Shephard (Mountain Men of Danger Falls #1)

Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

S hephard

The question the reporter had asked weighed on my mind. It also fed into the thoughts I’d had while growing up.

What if my father had been into some bad shit when I was a kid? I knew he’d wanted a better life for his family. That much I would give him. However, his cloak of secrecy about his career added credence.

The shit would come up again, although so far the question and the incident had yet to be on television. Maybe no one had heard it. The resort lobby had been loud with people checking in. Unfortunately, I knew it was only a matter of time. I’d been around the block more than once. The question was whether to grill my father or let it drop.

I’d almost called my old handler, asking him to make some inquiries, but I didn’t want to open that locked box at this point. However, I’d need to make a decision soon enough about what needed to be done.

Shit for a day.

There was no other way of putting the crap I’d been through in the last few hours. I’d lost track of time after walking away from the single punch, being hounded by the press as well as other members of my staff.

It had been surprising no one had pestered me about the question thrown out by the one reporter.

Perhaps I was lucky no one had dared contact the sheriff, although I’d heard the man had way too much on his plate to give a shit.

Still, I’d been forced to give a statement after grousing about it for two hours. There’d been no other way of getting the buzzards off my back.

I was certain the entire town figured I was a loose cannon. That was on television. Let them think that way. I couldn’t care less. I’d finally left after seven-thirty. Leaving that late hadn’t been my intent, but I’d locked myself away in the office, now my office, and buried myself in paperwork. There’d been a mound of contracts to sign.

I’d discovered Pops hadn’t been around much during the last few months, leaving a huge pile of paperwork. I was lucky I’d dropped by or some basic needs such as the two loads of paper products would have been sent back. Toilet paper was a necessity when you had eighty-five percent occupancy and more guests expected in the next few days.

The food shipment had been met and signed off on by the chef, but Pierre’s screaming at the driver had forced me to intervene. I would be glad when Hunter took over the restaurant. I’d be forced to call his sorry ass if he didn’t show up for work tomorrow.

I’d left the resort, determined to head back to the cabin, but when I’d passed by a local bar, I’d been tempted enough for a quick beer and a shot of whiskey. So I’d allowed myself to go in.

I had to think what I knew about Pops over before coming to any conclusions.

At least no one was paying any attention when I walked in. It was surprisingly busy, several groups of mostly guys already hyped up on whatever football game was on as they guzzled beer and ate pretzels.

There were several televisions, half with one game, half with another. If I had to guess, I’d say a good majority of the customers were from the tour bus. At least that kept the waitstaff busy and hopefully staying out of my business.

I’d consumed a burger and a beer already, enjoying it more than I’d thought I would. Maybe that’s because I hadn’t eaten a damn thing all day. After pushing my plate away, I glanced at the television, shaking my head. I’d never gotten into sports. Pops hadn’t been interested in his kids being involved in them in school.

So many strange thoughts rushed through my mind, including the one time when Mom and Dad had taken me and my brothers to an amusement park in the next town. Suddenly, we’d been forced to leave. There’d been no explanation, no hesitation. When I’d asked, he’d forced me to stay in my room for the rest of the night.

Had he been afraid someone had seen him, or he’d recognized someone from his past? I wasn’t ready to jump to any conclusions.

I headed toward the neon-lit corridor leading to the bathrooms, doing my business and washing my hands. Anger still resonated somewhere within, the reporter threatening to sue my sorry ass, his new name for me. I’d dared him to bring it on. No, the resort didn’t need that kind of notoriety, but even after I’d broken his nose, he hadn’t stopped pestering me with questions. It was as if he was digging into my past.

Unacceptable.

I was committed to keeping to myself as much as possible.

After glaring at my reflection, I headed back to the corner stool. I’d grab another drink before leaving. That much I owed to myself. I should have known some jerk would steal my barstool. I noticed the dude’s presence as soon as I walked back into the bar. Not that I had my name on the stool, but it was obvious someone had been still sitting there with a partially consumed beer.

It didn’t take me long to realize who was sitting in my chair.

The woman from before, the one who’d bumped into me and made a scene earlier that day. She was also the copper-haired beauty I hadn’t been able to get my mind off. Or maybe I should say my thoughts had been buried in a filthy gutter, the longing keeping my cock aching and my balls tight.

After this morning, it had taken all I had not to follow her to her vehicle, forcing her to go somewhere with me. But that would be considered kidnapping, wouldn’t it? I moved closer, crowding her space. She was looking the other way, tapping her long fingers on the bar as if impatient for a drink.

I was within inches when her body tensed and she turned slightly in my direction. Her reaction was immediate and just as surly as earlier in the day. She narrowed her eyes and cursed under her breath.

“Are you stalking me now too?” Her question was laced with venom.

“You’re sitting on my stool.”

“I didn’t see your name attached. Are you one of those guys that must sit in the same place at your local watering hole?”

I cocked my head, leaning against the bar. The bartender eyed me first and I nodded. If she was waiting for me to ask her what she wanted, she’d be sitting without a drink for a long time.

“I’ll have a merlot, Josh. You know the one. Make certain my buddy here gets rotgut whatever.”

Josh whistled and threw up his hands. “Just play nice. I have enough of a rowdy crowd to deal with.”

The guests from tables behind us took that moment to issue collective primal screams for whatever team had scored a touchdown.

“Sure thing,” she answered. When I didn’t budge, she exhaled. “Are you going to stand there the entire time I’m here?”

“Since you’re sitting in my seat, I could deal with pulling you into my lap.” I had a feeling that would shock her since I’d said very little.

“I suggest you not try something stupid like that, buddy. I’ve had a shit for a day and I’m in the mood for a war.”

“Yeah? My day was worse than yours.” Now we were comparing bad days. I’d be damned, but as if by some karma or clockwork from hell, the news broadcast from the incident this morning was played out in vivid color on a commercial.

Well, shit. There was the solid hit for the entire town to see. At least the volume on the guy’s microphone hadn’t been at a level anyone could hear.

The horrible scene grabbed her attention and as she stared at the screen, she went from smiling that I’d broken the guy’s nose to grimacing when hearing who I was.

“That’s you?”

I could tell she wasn’t very happy about learning what little the reporter knew about me. “Yeah. Don’t like it?”

“You’re running the resort?”

“With my two brothers. Not my idea or something I dreamed of doing.”

“Then leave.” She turned her head just as drinks were thudded down on the bar.

“Can’t do. Family comes first.”

“Shephard Fox. Sounds like a hero in a romance novel.”

I grabbed my whiskey. Being around her either meant drinking or fucking. I doubted we were on the road to another filthy tryst.

“Yeah, don’t get your hopes up.”

“A bad dude, huh?” She took a sip of her wine, once again turning her head in my direction. I was surprised when she picked at one of my fries, slowly putting it in her mouth. I seriously doubted she was bothering to flirt with me. She was simply acting out on her rebellious personality. Maybe that’s why I liked her.

The action was provocative as hell, which did nothing to ease the ache in my groin. Soon, my cock would be on fire.

“Yeah, real bad. Now that you know my name, what’s yours or are you too afraid of the big, bad canine?”

She burst into laughter, forced to take another sip of her wine to keep from choking. “You have no idea. After what I’ve had to see the past day and the shit from this morning, you could be a Bengal tiger and I could best you in five seconds.”

I wanted to bet her that wouldn’t happen, but I had to weigh what sparring with a local would mean. No longer was she just some fling at a seedy motel.

“I’d like to see that.” I took a quick glance around the joint to see if anyone was paying any attention. Fortunately, they weren’t, which was good for their health. “Name.”

“Fine. It’s Denise.”

“A shitty day, huh?” Why in the hell was I continuing a conversation with her? We weren’t going to be friends.

“Yeah, real shitty. Try being handed a twenty-four-hour suspension for breaking your associate’s nose.”

I hadn’t expected that and for the first time in as long as I could remember, I was able to grin. “Well, looks like we’re two rowdy assholes. Normal behavior?”

“Normal behavior.” Denise even lifted her glass, locking eyes with mine. “I had my reasons. You?”

“The reporter had it coming.”

“Mmm… Tough guy. You don’t like your picture taken. You don’t like to be bothered. You certainly don’t like to chitchat. My guess is you don’t like people very much.”

“Now, why would you think that?”

“Maybe because I’m a mind reader.”

She had a way of getting under a man’s skin and attaching a leash to his libido. I gave her a respectful nod. Why not? “You’re a control freak who doesn’t like authority figures. If I had to guess, I’d say you’re in security somewhere. You’re a loner yourself, preferring the company of Pepper to anyone else. You take your job seriously, which means you won’t take shit and have no time for friends. How am I doing, sweetheart?”

She lifted her glass again, also providing me with a nod. “Not bad for a grumpy asshole. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

After taking another swig of her wine and placing her glass carefully on the bar, she slithered around me, not looking back for one second as she headed to the restroom. She was a tough girl, even harder to read. I had a feeling she didn’t like that I’d seen through some of her facade, but I was damn good at observing people. She was still hiding something just like I was.

“Careful with her,” the bartender warned. “She’s a park ranger and knows her shit. Some big-time ex-detective with a stellar record. But she has a chip on her shoulder.”

“Yeah? Don’t we all. No one sits here until we return. No one.”

“You got it.”

I powered back my whiskey before heading to the ladies’ room. I wasn’t into protocol or rules myself, so why bother worrying about breaking them here? She was one feisty woman with a nasty attitude and it suited my purposes.

And tempted my hunger.

There was no sense of beating around the bush. I entered the bathroom, surprising a woman who was washing her hands. But she quickly hurried from the room, barely managing to dump the paper towel into the trash.

Denise walked out, adjusting her top. It took her all of three seconds to notice my presence. Her expression was unreadable, but I did notice her nipples were fully aroused. Plus, her scent was intoxicating.

She said nothing.

I said nothing.

The quiet was fascinating as she washed her hands, both of us glaring at a woman when she tried to walk in but decided to back out. When she was finished, she chose to force herself to cross partially in front of me to grab a towel instead of using the other dispenser.

The close proximity was electrifying.

I peered down at her for a few seconds, waiting to see if she’d attempt to shove me aside. It was the only reprieve she would be allowed. I whipped her around, driving her back against the same wall where I’d stood. Only I fisted her ponytail, using it to keep her right where I wanted her.

There were no words needed as she attempted to fight for superiority in the room. Of course I’d win, but it was fun to see her try. She even attempted to use a wrestling move to trip me up, but I was way ahead of her. I slipped my other hand to the back of her neck, squeezing while I lifted her head and lowered mine.

“Nice try, sweetheart.” As I captured her mouth, I was instantly reminded how sweet she tasted. Tonight, her mouth was more on fire than before, her tongue attempting to gain control.

Not going to happen.

I crushed her body against mine, grinding my hips so she understood she was mine for the taking. Like it or not.

She continued fighting, but eventually decided to use her feminine wiles for a power exchange. I allowed her to think it was going to work.

For a few seconds.

The passion was more intense than a few nights before, the crazy feeling of being alive tearing through every muscle. Her moans were addictive, my cock now pressing tightly against my jeans. Relief was not a question, but a necessity.

I allowed her to shove me away and her smile told me she was ready to strike like a snake. I was right. Her bite on my bottom lip was painful, easily drawing blood, but it only fueled the raging fire.

When she cupped my bulge, I sensed keeping my own self-control was going to be tough. I tugged on her hair, forcing her back into an arch and biting down on her neck. Why the hell not mark her with more than just my scent?

She hissed through clenched teeth, still trying to reach for my cock. Maybe she could fondle it later, but I was far too famished.

I was finished with foreplay, jerking her around toward the mirror. Glancing at her reflection, I sensed she had something up her sleeve. Too bad she wasn’t going to accomplish her goal.

The feisty woman was shocked when I easily unfastened her jeans, ripping the dense material down her rounded hips without any issue.

I wasn’t surprised she wasn’t attempting to stop me, the wicked smile on her face a clear indication she felt the same.

Same desires.

Same needs.

Same feeling of ignoring any sense of common decency.

Ravaging this woman right here was sinful, but would be delicious. I wrangled her thong down as well, marveling at how wet she was. Before I bothered to unfasten my belt, I slipped my fingers in between her swollen folds. Her rapid breathing was a nice reward. I wasted no time, maneuvering my jeans down to where I could enjoy the moment.

Her grip on the counter tightened with one hand, but she slammed the other against the mirror, the force jarring both of us. I gave her a stark look and drove the entire length of my cock deep into her pussy.

She was tight, so much so my entire body tensed even as another shot of current jetted through me. I was amazed how good it felt as her muscles constricted like a tight vise around my shaft. I could do nothing more than thrust inside of her for an hour.

But I knew I wouldn’t last that long. I powered into her, rocking my hips as I drove myself onto the balls of my feet.

The ache in my testicles continued, but the wetness of her tight channel offered some delirious relief.

She was panting, staring at me with unblinking eyes. The steam was increasing on the mirror and it was the second time of the night I grinned. This has been a damn good idea.

I had a grip on her hips, digging my nails in, but I certainly didn’t need to hold her in place. She was rocking with me, meeting every brutal thrust when she could. Our animalistic sounds increased as our desire reached a frenetic pinnacle.

The moment was close to being perfect, although I was determined after this night I’d stay away from her. It would be best for both of us. But right now, all my mind could process was unloading deep within her sweet pussy.

As her muscles continued clenching and releasing, I sensed she was close to coming. I picked up my rhythm, plunging more savagely than before. This wasn’t about being gentle in any way. Not that she cared. It was obvious she liked it rough.

Another plus.

Along with her stunning good looks and adventurous spirit. Now I was a philosopher. I growled like some beast as her body tensed. Yeah, I wanted her to come. I was having a tough time keeping control, but as she began to float closer to nirvana, I slowed my rhythm and switched the angle.

“Oh. My. God. You…” Denise wasn’t able to finish her exclamation, throwing her head back as she pounded her hand against the mirror. She bucked hard against my body, the noises we were both making primal.

As the climax rushed through her, I gritted my teeth. It was all I could do to hold on. Hold on… The need outweighed everything else and I lost it, erupting deep inside just like I’d wanted.

And it was perhaps the most satisfying moment I’d experienced since…

The few nights before.

Well, shit. She had gotten under my skin.