Midnight Rebel (Midnight Falls, Texas)

Chapter 6

Autumn

I should protest, remind him I’m a grown woman who doesn’t take orders from anyone, but the intensity in his eyes keeps me rooted to the spot.

Something more than protectiveness is evident in his gaze—something vulnerable he’s trying to hide, a silent plea that tugs at my heart.

“Colt, I?—”

He cuts me off with a sharp gesture, his face set in that stern, unyielding expression I’ve come to know all too well.

“I’m not discussing this,” he says, his voice deep and commanding. “It’s not safe for you out there. Not until we figure out what’s going on.”

I cross my arms, stubbornness flaring up. “And what about my job? My investigation?”

He steps closer, his tall frame towering over me. “You can still do your job,” he says, his voice softer now. “But you’ll do it from here. Where I can keep an eye on you.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Keep an eye on me? Or keep me under your thumb?”

A hint of a smile tugs at his lips. “Both,” he admits, his blue eyes locked onto mine. “But mostly, I just want to keep you safe.”

Safe. The word resonates within me, stirring something deep and primal. I’ve never had someone want to protect me like this—not since my dad left when I was a kid.

Colt is gruff and commanding, yes, but gentleness resides beneath his rough exterior. A tenderness he reserves for me.

I take a deep breath, my resistance crumbling. “I’ll stay. But only until we get to the bottom of this.”

Relief flickers in his eyes, but he doesn’t acknowledge it. Instead, he nods, his expression stoic. “Good. Now, let’s get your things from the hotel so we can get you settled in.”

A short time later, I step through the grand doors of The Manor, my small suitcase rolling behind me. The foyer feels different now—less intimidating, more welcoming.

Colt stands beside me, his presence both comforting and unsettling. He takes my bag, his fingers brushing mine. “Welcome to your temporary home, Firefly.”

Home. I’ve never truly felt at home anywhere since leaving Midnight Falls, but standing here with Colt, I feel a sense of belonging.

“I’ll show you to your room,” he says, taking my suitcase.

He leads me up the grand staircase, his hand resting on the small of my back. The simple touch sends shivers down my spine, igniting a warmth that spreads through my veins. I can’t help but lean into his touch, craving more.

Colt takes me to a room at the end of the hall. It’s spacious and elegantly furnished, with a large four-poster bed, a stunning view of the gardens, and a fireplace that crackles with a cozy fire.

Little details catch my eye—the vase of fresh flowers on the nightstand, the fluffy robe laid out on the bed, the bottle of my favorite wine placed on the table by the window.

“You arranged all this for me?” I ask, my voice choked with emotion.

Colt shifts uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s nothing. I want you to be comfortable.”

“It’s not nothing, Colt. It’s... it’s perfect.”

He looks down at me then, his eyes softening. “You deserve perfection, Autumn. I never thought I’d find someone who makes me feel this way.”

The words wrap around me like an embrace, melting my doubts. I stand on my toes, my lips brushing his in a tentative kiss. He lets me lead, his body tense as if he’s holding back. But when I deepen the kiss, his control snaps.

He pulls me flush against him, his arms wrapping around me like steel bands. His kiss is fierce, demanding, filled with a desperation that matches mine.

I cling to him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as our tongues dance, our breaths mingle, and our hearts beat as one.

When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathless, our chests heaving with exertion. I reach up, cupping his cheek. His stubble is rough against my palm, but his skin is warm, inviting.

“Colt,” I whisper, my eyes locked onto his. “What are we doing?”

Colt rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed as if he’s savoring the moment.

“Stay with me,” he whispers, his voice raw with emotion. “Not just here, in The Manor. Stay with me. Be mine.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my breath hitch. Fear of the unknown, of the risks that come with loving someone like Colt. But also joy—joy at the thought of belonging to him, of being his.

“I’m yours, Colt,” I say, my voice filled with conviction.

A shudder runs through him as if my words have unlocked something deep within him. He sweeps me off my feet, carrying me to the bed with an urgency that sets my pulse racing.

He lays me down gently, his body covering mine as he claims my lips in another searing kiss.

His fingers slip under my shirt. Possessive. Firm. I don’t pull away. I’m ready. I want this. He traces my hip.

Heat floods through me. His palm is rough, strong. It wakes something primal in me. Hungry.

I lean in. My breath catches as he explores higher. Every touch sparks. Tension builds between us. Desire, almost unbearable.

He cups my breast. I gasp when his thumb grazes my nipple. “Is this what you want, Firefly?” Colt’s voice is low.

I moan softly, arching into him. Wanting more. “Yes,” I whisper.

Colt kisses me. Devouring. Demanding. I melt against him. Our bodies press close. His tongue teases mine. I’m breathless, craving more of this intoxicating connection.

His body is hard, strong arms holding me. Every touch, every kiss promises more. Something deeper. Something real. I’m ready to leap, to give in to our fire.

His hands roam my body, tracing every curve and line like sacred ground. I arch into his touch, craving more, wanting to feel every inch of him against me.

He obliges, his body pressing against mine, his hard length grazing my thigh.

His body is hard, strong arms holding me. Every touch, every kiss promises more. Something deeper. Something real. I’m ready to leap, to give in to our fire.

Colt kisses me. Hungry. Demanding. I melt against him. Our bodies press close. His tongue teases mine. I’m breathless, craving more.

I meet Colt’s intense gaze, my breath catching in my throat. There’s no going back from here, and the realization thrills and terrifies me.

I tug at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine. He breaks the kiss long enough to pull his shirt off, revealing a chest sculpted with muscle and marked with scars and tattoos.

Each mark tells a story—a story of pain, of loss, of survival. And I want to hear them all.

He helps me out of my clothes, his touch reverent as he uncovers my body. When I’m finally bare before him, he takes a moment to just look at me, his eyes filled with awe and desire.

“You’re so beautiful, Autumn,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

I reach up, tracing the lines of his tattoos, the ridges of his scars. “And you’re perfect, Colt. Just the way you are.”

He captures my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. “I’m far from perfect, Autumn. But with you... I want to be better. I want to be the man you deserve.”

“Colt,” I whisper, my voice trembling slightly. His name on my lips sends a shiver down my spine. “I want this. I want you.”

Colt chuckles, his warm breath tickling my ear. “Good, because after tonight, Firefly, you won’t be going anywhere without me.”

“Is that so?” I tease, my voice shaking slightly. My pulse races as the heat of his body brands me as his. I can feel the heat of his body against mine, and my pulse is racing. “You’ve got quite the ego, Mr. Montgomery.”

“Oh, it’s not ego if I can back it up.” Colt leans in, his lips brushing my ear. “Because I am claiming you, Firefly. Your heart, your body, every part of you will belong to me.”

My breath comes in quick gasps. It’s fast, this thing between us, but it feels so right. “Is that a promise?”

Colt’s hand cups the back of my neck, his thumb brushing my jawline. “It’s a guarantee,” he murmurs, his voice deep and rich.

I tug at his jeans, eager to have him completely bare. He helps me, kicking them off along with his boxers, revealing his hard, pulsing length.

I reach out, tentatively wrapping my hand around him, feeling him throb in my grip.

“Fuck, Autumn,” he whispers against my lips, his voice rough with desire. “You’re driving me crazy.”

He groans, capturing my mouth in another searing kiss. His hands explore my body, kneading my breasts, pinching my nipples, making me writhe with pleasure.

He trails kisses down my neck, my collarbone, my stomach until he reaches the apex of my thighs.

“Colt,” I gasp as he parts my legs, his eyes locked onto mine.

“I’m dying to taste you,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky. “I’m going to make you come with my tongue.”

I shudder with anticipation as he lowers his head, his tongue tracing a path along my inner thigh. He teases me, his hot breath against my skin, making me squirm with need.

When he finally reaches my center, I cry out, the sensation overwhelming.

He licks and sucks, his tongue circling my clit, driving me wild. “You taste so fucking good, Autumn,” he growls, his voice vibrating against me. “I could do this all night.”

I thrust my hips against him, wanting more, needing more. “Colt, please,” I beg, my voice desperate.

He chuckles, the sound sending vibrations through me. “Please, what, baby? Tell me what you want.”

“I want you to fuck me,” I gasp, my body trembling with need. “I want you inside me.”

He groans, lifting his head to look at me. His eyes are dark with desire, his lips glistening with my arousal. “I’m going to fuck you, Autumn,” he says, his voice filled with promise. “I’m going to fuck you so hard, you’ll forget your own name.”

He crawls up my body, his hard length pressing against my entrance. I wrap my legs around him, pulling him closer, eager to feel him inside me.

“Are you ready for me, Autumn?” he whispers, his voice rough with need.

“Yes,” I gasp, my heart pounding in my chest. “I’m ready.”

He enters me slowly, inch by inch, stretching me, filling me completely. I cry out, the sensation overwhelming. He pauses, giving me time to adjust, his body trembling with restraint.

“Fuck, Autumn,” he groans, his forehead resting against mine. “You feel so fucking good.”

I cling to him, my nails digging into his back as he starts to move, slowly at first, then faster, harder. Each thrust sends waves of pleasure coursing through me, building, growing until I’m on the edge of release.

“Colt,” I gasp, my body trembling. “I’m so close.”

He growls, his body slamming into mine with renewed intensity. “Come for me, Autumn,” he demands, his voice rough with need. “Let me feel you come.”

His words push me over the edge, and I cry out, my body convulsing with pleasure. He continues to thrust, riding out my orgasm, driving me higher and higher until I’m lost in a sea of sensation.

I’m vaguely aware of his hoarse shout as he finds his release before slumping on top of me.

As we lie there, our bodies entwined, I can’t help but reflect on how much I’ve changed. I’m falling in love with Colt, and it’s complicating everything.

My investigation, my career, my future plans—so much hangs in the balance.

I lie awake, staring at the ceiling, Colt’s steady breathing a comforting rhythm beside me. How can I be a journalist and fall in love with the subject of my investigation?

What will my boss say? What will my readers think?

But how can I deny what I feel for Colt?