed a pulse point by his sexy mouth that was throbbing with every beat of his heart. “I know what you heard and I’m here to tell you that you misunderstood. There was no way in hell that I was talking about you. I want to be with you – I’ve wanted to be with you for years.” He was sincere – it was as if Avery could see into his very heart. With a small cry, she launched herself into his arms, and he wrapped himself around her and held her tight. “I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t hurt you for the world.”

She shut her eyes, and surrendered. “I want you, Isaac. I love you. I’m sorry.”

Isaac whooped – he actually whooped. He picked her up and swung her in a circle. “Thank God! So, you’ll marry me? When?”

Avery wasn’t a gambler – usually. But, this was important. Avery wanted Isaac’s heart and she was willing to risk everything in order to have a chance at the big prize. She had said she loved him, but there had been no return of the sentiment. That’s what she wanted. Avery wanted Isaac’s love. “Listen to me – I have a proposition for you.” He stilled and let her slide down his body. She didn’t miss the bulge of his erection – and it made her second guess herself – almost.

“Proposition? What are you saying, Avery? I offer you a proposal and you offer me a proposition? Who’s the badass in this relationship?” He was teasing, a little. There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice. Steeling herself against it – she sought to be strong, this was too important.

“Yes,” she placed both palms on his chest. It was wide, strong – a place of comfort, protection and strength. “I’ll marry you,” his muscles tightened. “Wait,” he relaxed and listened. “I’ll marry you, if I can learn to please you.” He started to speak and she put her fingers over his lips. “No. This is non-negotiable. I’ll marry you if I can become the type of submissive you’ve always dreamed about.”

Isaac wanted to curse. Didn’t she understand? “You Please Me Now.” He ground out the words one at a time.

She refused to give in. “I want you to train me. I want you to show me the ropes – literally. If you have a playroom like in the articles, I want you to take me there. Anything that you’ve ever wanted, desired – longed for – that’s what I want to be for you. And if I can’t – I’ll walk away.”

Isaac was amazed. He was fuckin’ amazed. Someone had given him the world on a silver platter, yet he wanted more. “There will be no walking away. Like I said, you please me now. You don’t have to be a perfect sub. Do you know why?” She shook her head. “Because, you’re my perfect Avery.” He laid his forehead against hers. “We’ll play it by your rules, for now. But the end game belongs to me, baby. You don’t have to fit in some mold to make me happy. All you have to do is breathe, sugar.” How could he make her understand? One more shot. “The only thing that ever held me back, baby – was because I thought I wasn’t good enough for you.”

At that admission, Avery tightened her arms around him, buried her face in his neck and vowed, “Give me a chance. I know I can make you happy, I just know it.”

“Ah, darling – that’s a done deal.”

****

“So, you can give me what I need?” Harper looked the big man up and down. Tremors of anticipation made her whole body quake. God, she needed a fix. Her drug of choice wasn’t synthetic, nor was it a pill or drink. Harper craved pain. It was the only way she could get off, and she needed to cum more than anything.

“I guarantee it. Put yourself in my capable hands and you won’t ever want another man. I am the best – I can bring you to your knees and you’ll beg to stay there.” Ajax sounded confident. But the stakes were higher this time. It wasn’t just a hook-up or a scene. No, this was revenge and it was gonna taste sweet.

“I agree, Master. Take me. I’m yours.”

Ajax licked his lips as the too-skinny blonde bowed her head and gave control over to him. He started to say – ‘You won’t be sorry’ – but that’s wasn’t necessarily true.

“Destiny and Desiree’ spent hours going over that routine with me. But they didn’t spend much time on two-stepping.” She let out a contented sigh as she nestled close to his big body. Little quivers of excitement radiated through her as he rubbed soft circles on her back.

“We’re not two-stepping. This is a waltz.”

“It doesn’t matter, I’m just floating.” Truthfully, she hadn’t been to very many parties like this. As the sun had set, the tiny white lights and the lanterns that hung from the big spreading oaks had entranced her. No short cuts had been taken; the McCoy’s definitely knew how to throw a party. “Will you teach me how to ride?”

Horse, she was talking about riding a horse. Isaac’s brain comprehended that fact, but his cock had other ideas. “Sure, I’d love to. Have you ever ridden before?” He cleared his throat, trying to get a grip.

Not even an inch separated them, so Avery felt his excitement growing. “Only the one time with you – today, but I enjoyed myself immensely.” When he nipped her earlobe, she giggled. “Perhaps, you can teach me some trick riding.”

A muted groan made his breath ruffle the hair on her neck. “Let’s see, Reverse Cowgirl comes to mind.”

“What’s that?” She had some idea, but she wanted to hear his husky voice whisper it in her ear. Already, her body was responding to his arousal.