Her enthusiastic response revved up Kelly’s excitement. It also led Kelly to believe Lucy suspected what Kelly had installed for her, and she didn’t intend to disappoint.

Halfway along the narrow path from the reserve to the river, stood a tall birch tree, with a clearing approximately ten-feet in diameter surrounding the base.

The gurgle of water turned to white noise as Kelly’s senses honed-in on Lucy and their surroundings.

Slithers of sunlight crisscrossed the ground. A tall tree pierced through the foliage of wild blackberry vines surrounding them like black and red curtains.

In that moment, Kelly felt like a director on a stage, and it was fucking exhilarating.

Kicking at the ground with the toe of her boot, Kelly cleared away some stray vines. Lucy did the same, then toed off her shoes. The promise of what was to come, and not wanting a foot full of blackberry thorns, halted any would-be jokes about their attire.

With a sharp tug on the knot of the towel, it fell to the ground. Kelly backed Lucy up until the tree brought them to an abrupt stop. Their lips met in a bruising kiss. There was nothing gentle about it. Teeth clashed, tongues duelled. Hands roamed.

The rapid increase of Kelly’s heart from something as basic as kissing Lucy, never ceased to amaze her. She wanted Lucy with a passion that left her breathless.

“Goddamn, you’re one fine woman, Lucy-Lou.” Kelly grazed her teeth over the tendon on Lucy’s neck, loving the feel of Lucy’s strong pulse.

Exhaling a soft whimper, Lucy gripped Kelly’s backside, dug her fingers in, and pulled her close.

“Tut-tut.” Kelly stepped out of her reach and waggled a finger. “You don’t get to take liberties. You’ve been a naughty girl.”

An adorable pout formed on Lucy’s lips.

“Don’t give me that look, missy. Turn around and hug the tree.”

A frown.

“Don’t make me ask twice. Wrap your arms around the tree.” Kelly pulled her belt through the loops of her jeans and then kicked them off, glad to be free of them chafing on her centre.

What on earth Lucy enjoyed about going commando was beyond Kelly. The only reason Kelly had slipped her jeans back on, without underwear, was so they’d be nearby if she needed them in a hurry.

Cutting Lucy some slack—for not complying immediately—Kelly basked in the attention as Lucy’s gaze wandered over her body. Her scrutiny was so intense, Kelly felt it like a physical caress. Her nipples tightened, and her pulse raced.

“I think I’d rather look at you, Miss Kel.” Lucy batted her eyelashes.

As tempting as it was to smile, Kelly refused to reward Lucy’s bratty behaviour for a minute longer. If she wanted Kelly to take control, then she needed to learn how to follow instructions.