His Claimed Bride, Happy New Year On Another Earth

By Savanna Kougar

A Flash-Scene Erotic Romance Novel

On New Year's Eve

She's out of luck.

Destiny Intervenes.

The Wild West never died

In the next-door dimension.

Out of work, Sylva decides to celebrate New Year's Eve in style. Suddenly, mysteriously, destiny intervenes when an SUV speeds toward her. A white flash, and splash Sylva has landed in a mud puddle. Confused because this isn't Chicago, next Sylva sees a cowboy astride his horse, his lasso swinging.

On the hunt for a bride, Zeke figures destiny is favoring him something fierce when he gets a good look at the half-bare woman. The beauty has fallen in a mud puddle right in his path. Given there's a shortage of marriageable women, Zeke throws his rope fast and true.

[Contemporary Wild West Paranormal Adventure]

Caution: Sylva and Zeke's blazing lusty love story is 'not' politically correct, nor trendy. The western ranch empires of the late 1800s have not only survived, but thrive in this Earth timeline where men are men, and women are tough as Annie Oakley. Here everyone has guns and weapons, except the foolish. Now, get ready for old-west adventuring but with paranormal twists and turns.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Savanna Kougar
• Release date: Feb 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311654168

Savanna Kougar

Savanna Kougar is a best-selling author with Siren Publishing. She has thirteen ebooks, and five books in print. She pens love stories because that's her deepest heart. She writes in the futuristic/fantasy/paranormal subgenres because that's her fiercest passion. And, she writes erotic romance because she ferociously enjoys ripping the damn doors off. Author Note: TANGERINE CARNAL DREAMS, a previously epublished novella, will be revised and republished as quickly as possible.

Book preview

His Claimed Bride

Happy New Year On Another Earth

Savanna Kougar

A Flash-Scene Erotic Romance Novel

~~~

~ Starring ~

Sylva Kristine Woolridge

&

Zeke Dhurago Vintorr

~~~~~~

Out of work, Sylva decides to celebrate New Year's Eve in style. Suddenly, mysteriously in a mud puddle, she sees a cowboy, his lasso swinging.

On the hunt for a bride, Zeke takes one look at the beautiful woman destiny delivers to him. He throws his rope fast and true.

~~~~~~

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Savanna Kougar

All rights reserved

Savanna Kougar

http://savannakougar.com

~~~~~~

Publisher: Purple Silk Books

Cover Artist: Sarah Shogren

~~~~~~

NOTE: Originally these flash scenes were offered as a free read. Each day two hundred word flashes were written by Savanna Kougar, then posted as an ongoing love story between Sylva and Zeke on the Kougar Kisses blog, and at the Passionate Ink forum.

~This compiled edition has been edited by the author.~

~~~~~~

Caution: Sylva and Zeke's blazing lusty love story is 'not' politically correct, nor trendy. The western ranch empires of the late 1800s have not only survived, but thrive in this Earth timeline where men are men, and women are tough as Annie Oakley. Here everyone has guns and weapons, except the foolish. Now, get ready for old-west adventuring but with paranormal twists and turns.

~~~~~~

This ebook is for your personal enjoyment only, and may not be re-sold or given away to anyone else. Please respect the digital rules on ebook purchases. And, thank you for respecting the 'very' hard work of Savanna Kougar.

~~~~~~

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

~~~~~~

Dedication

Dedicated to all those who originally read the daily flash scenes, and to the bold, uncompromising spirit of the Old West. May it rise and live forever.

~~~~~~

Chapter One:

Sylva and Zeke

December 26, 2008 – January 25, 2009

~1~

Sylva stroked on the red lipstick carefully. The shade was deep scarlet and it looked like a swathe of gleaming velvet on her lips. Who needs collagen injections? she murmured, then surveyed her festively made-up face. Dusky twilight purple shadowed her eyes, highlighting the blue-green color. A shimmer of pale gold brought out her high cheekbones – a magical contrast to the glistening pink-gold powder covering her face, her neck, and artfully ending at her propped-up cleavage – displayed by a heart-shaped tight bodice of midnight satin. Mirror, mirror, on my bathroom wall, who's the New Years Party fairest of them all?

~~~

Zeke flashed a cocky half-grin at his appearance in the mirror his mother had given him decades ago. The white-gold scroll work framing the tall oval mirror contrasted sharply with his tan leather vest and matching pants – both designed for riding his horse into town, and as evening wear for the new year's celebration. His cream-colored silk shirt clung to the muscles of his chest, won by hard work on his family's ranch empire. And won by the fistfights he was famous for ending, but never beginning. Tonight, by long-standing tradition, he could claim any available woman as his bride.

~2~

Sylva flipped a smile at her reflection. Stepping back to see herself more fully, she thrust her hip, accentuating the sassiness of her short satin and tule-layered skirt. Adorably sexy, she complimented herself. Okay, her thighs were full unlike the stick figure models that had successfully invaded the fashion world. Her calves were shapely, what used to be considered starlet-sexy ... especially since she wore spectacular, ankle-strap black heels, along with a pair of old-fashioned seamed hose. Tonight, she would strut her stuff with the best of them. Tomorrow, no more job. She was one more victim of the current economy.

~~~

Zeke strapped on his pearl-handled revolver. He'd cleaned and oiled it earlier, then made certain it fired properly, shooting several pennies out of the air. Since they'd become non-legal tender eleven years past, he figured that was a damn good use. Leaning down, he slid a dead-aim derringer, one of his grandfather's designs, inside his fancified riding boot. Decorated with swirls of gold thread and engraved with the ranch's crest, his new boots were a show of his hard-won status as the Overseer of their horse operations – from breeding to sales. Yep, it was time to settle on one woman.

~3~

Sylva beat back the worry that threatened to overwhelm her. Pasting a smile on her face, she tossed her strawberry blonde hair a bit. The long length waved over her bare back while her dangly ruby-imitation earrings swung enchantingly ... to her eye. She felt sexy and sultry. Swivelling her head, she looked at her profile from the corner of her eye. She'd pulled the sides of her hair up, banded it, then attached a tiny glittering rose. As if possessed by a spirit, she faced the mirror, whispering, I wish I may, I wish might, find my true love tonight.

~~~

Zeke plucked his mahogany leather cowboy hat from the bronze curlicue hook, plopping it on his head. From years of practice, since he'd been knee-high to his father, the broad-brimmed hat settled at the perfect rakish angle, and covered most of his bay-colored hair. The curling waves at the nape of his neck and above his ears were touched by a golden sheen from all the time he spent outdoors. He'd had more than one woman, scarce as they were in these parts, run her fingers through the fringes of his hair – as if she sought real gold. He grinned.

~4~

Sylva grimaced and shook her head at herself, before whirling away from the mirror, and out the bathroom door. Yeah, that would be the day. True love, ha! She'd tried it several times now, with results more dismal than the prospect of not being able to find a job. Refusing to think about what possessions she could sell to get by, Sylva lovingly picked up her velvet cape. Reversible, the hooded cape was a glorious red velvet on one side and a deep midnight black on the other. Who cared if people thought she looked like a witch in it.

~~~

Zeke swung the fringed buckskin jacket off the garment post, and slid into it. It fit his frame perfectly. He'd made certain of that by having it tailored in town, despite his family's protest and ribbing over his extravagance – as they called it. But hell to the four winds, Brennon outfitted the other young bucks and the ranch gentlemen. All of whom partook of sophisticated entertainments in town, other than Sophie's Sin Saloon. What did he care if others thought he was too dandified? His quick aim with a fist or gun meant most would keep their comments to themselves.

~5~

Sylva tucked her evening bag beneath her arm, then carefully locked the door to her apartment. Barely adequate, it was all she could afford. Maybe, it was time to leave the windy city, Chicago. Corruption grew like a weed everyday. And, if she had to be tormented one more time by the garlic-on-steroids cooking smells that seeped into every crack of the building, and saturated her clothing – along with the constant fog of cigarette smoke – she was going to scream bloody murder. Her only humorous consolation ... garlic kept the vampires away. But, not the real bloodsuckers lurking around every corner.

~~~

Zeke enthusiastically trotted down the private stairway that led to his section of the rambling ranch house, one hand perched on the butt of his pistol. The construction of a grand new wing was almost constant. Currently his sister and her new husband had decided to make the ranch their permanent home, and were overseeing the latest plans. His boots hit the expensive sierra-colored granite floor of the entryway, clicking loudly. His mother had finagled it out of his father, using her seductive wiles toward the end of their shouting-rambunctious negotiations. Glimpsing his father in the side hall, Zeke halted.

~6~

Sylva halted at the top of the stoop, enchanted. The crescent moon hung in the sunset sky like an enormous lemon slice, only cast in gold. Smiling, she hugged her cloak closer against the windy chill. Sweeping down the short flight of steps, she clicked toward her small car, watching out for the vein-like cracks in the sidewalk. As she stepped off the worn-down curb to cross the street, her ankle wobbled from a pebble beneath her shoe. With a talented balancing act she righted herself, but not in time to avoid the speeding black SUV wheeling around the corner.

~~~

Zeke wheeled toward his father, who winked broadly, and grinned. Saluting with his hat, Zeke continued out the door. The crescent moon shone above the tangerine-pink horizon while the planet of love, Venus, blazed brightly. Inside the shelter next to the hitching rail, he saddled and bridled Smoky, one of his favorite riding stallions. Making certain the soft lariat was secure, he swung astride, appreciating the familiar creak of leather. Smoky stretched into a fast walk, then a long trot, eager for a gallop. Without cue the stallion settled into a ground-eating lope. In an hour they would hit town.

~7~

Sylva froze in terror, the scream in her throat failing to pass her lips. Desperately, as time slowed around her, she looked for a way to escape becoming a bloody broken *okay, sexily-dressed* pancake. The headlights glared like devil's eyes. The grill suddenly reminded her of a dragon's face. When a blast of light struck her, then formed into a mirror-bright circle, Sylva dived toward it, not knowing what else to do. The first thing she noticed – she'd landed on her butt in a shallow mud puddle. Then she noticed, the air smelled heavenly despite the drift of fresh horse manure.

~~~

Zeke reined Smoky down to a slow trot at the edge of town. With excitement charging through him like a bull, he scanned both sides of Main Street, looking for the rowdiest celebration. A woman wanting marriage would make herself available there. Yep, he'd decided against Merlinda. He hadn't confided in anyone either, cherishing the notion he'd have his pick of fillies – without the two local women chasing him, scaring any newcomer away. As a shooting star appeared, Zeke halted Smoky, taking in the celestial beauty and making his wish for a woman he could love with his whole heart.

~8~

Sylva glanced back and forth, completely bewildered. Illumined buildings that were no more than three stories, looked as if they'd been the victims of an all out war between an old west movie town and the elongated elegance of art nouveau. Not only that, horses adorned by silver-laden saddles stood at hitching posts while some manner of flying automobiles were parked on rooftops. Where in the freaking hell was she? Swivelling her head in slow motion, she nursed the hope she'd wake up at any moment. Even the music sounded like a strange mix of honky tonk and a waltz.

~~~

Zeke fingered his lariat as he urged Smoky forward. From what he could tell, the Diamond Flame had the most action. The piano-tinkly, fiddle-swinging music streamed toward him and the most expensive air cars packed the rooftop. A glint of light caught his eye. Instantly he focused on the center of Main Street, one hand ready to draw his pistol. He blinked, blinked again, an attempt to clear his vision, though it was as clear as a hunting hoot owl. The woman sat in middle of the street as if she'd fallen. Probably those strange ankle-breaking shoes were to blame.

~9~

Sylva stared at the slow approach of a man on horseback. The luminous glare of lights spilling into the darkness revealed his chiseled lean features beneath the cocky set of his cowboy hat. Had she somehow been transported to a movie set? When he lifted a rope, then began twirling it above his head in ever-widening circles, she glanced all around looking for a calf, or an escaped horse – all while the theme from Rawhide played in her head. She wondered if she was in any danger. Should she stay put, or get up quick as she could, and run?

~~~

Zeke ran his gaze up the woman's shapely legs covered by saloon dancer hose. The full swell of her hips were revealed by her flipped up skirt. Never more grateful for a pool of light, he stared at the daring display of her bosom, plump creamy mounds that begged for his hands, his lips, his face buried between them. She wasn't shy about showing them. He surely liked that. As his cock sprang to life and demanded to be unholstered, he lifted his lariat, swinging it above his head. Rapidly flicking his glance around, he saw no competitors for her.

~10~

Sylva fastened her gaze on the whirling rope, the whoosh of sound cutting through the air. Given his skill, maybe the man was a champion rodeo roper. She attempted to rise, but her hand sank deeper in the mud. No, she moaned. The cowboy's horse stopped in front of her, not thirty feet away. Realizing she showed too much, Sylva smoothed her skirt down with her other hand. Now what? If she tried to get up, she would get even muddier. Sighing with resignation, she twisted ... suddenly she felt the rope settle around her shoulders, bite into her bare skin.

~~~

Zeke kept his lariat smooth and easy, aiming his gaze toward her face. He wanted to see her beautiful features more clearly, and glimpse her eyes on him before he claimed her as his bride. Unless she wore another man's mark. But what man let his woman out by herself on this night? The more he saw of her, even as she flattened her stiff skirt, the more he blazed like a stallion for her. She had the most adorable curves he'd ever witnessed on a woman. With focused ease, Zeke sailed the loop toward her, certain of his capture.

~11~

Sylva didn't move for a few moments, paralyzed with shock. Outrage flared through her, quick as a wildfire, and she screamed. The instant she reached up to remove the rope it tightened enough to stop her. What the hell do you think you're doing? She used her fiercest *don't mess with me* voice. Whipping around, she saw him swing a leg over the saddle horn, then dismount in one unbelievable motion, all while keeping the rope taut. And where the hell am I? Good Lord, his lean defined muscles looked like living bands of steel as he stepped toward her.

~~~

Zeke felt his belly somersault with pure celebration as he kept her lassoed. She was far more than he'd expected, even with her loud rude talk. Damn, she'd be a little scratching wildcat in their marital relations with that *come get me* attitude. Lifting one corner of his mouth in a grin, he approached. He'd had women all soft and willing. He'd had ‘em ferocious for what he could deliver. He liked both. He wanted both. He was surely fond of her spirit, even if it meant throwing her over his lap – tanning her bottom to teach her a lesson.

~12~

Sylva figured she wasn't going anywhere yet, given the way he handled a rope. Not only that, she had no clue where the crap she'd ended up. Where was a cop when you needed one? Looks like you've made friends with a mud puddle, little lady. Give me your hand and I'll help you up. He stretched a lean, long-fingered hand down to her, yet kept the rope tight. What? Was he going to hogtie her next, if she didn't? Sylva blinked, the timbre of his voice registering. Molten and smoky, with a smooth twang that melted a woman's sexiest insides.

~~~

Zeke ached to her know her name. However, his beautiful little filly didn't appear to appreciate his husbandly claim of her. Yet. He aimed to convince her right quick about what he had to offer. If she'd arrived to meet another man, she was plumb in luck he'd found her first. Hope you like mud, Mr. Cowboy. Rebellion glinting in her eyes, she clasped his hand with her mud-covered, but dainty palm. Given it was the hand she'd have used normally, he smiled. Besides, by sweet heaven, if she wanted to play rough and untamed as sin, he'd oblige her.

~13~

Sylva felt herself pulled upwards in a gentlemanly manner. Tempted to use her own skill to flip him into the mud puddle, she decided his impressive reflexes would take her down with him. Keeping her muddy hand, he drilled his gaze down to her soul – then used the rope to force her closer. The brilliant glints in his eyes had her wondering what color they were. Damn it to hell, she should knee him in his arrogant, okay, handsome groin, and make a run for it in her *tip me over* heels. Planning to hogtie me now, whoever you are?

~~~

Zeke had never felt so savage for a woman. He didn't think it was because she now belonged to him. Her womanly fragrance, like warm honey and blooming sage, filled him up more than a prime steak dinner. Her face was what a man dreamed about when he rode the land for days at a time, lonely. Her lips were made for a man's pleasure. Her hair tumbled beautifully. His bride wasn't from around these parts if she didn't know him, for damn sky certain. Zeke Dhurago Vintorr, from the ranch, Sunrise Two Rivers. He jerked her flat against him.

~14~

Sylva collided with his rock-solid chest, the buttons of his vest, his holster belt and a bulge she would call Sears' tower impressive. His rope held her prisoner as his mouth dived for hers, capturing. Forced backwards over his impossibly strong arm, Sylva felt herself kissed with such raw passion, she was stunned at first. When her own passion surged wildly, she hooked her fingers in the wide leather of his belt, and kissed him back, measure for measure. Her blood turned to fire. The tightened loop around her shoulders suddenly felt damn erotic. But hell! What was she doing?

~~~

Zeke had figured to woo his bride toward their first night of conjugal bliss together. He possessed no such sanity with her. Especially not when his little filly kissed him back with a passion that matched his own, and set his loins ablaze. He pulled harder on the rope, the feel of her womanly flesh his best paradise. He kissed her harder, the ripeness of her lips and how she used them his undoing. He had her lassoed. She had him by the balls. Hell, his balls felt as blistered as if he baked them naked beneath the noon sun.

~15~

Sylva resisted. She encouraged a complete stranger who obviously abducted her in some way. Or, had she mysteriously stepped into some sort of staged sex fantasy? Wait. She burst the word against his lips when he took a breath. Wait. Sex Fantasy? His arm trapped her tighter, his breath harsh, his eyes heavy-lidded as he gazed down at her. You want a sex fantasy, my bride? Which one? Oh.my.gawd, was she in mucho trouble! No, is this a staged sex fantasy? She felt him try to ponder. Staged? he asked. Pretend, she clarified. Do you think I've agreed to this?

~~~

Zeke tried to understand, despite the throbbing blaze of his cock. Sex fantasy. Hell, anything sounded good to him. What did she want him to pretend? What was he supposed to agree to? Maybe he better start with her name. Forcing himself to loosen his hold, he rasped, What's your name? Was that relief in her beautiful eyes? Sylva, she answered. I'm not supposed to be here. God, was he glad as a stud she was. What ranch do you hail from? A look of confusion crossed her features. Ranch? Zeke remembered the shooting star, and understood. You're my gift.

~16~

Sylva blinked. Gift? What the hell did that mean? Suddenly scooped off her feet, she felt herself bundled briefly against his granite-like chest, and placed on top of his horse. Stay still, he ordered, then rapidly grabbed up her cloak and bag. Stay still? What was she going to do? Leap off like a rodeo cowgirl, and hogtie him? Faster than a whirlwind, he draped the semi-muddy cloak in front of her, and mounted behind her. Sliding one arm around her, he held tight, while urging the horse into a gallop. Where are we going? she shouted. Our honeymoon begins.

~~~

Zeke headed straight for his family's private floor in the Hotel Wisteria. He had only about an hour's time left. Whenever a woman arrived through the sacred portal, she had to be claimed and bedded within ninety minutes, or she would be returned. He wasn't about to let that happen. Reining Smoky to the right, down the next street, he touched a heel to his flanks. The stallion stretched into a faster gallop, straight for the side entrance to their floor. Smoky slid to a halt next to the stairs. Not giving her a chance to ask questions, Zeke dismounted.

~17~

Sylva felt fear slither up her spine and a thrill chase through her belly. Desire had her in its grip. Yet the cowboy, Zeke, holding her like some prize heifer, was a total frightening unknown. Honeymoon? Bride? What? Was she like some mail order bride, only tossed here by a strange-universe force? Not that she didn't enjoy being on his horse. She loved horses, especially galloping horses. And , yee-haw, his body was all lean rawhide and ropes of muscle. Damn, his cock made itself at home in her butt crack, already. Abducted by a cowboy, yep, a first for her.

~~~

Zeke plucked his dazed-looking bride off, cradling her in his arms. Go on, he told Smoky. Knowing where to go, the stallion trotted toward the Hotel's stable. Immediately Zeke bolted up the steps with her. Balancing her against his chest, he opened the unlocked door, entering swiftly. Luminous lamps switched on automatically, providing a path of golden light back to his private room. Moving into his lavatory, he placed her on a stool next to the wash basin. Let's get the mud off you, honey. Kneeling before her, he gently rasped, I apologize, Sylva, consummation first, then our wedding celebration.

~18~

Sylva's heart flipped to a stop. I don't understand. The next second her heart thumped furiously. Sexy didn't describe him. All-male, smells like a cowboy ... yes, I want to be roped by you ... described him ... with pale gray eyes, silver meets crystal. You were brought here, Sylva. Sent through what is called the sacred portal. My gift. She shook her head in disbelief. Now I really don't understand. Lifting her muddy hand, he held it beneath the warm running water. There aren't many women around these parts. Occasionally, a woman arrives from a similar world. What do you remember last?

~~~

Zeke thoroughly rinsed her ivory-colored hand, tenderly handling her dainty fingers. Delicate golden freckles covered the top, traveling up her forearm, and fading away on her upper arm. Lordy keep him sane. He could feast on the feminine beauty of her shoulders forever. Wrapping her hand in a small towel, he pressed away the moisture. I remember. She halted, furrowing her brow. I dodged an SUV. Saw a circular flash of light. Leapt, and landed in a mud puddle. She blinked, absorbing the shock of her situation. SUV? he asked. Raising her brows, she returned, Flying cars parked on rooftops?

~19~

Sylva trembled involuntarily. And if I'm from another world, why are you speaking English? He grinned for a breath, his gaze searing into hers. Parallel worlds, as we figure it here. He leaned forward, his fingertips grazing over her cheek before he slid his hand through her hair. Oh ... SUV, it's a type of vehicle. Damn, were her lungs racing breaths against each other? You were in its path? he asked, a low deep whisper that tingled her earlobe. Yes. She'd leaned closer without knowing it. Then you were in my path. His tone seductively teased her senses. Sylva whimpered.

~~~

Zeke darkened with lust at her whimper. Drawing in the fragrances clinging to her skin, and to her chestnut golden hair, he palmed her shoulder gently. They would have to learn about each other later. Even his gratitude for her arrival was reined up short. He skimmed his hand toward her neck, the feel of her shoulder causing a groan to escape against her ear. Sylva, don't be afraid, he encouraged. I swear your bride's pleasure will come first. A hitch interrupted her little gasps. Bride? What does that mean ... here? Zeke cupped her head. You're about to find out.

~20~

Sylva sweltered inside, a blaze of wantonness claiming her ... despite her fear ... as his hand possessed the back of her head. His following words fanned her fire, making her feel wildly naughty. I only hope you do care about my pleasure, she whispered, recalling the horrific times when that hadn't happened. Always, he murmured. He sealed her mouth with his, swooping her upwards at the same time. Desperate for more of the way he kissed her, Sylva looped her arms tightly around his neck, feeling the brush of suede and the delicious tickle of his hair. God, he was strong.

~~~

Zeke ravenously kissed her willing mouth, carrying Sylva to his bed. He'd made certain, a day ago, everything would be ready for his bride. Entering the large, lavishly furnished room, he laid her on the wine-red velvet lounge beside their enormous bed. Nuzzling a kiss on her lips, he straightened and quickly tossed off his hat, then shed his jacket. Bewitched by her, he sat down on his chair pulling off his boots, his gaze trained on her like a hawk. When she reached down to remove her shoe, he stayed her hand. Let me, Sylva. I am your husband.

~21~

Sylva jerked her hand back as if she'd touched a hot stove. Only it was the scorch of their passion. Amazed, she watched him skillfully unstrap her high heels, his fingertips brushing a brand through her hose as he slipped them off each foot. How hot are you, cowboy? she crooned, utterly unlike herself. *Husband* – it rang through her mind until he looked up, his silvery eyes beaming intensely. Zeke, he hoarsely prompted. Hot enough to singe your eyebrows with one kiss. His small grin lit up his eyes, his hand slowly stroking up her leg. Is that so, Zeke?

~~~

Zeke circled caresses on her upper thigh, long and beautifully full beneath his palm. Her eyes glittered a dare. He also witnessed her filly-skittishness. Gradually leaning forward, he placed a kiss above her knee. One kiss at a time he moved upwards, fondling the generous curve of her thigh, then her luscious hip. Her soft yielding moan encouraged him, and he slid his palm up her other thigh, pressing kisses until he met the stiff fabric of her skirt. He embraced her haunches, stroked, then grazed his fingertips over the waistband of her strange hose. Take them off, she murmured.

~22~

Sylva sparkled as if New Year's day fireworks soared inside her. Deciding she would live for today, she lifted her hips a bit as his work-rough hands smoothed down her pantyhose, gliding down her skin in a way that had her ready to swoon. You didn't answer, Zeke, she provoked, astounded by how sultry her voice sounded. Deliberately he stroked down her shin, his pleasure obvious. I don't want your eyebrows singed yet, darlin'. That's for later. I want you smoky and silky beneath me. With seductive care, he slipped her feet free of the pantyhose, his hands relishing her arches.

~~~

Zeke caressed her little soft toes, letting his fingertips linger before stroking them away. Oooh, a man with answers, she crooned, her shoulder rolling forward, teasing his eye. Standing, he unbuckled his gun belt and hung it within easy reach. Not wanting to make her shy away from him, he unbuttoned and slid off his vest, then sat beside her on the lounge. His cock ached a protest, fighting against his pants. Gently capturing the side of her face, he brushed his thumb over her flushed cheek. What an impudent nose you have, my beautiful Sylva. Should I kiss it?

~23~

Sylva leaned forward, her breasts throbbing, desperate for his attention. Please. Breathless and sizzly inside with anticipation, she waited. Bending down to her nose, he kissed the tip tenderly. In what seemed like slow motion, he angled his head, touching her lips with his persuasively. Hope flickered, teasing her. Would being with him cause her agony? Or, maybe ... maybe ... had good fortune finally found her in the romance department? In another world? Answering his kiss, she felt like a seductress as she played her lips over his, tasting the firm shape. God, she loved kissing, even if her nipples begged.

~~~

Zeke patiently devoured her lips with kisses he invented just for her. Her mouth inspired them, playing his like a risque tune on a saloon piano. Claiming the back of her sweet neck, he stroked his thumb over the silken flesh of her throat. Knowing their marriage began this night, and would always be influenced by their first time together, he kept his 'cocked' shotgun holstered, for now. Just for her. She was so beautiful, his Sylva, he wondered how he could ever say no to her. Zeke caressed along her shoulder, his thumb grazing the swell of her breast.

~24~

Sylva nipped his lower lip with her lips. Her breath a storm raging inside her, she whispered, Zeke, please, handle my breasts. Immediately his rough, oh-so masculine hands caressed over her back. His kisses trailed along her jaw as he smoothly unzipped her bodice, freeing her. Daring herself, Sylva reached out sliding her hand along his thighs. She molded magnificent sinew and muscle. Yes, she murmured. His wonderful kisses followed the length of her neck and he eased the bodice farther away from her swollen needy breasts. The chill of the air rushed over her nipples. Oh, please, she pleaded.

~~~

Zeke lurched inside like a wild stallion, toward her. Mentally, he lassoed himself, tugging the rope taut. So far, she wanted him. Angels above stop him, he wasn't doing anything to change that. Dang, she tasted sweeter than roses and honey, with her own female spice that tempted him to launch himself on top of her – ravish her until she couldn't move. He already knew she'd be a perfect fit in his bed, beneath him – held in his arms as they slept and dreamed together. Her little hand on his thigh sent another bolt of need straight to his cock.

~25~

Sylva yearned as she never had. His kisses hungrily feasted on the upper curves of her breasts. Reluctant to let go of his thigh, still, she leaned back, arching her nipples toward his mouth. Masterfully shoving her party dress down to her hips, Zeke slid his hand beneath her breasts, their heaviness cradled in his palms. God, she loved the way her softness felt against his roughened hands. She loved the way he kissed her, wooing her body, just as he wooed her emotions, her desire for him. Zeke, please kiss my nipples. Feeling naughty, Sylva thrust to his mouth.

~~~

Zeke lifted the creamy confection of her breasts beneath his lips. He pressed a full kiss to the tip of her strawberry nipple, lingering before he kissed her other blatant nipple, pleading and growing with ripeness beneath his lips. Already he missed her touch on his thigh, even though he held her passionate femininity in his hands. He'd bet his year's earnings, she was the type of woman who could be sweet, willing as pie – but, if handled with a wrong rein, she'd lash out at him, fierce and untamed. He surely liked that possibility. For now, he'd gentle her.

~26~

Sylva trembled uncontrollably as he strongly pulled her nipple inside the warmth of his mouth. Still fondling the underswell of her breasts, he suckled in a manner that had her sex dripping, and her belly warming, then simmering. Harder, she encouraged, when he nuzzled her other nipple. Latching on, he tugged with more force while scraping this thumbnail back and forth over her huge wet nipple. Sylva moaned loudly, her loins flooding with molten desperate need. Yes. Squeezing her shoulder blades together, and dropping her head back, she offered her breasts completely. She heard his primal groan. She felt it.

~~~

Zeke wallowed in the taste and rigid texture of her bud-plump teats. She was perfect for suckling, a pleasure he intended pursuing often in their privacy together. As he handled her, the pillow softness and shape of her breasts drove him crazy – like a bull in a field of loco weed. She was his bride. Even if she didn't have a damn sweet clue what that meant in his world. She'd learn. No matter how many times he had to rope her, or tan her voluptuous ass before he rode between her creamy thighs. Now, heaven was her thrust nipple.

~27~

Sylva was caught on the edge of ecstasy, her entire body ... not merely her sex bits – especially as he fondled her breasts more vigorously. His teeth gently captured her bliss-aching nipple, tugging and releasing, over and over. She moaned, clenched her eyelids tightly. And wanted more. The desire to feel her skin against his exploded inside her. Leaning forward, looping her arms around his neck, she flowed her hands into the springy thickness of his hair. Embracing the back of his head, she whispered, Please, make me naked. Sylva kissed his forehead, inhaling his outdoors' scent, his raw male smell.

~~~

Zeke sucked her nipple taut into his mouth, caressing downward. Feeling her darling little waist beneath his hands, he paused, stroking. He eased her short sassy dress over her breeding hips, so lovely in the embrace of his hands. He reveled in the shape, then shoved the dress down her thighs. Keeping her teat deep in his mouth, he slid the bunched material down her calves. After molding the curve of her leg, he gripped the stiff skirt material, pulling it from her feet. Time to mount up, cowboy, she murmured provocatively. Her lips brushed his earlobe several times. Zeke.

~28~

Sylva let the weight of her hand languidly slide down his chest, over the slick texture of his shirt. Feeling like a bad girl, she brushed her palm over his large jutting cock's head. She cupped for a moment, sensually enjoying the warmth of his leather pants, caused by his arousal. For her. Intending to stroke down the length of his manhood, she slipped her hand downward. Instantly, his hand softly manacled her wrist, halting her. Cocked to shoot, he rasped. He brought her hand up to his shoulder, placed his arm beneath her legs, lifting her into his arms.

~~~

Zeke could barely believe the dream of her in his arms. Carrying her to his bed, he laid her on the quilted satin spread. Straightening, he drank in her naked beauty with his gaze, a man dying of thirst. He shed his shirt in record time. Opening his pants, he groaned as his cock fell free, heavy, and aiming toward her. After shoving off his pants, he tossed them aside, then studied her face. Her eyes were sky-hazy with passion as she ran her gaze over him. With a stallion's pride, he noted her approval. He also noticed her hesitancy.

~29~

Sylva swore the Doors' song *Light My Fire" lived inside her now, transforming her blood into a racing wildfire. His body could have starred in about any woman's sexual fantasy. And he was about to join her on this over-large bed, which she guessed was an actual featherbed. Even though, his cock impressed the freakin' hell out of her, and he seemed super-stud enough to take everything in hand, and her in his cowboy-rough hands ... still, would she be enough for him? Would he care about her desires in bed? Her anxiety felt like fragments of ice, sharp and cold.

~~~

Zeke decided his bride needed an aggressive tumble with him, then beneath him. First, though, he framed the side of her face, caressing. Their gazes met, deepening instantly, intense with need. Claiming her creamy curves with one arm, he threaded his fingers through her gorgeous hair. Sylva, he hoarsely possessed. Zeke launched forward, bringing her with him. Immediately they rolled like heathens, embraced in a lover's tangle of arms and legs, their lips embraced in a raw fierce kiss. With their mouths clinging, their bodies molded and their hands lustily exploring each other they continued rolling back and forth, frenzied.

~30~

Sylva reveled in the feel of a man, as she never had. Her body liberated, her passions savage, she felt like sultry silk against him as they clung, rolled and roamed their hands over each other. Except that his deliciously firm skin blazed with warmth, he could have been a lean sculpted god come to life against her. Nipping his mouth with her teeth, she writhed against him, wanting more and more of him, of what he could give her. His brutally hard cock pressed into her softer flesh repeatedly. Oh gawd, she uttered, as his hands became more demanding.

~~~

Zeke relentlessly swept his hands over her sinfully sweet curves, over the warmth and softness of her ivory skin. Good lord, she was made to be mounted, ridden often and long by him. Only him. Possessively, he handled her hips and rump while relishing her carnal dance against him. His lips answered her passionate nips, and encouraged more of her spirited desire. Her little utterance had him hot as boiling coffee at roundup time. Straddling her, he trapped her beneath him. His hands captured her head and he sought her eyes. The fiery glints seared him, down to his cockhead.

~31~

Sylva. He growled her name softly. Unbidden, she whimpered, smoothing her hands over the phenomenal strength of his upper arms. Zeke. She heard her own voice stroke him, sultry and beckoning. The cowgirls must be all over you ... wanting your rope. Subtly, she undulated her mound against his every-woman's-dream cock. In immediate answer, he thrust like she imagined a stud horse would, diving his manhood between her thighs, slickened with her untamed passion. The large strength of his cock's head penetrated her pussy lips, striking inside the opening to her sex sheath. Her breath whooshed inward. Damn, he was huge.

~~~

Zeke fused his mouth to hers, settled between her long voluptuous thighs, and sought his heaven, their first heaven together. Covering her hands with his, he felt her lock her little fingers with his, and ardently return his kiss. The aroused woman scents of her body, and her sweetly dewed pussy had him primed to rut inside her. Instead, he carefully lunged, his cock forcing its way inside her squeezing feminine glove. Keeping himself tightly reined, he pumped his cock deeper and deeper. His bride was scalding and wet, a perfect satiny fit as he slowly thrust to her core.

~~~~~~

Chapter Two:

Bucking Bronco Ride

January 26, 2009 – February 25, 2009

~32~

Sylva flinched, a small pain from his final deep thrust. She'd tried not to react. Instantly, he unlocked their lips, searching her face. I'm okay, she whispered. God, her loins ached for the plunder of his cock. When he didn't appear convinced, she paused her escaping breaths, murmuring, Big. She wondered how he'd stopped at all. His eyes were dark as smoke, and glazed with lust. Come on, cowboy, give a girl a bucking bronco ride. He raised upwards, onto his elbows, an obviously difficult and painful effort. I won't hurt you. Tilting her hips invitingly, she rocked his manhood.

~~~

Zeke, please. Her soft little pleading had him raging inside, even more desperate to make her fully his. And her seductively bucking hips were scorching his cock hotter and faster than the iron brands he used to mark the boundaries of their land, these days, instead of on the ranch herds. Your face, he growled. If he watched, he'd know if he hurt her. She gave a quick small nod and moaned as he lunged back, preparing to hurl himself inside her like a spear. Ramrod. She burst the word out, between her breathless pants. Ramrod me, again and again.

~33~

Sylva heard her impassioned pleading, surprised at herself, yet not. His virility had her, possessing every atom of her flesh. Widening her thighs, she wrapped her legs around his lean rock-hard thighs, and prayed he would ‘ramrod' her. Little filly, he muttered hotly. He drove his cock deep inside her. Everything turned to stars in front of her eyes. Sylva felt his gaze on her as he drew back. Yes, she encouraged. He plunged and it felt like a conqueror taking her for his pleasure. God, yes, she praised, the tiny stars whirling. As if he couldn't stop, he thrust.

~~~

Zeke tried like fucking hell to restrain himself from lusting inside her steam-hot sheath. A man knew when a woman truly wanted him between her thighs. She did, his bride. Like a frantic stallion, he mated her, his cock striking in and out. Still, by Grace, he managed to keep one eye trained her face. Her pleasure softened her features, as if she was an angel living among the clouds. God to his heart, she wanted him to own her as a woman. He knew she would fight being his wife, despite how deeply she desired him in their bed.

~34~

Sylva crooned her whimpers. Ecstasy played a game of tag, wildly chasing through her flesh as he pummeled his utterly magnificent cock inside her. Still, deep in her core she ached and there was a building pain in her clit, demanding to be set free as bliss. Oh gawd, she wanted this man as much as her body wanted, needed to orgasm. She wanted him sexually. But did she want Zeke? Right now, Sylva didn't care. There was only what Zeke was doing to her. And *please, please* could he do it to her. Ride ‘em, cowboy, she chanted silently.

~~~

Zeke burned like a son of a gun. Pleasure ripped his loins apart as he lunged rhythmically and rapidly. Her woman's glove grabbed tightly at his cock, her final rapture arriving, blossoming. Damn and heaven, he was about to shoot like a geyser, making her his, consummating their marriage. He surely didn't want to arrive at the gate of fleshly paradise before his bride. Raising his hips, he angled his thrusts, pressing harder on her little nubbin of joy. She squealed with more pleasure, the fluid dance of her hips becoming a bliss he couldn't endure for much longer. Almighty ...

~35~

Sylva moaned like a wanton, glorying in the feel of her pussy mound bucking against Zeke's hard loins. Ride me, cowboy! Yes, ride me, she crooned silently, her entire body on fire with wicked bliss. Yes, Sylva burst out. Wildness seized her flesh. Oh gawd, she loved the way he rode her, impaling her powerfully. Like a blaze shooting out of control, Sylva felt her orgasm rise and consume her, slowly at first – then with a raw beauty she'd never experienced. Zeke. She threw her whisper up to him. Yielding to the ecstasy soaring, and making her mindless, she screamed.

~~~

Zeke watched the final pleasure change Sylva's face to incomparable loveliness. For instants, he reveled in her untamed scream, then speared deep inside his bride. His cock reached for her core, and gushed fast as a dang flash flood. Zeke growled, feeling like a savage as his orgasm spread fast – a brush fire scorching him. The rapture and a sweet blackness carried him into heaven, holding him for a time. God, she was his. The portal couldn't claim her now. A sheen of sweat covered him. Still, Zeke lowered himself onto her soft satiated body. His groan claimed her lips.

~36~

Sylva basked in the floating blissful sensations. As he lay on top of her, she embraced her naked cowboy's neck, holding him tight. His cock still felt perfectly big inside her. She was tempted to believe he was merely a dream lover she'd conjured up – out of simple desperation. Of course, being roped wouldn't have occurred in her dream fantasy ... or would it? Still, Sylva knew better, no matter how incredibly strange the situation, Zeke was real. This was real. His groaning kiss made her feel cherished, a new feeling for her. God, she hated to think about his faults.

~~~

Zeke decided fate had done him a huge kindness he would always be grateful for. He rumbled a purring sound, stroked her shoulder, and lazily brushed his lips over her tiny earlobe. Sylva. He would have said more, proclaimed his feelings. But she wasn't from his side the dimension. She didn't know their ways. Zeke, she whispered, you're a virile son of a gun. And you feel amazing. She subtly undulated, a dance of her hips that had him appreciating her even more. I know nothing about you, except you're damn good at roping a woman and riding her senseless.

~37~

Sylva felt his male satisfaction at her words. She'd never been a woman who wanted to hurt a man just for the sport of it, as she'd seen done. Not to mention the stomach-nauseating stories her female co-workers told on themselves, on their friends. Still, if she had to, she would. Zeke was more than welcome to ramrod her pussy. He wasn't welcome to ramrod her into anything else she didn't want to do. Even if she was stuck in a parallel land as a stranger. Was she stuck here? My bride, he rasped, his tone so loving, Sylva gasped.

~~~

Zeke roused himself at her startled gasp, enough to shift his weight off her. He rolled them on their sides, glad his bed was so large he had no concerns about the edge. She didn't resist, cuddling against him as he gathered her close. How did he woo her? She was right as rain. They didn't truly know each other, a fact he intended to remedy and darn quicker than a wild horse trying to escape his lasso. It's the custom here. He paused, threading his fingers in the tumble of her hair. For a man to court his bride.

~38~

Sylva felt fuzzy inside with shock and an emerging curiosity. Court? she asked, how? He touched his lips to her brow. Your choice, my Sylva. Are you hungry? Do we dine together now? He stroked over her back with a tenderness that had her melting inside. Dancing? he whispered in a sexy purr. You looked like you were dressed to go dancing. She nodded against his chest, then regretted it, feeling lost and confused. I don't know how you dance here. Stroking the small of her back, he somehow gathered her closer. Or we could stay here, make love again.

~~~

Zeke realized on a hitch of his breath, he shouldn't have suggested they make love again. Heckfire, he already rutted like a stud for her. Despite her cock-raising beauty, she felt even more beautiful in his arms – and held flush against him. His bride stirred a bit, feeling adorable. I can't. There's a hormone women have ... she drew in a large breath, that makes us susceptible the more we ... a bonding hormone. I can't. Zeke knew exactly what she spoke about. When he'd began running wild – his cock like a demanding beast – his father had cautioned him, explaining the sacred use.

~39~

Sylva moved restlessly, feeling torn in half. Gently he eased his cock from her, yet kept her embraced against him. She sighed inside, disappointment and relief battling it out. Good gawd, she definitely liked the way his manhood filled her, way too much for her own damn good. A moment later, her stomach growled. She flushed with embarrassment, even though it was silly. You are hungry, he rasped. Sylva turned her face from his broad perfect chest enough to mumble, "I didn't eat much today ... before I