Capturing Our Lady's Heart [Commando Cowboys and Renegade Texans Unite 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) (17 page)

She ran the palm of one hand across his nipples and clutched his dick in the other. Her thumb raked across his crown, and he groaned.

“I’m going to lift your legs.” His voice sounded gravelly. He pulled away for a second to roll the condom on his large, hard cock.

When he turned to her, Bliss put her arms around his neck and he placed her back against the wall. Bern pulled her legs up, and his cock rubbed at just the right spot. She wiggled to get closer.

Bern positioned his dick and thrust inside her pussy. Her pussy walls clamped tight around him. She moved downward, taking more of his cock deeper inside her.

He pushed in and out slowly at first and then quicker and harder. She clenched and unclenched her pussy in response to the sensuous excitement building to a powerful desire for him.

“Oh, baby, you make me feel emotions I thought I’d forgotten, wonderful, warm, life-affirming emotions.”

Bliss kissed him hard. “I’m glad. Your eyes are often shadowed and sad. I’ve wondered what put the sadness in you.”

“For tonight let’s enjoy the fact you can take it away.”

He thrust harder. Her body responded to his every movement.

Their orgasms hit them both at once. Bern staggered for a moment. He placed Bliss feet on the floor, and then he bent over, gasping for breath.

“Are you okay?” Bliss asked.

“If my heart doesn’t burst with the good feelings you gave me, I’ll survive.” A few more seconds, and he stood straight.

He grasped Bliss in his arms, and held her body tight against his with her feet dangling. Looking straight in her eyes, he said, “Thank you, honey, and I have to say this whether you’re ready to hear it, or not. I love you deeply and forever.”

She gazed into his slate, bluish eyes. “I’m pretty sure I love you, too. Still, I’m not quite ready to say the words as wholeheartedly as you just did. Give me time.”

“All the time you need. I’m not going anywhere and neither is Lann.” He rinsed off and toweled dry then left the bathroom.

The warm water felt good. She stood for several minutes letting it cascade down her body. She stood at a crossroads in her life. She wanted to let go and love these two men with all her being. But memories from the past held her back. If they were willing to give her time, she planned on taking it. Marriage had been a state of existence she’d never desired until Bern and Lann came along. She wanted it all, the shop, the men, the happiness being with them brought her. Did she dare reach for the golden ring on the carousal? Would she get it or fall flat on her face?

Bliss shook her head. Enough silly thoughts for tonight. Two gorgeous hunks were waiting in bed for her. She turned off the shower and toweled dry. Then she walked across the dark room to the bedside. Strong hands lifted her onto the bed between them.

Lann woke first and enjoyed the feeling of Bliss’s front warming his back. Her flowery fragrance drifted across his nose.

He was happy. He couldn’t wait to take her to his house on the cliff in California, and then go to Wyoming to meet the family. He’d talk with Garth about how and what to tell her about the tribe. She had to know. If they had children, one or more might have his genes and the extra powers that went with them.

Once awake, he was restless to get up and start the day. Moving quietly, so as not to disturb Bliss or Bern, he tiptoed to the bathroom, taking his clothes with him.

Cold water rushing across his body had him fully awake.

He dried and dressed then crept out of the room and down the stairs. He’d get some flavored coffee for Bliss, high-octane for him and Bern, and coffee cake for them all from the local baker. He walked the few blocks to the bakery shop. On the way, he called Sunn and arranged to have Alan sign the papers this morning. He’d bring Bliss by after Sunn notified him the brother had been there and gone. No need taking the chance Alan would upset Bliss again.

Inside the bakery, he took a deep breath. The wonderful smells would weaken anyone’s defenses against not splurging on sugar.

Emma Platinum, the baker’s daughter, greeted Lann. Lann had discovered the bakery several years ago on one of his vacations.

“I see you’re home from college,” Lann commented to her.

“I graduated a few months ago. Dad’s health hasn’t been good. I’m helping out until I decide where I want to live, and what I want to do.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your dad. What’s your degree in?”

“Business, with a specialty in management. I may end up managing this place and staying in Saddlespurs.” She sighed.

“I take it you don’t particularly want to stay here.”

“I’m not sure. It is difficult to leave the place you know best for the unknown. But I’m taking up your time. What would you like this morning?”

Lann ordered the coffee and several different coffee cakes.

“Here you are. I hope you aren’t planning on eating all those cakes alone. It might ruin your figure,” Emma said, a glint of amusement in her eyes.

“No, I have a few friends who’ll help me. Thanks and good luck with whatever you decide.”

Lann strolled along, humming to himself. When he stepped inside the apartment, Bliss was coming out of the bedroom.

“Where have you been? Oh, you’ve brought goodies. You’re just in time. I planned to make coffee, but this is much more inviting.” She took the holder with the coffee cups out of his hands and put them on the small table. Then he placed the bag of coffee cakes in the middle.

When Bliss peeped inside, she smiled. “You couldn’t make up your mind, could you?”

“It’s all so tempting. I want to buy one of everything when I walk in the door and smell the aromas.”

Bern walked into the living room to join them. He brushed his hand over his damp hair. “I smelled the coffee. Lead me to it.”

Bliss laughed and handed him one of the cups of regular. “I’m sure this cup that smells of cinnamon and spice must be for me.” She opened the lid and took a deep breath. “Heavenly.”

She took a big swallow.

Lann’s strong arm went around her waist, and he pulled her onto his lap. “Since you only have two chairs at this little bitty table, you have to sit in my lap.” He held a piece of Danish coffee cake to her mouth. She took a big bite.

“Hmmm, good. What a wonderful way to start the day.”

While they ate and drank, Lann explained about his arrangements to get the ranch paperwork done today. “I also thought since it’s Friday, once the papers are signed, we’d fly to my place in California for the rest of today and tomorrow. Then on Sunday, we’ll fly to Wyoming to meet my family and friends. I’ll have you back here by Monday evening. What’d you say?”

“It’s a tempting offer. I did get one shipment last week and I have it all arranged to go in the shop. They said the last shipment would arrive the middle or last of next week. I think it might be fun to relax a few days before it all gets very hectic for me.” She glanced across at Bern. “But what about you?”

“I’ll be fine. There’s lots of work to do on the ranch.”

“We need a few days of alone time, too,” Bliss insisted.

“I’ll plan something special for us after the shop opens and you have time to take a weekend off.”

“No, it might be too long before we get the chance. I need to have time to know you both individually.”

“I’ll call my brother. He has a condo in Florida, right on the beach. He’s seldom there. I’ll make the arrangements for the next weekend. If you think you can take off.”

“I’ll manage. Now that I’m going to have extra money I can take a little longer setting up the shop and arranging the grand opening.”

“Then it’s settled,” Lann said. “We’ll each have our time with you and maybe afterward you can decide whether you want to marry us or not.”

“Maybe.” She reached around Lann and got out a different piece of coffee cake. “I’m going to gain weight, but this is too good to waste.”

* * * *

Bliss signed the papers at one, by two the check was in the bank, and by three o’clock they were flying to California. “You know how to get things done,” Bliss said to Lann.

“When I called Mitch, one of the other leaders of our people, he offered to have Ethan fly the jet down and take us to California. Ethan will drop us off, and then he’ll come back on Sunday to take us to Wyoming.”

“I never knew anyone who had private jets and pilots they could borrow.”

“The contractor I hired to build my runway is starting on it tomorrow. Once it’s finished, I’ll buy a small jet. Then I can visit family in New Mexico and Wyoming whenever I want.”

Bliss ran her hand over the soft cushioned seat. “This really is the best way to fly.”

“We should celebrate the start of our short vacation.” He walked into the small kitchen he’d shown her before takeoff. When he came back, he carried a champagne bottle and two crystal glasses. He poured some of the bubbly wine in each glass and toasted her.

“To getting to know each other.”

Bliss tipped her glass and the bubbles frizzed in her nose. The champagne was cold and tasty.

“I don’t usually like champagne, but this is very good.”

“Relax and drink as much as you want. My chauffeur and man of all jobs is picking us up. He lives in a cottage by the house year-round and keeps an eye on the place. He cleans and has it ready whenever I fly there.”

She turned to face Lann. “I knew you have a lot of money, but I never dreamed you were this rich.”

“Does it bother you?”

“A little. If I marry two rich men, people will look at me different, perhaps treat me differently.”

“No, they won’t. Because you won’t put on airs or flaunt yourself or your position.”

“How did you make so much money?”

“Not illegally if that’s what you’re thinking.” He leaned forward and kissed her quickly on the mouth. “My people have invested together over the years. We’ve acquired a large amount of money which is evenly distributed. We also get paid for our jobs on the ranch and I’ve saved and invested that money, too.”

“You keep saying your people. Who are they?”

“We’ll have that conversation this weekend. I promise. But I want us to be totally alone and have you ready to hear what I need to say.”

“We’re alone here. Surely you don’t fear one of your own people overhearing you.”

“No. But believe me, this isn’t the time.”

She nodded and sat straight in her seat. “I’m exhausted.” Bliss closed her eyes and let herself fall into sleep.

* * * *

Lann put the champagne bottle in the fridge and sat across from Bliss. He liked looking at her. She’d let her seat back and turned on her side. Her long black hair lay in waves down her back. Her curiosity meant he couldn’t hold off on telling her about himself and his skills. How would she take knowing he wasn’t an earthling. His ancestors had married women in the tribe, keeping their bloodlines pure. It was only recently that the men started seeking human brides. Lann thought it was good. They were here to stay.

“You look very serious.” Bliss had opened her eyes and looked directly at him. “What are you worrying about?”

“My thoughts were about how much there is to do at the ranch before we are really settled,” Lann lied. He didn’t want her to know his real concerns.

“On this trip you’re not allowed to think about work.”

“Thanks for reminding me. Change seats and sit beside me. If you look out the windows you’ll see when the ocean comes into view. All the front windows in my house face the Pacific Ocean. With luck we may see a whale or two.”

“I’m excited. I can’t wait to get there. My family never took vacations.”

“You are getting two right away, and after we’re married we’ll take you on many more.”

“Are you bribing me to marry you?”

“Whatever it takes, darlin’.” Lann smiled.

“When I open my shop it will be quite a while before I can think about a vacation. My first priority will be making it a success.”

“You can hire an assistant.”

“Not right away. I want to be there to supervise and manage until it’s well established.”

“We’ll kidnap you and take you far from your shop.”

“You won’t.” She raised her chin at him.

Lann couldn’t help but grin. He loved to see that little chin pushed out and the fire in her eyes. Looking back he realized no woman had ever defied him. They agreed and tried their hardest to please him. Bliss’s determination to test him constantly kept him on his toes. Living with her would never get boring.

“Why are you smiling at me?”

“Because you’re so cute. I’m six-foot-three-inches tall. You must be about five-seven or eight. I’m sure I outweigh you by over fifty pounds. How would you keep me from carrying you off?”

“I’d find a way. I’m very resourceful.”

“You are an interesting, challenging woman. Look out the window. See there’s the ocean with the sun going down behind it. It’ll be dark, or close to it by the time we land.”