Wilde Fire (8 page)

Angry tears welled up in her eyelids.

“Jessie, of course you do.”

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“Then why are you willing to let me be with a guy who clearly

has more in mind with me than being a chaperone?”

“It’s not what you think.”

“Really? I’m listening.”

“Know this, I love you. Are you enjoying being with us?”

“Yes, but—”

“But nothing. It’s pleasurable for you. Just go with it.”

“Perhaps you say that to all the women you guys share.”

“I’ve never said that to any woman. You’re the one and only.”

Could he be telling the truth?
Jessie longed to confess her love to him, too, but she was scared. If she did, she wondered if he would

eventually crush her heart. So, she remained silent.

“You deserve to know everything, but it’s too much to share over

the phone. Do you trust me?”

God help her, she did. “I guess so.”

“Then just go with it. You’ve been denied so much pleasure your

whole life. You’re in Wilde now. We specialize in pleasure. Let go. If I believed that anything would displease you, I would stop it. But I know better. Nothing short of happiness is what you deserve. Phoenix has only your best interest in mind, I promise. No matter what

happens, you will always be mine.”

“I want to believe that. I really do.”

“Trust me, darlin’, you will.”

* * * *

Phoenix’s cell rang, pulling him from sleep. “Hello.”

“We have to tell Jessie the truth about our family.” Jackson’s

voice sounded anxious.

“Lil’ bro, we can’t tell her. She’s just not ready.” He looked at the clock. Two thirty-five in the morning.

“I just got off the phone with her. She’s not stupid.”

Phoenix nodded. “Boy, do I know that.”

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“I can’t keep this up. Plus, she’s pushing for answers. She’s too

smart. She’ll figure out the whole story all by herself in time.”

“That’s very true, but we need to wait a bit longer before we come

completely clean.” It was hard for Phoenix to keep anything from

Jessie, but he knew it was for the best. “There’s more to her story than we know. Someone hurt her really bad. If we unload the whole thing

about our family on her, she’ll bolt.”

“And if we keep the truth from her, she’ll also bolt,” Jackson

argued.

“Listen, if the plan is going to work, we have to make sure she’s

ready to hear us out. Jessie is amazing, but even she needs to warm up to the idea of marrying five brothers. Plus, we have to get her ready for Austin. Dallas and I plan on taking her up to his tree.”

“I wish I could be there. Go easy on her, Phoenix. I’m not sure

she’ll be up for that.”

“Dallas thinks she will. So does Denver. You and I have only

dabbled that way.”

“More than dabbled, bro. I’ve been to The Masters’ Chamber.”

Phoenix laughed. “Only once or twice. We stuck out like sore

thumbs.”

“Dallas knows his way around the club, but he’s pretty new to the

scene, too.”

“Yes, but he’s into it. He was even thinking about trying to pass

the test to be one of the club Doms before he met Jessie. I think he’s reconsidering that now with her in the picture.”

“I sure hope so. Well, I really wish Denver were going to be there

at Austin’s tree with you guys. He isn’t as serious about it as our big bro, but he knows his stuff.”

“Well, the dads want him up there with you to take a look at the

site.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“So, we’re good about waiting to tell Jessie?”

“Okay, but keep me up to date. I should be home in the next few

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days.”

“Will do.”

* * * *

Jessie stood up from the hotel’s only sofa in the lobby when

Phoenix walked in the door. He’d brought her back to the hotel over an hour ago with the promise of a nice dinner. She’d agreed, under a little protest, wondering if being seen in town with him might stir up trouble. But she was hungry and really wanted to clear her head,

believing a nice meal might do the trick. He’d promised to take her somewhere away from the prying eyes of the citizens of Wilde.

As he walked over to her, he waved at Maude, who sat behind the

counter. She wore a green muumuu and typed frantically on a laptop.

“You working all night again, Aunt Maude?” Jackson asked.

The woman nodded. “Where are you taking Ms. Greene?”

“I’m not telling. You’d have it posted on Facebook before we

were out the door. Besides, we don’t want people knowing our

business.”

“You mean all the time you’re spending together?”

Jessie felt a chill cover her body. “Maude, it’s not what you

think,” she lied. But it was exactly what the woman thought, and

Jessie knew it, too.

“Hun, it’s none of my business. You’re my guest. That’s all I

know.” Maude winked. “Besides, you two look great together.”

Jessie felt her shoulders relax. “Thank you.”

“Go have fun, kids.”

“We will.” Phoenix turned to her and grabbed her hand. Warmth

shot up her arm and through her body. “You ready to go?” Every

word that came out of his sexy mouth warmed Jessie up. His strength and vigor was evident in every syllable.

“Yes, I am.” She looked back at Maude, who was staring intently

at the laptop screen. Then she turned to face Phoenix. “Do you mind
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if we don’t hold hands outside?”

He released her hand, and she instantly missed his touch. “I mind,

but if that’s what you want, I’ll consent until we’re in my truck.”

She nodded, knowing how foolish it was to agree to his demand

but wanting to submit to him with all her heart. “Okay.”

“Follow me, angel.”

They walked out of the hotel and headed to his truck parked

across the street.

The sun hung low in the sky. She was glad to be out from under

the mine and in the open. When they got to his truck, Phoenix opened the door for her. He was a rugged cowboy, a talented artist, and a

wicked lover. But he was also a gentleman.
I might as well throw in
the towel. No woman can resist this man, at least not one like me.

Holding back anything from him would be out of reach of her skill.

She hopped up into his truck. She watched him walk back to the

driver’s door. He opened it and got in the cab.

“You don’t have to sit so far away.” He patted the middle of the

bench seat, urging her to move closer. “I want to have you within easy touching distance.”

“Someone might see.” Jessie looked around the street. There were

only a few people out, and none were looking at them, thank God.

That could change in a flash if she moved to the center of the cab.

“We have to keep things quiet. You will do that for me, won’t you?”

His eyes narrowed, giving her a sinking feeling. Finally, he

nodded. “I will.”

She felt the weight of her worry lift. “Thank you, cowboy.”

“But the second we get out of town, I want you next to me. No

arguments, understand?”

“Yes.” She wanted to be near him, too. More than

wanted...craved. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise. I hope you’re hungry, Jessie.”

She realized she hadn’t eaten in several hours. “I am. Starving

actually.”

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“Good. I’ve got something special in mind for you.”

When they passed Carlotta’s Liquor Store and Tarot Card Reading

Room, Jessie moved next to Phoenix. She closed her eyes and leaned

her head into his chest. His body felt good and sturdy—male.

Phoenix clicked on his iPod connected to the radio. A country

ballad filled the cab of the truck, and Jessie hummed with the tune.

She began to relax. The day had been harrowing. Some food and a

little rest was what she needed.

After about fifteen minutes of driving on a dirt road, they came up the hill, where a large oak tree stood alone. Phoenix parked the truck a few steps away from the tree. To one side of the oak, a large blue

blanket cloaked the ground. In the middle of the covering was a

wicker basket surrounded by some pillows.

“Phoenix, you did this?” she asked as they stepped out of the

truck.

He smiled. “I thought you might enjoy a private picnic more than

a busy restaurant. I have crackers, fruit, cheeses, and a bottle of Chardonnay.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “It’s perfect.”

He hugged her tight. Then they settled down on the blanket to

enjoy the feast he had prepared for her. It was an excellent meal.

Sliced apples, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, Gouda cheese, and more. The wine tasted fresh and sweet on her lips. After consuming

about half the contents of the basket, she settled back, satiated.

Phoenix stared at her in a way that caused butterflies to flutter in her belly. “So, what did you think of Austin?”

“He was…a bit intense.”

Phoenix stroked her hair. “It’s a good description of him.”

“Has he always been this way?”

Her cowboy kissed her cheek, and she began to feel warm and

fuzzy. “Jessie, let’s talk about Austin another time.” His lips pressed against her ear as his hands wandered over her body.

“But you’re the one who brought him up.”

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“God, you’re one smart cookie. Guilty. I did bring him up, but

let’s not think about the mine, my brother, or anything else. Right now, I just want to focus on you, angel.” He started stroking her hair.

“This feel good?”

It did. She held up her hands in surrender. “All right, cowboy.

What do you have in mind?”

He kissed her cheek. “I think you know, Jessie.” His hands

cupped her breasts over her shirt, and he began massaging until her nipples throbbed. His lips grazed her neck, sending a rocket of heat down to her core. This man knew how to bring out sensations in her.

“Maybe, but that doesn’t mean we should,” she protested.

“Oh, yes. We should. We will.” Phoenix licked her neck and

continued gently kneading her chest. “You like this, angel?”

“Very much.” She giggled. The breeze was warm and felt good

against her skin. As he stripped her of her blouse and bra, Jessie felt a wicked delight at being exposed outdoors. Thankfully, there wasn’t a soul within several miles of them anywhere. They were secluded and

wonderfully alone. Phoenix sucked on her breasts until her nipples peaked and ached. Desire welled up inside her like an inferno. His

tongue circled her nipple then he captured the bit of flesh between his teeth. Jessie let out an involuntary yelp. The tiny bit of pain erupted into an amazing, intense pleasure. He bathed her chest until she was pounding the blanket with her fist.

He came up from his meal of her. As he fixed his gaze on her, she

saw his eyes sparkle. “You’re amazing, Jessie. Beautiful. Intelligent. I find it hard to believe that you remained a virgin for so long. Men must have been clamoring for you.”

Jessie tensed. She pushed him away.

He frowned. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t. It’s just that I’m a bit sensitive about that topic.”

“Why?” The softness of his tone undid her.

How could she hold back the truth about Michael? “I was

engaged. He turned out to be gay. I should’ve known, but I was a

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fool.”

Phoenix pulled her close and squeezed. “Angel, you’re no fool.

I’m sure you had your reasons. Besides, if he never told you, how

could you have known?”

“He never wanted to go all the way, Phoenix. Sure, he took a

blowjob from me from time to time, and he would finger my pussy.

But he never wanted to have sex. That should’ve been my first clue.”

“Sweetheart, I’m glad you saved yourself, even if it was for the

wrong guy. If you hadn’t, every red-blooded male you ran into

would’ve tried to get you between the sheets. I like that you’ve only been with me and my brothers. You’re the sexiest, most intelligent, amazing woman I know.”

He kissed her, and her past faded out of her mind. She didn’t care

about Manhattan, Michael, her job, or anything. Phoenix wanted her, completely. That was all that mattered to her at this moment.

He unbuttoned her jeans and had her out of her bra and panties,

totally naked for all of nature to see. He kissed her belly button until want burned from his lips through her soaked pussy. His hands

touched every part of her body except between her legs. It was as if he was saving the best for last. But with every graze of his fingertips over her skin, her body went higher and higher, hotter and hotter.

Even breathing was becoming difficult and labored, sounding more

like shallow gasping. Her pussy ached to be filled by his cock.

She took in a lungful of air and slowly turned to Phoenix. His

stare lingered on her breasts, causing little tiny trembles to come to life inside her. The ache in her core grew like an inferno.

“Angel, you’re fucking unbelievable.” His voice was husky, laden

with want.

Jessie felt helpless against the desire that pulled inside her pussy.

She craved for him to plunder her, unable to resist the internal

onslaught as Phoenix gently pinned her shoulders to the blanket with his large hands.

“Angel, you’re fucking unbelievable.” His eyes were full of lust.

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Phoenix pressed his mouth to hers, plundering it with his tongue.

His kiss shouted that he meant to possess her, and she parted her lips, signaling sweet surrender. She closed her eyes, feeling the kiss down into her very center. Instantly, moisture poured out of her pussy, soaking her silky panties.