I groaned pushing back against him as I stirred from my sleep. I was comfortable in his arms. His fingers gripped my hip tight, "Baby," he whispered in my ear with a groan of his own, "stop."

"Say that again," I said turning my head so I can see his face.

"Stop," he slipped his hand up my shirt, brushing against my skin.

"Not that," I murmured. "The other thing."

Ryan's sleepy eyes flickered open, a slow, knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His fingers splayed across my stomach, warm and firm against my skin. "Baby," he murmured again, softer this time, like he was testing how it felt on his tongue.

A shiver ran down my spine. I shouldn't have liked it as much as I did. But I did.

"Hmm," I hummed, shifting just enough to feel the way his body responded to mine. "I think I like that."

He groaned, tightening his grip on my hip like he was trying to hold me still, like he was fighting against every instinct he had. "You're killin' me," he muttered, his voice rough with sleep and something deeper, something that made my stomach flip.

I smirked, pushing back against him again just to hear that sound one more time. "Am I?"

"Yeah," he exhaled sharply, pressing his forehead against my shoulder. "And you damn well know it."

I turned in his arms, my hand sliding up his chest. His heart was beating just as fast as mine. "Then stop me," I teased, though we both knew he wouldn't. He never could.

"I just don't want you making too much noise and waking the whole bunkhouse," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep and something else entirely.

"I can be quiet," I countered, shifting against him.

Ryan let out a low chuckle, his hands roaming higher beneath my shirt. "You?" he teased. "You're never quiet."

I felt the smirk in his voice before he even said it, his fingers tracing the bare skin beneath. "No bra?"

"Hard to sleep with one on," I murmured, my breath hitching as his touch grew bolder. "You're lucky I still have pants on."

"Lucky?" He hummed, his grip tightening at my waist. "I wouldn't call it that."

Ryan's fingers traced lazy circles along my ribs, his touch both teasing and possessive. His breath was warm against my neck, sending a fresh wave of heat through me.

"You really think you can be quiet?" he challenged, voice low and full of doubt.

I tilted my head, smirking in the dark. "You doubt me?"

"Oh, I know you," he murmured, his fingers teasing my nipple to a hardened peak. "You can try all you want, but the second I–"

The moan I let out was louder than I had anticipated.

His chuckle was deep, smug. "See? Not even two seconds in, and you're already strugglin'."

I bit my lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction. "I can handle you."

Ryan's hand flexed, gripping me tighter. "That so?"

I turned in his arms, brushing my lips against his jaw. "You gonna test me?"

His response was a low growl, his restraint hanging by a thread. "You're really pushin' your luck, baby."

I grinned against his skin. "Then push back."

His thumb traced slow, deliberate circles along my side as his hand drifted lower, sliding over my stomach with practiced ease. The metal button of my jeans popped open beneath his touch, and the whisper of the zipper coming down sent a shiver through me.

His fingers slipped lower, teasing, exploring, igniting a fire just beneath my skin. Every inch he touched burned, heat rippling through me in waves, following the path of his hand.

"Still think I'm lucky?" he murmured against my ear, his voice thick with amusement and desire.

I could barely find my breath, let alone the words to answer.

"Shhh," he hushed me, his breath warm against my neck as his hand slipped further down, fingertips grazing over soft satin before dipping beneath.

I bit my lip, my body betraying me as I squirmed against him, chasing his touch without meaning to.

His smirk pressed into my skin. "Not so easy, is it?" he teased, his voice thick with satisfaction.

I swallowed hard, gripping his wrist, but I didn't push him away. Instead, I held on, grounding myself against the rush of heat surging through me.

"Mmm," he groaned in my ear, his fingers slipping lower gliding over my delicate folds, "wet already?"

I bit my lip to quiet the moan that was threatening to escape.

"Do you want me to stop?" his voice rasped over my ear.

I shook my head, my breath hitching as his fingers traced slow, torturous circles against my sensitive skin.

"Didn't think so," he murmured, his lips grazing the shell of my ear. His voice was low, smug, knowing exactly what he was doing to me.

My grip on his forearm tightened as he pressed deeper, his touch sending shivers through me. I arched against him, my body answering before I could find the words.

"That's my girl," he praised, his fingers moving with practiced ease. "Just let me take care of you."

My lids fluttered shut as my legs parted, inviting him in. He slid one finger inside me, then another, stretching me just right. His thumb moved in slow, deliberate circles over my aching bundle of nerves, sending shivers rippling through my body.

A soft whimper escaped my lips as he moved with agonizing precision, teasing and coaxing me closer to the edge. His breath was warm against my neck, his voice a low rasp, "So damn responsive… always so good for me."

I bit down on my lip harder, trying to keep quiet, but he wasn't making it easy. His fingers curled just right, hitting that spot that made my whole body tense, heat pooling deep in my core.

"Feel that?" he whispered, his thumb circling slow, deliberate strokes over my clit.

My fingers dug into his wrist, my back arching instinctively. "Ryan—" I breathed, barely more than a whimper.

"That's it, baby," he murmured against my skin. "Cum for me."

My body trembled in his arms as I let my orgasm wash over me. It was as if all of the tension that had been swelling up finally and fully snapped. My walls clamped down tight around his fingers, coating them with my juices.

A deep, satisfied groan rumbled in his chest as he felt me come undone around him. His fingers slowed, drawing out every last tremor, savoring the way my body pulsed in his grip.

"That's my girl," he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss against the side of my neck.

I sagged against him, my breath coming in soft, uneven pants. His hand lingered, fingers still lazily tracing over my slick heat as if he wasn't quite ready to let me go.

"You okay?" he finally asked, his voice warm, tinged with amusement.

I let out a breathy laugh, turning my head just enough to meet his gaze. "Ask me again when I remember how to speak."

He smirked, bringing his fingers to his lips, tasting me with a slow, deliberate flick of his tongue. "Just as sweet as I remembered," he mused, his eyes dark with satisfaction.

Heat flared in my belly all over again, but before I could respond, a noise from the other side of the bunkhouse reminded me exactly where we were. I tensed, reality creeping back in.

Ryan chuckled, reading my thoughts. "Relax, baby. Everyone's dead asleep." His hand slid up, settling possessively on my waist. "But if you're that worried… guess I'll just have to take you somewhere quieter next time."

"I'm not worried about being quiet," I teased him, "but I would like there to be a bed I don't have to worry about falling off the side of."

Ryan chuckled, his grip on my waist tightening as he pulled me even closer. "You saying my bunk ain't good enough for you?" he teased, his breath warm against my neck.

I smirked, tilting my head to look at him. "I'm saying I'd rather not end up on the floor in the middle of the night. Pretty sure that'd ruin the mood."

He hummed in agreement, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my hip. "Alright, princess. Next time, I'll make sure you've got a proper bed. One big enough for me to really take care of you in."

A shiver ran down my spine at the promise in his voice. "That so?"

Ryan grinned, his lips brushing my ear. "You'll see soon enough."

"I look forward to it," I rolled my hips against him.

"I thought I told you to stop," he swatted my hip lightly.

I grinned against his skin, deliberately rolling my hips again. "And I thought you liked a challenge."

Ryan let out a low groan, his fingers tightening on my waist as if trying to steady himself. "You keep that up, and I'll forget all about that nice, big bed you were askin' for."

I smirked, pressing a teasing kiss to his jaw. "Maybe I don't mind a little impatience."

His chuckle was dark, full of heat. "You say that now, but if I take you right here, you'll be the one beggin' me to slow down."

"I think someone is scared they wouldn't be able to be quiet," I whispered.

"I don't want to be," he responded, "especially when I'm balls deep inside you."

I bit my lip at the thought and I could feel him hard pressed against my ass. A playful smile tugged at my lips as I glanced down and back up."So how do you plan on taking care of that?"

"I was trying to let it go away on its own, like a grown-up, but you are making it impossible," he groaned.

I shifted against him, deliberately slow, feeling his breath hitch as I pressed back into him. "Let it go away?" I teased, arching a brow. "That doesn't sound like much fun."

Ryan let out a strained chuckle, his fingers gripping my hips tighter. "Fun ain't the problem, darlin'. Keep this up, and I'm gonna forget we got a bunkhouse full of ears."

"Maybe I want you to forget," I shifted, lifting my hips slightly so I could push down my jeans. Struggling as I reached down to pull one leg off and then the other, without actually getting out of bed.

"What are you doing?" he chuckled softly watching me struggle.

I managed to work my way out of my jeans, dropping them on the floor beside my boots, "Removing an obstacle. Just imagine that was way sexier than it looked."

"Everything about you is sexy," his hand glided along my now bare thigh. "You sure you wanna do this here?"

I grinned, shifting so I could press back against him, feeling the heat radiating between us. "I think the real question is—can you handle it?"

Ryan let out a low groan, his grip tightening on my hips. "Darlin', you keep testing me like this, and I'm gonna forget about being a gentleman real fast."

"Maybe I don't need a gentleman right now," I murmured, letting my fingers trail down his arm.

He exhaled sharply, his resolve cracking as his hand skimmed higher up my thigh. "You drive me crazy, you know that?"

I smirked, tilting my head back against his shoulder. "Yeah, I know."

"You still have these on," his fingers traced the waistband of my panties.

"I can't make it too easy for you," I smirked, "besides you still have your pants on."

He popped the button of his jeans and slowly lowered the zipper freeing himself from the confines of his pants. I smirked as he cracked.

"Just remember if we find ourselves performing in front of an audience it's your fault," Ryan let out a low chuckle, his breath warm against my neck, "You're real good at pushin' my limits, you know that?"

I shifted against him, reveling in the way his body tensed. "And you love every second of it."

His hands gripped my hips, holding me still as he leaned in, lips grazing the shell of my ear. "That so?"

"Mhm," I hummed, teasing him by rolling my hips back against his arousal. "Otherwise, you'd stop me."

Ryan let out a sharp breath, his restraint hanging by a thread. "Darlin', the only thing stoppin' me right now is the fact that we ain't alone."

I turned my head, letting my lips brush against his jaw. "Guess we better be real quiet then, huh?"

He groaned, slipping his fingers beneath the fabric of my panties, his other hand tugging them down just enough. "You are gonna be the death of me."

I smirked. "But what a way to go."

Slowly, agonizingly slowly, he positioned himself at my entrance, inching inside me. His grip on my hip tightened as he pushed deeper. My head leaned back against his chest, feeling the satisfying stretch when he was finally buried fully inside me.

He groaned as he stilled himself, "I almost forgot how good you feel."

Ryan's breath was hot against my ear, his voice rough with restraint. His fingers flexed against my skin, as if grounding himself, fighting the urge to move too fast.

I let out a shaky breath, adjusting to the way he filled me. "Then don't forget again," I murmured, rolling my hips just enough to feel him twitch inside me.

His grip on my hip tightened. "Darlin', you keep that up, and I ain't gonna be able to take my time with you."

A wicked smile curved my lips. "Maybe I don't want you to."

Ryan groaned, his resolve snapping as he thrust deeper, pulling a sharp gasp from my lips. "Shh, gotta be quiet remember," he muttered, his hand sliding up my stomach, teasing the swell of my breast.

"Sorry, I just wasn't expecting that to feel so good," I muttered. I knew I had to maintain restraint or he'd stop. I didn't want him to stop. Ever.

"I gotta move slow," he growled, "this bed wasn't made for you half-naked in it."

I bit my lip, swallowing another gasp as he rolled his hips, each slow thrust sending waves of pleasure rippling through me. His grip on my waist was firm, like he was holding himself back, trying to keep control.

"You keep making those sounds," he murmured, his lips brushing the shell of my ear, "and I'm gonna forget all about this damn bed."

I exhaled sharply, pressing back against him, loving the way he filled me, stretched me. "Maybe I want you to forget."

Ryan let out a low chuckle, but it was strained, like he was barely holding on. "You're playin' a dangerous game, darlin'."

I smirked, gripping the arm wrapped around my waist. "Then stop holdin' back."

His breath hitched, and then his restraint snapped. His hips snapped forward, burying himself to the hilt, dragging a muffled moan from my lips as pleasure crashed over me.

"Fuck," he growled, pressing a hand over my mouth, his own breath ragged. "If we get caught, it's on you."

I fought back another moan as I squeezed my walls around him. I felt him tense as he pulled back and then pushed back inside me.

I was hanging on by a thread and I could feel him just as close.

A low growl rumbled from his chest, and then he snapped. His pace quickened, his thrusts deeper, more desperate. I bit down on my lip, barely stifling the whimper that threatened to spill free. The need coiled tight inside me, every stroke sending me spiraling closer to the edge.

"Fuck, darlin'," he groaned, his lips brushing against my shoulder, his fingers digging into my skin. "You feel too damn good."

I gripped his forearm, nails sinking into his flesh as pleasure surged through me, my walls fluttering around him. "Ryan—" His name slipped past my lips, breathless, pleading.

"I got you," he muttered, his pace turning erratic, chasing his own release. "Cum for me."

And I did. My body tightened, pleasure crashing over me like a wave, stealing the breath from my lungs. I clenched around him, and with a strangled groan, he followed, his body tensing as he spilled inside me, burying himself deep one last time.

We stayed like that for a moment, tangled together, our breathing heavy, skin slick with sweat. He pressed a lazy kiss to the back of my neck before pulling me closer, his arms wrapping around me.

"If this is what happens when you sneak into the bunkhouse," he murmured, his voice still thick with satisfaction, "I might have to start leavin' the door unlocked."

"I didn't sneak in I walked right in lights on and everything," I teased, "I wanted to make sure I made it in the right cowboy's bed."

"That so?" he mused, "I don't think anyone else would put up with your antics."

I grinned, turning just enough to meet his gaze. "Antics? I think you mean charm."

Ryan let out a low chuckle, his fingers trailing lazily up and down my side. "Oh yeah, darlin', that's what we'll call it."

I smirked, shifting to nestle closer against him. "Admit it, you'd miss me if I wasn't around to keep you on your toes."

He hummed, pressing a kiss against my shoulder. "Probably."

"Probably?" I scoffed, pinching his side lightly.

He caught my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. "Fine," he conceded with a lazy grin, "definitely. But don't let it go to your head."

I laughed softly, squeezing his hand. "Too late."

Ryan sighed, pulling me even closer. "Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. Now go back to sleep, some of us work in the morning."

"Alright, can't have you falling off your horse because of me," I murmured feeling my body now giveaway to how tired I was.

He chuckled, the warmth of his breath tickling the back of my neck. "Wouldn't be the first time you've been the reason I lost sleep."

I smirked sleepily, my eyes already fluttering shut. "Glad to know I'm memorable."

Ryan pressed a lazy kiss to my shoulder, his hold on me tightening just slightly. "More than you know, darlin'."

A content sigh slipped from my lips as exhaustion finally won out, pulling me under. Safe, warm, and wrapped in the arms of the one cowboy who never let me go.

—

I groaned when I felt Ryan shift from under me, "I gotta get up, baby. You can stay here if you want." Reluctantly I released him and slid back in the bed, mumbling, "Be careful," as I pulled the covers up, making sure my underwear was back in place as I shifted. Last thing I wanted was the entire bunkhouse to catch a glimpse of my bare ass.

Ryan chuckled as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, reaching for his jeans. "I'll do my best, but you makin' it hard to leave." He stood, pulling on his shirt and fastening his belt with practiced ease.

I peeked up at him from under the covers, my voice still heavy with sleep. "You always say that, but somehow you manage."

He smirked, leaning down to brush a kiss against my temple. "Because if I don't, Rip'll have my ass. And as much as I'd rather be right here with you, I ain't lookin' to get chewed out first thing in the morning."

I hummed, my eyes slipping shut again. "Guess I'll let you go, then."

"How generous of you," he teased before heading out of his corner of the room. He glanced back, his voice softer. "I'll see you later?"

"Yeah," I murmured, already drifting. "Go be a cowboy."

Colby shot me a knowing look, chuckling as his gaze flicked to my jeans and the lace-lined bra discarded on the floor beside the bed. "Fancy underwear?"

I rolled my eyes, tugging the blanket higher around me. "Had to pull out all the stops," I muttered. "Your best friend doesn't crack easy."

Colby smirked, leaning against the bunk. "You'd be surprised."

"I guess I would," I muttered, rubbing my eyes as I knew there was no way I'd be able to go back to sleep.

"Are you two plotting my demise again?" Ryan's voice came from behind me, the sound of his coffee mug clinking against the counter.

"Your demise? Never," I smirked, sitting up and swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. I reached for my jeans on the floor, trying to ignore the way the light from the window was casting an almost innocent glow across my skin.

"Stop lookin' and turn around," I heard Ryan call to Colby. My cheeks flushed instantly, realizing both of them had a perfect view down the front of my shirt.

I slid one leg, then the other, into my jeans, shimmying them up over my hips with a bit of effort.

"I thought she was the sweet and innocent one?" I heard Jimmy's voice from across the room, the teasing lilt clear.

"Oh, she's sweet," Ryan replied, his voice full of that confident smirk I knew all too well. "But so not innocent." He glanced over at me, his eyes catching mine with a look that sent a thrill through me.

"Ain't there work that needs to be done?" Rip's voice boomed as he strolled into the bunkhouse, his boots echoing against the wooden floor. The hands quickly scattered, heading out to start their day's work, eager to avoid Rip's sharp gaze.

"Alex," he scolded, catching my arm with a firm grip, his eyes narrowing, "your dad would skin me alive if he knew I let you stay here."

I shot him a quick glance, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Are you gonna tell him?" I asked my voice light but tinged with challenge.

Rip let out a low sigh, his grip on my arm loosening as he shook his head. "No, but you better wait a bit before you stroll out there," he replied, his tone more resigned than threatening. "Give 'em a chance to finish their chores first."

I raised an eyebrow but nodded, figuring I wasn't about to get any more out of him. He was right, though. It was probably best not to be seen just yet.

I finished a cup of coffee, hoping I'd given them enough time to get their day started so I wouldn't catch any unwanted attention. I slipped out of the bunkhouse and headed toward the house.

I was almost in the clear, I stepped on the porch just as Jamie and Beth were coming out the front door. "Shit," I muttered under my breath.

"You look fresh fucked, Alex. Was it good?" Beth teased.

"What are you talking about?" Jamie asked.

"You're such an idiot, you never notice anything that doesn't involve you. Our baby sister isn't a little girl anymore," Beth shot back at him then turned back to me. "Dad is down at the cabin talking to Monica and Kayce so you can sneak back up to your room and still be his little girl."

I froze on the porch, caught in the awkward tension of their gaze. I shot a glare at Beth, my heart racing. "I'm not some little girl anymore, Beth," I snapped, though I couldn't deny the way her words made me feel like one again, especially in front of Jamie.

Jamie looked confused for a moment before the realization hit him, and his face flushed slightly. "You didn't...?" he trailed off, not quite finishing the sentence, but it was clear enough.

"None of your business," I shot back, trying to stay calm. "And I'm not sneaking anywhere."

Beth smirked, clearly enjoying the discomfort she'd stirred up. "Sure you're not, kid," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "But you might want to keep it quiet for now."

Jamie, still awkwardly processing everything, cleared his throat. "Whatever's going on, just don't make a scene. We don't need Dad to flip his lid again."

"Relax, I'm not the one causing a scene," I muttered, "Where are you two off to so early together?"

"Helena, meeting with the governor," Jamie said.

"Both of you?" I was curious now, Jamie I understood, but Beth, not likely to find a political office in her future.

"What Daddy wants Daddy gets, right?" Beth said. I nodded at the tone but understood. If Dad pushed us for something, eventually he got what he wanted.

"Guess that's true," I muttered, my thoughts drifting for a moment. I couldn't help but wonder what Dad was trying to pull now, if both of them were going to meet with the governor.

Beth caught my look and raised an eyebrow, the playful smirk on her face never quite leaving. "Don't worry, we won't be gone long. Just another one of those 'family business' meetings."

"Right," I said, not entirely buying it. "I'll keep that in mind."

Jamie gave me a nod, still acting a little uncomfortable but doing his best to play it cool. "We'll see you later."

As they walked down the porch steps, I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever this meeting was about, it wasn't just about politics. Dad's plans always had a way of pulling everyone into them whether we wanted to be or not.

I stepped out of the shower, my gaze catching the mirror. Small bruises dotted my hip where Ryan had gripped me, their purple hue a reminder of the night before. I couldn't help but smile at the thought—his mark on me, a subtle but undeniable claim. I liked it.

I got dressed in my gym clothes, swapping my boots and jeans for something more comfortable, wanting to make the most of the quiet time. Bozman Rodeo had called, asking me to make an appearance. As the hometown Champion, I couldn't say no.

Hoisting my trick-riding saddle over Denim's back, I made sure the straps were cinched tight and secure. I paused for a moment as I led him out of the barn. That's when I saw Kayce coming back in, the wild stallion trailing behind him.

"How'd he do?" I asked, eyeing the horse.

"There's nothing wrong with that horse," Kayce muttered, his voice tinged with frustration. His phone vibrated on the shelf, and when he answered it, the worry was evident in his tone. It was Monica. She was hurt.

"Go," I said, taking the reins from him. "I'll get him settled."

Kayce didn't hesitate, his expression grim as he rushed out. I tied off Denim's reins and took care of the wild stallion, making sure he was settled in the stall before my mind could wander too far.

Dark thoughts slipped away as I climbed onto Denim's back, the familiar rhythm of his trot grounding me in the moment. I felt the weight of everything else fade as I guided him around the corral.

"You ready?" I asked, my voice calm as Denim snorted in response, his muscles shifting beneath me. He was always steady, always sure.

I slid my feet from the stirrups and stood, my balance a fluid dance with his movements as he continued his trot. With ease, I slipped my leg through the strap, leaning into the trick. My heart raced, but it wasn't fear—it was exhilaration.

I hung low enough on his side that my fingertips brushed through the dirt, the cool earth meeting my skin, and for that fleeting moment, I was lost in the flow of the ride. Denim's steady stride and my own practiced movements synced together, everything else forgotten in the wind and the dust.

"How does she do that?" I heard Jimmy ask, his voice tinged with admiration as I hoisted myself back into the saddle's seat.

"She's been doing it since she could walk," Lloyd replied, his tone knowing, before he called out to me, "Looking good out there."

"Thanks!" I flashed a quick smile their way, feeling the satisfaction of a solid practice session. "Y'all coming out to see me Saturday?" I asked, slipping down from Denim's back. I grabbed my bottle of water and took a long, refreshing drink, my throat dry from the exertion.

Lloyd gave me a quick nod. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

I laughed, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "So, is Jimmy still the low man, or has it moved to that new guy Rip brought in?"

"Oh, Jimmy's still low man," Lloyd chuckled, giving me a knowing look. "But don't worry, I ain't lettin' him anywhere near your horses."

"Thank God," I replied, grinning. "I'd be scared I'd fall off if he was responsible for saddling my horse for me."

Jimmy groaned, clearly overhearing, and shot me a playful glare. "I can saddle a damn horse."

Lloyd slapped him on the back, "Sure you can, Jimmy, but it's best if we leave the fancy stuff to Alex, huh?"

I winked at Jimmy. "Exactly. Stick to the basics, cowboy."

"If he asks," I turned to Lloyd, knowing he'd understand exactly which he I was referring to, "I have to go to the Cattlemen's Association with my dad tomorrow, so I won't be back until late. Gotta help Jamie schmooze potential voters, I guess."

"Ain't that a fancy thing?" Lloyd quirked a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Yep," I sighed, crossing my arms. "I ain't looking forward to wearing a dress, but I have to."

Lloyd chuckled. "Bet you clean up real nice, though."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't let him think I'm ditching him."

Lloyd smirked knowingly. "Don't worry, darlin'. I'll pass the message along."