Page 38 of A Cowboy's Twinkling Lights Lasso
“Let’s make like a Christmas tree and light up together.”
I laugh so loud that he covers my mouth, reminding me where we are. That someone could burst through the door. His hand covering my moans is a turn-on I can’t describe.
His thrusts are gentle, drawing out the pleasure amidst my initial discomfort. He’d always been thoughtful like that, putting me first—always.
He presses his forehead against mine. “You okay?”
“Faster.” I quicken my pace.
A delicious sound travels up his throat. He picks up speed, and my pain transforms into pure pleasure. He thrusts deeper. The tightness of my body wraps around him, drawing him in.
Every thrust and kiss pulls me closer to the edge. Then his hand dips between us, and his fingertips graze my most sensitive nub. His expert rubs and flicks create waves of pleasure that radiate from my core and spread through my limbs.
“Thorn...”
He pounds into me faster now with primal power, deeper and harder, in perfect harmony. His labored breaths are ragged against me. Every time he enters, I spiral closer to the edge, tension tightening—coiling. I feel the unmistakable pulse of him reaching his peak and hear his deep, throaty moan as he says my name. The sound spans deep into my heart where I’d long thought I’d closed it off.
The warmth of his release sends shockwaves through me. The world outside fades, and I shatter into a whirlpool of pleasure.
THORN
––––––––
“WHAT THE HELL happened to you?”
Deep purple and blue swirl around my brother’s eye, and his nose is swollen and puffy around the bridge and nostrils.
“You wanna give me a matching one?” He taps the side of his cheek as he strolls past me.
“I do.” I cradle my coffee mug to keep from slugging him.
I might have slept off my initial anger, but not all of it. I spent most of the night tossing and turning, wishing Flora had stayed with me. Wishing I could wrap my arms around her and never let go. But I didn’t dare push her into anything last night. Ending up naked in the gazebo had been as shocking as a lightning strike. And when she hinted that she better head back to her room, I let her go—and it had been hard as hell.
The cupboard door bangs as Theo grumpily yanks out a mug. “I’m sure your punch will hurt more than Dani’s lil’ love tap.”
I chuckle, not surprised Dani pummeled him and impressed at the same time.
“Shut up,” he grumbles. “We ended up at the medical center, and it’s broken.”
“You deserve worse.” I’m only half serious.
I want to be angrier. I want to shout at him and maybe get into a scuffle. But mostly, I just want to move past this. He’s my brother, and we have been through so much together. I’ve beenthere for him, but when I decided to rebuild our father’s ranch, he’d been there for me.
“I know I deserve worse, dammit!” He slams the pottery mug on the counter, smashing it like confetti. “Fuck.”
He drops the handle on the bits across the counter and runs his hands through his uncombed morning hair.
“You look like shit, man.” My voice remains calm, which I’ve learned drives him crazy.
His head tilts and his heated glare lands on me. “I’m sorry, Thorn. Alright? I’m sorry I chased Flora away. I’m sorry I hurt you. I was young and stupid. And honestly, I didn’t know you loved her. Not so much that you’d choose celibacy and wait over ten years to team up with the gossipy Quylt sisters and an unstable Dani to try and win her back.”
I slowly sip the velvety liquid and watch my silence make him squirm.
“I’m sorry I lied and tricked you,” he continues, needing to fill the awkward silence with anything. “And tricked her. And watched you suffer and still said nothing.”
Each gulp of coffee sharpens my senses, preparing me to tackle the day’s challenges. Today is pivotal. A nagging uncertainty lingers inside me. Where do I stand with Flora? My approach must be done with care. I must uncover her feelings and let her know I’m serious about our future. Marriage looms large in my mind. This could finally be our beginning of forever.
“I’m sorry I tried to sabotage any time you spent with her this weekend. Or that I would’ve continued to sabotage so you wouldn’t find out I lied.” He takes a deep breath. “Say something, dammit.”
