Spurs and Heels by Heather Rainier Read Free Book Online

when he said in the dark, “Well, if you’re sure my virtue is safe.”
    “Very safe, Ash,” she whispered, softly adding, “For now, anyway.”
    She felt the bed dip slightly, and then a shiver went up her spine as his lips brushed her ear when he replied, “I heard that,” before she felt his lips press against her throat, his fingers brushing her hair away from her neck.
    Smiling into the darkness, she listened to him settle directly behind her, not pressing against her but up nice and close. She closed her eyes and couldn’t help the shuddering sigh of pleasure that slipped from her when his fingertips slid up her cheekbone then over her temple, stroking in a repetitive pattern down her throat, to the curve of her shoulder, then back up again.
    “That is the most soothing thing I’ve felt, in…I have no idea how long,” she whispered, sighing in pleasure at his light, tickling touch.
    “Try to relax and get some more sleep. I’ll be right here,” he murmured, continuing to stroke her.

    46

    “Ash?”
    “What, darlin’?” She shivered slightly at the feel of his breath on her cheek, her body very much aware of his proximity.
    “I’m not usually such a difficult person to be around.”
    “I know, darlin’. I never thought that.”
    Scoffing lightly, she said, “After today, even I would think I was one crazy, mouthy bitch.”
    “Today you were not yourself, and anyone can tell you’re tired out. I don’t think you’re like that at all.”
    “You haven’t seen me at my best, not even once.”
    “We haven’t known each other that long. It would be harsh for me to judge what kind of person you are based on the little time we’ve spent together.”
    He was being awfully generous. If she’d met someone as cantankerous as she’d been, she’d have written them off without another thought.
    “I just wanted you to know, I’m not usually like that, so oversensitive. I don’t know why I’ve been like that.”
    “I’ll bet you’d feel better if you had a little rest, and some time off.”
    “It’s easier said than done.”
    “I know. It’s hard when you have so much responsibility. But people will cut you slack when they know you need it. Darlin’, when you were in the closet at Teresa’s house and you got upset, did you think I was making fun of how you’re shaped?”
    “I’ve always been self-conscious of certain…physical attributes.”
    “You mean your derriere?”
    She sighed and nodded as he continued his hypnotic stroking, drawing the honest answer from her.
    “Why?”
    “Growing up, I got teased for it. I developed early, and I’ve always been…curvy, unlike most of the women in my family who are willowy. My older brother teased me mercilessly when I started
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    developing. He was hateful to me, telling me I had a fat ass, even kicking me or swatting me there several times. Turning my back to anybody, like how I was with you in the closet, is very uncomfortable for me.”
    Juliana felt his lips in her hair, and then he murmured, “I’m sorry your brother was mean to you, darlin’. All the women in my family are shapely, too. My dad would’ve kicked my ass if I’d ever teased one of them for it. He and all my uncles were proud to have curvy, beautiful women in our family. My grandma, my mom, sisters, and my aunts are all real lookers.”
    “Really?” She wondered what it would be like to be part of a family that didn’t judge you by your appearance. She never felt like she measured up with any of the women in her family and only a few of the men.
    “As for what I personally think about your attributes? I think your ass is just about the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen, except for maybe all the beauty I tried not to see tonight while I helped you change clothes.
    My only regret was that I couldn’t enjoy the experience because you were in pain. I think you’re a knockout, and anyone who can’t see that must be the dumbest ass in captivity.”
    She chuckled at