Padding down the hallway in her bare feet, she turned the corner to find just what she expected. Tex was sitting in his commandeered chair facing the door, that fancy pulse rifle lying across his lap. He looked up from blowing across a steaming cup of freshly-made java.
“Well … good morning, Miz Lulah,” he greeted her, a gray eyebrow raised curiously. Those old eyes twinkled with a hint of resurgent youth as he took in her bare legs and the baby blue satin peeking out from under the t-shirt. “Why I must say, I haven’t seen legs that purty since my El Paso days.”
“Awww, thank you!” She blushed, genuine in her modesty. “They’re just an ol’ mom’s legs, is all.”
“I’m gonna have to call bullshit on that, ma’am if you’ll excuse my French.” He turned the mug up and sipped the scalding liquid gingerly. “I may be old, but I’m not senile. I think I’m a purty fair judge on the anatomy of the fairer sex.”
“Is that right?” She couldn’t help but smile at the older man’s candor.
“That’s right, and your landing gear’s as well-built as any I’ve seen yet, young lady.”
“You got a way with words, Tex, but you sure know how to make a gal feel good. And you’re not old.”
“I’ll go along with ya on two outta three of those, ma’am. And may I add that you got quite a booster on you as well.” He gave her a scandalous wink from above the lip of his cup.
“I think you may have slipped a little more than sugar into that cup, Mister.” She feigned a stern look.
“I wish,” he sighed. “I could only find some candy-ass chocolate caramel whiskey in the kitchen, but I guess it’s normal for women to like the flavored stuff.”
“Actually, that would be Tiger’s,” she giggled. “He has a bit of a sweet tooth.”
“Pffft!” The old ranger snorted derisively. “There’s a time for candy and a time for drinkin’ …”
The aroma of the coffee wafting through the air was becoming more than she could handle. “I hope you saved me a cup, Ranger.”
“Just made a fresh pot, help yourself. Su casa.”
“You won’t do!” She slapped him affectionately on the shoulder as she walked past, heading toward the kitchen.
“Never know … I just might!” He winked again and set the coffee on the end table beside him. Picking up the rifle, he checked the energy pack. It was time to get back to work.
She walked into the kitchen and pulled the coffee pot from the warmer. She opened the cabinet, grabbed a cup and filled it. She paused momentarily, a smile of contentment easing slowly across her face. Inside, she filled with pride. Tex had made her feel good. She knew she still had an ass that could turn heads. And yeah … those legs weren’t too bad either. In the olden days, they called women like her “MILFs.” The new term was “Venusian,” a play on both the shapely goddess of love, Aphrodite, as well as hints of otherworldly, exotic pleasures. Of course, Tiger had told her all these things many times before. Even Cutter had occasionally complimented her on rare occasions, but it always felt good to hear it from somebody new. It was like sampling body sprays at the perfume counter, even if you knew you had no intention of changing. It was just nice to hear it from a different voice.
She took her first sip of the delicious, hot brew and allowed memories and feelings to flood over her; last night’s salacious adventure with Amber, the night before with Tiger, finally reigniting that rocket. Unfortunately, the door had been opened to allow others to rush in as well, ones she’d kept at bay for years, locked behind a door in her mind. She always knew they were there, still calling to her. The times with Buttercup, the months of debauchery and degradation spent with Cutter, the three men doing those things to her.
Always calling … to once again be released.
She knew it was dangerous to allow them to get out. She knew there was a part of her that was like a horse, once wild and now broken. She’d never forgotten the freedom of the plains, running free and unbridled. She could never trust herself not to run with the herd if it ever came stampeding by.
She knew she had never been completely honest with herself these last few years. She knew that she’d lied and told herself that she had allowed Cutter to do what he did out of fear and intimidation. She told herself that over and over, hoping one day she’d eventually believe the lie she was perpetrating on herself. But the truth was, and always would be, she’d enjoyed it, every bit of it. She loved how he’d made her feel, naughty, provocative … and yes, even slutty in bed. She hated him for the way he treated her, but she knew now, it was never Cutter. It was the world he’d opened up to her. She discovered something the prim and proper could never have conceived. A great amount of freedom came with letting yourself go and shedding inhibitions. She spent years waiting for the shame and guilt to come tumbling down upon her like an avalanche, but the truth was, the only shame she felt was self-imposed. The genuine feelings were far more hedonistic.
The truth was simple. She … just … loved … to … fuck.
She felt herself growing wet again. She closed her eyes and went to that door in the back of her mind. Taking a deep mental breath, she pushed it open … and was running free.
The beating of
