Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
"Allow me to further demonstrate.”
Uh oh...
She tried escaping, but it was too late, with Hunter moving with startling speed while her legs bumped against the edge of a lounge chair. "H-Hunter—"
His hands settled on her waist, and her heart banged against her chest.
"Stop this—"
"Not until I make you understand."
Oh gosh, the huskiness of his tone...
"P-People might see—"
"Then let's make sure we give them a good show."
Her eyes widened, and Hunter didn't hesitate to take advantage as soon as her lips parted in surprise. His mouth immediately claimed hers in a deep, hard kiss, his tongue thrusting in—
His Evelline moaned in surrender, her arms wrapping around his neck, and it was the sweetest damn thing he had ever heard.
Eve could barely think as Hunter's hands slid beneath her shirt, his large, strong hands kneading her swollen breasts and pinching her nipples until they, too, were aching with need. Heat pooled low in her belly, and another moan slipped out of her throat as he guided her down onto the lounge chair.
“Hunter—” she gasped as his mouth left hers to trail hot kisses down her neck.
“Shh.” He knelt between her legs, his broad shoulders pushing her thighs wider. “I’ve dreamed of tasting you for eight years.”
Before she could process his words, he was pushing her t-shirt up, exposing her stomach to the night air. His lips traced a burning path from her navel downward, hands hooking into the waistband of her underwear.
Eve’s fingers tangled in his hair, not sure if she meant to push him away or pull him closer. “We can’t—”
“We can,” he countered, sliding the scrap of lace down her legs with his usual efficiency. “And we will.”
The cool night air against her exposed skin made Eve shiver, but Hunter’s mouth was hot as it traveled up her inner thigh. His stubble rasped against sensitive skin, sending jolts of electricity up her spine, and then...
"Hunter!"
Her back arched off the lounge chair as his mouth claimed the most intimate part of her, his tongue finding her most sensitive spot, circling and teasing until her thighs trembled on either side of his head.
When he slid one finger inside her, then two, curling them just so, stars exploded behind her eyelids.
“That’s it, darling..." he rasped against her slick flesh. "Yes, that's it...show me, Evelline. I want to see how much you want me."
His words sent her over the edge, pleasure crashing through her in waves, and yet throughout it, Hunter's fingers continued to move, thrusting deeper and deeper until she could no longer cry out, could no longer move or think...
When Eve resurfaced, it was to see Hunter looming over her, his expression fierce and possessive in the moonlight.
“Do you understand what just happened, Evelline?"
Yes. No. I don't know.
"You gave yourself to me. And what's mine...always stays mine."
Chapter Four
A CERTAIN PART OF EVE'S body was still pleasantly (shamefully) thrumming when she woke up the next day, and memories from last night instantly flooded her mind even before she could open her eyes.
The feel of Hunter’s mouth on hers, his hands possessively gripping her hips, and her former stepbrother saying...
You’re mine now.
Eve shuddered, but she wasn't sure if it was out of fear or excitement. What exactly had she gotten herself into? This was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, a business arrangement with clear boundaries.
But last night had obliterated those boundaries completely.
A knock at the door startled her from her thoughts, followed by Cathy's voice. "Breakfast is ready, Ms. Ramirez."
“Thank you, Cathy. I’ll be right down.”
Eve dressed quickly in jeans and a simple blouse, wondering how to face Hunter after what had happened between them. Would he be different? Would he expect more? Would he pretend nothing had changed?
When she made her way downstairs, she found the dining room empty save for a place setting and a covered plate. No Hunter.
“He left for the stables about an hour ago,” Cathy informed her, appearing with a fresh pot of coffee. “Said he had some business to attend to.”
“Oh.” Eve couldn’t keep the disappointment from her voice.
“That man’s always working,” Cathy said with a hint of disapproval. “Been that way since he was a boy.”
Eve nodded, picking at her breakfast. “I think I’ll explore the ranch a bit today. Get reacquainted.”
“Just be careful around the south paddock. They’re breaking in a new stallion.”
After breakfast, Eve wandered the grounds, and more memories flooded back with each familiar landmark. The sprawling Ferguson ranch hadn’t changed much in eight years. Same rolling hills, same weathered fences, same massive oak tree where she used to sit and read during lazy summer afternoons.
She found herself drawn to the stables, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hunter. As she approached, she heard familiar voices and slowed her steps.
“Looking good, Braxton. You’ve done wonders with her.”
Eve peered around the corner to see Hunter inspecting a beautiful chestnut mare, Matt Braxton standing proudly beside him.