Her Prada Cowboy: McCulloch County Series #1 (20 page)

“He added a cash demand on top of the
software.”

“How much?”

“Shannon.  We are goin …”

“Jarrod, answer me!”

“Twenty million.”

Shannon started to hyperventilate. 
Realizing for the first time just how well off her future husband was.

“Twenty million!  And you just happened
to have that much lying around?”

“What are you on about now, honey?  I
got the money back.”

“I … I can’t marry you?”

You can’t?  Why the hell not?

Reed chuckled and with a wave
sauntered away.  Jarrod froze and glared at her.  He took Shannon by her shoulders
and looked into her eyes.

“And why all of a sudden not?”

“Because … because I’m … I am nowhere
in your league!”

“My league?  And what exactly is my
league, pray tell?”

His voice was dangerously soft; his
eyes nearly black in his rising anger.

“Jarrod, you … you’re rich and I am …
in

comparison
poor!”

“Well, seeing as you want to dissect
it like that, let me set the record straight.  I am not rich, doll face … I am
a billionaire.  I am past being rich! And I have never flaunted that fact
around.  It is something I am and it is not goin’ to change … hopefully.  And
why the hell is that a problem now?”

“I guess I just never gave it too much
thought.”

“So stop givin’ it so much thought. 
It is irrelevant.  You asked me to marry you and I accepted.  I will not allow
you to renege on the promise you made that day at the creek!  Now let’s go. 
We’re late already!”

He spun around and was so angry he
left her to follow him to the waiting car.  She scowled after him and followed
him with reluctant steps.

No wonder he is so bossy and arrogant!

But you love him still.

Oh, butt out!  Since when has your
loyalties changed!

Only looking out for you doll face!

Jarrod waited for her, holding the
passenger door open.  His annoyance was clear on his face.

“Is this goin’ to take very lon’,
Shannon?”

She tsk’ed and walked faster.  He
watched her climbing in the SUV and waited until she had the seatbelt clicked
in before he leaned in and glared into her eyes, his nose nearly touching hers.

“You, woman, drive me crazy!”

His mouth swooped in for a quick and
hard kiss on her surprised lips.  Warming her immediately.

They were only five minutes late, but
Bennett was also running over on his appointments, so at least he did not wait
for them.  He looked at them and smiled.

“Everythin’ sorted with those
hooligans, Buddy?”

“Yeah, they’re in jail and Reed said
they will be charged today.  Because they endangered Shannon and the babies,
they will not get bail until the hearin’.”

“And how are our babies doing?”

“Fine, they started kicking.”

“Well, go and change and let’s take a
look.”

A while later, Bennett nodded his head
after a quick examination and stats check.

“Everything is still fine, although
your blood pressure is slightly high.  Probably from the stress over the past
two weeks.  You need to relax and lie down for an hour every day. I’d like to
see you next week again, just to make sure it is back to normal.”

Shannon nodded and knew with Jarrod
and Rosa around, she would probably be kept in bed the whole day for a week.

“Let’s move to the next room.  We’ll
do the 3D scan there.  Hopefully they are willing to share their gender with us
today.”

“Why do you say that?”

“It depends on their position and if
their legs are crossed or intertwined … sometimes with twins that happens.  Let’s
hold thumbs.”

A few moments later both Shannon and
Jarrod’s eyes were glued to the monitor.  The tiny little bodies were clearly discernible
on the small screen.  Bennett moved the scanner around and they could see their
faces.  Shannon groped for Jarrod’s hand and he took hers in his, lifting it
and kissing her fingers.

“Look at their tiny face and little
fingers, Babe!  Oh … the one on the left … it’s a … is it a boy?”

Bennett peered closer and smiled.

“Yip, it’s a boy.  Now let’s see if
his twin will share with us too … yes!  It’s a girl!  You’re going to have a
pigeon pair!”

Shannon could not keep the tears from
rolling down her face and then she gasped and felt Jarrod’s hand tighten
painfully around her fingers.

“Oh my god!  They’re holding hands! 
Just look at that!”

She looked at Jarrod and even he had
moisture in his eyes.  He leaned closer and placed his head next to Shannon,
still staring at the monitor.

“Now that is really something
special.  I have never in all my years of practice seen twins holding hands.”

Bennett wiped the gel from Shannon’s
belly and walked out of the room.  Jarrod took her in his arms and just held
her, allowing the tears to overflow on his cheeks.  He swallowed hard.  He
never expected to be so deeply touched seeing his babies.  It nearly crippled
him.  His heart was so full, it was on the verge of bursting.  Pride swelling
his chest and now he knew why men always walked broad shouldered when they talked
about their pregnant wives.  The thought of being part in their creation too
much for him to bear at that moment.  He buried his face in her hair and
tightened his hold on her.

Shannon wrapped her arms around his
back and held on.  Her own emotions swirling through her and she closed her
eyes.  The little growing persons inside her only now becoming a reality after
seeing them herself.

“We’re going to be good parents,
Babe.  You and I.  We are going to be the best parents ever!”

Jarrod bore back and looked into her
eyes, seeing a flicker of fear in their depths.  He took her face between his
hands and shook his head.

“Don’t even think those thoughts,
honey.  You are not like your mother at all!  You are goin’ to be the best
mother any child could ever wish for!”

“Promise me you will not allow me to
favor the one over the other!  Please Jarrod!  Promise me!”

“We will not favor either, my love. 
You, whether you know it or not, will be  a natural mother.  You are goin’ to
rock their little worlds!  Just like you have rocked mine!”

They started arguing about names and
it took all the way back to the ranch for them to agree on the names of their
twins.  Tristan and Amber.

Shannon
was adamant that the launch be rescheduled and would not take no for an
answer. 

“Everything is already in place, Babe.
All we have to do is set the date and arrange for the caterers and voila!”

“You’re not goin’ to take no for an
answer, are you?”

He shook his head and conceded, with
the provision that it is done on Monday, so they could concentrate on their
wedding.

Everything fell into place automatically. 
The launch was a huge success.  Every large and small Architectural Corporation
was there, with an enormous amount of investors. The fact that someone tried to
steal the software, testimony to its value.

The majority of the large Corporations
placed immediate orders, the investors eager to secure an investment and the
small to medium groups were ecstatic that there was a version for them. The
competition launched had the most impact.  Everyone was excited to see what
designs it would encourage  the Architects to deliver.

All in all, Jarrod made name globally
as the creator of a  new era in Architecture.  Shannon could not have been more
proud.

Jarrod
and Reed tried their utmost to keep Shannon out of the courtroom during the court
case, but she had to give her testimony.  It was quite trying for her to be
faced with her kidnappers once again, especially without their masks.  She got
tears in her eyes when she saw Black was a middle aged man that did not appear
to be able to hurt a fly and she was relatively sure he couldn’t.  He treated
her with respect all the time, brought her treats and sat chatting to her when
she became lonely.

Green on the other hand had a hard
glitter in his eyes and she was not so sure about him.  The man that was in
charge of the whole operation wore a red mask and she only saw him briefly on
the day Jarrod came to rescue her.  His arrogance during the court case was
astounding and Shannon simmered with anger.  Things could so easily have turned
out differently.  She could have lost their babies for one!

The case stretched out for three weeks
and they were all in court when judgment was given.  Black and Green both
received ten years for kid napping and aiding in the felony and $10000 fine. 
Red cap’s mouth has been compressed in a thin line since the guilty sentence
was laid down.  As the mastermind he was given the third degree by the judge.
The judge clearly explained why he was charged with first degree kidnapping and
extortion.

The Judge’s deep voice droned through
the room as he explained in detail.

“As per the statute, Tex. Penal Code §
20.04, a person commits kidnapping in the first degree if he intentionally or
knowingly abducts another person with intend to hold him or her for ransom or
reward, or use him or her as a shield or hostage, or facilitate the commission
of a felony or the flight after the attempt or commission of a felony, or inflict
bodily injury on the person abducted or abuse him or her sexually, or terrorize
him or a third person, or interfere with the performance of any governmental or
political function.”

He looked over his glasses at Darrel
Scott, his eyes hard.

“You are guilty of at least three of
those listed, further, Tex. Penal Code § 20.04, states that a person commits
first degree kidnapping if the person intentionally or knowingly abducts
another person and uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during kidnapping which by
testimony was the case.”

His gaze touched around the court room
and briefly on Jarrod, Shannon and then Darrel Scott.

“According to Texas Penal Code §
12.32, first degree felony is punishable by imprisonment for life or for any
term of not more than ninety nine years or less than five years.  In addition
to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree
is punishable by a fine not exceeding $ 10,000.”

He cleared his throat and looked
directly at Darrel Scott.

“Will the defendant please rise.”  He
waited a few seconds and continued, “In the case of first degree kidnapping
between the State of Texas and the defendant Darrel Scott, in that you were
made aware that the kidnapped victim was also with child, are sentenced to life
imprisonment, to be reduced by twenty years for good behavior after thirty
years imprisonment.”

The court erupted and Shannon released
a sigh of relief.  At least Jarrod was safe.  She leaned against his shoulder
and held his hand tight.  He kissed her on her hair, just as relieved that the
madman would not have the opportunity for rebuttal.

“Now, doll face, you can concentrate
on finalizing our wedding arrangements!  No more slacking!”

“Slacking!  I’ll have you know, I have
been working my ass off to get everything done!”

“Hmm … and such a sexy ass it is too!”

“Jarrod Parker!  We are in a public
place!  Behave yourself!”

“You still owe me, honey.”

She frowned at him.

“What do I owe you?”

“A night in the cabin.  I have had a
burnin’ desire for what you promised … do you want to take me there tonight?”

Shannon shook her head and laughed at
him.  She leaned closer and kissed him long and lingeringly on his lips.  He
growled.

“That is cruel!  Kissin’ me like that
in public, knowin’ what it does to me!”

“Okay, Babe. I’ll take you there
tonight … but be warned, muscle man … you better be in good shape … all night
long!”

“Oh, doll face … you are goin’ to
regret those words by mornin’.  You seem to forget how you suffered after the
first two times we were together!”

Shannon blushed, but smiled
seductively at him.

“Did you hear me complain, Babe?”

“Don’t
say I didn’t warn you, doll face.”

Jarrod was as excited as a little boy
going on his first fishing trip and Shannon could only shake her head.  He
loaded his truck full of food Rosa prepared for them and he winked at her
wickedly.

“We won’t have time to prepare food,
honey.  I have other plans for your hands … and other body parts from the
moment we arrive there!”

“But it is only noon!  We can’t … you
know … from now until tomorrow!”

Jarrod straightened and jammed his
fists on his hips and scowled at her.

“We can’t?  I did warn you what to
expect, doll face.  Are you renegin’ on your promise?”

Shannon looked at him, her eyes
glittering.  He was so damn gorgeous and tempting, she felt like jumping his
bones there and then. Her insides were quivering with anticipation and just
thinking of the hours of pleasures awaiting her, had her panties flush wet in
seconds.  Her clit pulsed with excited need.

“You do remember that I am sixteen
weeks pregnant, Babe.”

“Yeah, so?  I have it on good
authority that you can take everythin’ I plan on dishin’ out.”

“Jarrod Parker you did not discuss
this with Bennett!”

“Of course I did!  I had to make sure
I won’t harm the babies or hurt you.  Quite considerate of me, don’t you
think?”

“You’re an asshole, Jarrod!  How am I
going to look Bennett in the eyes again?”

Jarrod laughed from deep in his
stomach.

“Honey, if there is anyone who knows
how babies are made, it is him.”

“Yes, but you did not have to discuss
our sexual … preferences after the fact with him!”

He walked closer, picked her up and
carried her to the truck, sitting her down on the passenger seat.  He tweaked
her nose.

“I have no intention treatin’ you with
kid gloves out there on the prairie, unless I need to, honey.  I am gonna make
you plead, scream and cry … until tomorrow mornin’, and I had to make sure it
is okay.”

“You … you …!”

“Yes, my love! All of that until
tomorrow mornin’!  I will have to carry you to the truck in the mornin’; that
much I can promise you!”

Shannon groaned as a flush of liquid
heat spurted down her belly to completely soak her panties and her jeans.

Jarrod continued her education on the
prairie all the way there and she was surprised when they topped the hill to
notice they were already there.  Her loins clamped tight in anticipation.  He
opened his door and growled at her.

“Don’t move.  I am takin’ our stuff
inside.  I will come and get you.”

Shannon watched him taking two trips
back and forth.  She smiled when he walked back and opened her door.  She swung
her feet out and gasped when he stepped in between her legs.  He snapped her
jeans open and before she could comprehend what he intended, her jeans and
panties were laying on the seat behind her.  Next her stretch top flew over her
head.  She cried out.

“Jarrod!  What are you doing?”

“I’ve wanted to make love to you in
this truck from the first time you got into it.  Now out here … I can!”

He had no patience to find the clip of
her bra and just snapped the front piece in two.  He slipped it off her
shoulders and it was added to her clothes behind her.  She felt the leather
seat beneath her ass and she took a deep breath.

Good Lord, we’re out in the open!

Enjoy it, doll face!

Shannon moaned when Jarrod’s lips
locked around a nipple and he suckled eagerly, yanking her hips tight against
his.  Holding her with his one hand on her hips.  He fisted his hand in her
hair and pulled slowly, forcing her back to arch and her breasts to be pushed
high, offering him the access he wanted.  Shannon twisted and rubbed against
his rough jeans pressed against her clit, crying out in need as he feasted on
her breasts.

“Oh lord, Babe … you are driving me
crazy!  Please no more!  I need you!  Please!”

Jarrod however, was in no hurry.  He
sucked her nipple deeper in his mouth and pulled his head back, stretching her
breast along and she keened in desperation, he repeated it with the other; she
thrashed against him.  He nibbled playfully on her nipples.  Shannon drove her
core against him now with ferocity.

“Babe … please, I beg you!”

She reached for his jeans and popped
the button and unzipped it quickly, then grabbed his tee-shirt and pulled.  He
growled when he had to release her breast so she could pull off the shirt.  The
moment it was off his lips was back on her breast, his hand pulling her head
further back.  He widened his mouth around her breast and took more of her in. 
Shannon reached for his jeans and pushed them down awkwardly.  The position Jarrod
held her in made her somewhat helpless, but she managed to free his rock hard
dick and then cried out when he scraped his teeth all around her breast to the
tip of her nipple to sharply bite on it.  He licked and suckled the tip quickly
to reduce the sting and she panted.  He repeated it with the other and Shannon
now desperately thrashed against his straining dick.  He lifted his head,
watching the need straining her face.  He kissed her lips, leisurely as if he
had all the time in the world and Shannon growled angrily against his lips.  He
looked at her.

“Lean back with your arms behind you. 
No, move your hands further back.  Perfect … absolutely perfect.”

Shannon was leaning back with her
hands far behind her, her breasts thrusting forward, her belly quivering with
need.  She watched him slowly flick his fingers over her nipples and then trace
over her soft belly to hover just above her clit.  She lifted her hips
pleadingly.  Jarrod slipped one finger lower and gently spread her lips,
watching as the swollen nub pushed forward eagerly.  He flicked his finger over
the tip, once twice and Shannon jerked, crying and throwing her head back.

“No, doll face.  Eyes on me. All the
time.  I want you to watch.”

She lifted her head and keened when
his fingers traced a wide circled around her clit, ignoring her pleas, then
tighter until he rubbed and tugged on her clit.  Shannon could not keep her
hips still and thrashed desperately against his hand.  She mewled when she saw
his hand fold around his large shaft as he positioned it against her eager
channel.  He pushed forward slowly, holding her hips still for his entry.  She
bit her lip, watching his dick open and stretch her wider the deeper he went. 
It was the most erotic sight ever.  She started panting.

He was going too damn slow!

Jarrod watched the desperation in her
eyes, the way she bit on her lips to keep from screaming her frustration at
him.  He took a deep breath and pulled back and then slammed hard into her, all
the way to the hilt.  Shannon screamed and lifted her hips tighter against him
as she climaxed immediately.  Jarrod grunted and held himself still inside
her.  Watching her face contract with the pleasure, her breathing stopped and
her breasts bobbed with exertion.  Her eyes met his and she pleaded with him.

“Do you want to me ride you, honey? 
Hard and fast?”

“Yes … oh bloody hell, yes!”

He did then.  He slammed back and
drove into her with ferocious need and passion.  Driving her pulsing core to
another climax that milked him desperately, yet he continued and she screamed
as the third climax ripped through her, her eyes glued to his dick ramming in
and out of her with the forceful speed of a stallion.

Jarrod’s eyes flashed from his dick
pumping into her to her bobbing breasts to her face and his heart swelled.

Oh Lord, how I love this woman!

He increased his speed yet again,
pounding harder and deeper into her, amazed when she climaxed again, screaming
harder and nonstop as this time was so intense it felt as if she was ripped in
two.  She clamped around him so hard, he followed her almost immediately.  His
climax weakening him so much, he had to slump into the truck over her,
desperately thrusting short and hard until every drop of him filled her pulsing
channel.

They stayed like that for long
moments, their breathing haggard.

“You’re goin’ to kill me, honey.  If
this is what you do to me with our first round … you might have to carry me to
the truck in the mornin’!”

Jarrod kicked off his jeans and added
them to her bundle of clothing. He picked her up and wrapped her legs around
him.