Claimed by 3 Mountain Men (Silver Ridge Mountain Men)

7. Mac

7

MAC

I take a deep breath.

What should I do?

Follow him into the forest to some lake? My heart thuds in my chest and I’m not sure if it’s because of the heat or something else.

I knew all three of them were gorgeous with clothes on, but without a shirt. Oh, geez. I chew on the inside of my cheek, watching as Ben starts off on a trail.

His tanned and toned back glistens with sweat from the hot sun, his muscles flexing with each step he takes. His defined abs practically glisten, a trail of sweat dripping down to the waistband of his jeans.

Maybe it’ll be okay. I mean... It is broad daylight and I can always head back if things got too... heated. Not that they will. The sun is just making my head spin.

The thought of him naked in the water makes me blush and I quickly dismiss it. No, I’m here to do a job and that's all.

It’s not like any of them would be interested in me.

But what if they are? The thought creeps up through me like some wishful idiot hoping for some sort of miracle to happen.

I chew on the inside of my cheek, deliberating. The heat is suffocating me and the thought of cool water does sound like heaven. I can’t really think of any severe negative consequences. Plus, the spring fed lakes in this area are rumored to be stunning.

Knowing where the location of the lake might also be useful in plotting the silver lynx’s travel through the woods. It would definitely be worth checking out.

I take a deep breath and follow him into the woods.

As promised, the lake isn’t far.

The path narrows as we descend into a small valley, the air growing cooler and fresher. I can hear the faint sound of water lapping against the shore.

As we break through the tree line, the sight of the small lake takes my breath away. The water is a deep, inviting blue, surrounded by lush greenery. The rumors weren’t wrong.

“Wow,” I breathe, taking in the beauty of the place. “It’s incredible.”

“Told you,” Ben says with a grin, setting his backpack down on the shore. “Perfect spot.”

My breath catches slightly as I watch him, mesmerized by the way his skin glistens in the sunlight. He kicks off his boots and unbuttons his jeans, stepping out of them with a casual ease. Then with surprising grace, he dives into the still surface like an expert, swimming away from the shore.

His massive arms cut through it the same way an Olympic swimmer might move.

“Coming in?” he asks, his eyes meeting mine, a playful challenge in his gaze.

I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Yeah, just give me a minute.”

Awkwardly, I undo my shorts, sliding them down to ankles, my cheeks flaming. I turn away, peeling off my shirt to reveal my worn, black sports bra. At least both my underwear and bra are black.

I take a few tentative steps toward the edge, watching as Ben dives below the water, resurfacing with a contented sigh.

“Come on, Mac! The water’s perfect,” he calls out, floating on his back, looking completely at ease.

I wonder if he can tell how flustered I am.

I breathe and release the air out of my lungs slowly.

I can do this. It’s a swim. Nothing more, nothing less.

I wade in ankle-deep, wincing at the cold water before diving in headfirst.

The water envelopes me, cool and refreshing, washing away my nerves.

"How's the water?" Ben asks, his hazel eyes glinting with mischief.

"Perfect," I reply truthfully, feeling a playful smile tug at my lips. "Just what I needed after a long day."

He swims closer, the water rippling around him. "So, Mac, how did a city girl like you end up in a place like this?"

I arch an eyebrow. "Who said I'm a city girl?"

Ben laughs, the sound is rich and deep. "Just a guess. You have that determined, take-no-prisoners attitude that screams city life."

I splash him, water droplets catching the sunlight. "Maybe I just like a challenge."

"Oh, I don't doubt that," he says, shaking the water from his hair. "But seriously, why here? Why the silver lynx?"

I tread water, meeting his gaze. "Because they need someone to fight for them. And because of this place, this forest, all of it deserves to be protected."

Ben swims even closer, so close I can see the flecks of gold in his eyes. "You know, you're pretty impressive when you're passionate about something."

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Is that so?"

He grins, his eyes sparkling. "Absolutely. It's... pretty inspiring."

I roll my eyes, but I can't hide my smile. "You're not too bad yourself, Truitt. Surprising, even."

He raises an eyebrow. "Surprising?"

I nod, floating on my back to look up at the sky. "Yeah. I didn't expect to find someone here who actually gets it. Who cares."

Ben's voice is softer when he speaks again. "It's more than just caring, Mac. It's about finding a way to make it all work. For everyone."

I turn to look at him, our eyes locking. "And you think we can do that?"

He swims closer, his fingers brushing against mine in the water. "I think we have to try. Together."

My heart skips a beat at the sincerity in his voice. The connection between us feels palpable, electric. "Together," I echo, feeling a strange mix of hope and uncertainty. But in the back of my mind, my thoughts are screaming, “What’s happening?”

Ben leans in, his face inches from mine. "You know, Mac, I think you're one hell of a woman."

I laugh, a light, airy sound that seems to echo across the lake. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Ben."

He smiles, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Good to know."

Ben's eyes hold mine as he dives under the surface, and I watch his muscular form disappear beneath the water. He pops back up with a chuckle, skin shimmering in the sunlight. I feel like I'm in a dream as our fingertips brush against each other when he moves past me.

He swims closer, butterfly stroking towards me with strong and controlled movements. My breath hitches at the sight of him so close, the water sliding over his muscled chest and arms, rippling around his tanned skin, dripping onto my face as he nears.

I look up into his hazel eyes, which are filled with an intensity that matches the fluttering in my chest.

“Mac,” he says softly, the low rumbling voice vibrating through the water and into my very bones.

“Ben,” I whisper back, my voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the lake.

The water is warm now, the sunshine baking us in its glow as if we're the only two people in the world.

As the waves lap against each other, creating miniature mountains and valleys on the calm surface of the lake, my heart beats in tandem with his. I feel Ben’s body press against mine, my breasts grazing his hard chest as we float in the water. The sensation sends shivers down my spine, and I can't help but be acutely aware of every point of contact between us.

Then like in some strange dream, he bends downward, pressing his forehead to my own. I don’t recoil, don’t move. I only close my eyes, wondering what he’s going to do. His lips linger over mine for a moment then come down.

No one has ever kissed me like this.

His tongue teases mine, exploring every crevice and corner as if he's a man starved for the taste of me. His hands roam up my back, tangling in my wet hair, angling my face just right to deepen the kiss.

My heart pounds furiously in my chest, I can't believe this is happening.

My hands find their way to his abs, which are rigid and firm beneath my fingertips. He moans softly into my mouth, and I can feel the evidence of his arousal against my thigh. My body responds in kind, an ache deep inside me that I know only Ben can satisfy.

“You taste so damn good,” he whispers, capturing my mouth again in a searing kiss. His hands leave my hair and travel down to my waist, caressing every inch of my body.

They travel to my hips, lifting me out of the water and pressing me against a smooth rock near the shore. His hardness pushes against my stomach, barely hidden by his soaking wet boxers outlining its massive shape.

I know in that moment that I want him, more than I've ever wanted anything in my life.

The heat of the sun-warmed stone against my back only intensifies the moment as Ben kisses his way down my neck, his tongue leaving a blaze of sensations. My breasts are heavy and aching. My whole body tingling as though it’s on fire, rising up with intense need and wanting. I’m worried it won’t take much to push me over the edge.

No one’s touched me like this before, and my body surges as though it’s as powerful as the sun.

I understand it’s all just biology at play here. My body is experiencing a psychological arousal based on the sensory input of Ben affecting my hypothalamus and limbic system.

My brain’s sending signals to my pussy as my parasympathetic nervous system starts to fire. All of this is causing an increase in blood flow and blood pressure.

“S-Slow down,” I gasp, barely recognizing my own voice. But for some reason, all of this feels different. It feels like it’s more than just basic biology.

He looks up at me, his eyes smoldering. “Are you sure you want me to slow down, Mac?” he asks, his deep voice practically growling. Heat pools between my legs at his words.

No. I don’t think I do.

His fingers peel back my wet bra, exposing my breasts.

Ben's name escapes my lips as he takes one of my nipples between his lips. Sparks fly, shooting straight to the core of me. I arch my back, silently begging for more.

He obliges, sucking and licking my sensitive flesh until I'm on edge. I arch my back, gripping the rock for support as waves of pleasure crash over me.

“B-Ben,” I stammer, my breath coming out in ragged pants. “I…I’ve never…” I can’t even finish the sentence; my brain short-circuiting as his skilled mouth moves lower.

He looks up at me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “First time for everything, girl scout.”

And with that, he dips his head even lower, and my world explodes into a million bright colors as he shows me just what I've been missing.

The tips of his fingers tug down my underwear.

"Mmm..." A moan escapes my lips before I can stop it, and I bite my lower lip, embarrassed by how badly I want this.

This is a Truitt, my current mortal enemy. I shouldn't be reacting to him like this.

Ben's eyes darken, and he smirks, as if he knows exactly how much power he has over me at this moment. "I've wondered how you’d taste," he whispers. His cock, is hard and throbbing against my thigh. “I never thought you’d taste this good.”

Before I can protest or regain my bearings, his tongue is on my inner thigh, licking and teasing with a hunger that catches me off guard.

Thoughts of the camping trip, the research project, and the Truitt’s dissipate like mist in the sunlight as Ben's tongue finds its way to my most sensitive spot.

"Oh, God," I moan, gripping the rock even tighter.

"I take it you like that?" he asks, though there's no need for a response. My body is betraying me, arching closer to him, silently begging for more.

He chuckles, and I can't blame him. I'm shaking.

His hands anchor me against the rock as he slowly, agonizingly, slips two fingers inside of me. I moan out loud, I've never felt anything like this.

His head between my legs, his lips and tongue moving against my skin with a slow, steady rhythm. His fingers still inside me, pumping in and out, as his other hand holds my legs down and in place.

His dark hair is tousled as his tongue flicks and swirls against my clit, his fingers moving faster now, his concentration solely on pleasuring me.

The pleasure intensifies as my climax builds, like a storm brewing in the distance.

I want him inside of me. All of him .

"Ben," I pant, my voice hoarse with need. "Please."

Looking up at me with hooded eyes, he smirks again. Oh, how I hate him right now for making me feel this way

“Tell me what you want," he growls, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.

"I - I want..."

Ben groans, and I feel his cock twitch against my thigh. The sight of him, staring at me as we look at one another ignites something dark and desperate within me. His fingers continue to methodically move in and out of me. His thumb now presses against my clit, moves in a slow, languid circle.

"Wait, I'm going to come," I pant, my nails clawing at the rock beneath me.

"That's it, baby," he growls, his fingers picking up speed. “Don’t fight it.”

The water laps at my legs, almost as if it’s jealous of the attention he’s giving my body.

I've never been one to do this sort of thing, but something about Ben Truitt brings out the wild in me. "But I want you inside of me," I say with a moan. Saying it out loud, uttering my dark want is almost enough to send me over.

He smirks, biting his lip. His fingers continue to pulse in and out.

“Not yet, baby,” he murmurs.

Before I can protest further, his mouth returns to my clit, like he's starving, like he's been waiting for this moment too.

I swear I'm going to combust.

His fingers are relentless, his tongue even more so. I can't help it as my back arches, my orgasm crashing through me in waves. "Ben!"

He doesn't stop. He pushes deeper inside of me, groaning, and I feel his cock twitch against my thigh.

"Shit," I pant, my nails clawing at the rock beneath me.

"That's it, baby," he growls.

I feel a rush of pleasure searing through my body, every nerve ending buzzing with ecstasy. My muscles tense and release in waves, my entire being consumed by the sensation of him. A shudder runs through me as I reach the peak of bliss, unable to control the overwhelming release of pleasure.

As my orgasm subsides, I collapse back onto the rock, boneless and breathless.

As my climax starts to subside, Ben finally removes his fingers from me, bringing them to his lips and tasting me, his eyes never leaving mine. The primal look on his face sets my core on fire once more. I'm left panting, my chest heaving.

After what feels like an eternity, I manage to catch my breath. "Oh my god...”

Suddenly, a branch cracks in the distance, startling us both. Ben pulls away from me, and we both look around, suddenly aware of our nakedness in the middle of the lake.

A deer bolts past us down the trail.

Embarrassed, I turn my gaze away from his.

“We should probably get out of here before someone sees us,” I say, my voice no louder than a whisper.

He nods in agreement, but I can still see the heat in his eyes.

“Yeah, you're right.” He clears his throat.

We swim to the shore, and I quickly grab my clothes, desperately trying to cover up my nakedness. He does the same, but not before I catch a glimpse of his chest, with water droplets glistening on his tanned skin.

As we dress, neither of us speaks, the tension between us as thick as the mountain air.

Finally, once we're both clothed, we start the hike back down the trail. It's now silent between us, except for the sound of our footsteps on the rocky path.

What just happened?