Free Marriage at the Cowboy's Command by Ann Major Page B

completely self-destructive need,” he growled, loweringhis mouth to the throbbing hollow of her throat where her pulse beat madly. “I thought it was dead. I willed it to be dead. But it’s stronger than ever.”
    Hissing in a breath, she swallowed tightly as his warm lips devoured her neck, nibbling her soft flesh, flooding her body with hot melting sensations.
    â€œLet me go! You’re just a long way from home and feeling horny.”
    His smile was grim. “I wish to hell that was all this was. I wish to hell…”
    Her heart fluttered at the desperate passion in his tone. Did he feel more?
    He plunged his fingers into her hair. “I used to love your hair. I loved the way you smelled—like Texas wildflowers in the spring. Nothing’s changed. You smell just as sweet, and you’re just as soft—underneath your thorny exterior. You’re sexier than ever, and I still want you. I told myself for years I hated you. Maybe I do. But right now I want you so much I don’t care how the hell you used me.”
    She wanted his mouth on her lips, wanted to lie under him, but the savage anger in his passion-drugged voice brought her up short.
    He had some nerve to accuse her of using him. She was not about to take such abuse from a man who’d stolen money from her parents, a man whose abandonment had nearly destroyed her.
    What had she ever done to him except adore him? Nothing. He was to blame for everything that had gone wrong between them. He’d taken everything she’d given and had let her parents down, as well. Then he’d trashed the most beautiful moment in her life by walking out on her without even a goodbye or an explanation.
    With a final lust-filled glance at his sensual mouth,she placed her hand against Luke’s hard-muscled chest and pushed with all her strength.
    â€œYou’re right. I shouldn’t have come out here. I’m tired. My ankle hurts. I need my pain meds. And the last thing I need is you, a skilled seducer of women, pressing yourself on me.”
    â€œWhat?” With eyes that were dazed with desire, he stared at her hard, trying to focus. Finally, the thin set of her lips and slitted gaze must have convinced him she meant what she said. He sucked in a hard breath and loosened his grip.
    â€œOkay. I forgot your low opinion of me when it comes to women.” His voice was curt. “But for future reference, don’t go following me around in the middle of the night now that you know what I want. I’ve made myself plain, so I’ll think you’re bloody well asking for it.”
    â€œWell, I won’t be!” she lied. “This is my house and I’m used to having the run of it! I won’t be told what to do or where to go in my own home!” She wanted to snap out more sharp, stinging lines, but she was too upset—and too needy for the same things he’d said he wanted. She didn’t want to leave him, but she had to.
    Her knees felt weak, and her hands were shaking. No telling what despicable thing she might still be capable of doing with him if she didn’t put some distance between them. Besides, he had the look of a man who was barely holding himself in check.
    â€œWhether you like it or not, you’re not living out here alone anymore,” he growled. “I’m a man with a man’s inclinations.”
    â€œI got it the first time,” she said in a low tone that sounded much calmer. But she wasn’t calm. She was furious. “I don’t like you giving orders in my house.”
    â€œYour house? It won’t be for long—unless you work with me! You and I have to figure out a way to rein in expenses, sell acreage or…”
    â€œI don’t want to talk about money tonight.”
    â€œYou’re right. It’s premature.”
    Notching her chin up proudly, she turned to go. Then, as quickly as she could while hampered by her crutches and