Romanced by the Malones (Haven, Texas) Read online

  “Dancing? No one said anything about dancing.”

  “West! You know there’s dancing. And cutting the cake. All our friends and family will be there.”

  “Speaking of family, are you sure we have to invite them?” he asked.

  “West!” He was definitely teasing her. At least she hoped so.

  “The Malone’s aren’t known for behaving at weddings,” West warned her.

  “They behaved fine at Alec and Mia’s wedding.”

  “Because Alec threatened to castrate them if they didn’t. As it was, Beau and Maddox had to take Tanner home early when they caught him stripping to streak across the dance floor.”

  Flick’s mouth dropped open. “You’re making that up!”

  “Baby girl, even I couldn’t make this shit up. Thank God we’re not inviting the New Orleans Malone’s.”

  “Um, West,” she said hesitantly.

  “They’d just sit there in their expensive suits and judge us. Bunch of snobby bastards.”

  “Um, West.”

  “The only good one is Lottie and she won’t come.”

  “West, the New Orleans Malone’s are coming to the wedding.”

  He stared at her. “Like hell they are!”

  “We can’t not invite them, they’re your cousins.”

  “So?” he snapped. “Who cares about that?”

  “They’re family. You have to invite your family.”

  “I already agreed to invite my brothers. Although I still object to Beau coming. If he even looks at you funny—”

  “West, that whole naked thing was an accident!”

  “Uh-huh. Bet you he’s used that whole ‘the towel just slipped’ excuse plenty of times before.”

  Yeah, she wasn’t going to take that bet.

  “Your brothers are coming to the wedding, including Beau,” she told him firmly.

  “Then he’s not going to be in the wedding party. Why do they all have to be groomsmen? I only need Alec. I only like Alec.”

  She rolled her eyes. He was such an idiot sometimes.

  “Your cousins are coming as well. And Thea is one of my bridesmaids.”

  “So? I didn’t say she couldn’t come.”

  “She’s Jardin’s girlfriend! You really expect her to come without him or Carrick?” Thea had two men. One of them was Jardin, West’s cousin. The other was Carrick, who was a big sweetheart.

  “Carrick can come.”

  “West,” she protested. “Just tell me which pattern you like?”

  It had been two weeks since she’d fainted. Christmas had been crazy, even for the Malone’s. Mia and Alec’s baby had come early. He was a gorgeous little thing. All the Malone’s were completely in love with Seb.

  Turns out that the nurse who’d been so horrible to her had been on shaky ground with the hospital. She’d received numerous complaints and had already faced disciplinary action. In the end, she’d quit her job and had moved away.

  The nightmares had started to ease off once she’d come clean with West about what was going on. She’d also seen Molly a few times which had also helped. It had taken her a while to build up her health. Now that she was eating and sleeping more, she was feeling a lot better.

  That didn’t mean West wasn’t still hovering though. She still caught him watching her while she ate. But she knew that eventually he’d ease up. She’d also started to get back into the wedding preparation.

  “I think that you should come over here.” He crooked a finger at her.

  Jenna had gone through official channels to get the hospital nurse reprimanded. That didn’t really make Flick feel better about what had happened. But she hoped it meant the nurse wouldn’t be saying things like that to anyone else.

  “Why?” she asked suspiciously.

  “Are you feeling better?”

  “Yes. I feel as good as ever. Why?”

  “You’re eating better. Hardly any nightmares. Sleeping more. You’ve put on a bit of weight, although not enough.”

  She rolled her eyes at that. Maybe she wasn’t quite back to where she’d been, but she was nearly there.

  “But you look much healthier. And you’re back to being a little dictator about the wedding.”

  “I am not! West Malone, you take that back.”

  “Nope. You just told me that I had to invite all my damn family. Dictator.”

  She grumbled. “You’re impossible.”

  “And you’re in trouble.”

  “I’m not,” she gasped.

  “Uh-huh. Then why are you still over there when I said to come here?” he asked.

  “Because I don’t trust the look in your eyes, and I’m not sure what you have planned.”

  “Flick. Here. Now.” He pointed to the floor in front of him.

  With a suspicious glare his way, she got to her feet and moved over to where he sat. She stood facing him, feeling like a naughty child who’d gotten caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

  “You’re definitely feeling better?”

  Her annoyance softened at the worry in his tone. She knew she’d really freaked him out when she’d fainted. He’d taken such good care of her since, though it had been stifling at times.

  “I’m fine, West. I promise.”

  He cleared his throat and gave her a stern look. She stiffened. Uh-oh.

  “If you’re fine then we have the small matter of your punishment to deal with, don’t we?”

  “Punishment?” she squeaked.

  8

  He had to hide a grin at the way her eyes widened. She was so cute. He didn’t want her thinking he was joking. Because he was being completely serious.

  She’d kept things from him. Important things. That had affected her health and couldn’t go unanswered. He’d be failing her and himself if he let it slide. Not that he would, since he enjoyed spanking her gorgeous ass. The rest of her might be petite, but she had a delicious, round bottom.

  “Yes, punishment. Did you forget you were owed some?”

  “I hoped you had.”

  “Aw, sunshine. I never forget something as important as making sure my woman is kept healthy and safe. And that means if she breaks the rules, if she puts herself in danger or keeps important things from me, she gets her butt spanked. I’ve been waiting until you were fully recovered. And it seems to me that time is tonight.”

  “West, I really think I’ve learned my lesson.”

  “Yeah? That so?” he drawled. “That’s good.”

  “It is?” She perked up, probably thinking he was going to relent. He had to snort. She was dreaming.

  “Means I won’t ever have to punish you again then, doesn’t it?”

  Her shoulders slumped. “Couldn’t I just get a scolding?”

  “Oh, you’ll get one of those too. While you’re over my knee. Now, go upstairs and take off all your clothes. Put on one of my T-shirts. Leave your panties on but grab your hairbrush.”

  She frowned. “My hairbrush? You’re going to brush my hair?”

  “Nope. Now go.”

  She was racing up the stairs to get ready when she realized she probably wanted to go slowly to put off her punishment as long as possible.

  Pulling off her clothes, she pulled on one of West’s T-shirts, then she grabbed her wooden hairbrush. Why would he want this if he wasn’t going to do her hair? She looked it over then swallowed heavily as a thought occurred to her.

  Oh, he wouldn’t.

  Except, she bet he would. Shoot. It sucked. She really thought he’d forgotten. Or decided not to spank her.

  She looked at herself in the mirror. You deserve this, though, don’t you? You kept something important from him. You lied to him.

  She realized then how guilty she’d felt about that. A punishment would erase that guilt. But she really thought his hand would be enough.

  When she got back to the living room, he was sitting in the middle of the couch. He looked up and patted his lap. “Over here, sunshine. You know what to do.”<
br />
  Yeah, unfortunately.

  Her feet dragged as she walked over to him, the hairbrush hanging from her hand. Why hadn’t she told him she couldn’t find it? Drat. Why did she have to think of that just now? Except he’d likely find something else to use.

  He held out his hand and she handed him the hairbrush. He smacked it against the palm of his hand. “That will work nicely.”

  “Shouldn’t we talk about this?” she asked desperately.

  “What would you like to talk about?”

  “Um, well, don’t you think your hand is enough? I mean, it’s the size of a paddle anyway. I don’t think you need to use the hairbrush.”

  “Come here.” He held out a hand.

  Oh, crap. So much for talking, huh?

  But instead of pulling her over his lap, stomach down, he set her on top of his thighs, holding her tightly against him.

  “Are you scared? Do you think I’ll take it too far? Truly hurt you?” he asked her.

  “Of course not.” He’d never do that. He was far too overprotective.

  “You trust me?”

  “Always.”

  “Only you didn’t trust me with the truth after the accident, did you?”

  “I told you, I was ashamed.”

  “There’s nothing you can’t tell me, Flick. Nothing you can’t talk to me about, understand? We have to be honest with each other. Especially with something like this. Something that can hurt our relationship. Or one of us. Understand? This is very important. I’m never letting you go, baby girl. I want you to know how much I love you. I know I’m not always good at saying it. But you’re my fucking everything and thinking of you hurting, of trying to cope with all that alone, makes me feel fucking ill.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I need you to know how serious I am about this. About you never keeping something this important from me.”

  “I won’t.”

  “You don’t think you deserve a spanking?”

  She blew out a breath. Damn him. “No, I do. I feel guilty for keeping things from you. For pretending to eat and sleep when I wasn’t.”

  “Good girl for admitting that. Over you go then.”

  He helped her roll over on his lap. Her legs and her torso were resting on the sofa on either side of him. Then he drew up the bottom of the T-shirt she was wearing. He rubbed her bottom.

  “Interesting panties again, sunshine,” he commented.

  She could hear the amusement in his voice. Crap! Which panties was she wearing today? She frantically tried to think. Then it came to her and she groaned. Along the front and back of these panties were the words: All you can eat.

  “Normally, you wouldn’t get to come after a punishment. But if you’re a good girl and do what you’re told then your panties might just get their wish.”

  She bit her lip as her pussy clenched down, her clit throbbing.

  Then he lowered her panties. Slowly. He was drawing this out and it was torture. Then suddenly his hand smacked down on her ass. She yelped. It had been a while since her last spanking and her bottom felt every smack of his hand. Her skin was soon stinging, tears filling her eyes as he spanked her hard and fast.

  There was no warm-up. He definitely wasn’t going easy on her. This was a punishment. Gradually, her body gave into the discipline. The guilt that had weighed on her shoulders started to ease. He didn’t speak. Didn’t lecture. It was like all his attention was on this punishment.

  As she started to sob, he stopped and rubbed her bottom. “That’s nice and red. Feels very hot too. Don’t think you’ll be sitting comfortably for a while. I want you to remember this. That if you keep important things from me, I love you enough to ensure that you don’t do it again. You’re also getting ten with the hairbrush. They won’t be easy to take.”

  Before she could even brace herself, the flat side of the hairbrush landed on her bottom. She let out a screech.

  Holy shit. That freaking hurt.

  Her legs started thumping on the sofa as another one landed. Ten! How was she going to do ten when she could barely manage two?

  “Ow, ow, ow,” she cried out as number three then four landed.

  This was torture!

  “West! No more!”

  “Nearly there, sunshine. You’re doing so well.” Two more.

  Sobs broke free. Tears flooded her cheeks. She gave in, letting the tension slide completely from her body.

  And the last bit of guilt left too.

  Smack! Smack!

  “Just two more, baby.”

  The last two landed lower on her ass, where it met her thighs. And then she was gathered into his arms. Rocked back and forth as he whispered to her soothingly. She didn’t really hear what he was saying. But it didn’t matter.

  His love for her was clear in the way he held her. She felt precious. Cared for.

  Totally and utterly loved.

  Her ass was hanging off the side of his lap, which she was thankful for since it was throbbing horribly. She shifted around on his lap, sniffling. “I need a tissue.”

  He leaned over and grabbed one from the box on the coffee table. Gently, he tilted up her face and wiped the tears. Then he got another one so she could blow her nose. Finally, he leaned back then turned her, so she was facing him, her legs bent and resting on either side of his hips. He drew her in close to his chest, rocking her and rubbing his hand up and down her back.

  “Hush, baby. It’s all done. All over. Hush now.”

  “I’m so sorry, West. I’d never want to do anything that might jeopardize our relationship. I just felt so lost. You were injured and I was so scared.”

  “I know. Me too. But no matter what is going on, I need you to know that I’m always here for you. Understand me?” He pushed her back, staring down into her eyes. “Got it?”

  “Yes. I do.”

  That’s my good girl.”

  She leaned in against him, nearly falling asleep. She felt protected, warm, and cared for.

  “You were such a good girl taking your punishment. I think that deserves a reward, don’t you?” he crooned.

  And just like that she was awake again.

  A reward? Yes. Please.

  9

  West stood her in front of him. The T-shirt dropped down, coming almost to her knees.

  “Strip,” he demanded.

  She pulled off the T-shirt then dragged down her panties, throwing them both aside. He nearly grinned at her eagerness.

  Someone wanted to come.

  Not that he blamed her. His dick was pressing against his jeans, his balls were aching.

  “Kneel and undress me.”

  She knelt so quickly that he winced as her knees slammed into contact with the rug-covered wooden floor.

  “Easy, baby girl. Don’t hurt yourself.”

  She blushed. Her hands shook as she reached for his shirt, undoing the buttons. He helped her by shrugging out of it. Then she undid his belt and jeans. He stood and she scooted back so she could pull off his jeans and boxers. He sighed in relief as his dick was released.

  Damn. That felt better.

  He wrapped his hand around his cock, slowly stroking it up and down. She sat there, staring up at him.

  “Open for me.”

  She opened her mouth, and he placed the tip inside. Fuck. That was amazing.

  “Suck,” he murmured.

  She sucked. Hell, yes.

  “Relax,” he commanded.

  The movement of her mouth ceased, and he pushed his dick into her mouth.

  “Damn, baby. Feels so good.” A few pumps more, and he knew he wasn’t going to last long if he kept going. Drawing back out of her mouth, he had to grin at her pout. He tapped her lower lip.

  “Does my baby want my cock?”

  She nodded.

  “Too bad she’s not getting it yet. I want you to stand on the coffee table.”

  She gave him a surprised look. He reached out a hand and she took it. He helped her up, positioning
her close to the edge, which put them nearly at eye level.

  “Perfect. Offer me your breast.”

  She cupped her breast, raising it up. Without breaking his gaze from hers, he dropped his mouth to her nipple and flicked his tongue against the tight nub.

  A small groan escaped her. He bit down lightly then sucked.

  “Other breast.” He ordered.

  She raised her other breast. He played with that nipple until they were both red and her breath was coming in hard pants.

  “Part your legs,” he told her. “Not too far. I don’t want you losing your balance and falling.”

  He held her waist as she moved her legs apart. He let go of her when he was certain she was steady. Sitting back on the sofa, he took her in.

  “Fucking beautiful.”

  She blushed.

  “Put your arms behind your back, push out your breasts.” He stood and circled around her, taking in her poor, red bottom and her plump pussy with lips that glistened with her arousal. Coming back around, he knelt in front of her, then grabbing hold of her hips, he gently drew her forward so he could run his tongue along her slit.

  “Oh. Ohhh,” she groaned as he flicked at her clit. He withdrew one hand from her hip and drove two fingers deep inside her. “West!”

  He held her steady with his other hand as he thrust his fingers in and out of her pussy, his tongue working her clit hard.

  “West, I’m gonna come!”

  “Wait,” he told her.

  “No. No, no, no!”

  “Wait.”

  Sobs broke free. Her body was trembling. He knew how close she was, how hard it had to be for her to hold back.

  “Come now, baby girl.”

  She screamed as she came. He ate her, loving the taste of her, needing more. Fuck. She tasted amazing. He could do this to her all day and never tire of it. But he knew if he didn’t get inside her soon, he would be in a lot of pain. Standing, he leaned in to kiss her. Then he picked her up, setting her on the floor.

  “I need inside you. Turn around and get on your knees, lean your arms on the coffee table.”

  Flick moved into position, her heart racing, her clit still throbbing from the orgasm he’d just given her.