"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'Sbody was still pleasantly (shamefully)thrummingwhen 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.
“Thanks, boss. She’s got great bloodlines.”
Hunter nodded, his focus entirely on the horse. He hadn’t noticed Eve yet, and she couldn't resist the urge to stare at him. Beautiful and powerful like always, just like his favorite stallion Midnight. But also terribly self-contained, which, come to think of it, was also just like Midnight.
