#( gossiper: rhett )

[hederasgarden]

Stand By Me - Part 3

Summary: When a local ranch hand’s attention evolves into something more sinister, Rhett Abbott becomes an unlikely source of comfort and protection for you. Pairing: Rhett Abbott x F!Reader Word Count: 4.8K Rating: Mature, future chapters will be explicit and 18+ only. Stalking, anxiety, and Rhett being protective. Future chapters will include some violence. No spoilers for Outer Range. A/N: Welp, here we are a year later. 😬 Sorry it has taken me so long to update. I cannot thank my beta N, @mayhem24-7forever and @whatblogisthis216 enough for their help and support putting this together. Thank you @callsignhurricane for the absolutely gorgeous header.

Please comment and reblog if you enjoyed this story. Your interactions keep me writing and inspired.

Masterlist | Lewis Pullman Characters Masterlist

"I see you're in with the Abbotts now," your boss remarks, watching Rhett climb into his truck. "Got a phone call from Cecilia this morning about you not closing up by yourself anymore. That woman has a real way about her, all polite-like when she's handing you your ass." 

“Mr. Anderson,” you start, rushing to explain but he waves you off. 

“She was right, of course. I know you got that, er- fella who hangs around too much.”

“My stalker?” You question, your tone harsher than you intend. He looks down at you, surprised. There’s an apology on the tip of your tongue but you resist, meeting his brown eyes. Maybe it’s knowing you had Rhett and Cecilia on your side, or maybe some leftover frustration from the Sheriff. Either way, you don't back down from your statement. 

“I suppose he could be,” Mr. Anderson agrees. “Anyhow, I’ve got Johnny set to close from now on. You go on and tell that to Cecilia now. One dressing down from that woman is enough.”

“I’ll let her know.” 

He nods, patting your shoulder briefly before disappearing into the back office. You exhale and look back out to the empty street. It’s stupid to miss Rhett but a small part of you does. You’re safe in the store; there’s no need to have him here with you. He has a life of his own and a ranch to help run. 

“Was that Rhett Abbott?”

You turn to face the owner of the voice, finding your coworker Sandra watching you excitedly. She’s got that glint in her eye, the one that means she’s not going to let this go easily. Wabang didn’t have a town gossip, but if they did, everyone knows she’d happily take the job. In high school, she was in everyone’s business, spreading rumors and ferreting out information. She never looked twice at you back then, you were too boring and quiet. 

“It was. He just gave me a lift. Not a big deal,” you promise her.

“Uh, nope," she says, popping the p and stopping you with a hand on your arm. "We’re not going to breeze past the fact that you left your car here last night and now the manwhore of Wabang is dropping you off. Spill," she demands.

"We're not…," you start, an automatic denial falling from your lips before you can stop it. She gives you an incredulous look and you stammer out an answer. "It's not a big deal. We're, um, dating," you explain.

"Rhett Abbott doesn't 'date'," she tells you, eyes narrowed. "He has sex with whatever buckle bunny catches his eye.”

“He’s not like that,” you argue, defensive at the way she speaks about him. You know Rhett’s reputation, pretty much everyone does, but you saw a different side of him last night and this morning. You know there’s something more under that charming smile. He listened when no one else did and that means something to you. 

“Honey, please,” she says dismissively. “That boy is nothing but trouble and trash. You best stay away from him."

“Don’t talk about him like that,” you tell her, voice warbling with emotion. “He’s not like everyone says.”

Sandra’s perfectly plucked brows disappear into her hairline. “Alright, alright,” she concedes, hands held up. “Just be careful. He might not stick around after he gets what he wants from you.”

“He’s stuck around the last two months just fine,” you fire back, only realizing after the words are out that you and Rhett never talked about a timeline. 

“Really?” Sandra says, leaning in closer enough for you to catch the fruity scent of the gum she smacks noisily. “That certainty explains why he hasn’t been hanging around the Handsome Gambler lately. I just thought maybe he was getting serious about bull riding or Royal had him on a short leash after the last fight.” She leans back, looking contemplative. “Well, that was some exciting gossip for a Friday morning.”

“Please don’t spread this around,” you ask her, knowing full well she would. Although the idea of people talking about your personal life made your skin crawl, you knew if Rhett were here he’d say it was good. The more it spread, the more likely your stalker would learn of it and back off. 

“Your secret is safe with me,” she promises you, crossing her fingers and winking. 

Sandra spends the rest of your time together on her phone, chewing on the endless supply of gum she keeps next to the register. You’re normally not a self involved person but you’re fairly certain she’s texting about you and Rhett. During lunch, you send him a text of your own about your conversation with Sandra. He responds immediately with a thumbs up emoji which doesn’t help your anxiety. What if he was mad? What if he was with another girl at that time and you just screwed up this whole story?

You spend your shift distracted, overthinking what you told Sandra enough that you keep losing track of the inventory you’re working on. Eventually you give up and volunteer to work the till. An unexpectedly busy afternoon keeps your focus on the task at hand and you don’t even notice it’s 5 p.m. until you look up and find Rhett in line for your register, a shopping basket in hand. 

He steps up to the counter and smiles. “Hey.”

“Hey,” you return, feeling unexpectedly shy. You stare at him long enough that he clears his throat and nudges the basket towards you.

“You gonna check me out?” he asks, his tone playful. 

Beside you, Sandra scoffs. When you spare her a glance, you find her watching Rhett. His attention, though, is focused on you. 

“What’s all this?” You question, taking out the deadbolt kit and some window locks.

“For your apartment. When I was there last night I saw they could use an update.”

“Rhett…” you trail off, embarrassed. 

He seems to sense your emotions and leans forward, resting his elbows on the counter. “I think this is the part where you ask me, cash or card,” he whispers. 

“Will that be cash or card?” You ask, thankful for how easily he dispels your discomfort.

After you’ve finished checking him out, you clock out and let him walk you to his truck with an arm around your shoulder.  Once you reach your apartment he pulls out a tool bag from the bed of the truck and says he’ll install the new deadbolt while you get ready. A part of you wants to protest or offer to pay him for the supplies, while another is too embarrassed to draw attention to what he’s doing for you, so instead you say nothing and disappear into your room.

“Pretty sure they’re doing line dancing tonight,” Rhett calls out in between the sounds of the power drill. “You got some boots you can wear?”

“Uh…I think so," you half yell back, staring at the contents of your closet. 

You have to get on your hands and knees and pull aside a few boxes to find a pair of brown boots. The last time you wore them was for high school graduation, back when your grandfather had been alive. You trace the delicate lines of embroidery around the calf, pale pink and periwinkle flowers connected by green vines. There hadn’t been a reason to wear them since, all you did was go to work and come home. 

Tonight seems as good as any and you stand to finish getting dressed. The sundress and jean jacket are a little dated but they’re comfortable and look nice enough. Once you’ve managed to fix your hair and makeup, you return to the living room to find Rhett replacing the old window locks.

The creak in the floor draws his attention to you briefly before his eyes return to the window. A second later they’re back on you. He blinks and stands, clearing his throat. 

“I think I’m ready," you announce. 

“You, ah, look real nice,” he tells you, nodding. “I like the flowers.” 

“Thanks. You look nice too,” you add, touching your neck self-consciously when he doesn’t immediately speak again but keeps watching you.

“Well…we should probably get going then.”

“Yeah,” you agree, watching Rhett gather up his tools. “Thanks again for installing that stuff.” 

Rhett nods. “I’ll finish up with the other windows tomorrow.”

The drive to the bar is quiet. Rhett’s fingers drum on the steering wheel as you wait at the stoplight. You cycle through potential conversation openers but discard them all. Nothing feels right, and you realize that the sour pit in your stomach only grows the closer you get to the Handsome Gambler. 

Would he be there tonight you wondered? Just the thought of seeing him is enough to make your breath come quickly and your hands tremble. You exhale and close your eyes, trying to get yourself together. Rhett is here. 

When the engine cuts out you look up, eyes drawn to the neon glow of the Handsome Gambler’s sign. Rhett’s quick to meet you at the curb, offering his arm. You curl your hand around his bicep and he draws you close. At this time of night, the bar is busy, humming with energy and conversation. Rhett navigates the crowd with ease, exchanging brief hellos with a few people, finally stopping at an empty booth. You slide in and he follows. 

“Want a beer?” He asks.

You’re not much of a drinker but you nod anyway. Rhett flags down a waitress and a few minutes later two cold beers are dropped off at your table. You fiddle with the label as Rhett takes a long swig and leans back, shoulders relaxing. When you sense him watching, you bring the bottle to your lips and take a drink. It’s cold and a little bitter on your tongue. Your distaste for it must show because Rhett cocks his head to the side with a faint smile on his lips.

“I can order you something else,” he offers. “Wine? Something fruity?”

“Maybe something fruity… honestly though this is okay. I don’t want it to go to waste.”

Rhett shakes his head and flags down the waitress again, ordering you a daiquiri. “It won’t go to waste,” he assures you, pulling the beer toward him.

You return his smile as he rests his arm along the back of the booth. His fingertips hover just above your shoulder, not quite touching your jacket. This close to him you can smell his cologne, faint and a little musky but nice. Everything about this is surprisingly nice, including the way his denim-clad leg presses against yours, warm and firm. 

“He’s not here,” Rhett announces and you look up at him sharply. He’s still scanning the bar as he sips from his beer. For one silly moment, you forgot why you were even here, something that seemed impossible earlier. 

“Should we go?” You ask Rhett.

You’d only come to make it clear to the man that you were with Rhett.

“What?” Rhett’s brow furrows as he glances at you. “Why? You wanna go?”

“No.” You shake your head just as the waitress arrives with your drink. “We came so he’d see…”

“There’s more than one way to make sure he knows,” Rhett tells you, pushing up the brim of his hat before leaning in close. You can feel his breath against your cheek. “Look to your right, past the pool tables. You see those men?” You nod, watching the rowdy group in the corner playing darts as you absently sip your drink. 

“They all work at the Dustin ranch, including the one in the baseball cap who keeps looking at us.” At that moment, the man in question stands up for his turn and looks back, meeting your eyes. If he is surprised to find you looking, he doesn’t show it. He holds your gaze for a second before glancing at Rhett who smirks and waves. His expression doesn’t change but when he turns back you catch a brief flash of something.

“He’ll make sure Jimmy gets the message that you’re with me.”

“Jimmy?”

“Your stalker," Rhett clarifies. "After I dropped you off this morning I paid a friend of mine a visit that’s friendly with the foreman of the Dustin ranch. That’s the man’s name. He hangs out with the guy in the baseball cap, Rick.” 

“Oh.” You stare at the table, trying to process the information Rhett gave you.

When he says your name softly you realize several minutes have passed in silence. “Sorry, I….” you trail off and look back at the man with the baseball cap. 

“Nothing to be sorry about,” Rhett says. “This is a lot.”

You nod, lips pressed together because you don’t trust yourself to speak. 

“Line dancing looks fun,” he notes, taking a swig of beer. “Might be a nice distraction and you can put those fancy boots to good use.”

“They’re not fancy,” you defend. 

“Hmmm, don’t look like nothing I’ve seen at the feed store,” he teases. “Come on.” He stands and offers his hand. 

You let him pull you up and follow him to the dance floor as Vince Gill’s What The Cowgirls Do fades from the speakers and a soft, more subdued song  plays. The crowd thins and you realize the remaining dancers are pairing up. Rhett doesn’t seem deterred by the change in music, grasping your right hand and wrapping his left arm loosely around your body. His palm rests firmly on your shoulder blade, pulling your body close to his. After a moment of hesitation, you settle your left arm on his bicep.

“It’s been a while since I’ve danced like this,” you admit, watching how easily the other couples move around the dance floor. 

“Nothing to it. All you gotta do is follow, I’ll lead,” Rhett promises, surging forward and taking you with him. 

You stumble a little but he’s quick to adjust his pace for you, whispering words of encouragement. Maybe it's how Rhett guides you around the dance floor or some long buried muscle memory from high school but soon enough you’re moving in sync. Then he raises his arm to spin your body in a circle before quickly drawing you back into his arms. When he does it again a second time, a breathless laugh escapes you. 

“Atta girl,” Rhett says, drawing you closer. 

Your skin tingles and you feel warm all over when he speaks those two simple words. The world narrows to Rhett’s handsome face, his blue eyes dark pools in the dim light. Your chest constricts, only allowing you to pull in shallow breaths that leave you lightheaded. It’s only when someone else bumps into the two of you and the spells breaks that you realize a new, more upbeat song is playing. 

Rhett’s lashes flutter and he releases you, his gaze falling away a moment later. 

“Beer’s probably getting warm,” he says and you hum your agreement, letting him lead you back to your seat.

Before you can make it, two men you don’t recognize stop Rhett. 

“Shit, that you Abbott?” The shorter one questions, swaying on his feet. 

You watch Rhett for his reaction, only relaxing when he smiles. “Smitty.”

“Heard you’re riding tomorrow.”

“I am,” Rhett agrees.

“Damn,now we gotta go to see that,” he tells his friend before turning his attention to you. “Did you know your boyfriend's one of the best damn bull riders in these parts?" He asks. 

You’re not sure what to say so you just nod. 

“You guys gotta come get a drink with us,” Smitty says. 

“Thanks, but my girl and I were about to head out,” Rhett says, capturing your hand in his. “Y'all have a good night.”

My girl. 

Rhett uses that phrase so casually, like he’s done it 100 times before. For a moment, you let yourself imagine a world where it’s true, losing yourself in the fantasy long enough to miss the rest of their conversation. When Smitty and his friend stumble away, Rhett leads you back to the booth where  your daiquiri has all but melted. If Rhett’s beer is warm, he doesn’t show it, finishing it off in one gulp. 

“If you want to get a drink with your friends…,” you start hesitantly.

Rhett’s quick to cut you off with a shake of his head.  “Not with those two dipshits. They’re fun for sure but… trouble too.”

You turn to face him. “Sounds like there’s a story there.”

He waves your comment away, grinning with one side of his mouth. “Maybe, but it aint suitable for girls with flowers on their boots.” 

The rest of the evening passes surprisingly easy, so much so that before you know it, it’s nearly midnight and you’ve all but forgotten about Jimmy and the man in the hat. Rhett pays your bill with cash and walks you to his car, keeping a hand on your lower back. 

Once you arrive at your apartment, Rhett turns off the truck and leans forward to look out the windshield.

“Want me to stay the night?” He asks, leaning back. 

You do, but you’re aware of just how much he’s done for you already; staying over last night and pretending with you at the bar. You should decline and let him go home to sleep in a real bed but behind him you can see the dark windows of your apartment and the words catch in your throat. 

“Never was an Eagle Scout,” he starts, pulling a black duffle bag from behind the seat, “but I came prepared.”

You stare at the bag, surprised, and when you look back at Rhett he gives you that half smile of his, brow arched. You find yourself nodding before you can think too hard about it.

“Alright,” Rhett says, opening his door, “come on.”

That night you sleep better than you have in weeks and when the morning comes, you quietly slip out of your bedroom.  Rhett is already up, a mug of coffee in hand. He looks lost in thought, a deep crease between his brows but his expression clears when he sees you. 

“Made coffee,” he says, raising his mug. “Hope that was alright.”

“Of course,” you’re quick to tell him. 

“I won't be able to pick you up after work,” Rhett says, following you into the kitchen and leaning back against the counter. “Gotta be at the rodeo early but my Ma said she’d be there.”

“Okay.” You yawn as you doctor your coffee to make it sweet enough to drink.

“Looks like I kept you out too late,” he observes, watching you over the rim of his mug. 

“No, it was…” you pause searching for the right word but come up short. “I appreciate it,” you finally settle on. 

Rhett nods, looking away. “It’s nothing.”

When he sets his empty mug in the sink, you head back to your room and get ready for work.  Once you’re dressed, you reach for the beat-up tennis shoes you always wear, stopping short when you see your boots from last night. You hesitate for only a second before slipping them on instead. 

Rhett drops you off with a kiss on your cheek and a wave to Sandra, who watches the two of you from the front window display. The day passes uneventfully, without any sign of Jimmy. A little after 6 pm the Abbotts come to collect you. Cecilia is warm and open, asking about work while Royal drives, glancing at you occasionally in the rearview mirror. You’ve only met Rhett’s father in passing and always found him to be an intimidating man. Tonight he’s mostly silent, only chiming in when you tell Cecilia about an issue that happened today with Donald Everrtt’s lumber order.

“That man’s got more cows than sense,” Royal grumbles and you laugh when Cecilia chastises him.

Leaning back and gazing out the window, you think about your own parents. They weren’t so different from Rhett’s and you’d forgotten how nice something as simple as this could feel. Thinking of them hurts like it always does and you swallow around the lump in your throat, distracting yourself by listening to Cecilia and Royal talk about Rhett and the bull he’s meant to ride tonight. 

When you arrive at the rodeo, it’s loud and chaotic. The announcer booms something about the bull riding beinging soon. It doesn’t escape your notice that Royal and Cecilia keep you between them as they guide you through the crowd of people to the metal bleachers where Rhett’s brother and his family are waiting. Their daughter, Amy, is quick to question you once you’re seated. 

“Are you Uncle Rhett’s girlfriend?” she asks, leaning around Cecilia to see you.

You stare at her, unsure how to answer with so many people around. Rhett had shared the plan with his parents but you weren’t sure who else knew the truth. Your silence makes Amy’s  little brows furrow, a look so reminiscent of her uncle that it almost makes you smile. 

Thankfully Cecilia interjects before you have to figure out what to say. “Yes, Amy.”

Before Amy can ask you any more questions, her mother suggests they get some popcorn. Once they disappear, Perry takes a swig from the flask in his boot, and when he sees his mother looking, he makes a face.

“Come on Ma,” he grumbles, but Cecilia pins him with a silent, angry look and he eventually puts the flask away, sighing heavily.

There are several riders before Rhett and you watch each of them get thrown from their bull with increasing anxiety. You search for him among the crowd of riders at the far end of the fence. When you spot him, you’re surprised to find he’s watching you. He grins, tipping his hat. It’s such a simple gesture, but it fills you with a fluttering warmth that lasts long after he looks away to acknowledge his parents. 

When it’s finally Rhett’s turn to ride, you rub your hands on your thighs anxiously. The buzzer goes off and you flinch as the gate is ripped open. The world narrows to Rhett, the bull, and the sound of your own breathing. The seconds tick past agonizingly slow until he’s thrown from the bull. 

Dust flies and the bull stomps. You stand up, searching until you find him stock still in the dirt. You make a small, terrified sound and Royal touches your shoulder drawing your gaze. 

“He’s okay. Just got the breath knocked from him,” he assures you. 

You look at Cecilia who seems just as concerned but then a second later the bull is gone and Rhett stands. His gaze is focused on the scoreboard but you watch him. His expression is serious, lips pressed into a thin line as his chest heaves. Then suddenly he smiles, open joy written across his features and the crowd cheers. When you look up his name is first on the board. 

Beside you, Royal yells and Perry sticks two fingers in his mouth and whistles loudly. Cecilia shouts his name and Amy jumps with excitement. You expect Rhett to come straight to his parents but he makes a beeline for you, climbing up the bleachers and past people with ease. 

“Rhett,” you start, whatever you were going to say cut short by his lips on yours. The kiss is intense but brief. When he pulls away, he looks as surprised as you feel. You stare at one another before suddenly he’s pulled back by an older man who claps him on the shoulder. More people push forward to offer him congratulations. 

“Let him hear you one more time,” the announcer encourages. “Ladies and gentlemen, your hometown hero, Rhett Abbott!”

You touch your lips, mind working hard to process what just happened. Rhett looks back, eyes glued to yours as he’s pulled back into the ring.

“Come on sweetheart,” Cecilia urges, patting your arm. “Let’s wait for him at the other end. Less people.”

You can’t see her eyes under the brim of your hat but you suddenly realize she and about a hundred other people just witnessed what Rhett did. You have no idea what his parents must think. There’s another feeling under the embarrassment and awkwardness that you don’t investigate too closely. 

“Well that was something,” Royal says and you glance up at him sharply before you realize he’s talking about Rhett’s ride. 

Cecilia smiles. “He’s gonna ride next weekend in the finals for sure.”

“I knew he’d make it,” Royal says proudly and you smile at both of them, nodding your agreement. 

After a few minutes, Perry arrives alone. “It was getting late so I thought it best Amy went home,” he tells the three of you, hands on his hips. “She can celebrate with us tomorrow.”

“Hmmm and I suppose you’re gonna help your brother celebrate tonight?” Cecilia asks, judgment clear in her tone.

“Yeah. Handsome Gambler,” he confirms, clapping Rhett on the back as he arrives. “You’ll be drinking for free, that’s for sure.” 

“Did you consider that your brother might not want to go?” Cecilia asks, looking at you pointedly. 

“Oh, that’s alright. We can go,” you say, feeling even more awkward.

Perry grins and leans in. This close you can smell the alcohol on his breath. “Great, I’ll get us a booth.”

He disappears before Rhett even has a chance to speak. Cecilia sighs and Royal rubs her back. “Nothing wrong with having a little fun,” he reminds her.

“I know,” she concedes. “But be safe,” she adds, looking intently at Rhett.

“I will,” he promises her, nodding seriously.  

Cecilia offers you a tight hug, promising to stop by the store later in the week. Once she and Royal are gone, you’re alone with Rhett. He rubs the back of his neck and clears his throat. 

“I’m sorry.” He pauses, looking back at you. “For the kiss. I shoulda asked if you were okay with that. I was out of line.”

“It’s okay. It uh, was good. Lots of people saw. That’s the point right?”

He stares at you for a long moment, an unreadable expression on his face. “Yeah, that’s the point," he agrees, finally before his gaze flicks away. “But, we don’t have to go to the Gambler tonight. Perry’s just… Perry,” he finishes with a long suffering sigh. 

You think about how excited he was before and what tonight means for him. He’d done so much for you lately, the least you could do was go with him to the bar. There was no way he’d drop you off and home and go alone. You had fun with him last night after all. Maybe tonight would be just as nice. 

“We can go,” you tell him but he frowns, clearly unconvinced. It’s late and you’re tired but it isn’t hard to manage a genuine smile for him. “Afterall, I brought my dancing boots,” you add, pulling up your jeans to reveal them. 

“Alright,” he agrees, his expression lightening. 

The bar is more crowded than last night and Rhett keeps you close. Everyone wants to talk to him, including Maria. You can’t help but feel jealous at the way she lays a hand on Rhett’s arm and leans in close to speak to him. She’s even more beautiful than she was in high school when half the town knew he’d been in love with her.

Watching them together and seeing the easy way he smiled at her, you wonder if he still is. That makes your chest ache, which is silly. You and Rhett weren’t actually together. Nothing, from the dance last night to his kiss earlier, was real. It was an act because you caught the wrong kind of attention. Suddenly, you want to be anywhere but here. You take a step away but Rhett’s quick to face you, his hand shooting out to grasp your elbow.

You lean in to be heard over the din of the bar. “I need to use the restroom but Perry said he can come with me,” you lie, looking over your shoulder at his brother. 

“I can come,” Rhett tells you, setting his beer down. 

You wave him off. “Catch up with your friends.”

When you realize Rhett doesn’t turn around immediately you’re forced to actually ask Perry. He agrees and finishes off his beer, following after you a little unsteady. You take your time in the bathroom, splashing water on your face and staring at your reflection. It’s quiet here but your mind is buzzing. You close your eyes and sigh. You’re not sure how long you stay like that, lost in thought but eventually a toilet flushes and you stand straight. You were being selfish, Rhett deserved to celebrate tonight without worrying over you. 

With a deep breath you head back into the bar, searching for Perry. When you left he was leaning against the wall, scrolling on his phone. Now he’s nowhere to be found. You only make it a few steps before someone’s hand closes around your wrist and tugs you back. You spin around, half expecting to find Rhett but it’s not him. 

Green eyes meet yours. 

“Hi baby,” Jimmy says, smiling. 

[sorchathered]

Lose Control

Pairing- Rhett Abbott x reader

Warnings- angst, smut, little pinch of bdsm

Summary- this is just angst and filth, been working on this for @attapullman for a few weeks and I think it’s finally ready :)

————————————————————————

The two of you had been snappy at each other all day, normally rodeo weekends were a fun getaway for you both; but when a certain ex girlfriend decided to show up and rush to Rhett in the crowd after his winning ride, wrapping her arms around his neck while cameras flashed it took every ounce of decorum you had to to make it down the bleachers and keep yourself from snatching the hair right out of Maria Olivares’ head.

You had a feeling she would do something like this the second you saw her in the hotel lobby Saturday morning, she all but jumped into his lap during breakfast when she walked past the two of you. Never once acknowledging your presence she gushed about how she’d heard about how well he’d been doing on the circuit and just *had* to come see Wabang’s favorite son ride in his biggest tournament yet.

You’d been in a piss poor mood ever since, Rhett had been polite; peeling her off of him and letting her run her mouth but excusing the two of you as quickly as possible. Her disappointed pout when he pulled back your chair nearly had you lunging across the table at her (at least in your head), but you just clenched your jaw and let him lead you to the elevator. He tried several times to assure you he didn’t know she’d be here, attempting to go down on you in the shower to bring up your mood but you wouldn’t let him. If you had known it would get him pissy as well you probably wouldn’t have done it (yes you would) but you couldn’t be bothered.

She knew full well the two of you were engaged, Wabang was a small town full of gossips and it took less than 10 hours for the whole town to be aware that “playboy” Rhett Abbott was locked down. It’d been nearly 3 months since then, and as you looked down at your ring warmth spread over you, memories of that night almost making you forget what you had been so upset over. Almost.

Truly you knew it wasn’t something he could control, and you weren’t mad at him at all but it just seemed like everywhere you looked lately there were traces of that failed relationship. Cece had loved Maria, and after everything that had gone down with Perry and Royal due to Trevor’s murder she truly struggled with any more change coming her way. So when they split up and less than 6 months later you come along, she wasn’t the warm mother in law figure Rhett had made her seem to be. She was cordial sure, but she only had Rhett left and her need for something to stay normal overruled her willingness to understand her son’s desperation to start a new life and family somewhere else. She’d given her blessing for him to have his grandma’s ring, begrudgingly; letting him know to get it back if things went south which caused a whole new argument between the two of them and resulting in them going no contact for a while.

You felt responsible all the time, like him loving you was a burden but he assured you that in reality you’d saved him. His life had been hell, verbally and sometimes physically taking the brunt of Royal’s unresolved anger and he was finally free to make his own choices, first of all marrying you.

Looking up at him now as he worked to button his shirt up, less than an hour before his first event, you softened considerably. Cautiously you walked over and smoothed your hands over his chest, leaning into him to press kisses to his cheeks and nose and then finally to his lips.

“I’m sorry baby, I know you can’t control what happened today and I’m not really mad at you, you know that right?”

He nods and runs his nose along your jaw, taking you in and allowing you both to relax into each others touch.

“I know sugar, and I know she gets under your skin but you don’t have a damn thing to worry about. I got no interest in rehashing the past with her, she just likes the attention; it really ain’t even about me. I’m yours baby, not going anywhere.”

You melt into him now, and the room seems to get 10 degrees hotter from the look he’s giving you. You know he’s always antsy before a ride, and he needs the release to get him through. You let your hands wander down to his belt buckle, popping the gaudy monstrosity open and unzipping his jeans.

You can already see the tension leave his shoulders as you sink to your knees, mouthing at the front of his boxers as he threads his fingers through your hair.

“My sweet girl, so good for me…look so pretty on your knees like that, don’t ever want anyone like this but you ya hear me bubs? No one could ever take care of me like you do.”

You preen under his praise, he knows all too well what it does to you when he talks like that. You pull him out and begin to swirl your tongue around the tip of him, hand gliding over the rest of his length as you suck at him like he’s the best lollipop you’ve ever tasted.

You can tell he’s getting impatient now, hand flexing in your hair and breath hitching in his throat.

“Fuck, please baby don’t tease me, I can’t take it I need ya”

Who are you to say no when he asks so sweetly? You pull off of him completely and he lets out the prettiest whine, you chuckle and look up at him with the most innocent doe eyed look you can conjure.

“Use me Rhett, fuck my mouth and then go win this tournament, you’re so perfect baby let me make you feel good”

He lets out a groan as you take him back into your mouth now, watching as he wraps your hair around his hand and begins to shallowly thrust into you. You stay like that and allow him to use you, listening to his broken moans and curses pour from his lips as he works to get himself off.

You moaned around him as he found his rhythm, snapping his hips forward to chase his release hitting the back of your throat causing you to gag on him. Tears pricked at the corner of your eyes and you knew you were drooling but God he looked so damn pretty like this. Sweaty forehead, forearm flexing from pulling your hair, mouth open and eyes squeezed shut while he focused on getting himself off. You swallowed around him and felt him falter a little, knowing he was getting close.

“Shit shit shit fuck baby I’m close ya ready for me to cum down that pretty throat?”

You nod as he thrusts one-two more times and then he’s cumming hot and heavy in your mouth, you swallow as much of him down as you can but it begins to leak out of the sides of your lips and he thinks he could get hard all over again from how debauched you look.

You make quick work of getting cleaned up and both of you put back together, previous argument completely forgotten as you make your way hand in hand out of the hotel to drive to the arena.

He’s crushed every record tonight, maintained his spot at the top of the leaderboard with only one more ride to go. You watch him by the chutes as he talks to Archie, looks up to find you in the stands to wink at you with his gorgeous blue eyes. His smile is electric, you can’t help but let out a laugh out that bubbled up from your chest, heart swelling with happiness to see how in his element he is. You blow him a handful of kisses as he heads back toward the gate, and you know with complete confidence this is it; he’s going to win.

The win is secured by another perfect ride, and he jumps off scurrying to his feet, pumping his fist in the air as the announcer calls out his name and score. You are quick to jump from your spot to head to him, as you make your descent you glance at the Jumbotron wanting to see his face, only to be met with someone launching themselves into his arms…someone who is definitely not you. You screech to a halt, feeling like your knees might buckle as Maria is pulled back by Archie to disentangle herself from him, but it’s too late. She’s smacked a big red lip print on his cheek and the cameras have clearly caught all the angles, no doubt it will be in the papers tomorrow; Rhett and his old flame wrapped up in each other celebrating his win, no sign of his fiancée at all.

You can tell he’s looking for you, scanning the crowd with a panic in those cerulean eyes but you can’t bring yourself to make your way over to him. Hot tears pour down your cheeks as you make your way through the back of the arena, phone buzzing in your pocket and you pull the device out to shut it off entirely.

You somehow make it back to the hotel, there was a few taxis in the lot so you numbly told the driver the address and climbed into bed fully dressed when you finally reached your room. It’s almost an hour before you hear the hotel key unlocking the door, sees his shadow slipping into the dark room searching for any sign of you.

“Y/n? Sweetheart talk to me, I’ve been worried fucking sick, couldn’t get you on the phone and no one knew where you’d gone.”

You sit upright to face him, eyes swollen and face damp, unsure if you can even respond to him at this point.

“I-I- d-didn’t think my presence was needed at this point, you’d gotten plenty of fanfare and I didn’t want to take away from your win with my sour attitude. It’s just better if I let it be, you know it just as well as I do.”

He shakes his head furiously, tossing his hat onto the desk across from him

“That’s fucking bullshit, you know how much I needed you with me tonight, you were just pissed about Maria. I get it baby I do, but what you would have seen if you’d stuck around was that we had security escort her out and she got kicked out of our hotel as well. Apparently she tried to tell security at the gate that she was my girlfriend so they’d let her on the floor, so that caused a shitstorm. Archie’s pissed as hell, all of us were worried sick when we couldn’t find you.”

You sniffle as you look around the room, trying to find something to look at other than him but he won’t let you. Takes two large strides toward you and pulls your face towards his, staring you down until you finally break.

“What do you want me to say Rhett? That I was humiliated once again by your piece of shit ex? Well I was! She knows exactly what to do to get under my skin, always has. She’s never gonna let us be is she? Let’s be honest, it would be so much easier for you if you just let me go and picked back up with her, your mother hates me and Maria very clearly wants you back so maybe the only thing holding you back here is me.” Your chest is heaving from the explosion, Rhett stumbles backwards with a jolt, almost as though you’d slapped him with your words.

It’s tense, the words you said hanging heavy in the air as you fidget on the bed; too afraid to look him in the eye.

“Look at me” he grounds out at you, and you snap your head up at the venom in his tone, eyes more black than blue, irises nearly non existent.

He doesn’t give you a chance to say anything else, hauls you up by your elbow and grips your chin.

“If I EVER hear you spew that shit at me again you won’t be able to sit for a goddamn week you hear me? You want to be a brat about this? Fine, but don’t you dare suggest that we should end this. You’re everything, *everything* to me.”

He forces you down onto the bed now, clawing at your clothes to rid you of them, kisses all teeth and tongue as you paw at him trying to rid him of his shirt. He catches both your hands up now, pushes them down above your head as he grinds into you, he’s stripped you down to nothing and he’s still fully clothed you whine high in your throat and he laughs darkly at you.

“Aht Aht, hands to yourself sweetness, you hurt me tonight; acted like a petulant child when you know good and damn well you’ve got me wrapped around your pretty little finger. I’m taking what I want from you tonight and you’re gonna take it, and maybe just maybe you’ll learn your lesson. Brats don’t get a say ‘round here and you know it. So do what you’re fucking told and put your hands on the headboard.”

You knew you’d fucked up when you said how you felt, knew it would hurt him but did it anyway, you and Rhett had been rough with each other in the past so it wasn’t a shock to see this play out and you felt a shiver go down your spine at the thought of what he had planned for you.

He pushes off of the bed now, heads over to your luggage and pulls a small bundle of rope from it. You’ve seen it many times before at home, but didn’t expect him to have packed it for this weekend. You begin to scoot back toward the headboard, wrists held out for him, better to try and get on his good side and maybe keep the neighbors from calling the front desk.

“Atta girl, you know the drill, unfortunately for you it’s not gonna be that easy.” He says as you blink up at him, and he snatches your wrists, begins winding the rope to bind them together, once he’s done that he taps your thighs, and oh you didn’t know what was coming but you definitely do now. Takes the rest of the rope and knots one ankle, then the other, linking them all before tying an intricate knot into the headboard. Ankles around your ears, hands above your head and for the first time tonight you have the good sense to be nervous.

“Not gonna hurt you baby, know you can take it but it gets to be too much you say the word and we’re done for the night ok?” He leans in to peck kisses to your lips and nose and you nod at him furiously, squirming awkwardly and grasping at the rope, desperately wishing you could touch him.

He’s situating himself between your open legs, and you hear the clinking of his belt below you. Thinking for a second that he’s going to give you his cock you’re suddenly aware of a sharp smack to your pussy, letting out a yelp. Belt buckle dangling from his wrist, he looks up at you with a quirked eyebrow and you know you need to keep quiet or it’ll only get worse. He swats at you again, then once more before sliding three fingers into your heat. You try to arch your back but you can’t from this position, bite down hard on your lip to keep from making any noise and you could swear you’ve drawn blood. He continues this little game, winding you up until you are right at the edge and then ripping the pleasure away from you. Tears pool at the corner of your eyes, and you blink furiously trying to make sure you can still look at him. You want to beg him, apologize over and over until he cuts you loose and fucks you properly.

Just as you reach your high for who knows how many times he takes it from you again and you let out a loud wail, sobbing out his name.

“You think you’ve had enough baby girl? Ready to tell me how sorry you are?”

“Yes, yes God yes Rhett I’m sorry please baby I’ll never say it again just want you only you please baby fuck me I need it” you’re babbling now, cheeks tear stained and chest heaving.

He hovers over you, wiping your tears , hands untying the restraints.

“I’m not even close to done with you baby girl, turn around and get on your hands and knees. What’s your color?”

“Green” you breathed out, you knew he’d stop if you asked but there was a part of you that wanted every bit of your punishment, it was a rare occasion for him to lose himself like this and you knew he needed it.

You heard the clink of his belt once again and you shivered at the anticipation of what was to come as he smoothed a calloused hand over your ass.

“What do you think sugar? 5 each? 10? How much do you think you can take?”

“I-I d-deserve whatever you give me sir, I deserve it I’ll do whatever you want I trust you.”

He ran his knuckles down your spine a few times, taking in your form as he looped the belt around and grasped it tightly in his right hand. He would never hurt you if you asked him to stop, but looking at you propped up on all fours, pussy glistening as you whimpered for him, he knew you could take it and he’d be damned if it didn’t turn him on beyond belief.

“Ok sugar, 5 each because you were so sweet; but I better not hear a peep out of you or you’ll get 10.”

“Y-yes sir, thank you sir.” You nodded your head and braced yourself, you knew he was losing his resolve but you’d be damned if you opened your mouth now, if you were just patient he’d fuck you soon enough and the thought made you dizzy.

He smoothed his hand over one cheek and then a resounding crack bounced off the walls of the hotel room, he made you count each one and by the time he’d gotten to 6 on the other cheek he was so painfully hard the thought he might pass out from the high. You sobbed out on the ninth hit and he couldn’t take it anymore, tossing the belt aside and pulling himself free of his jeans and briefs, yanking you towards him and slamming into you without warning. He didn’t let up, he wasn’t fucking with you earlier when he said only good girls got to cum; this was going to be hard and fast and you’d take what you were given.

Tears were pouring down your cheeks now, it felt so good and he had you teetering on the edge this whole time, you knew better than to hope he’d let you cum, you focused on your breathing trying to get ahold of yourself but he was brushing against that spot only he could reach and you could feel the build up coming, crying out on a hard thrust.

“P-p-lease…please Rhett can I cum? I’m so sorry baby please I’ll be good please please please” you sobbed and writhed beneath him, clenching down on him so hard his hips stuttered.

“Ok, ok baby you did so good f’ me…God..Fuck I love you cum for me sweet girl”

You let out a high pitched wail that was sure to get you both a noise complaint and gushed your release, shaking and nearly losing your balance as Rhett wrapped an arm around your torso and pulled you close, releasing into your tight pussy as he bit down on your shoulder.

You both collapse onto the mattress, a pile of worn out limbs and heaving chests and you felt a panic stir up in you again, you were so embarrassed with yourself for the way you’d handled things. He could tell you had gotten back in your head, rolling you onto your side to kiss your cheeks and nose, trying to reassure you everything was forgiven.

“I’m so sorry Rhett, baby forgive me. I love you so much, can’t bear the thought of you with someone else. I don’t know what got into me, I just couldn’t stand the thought of her touching you and I ran. I know it was wrong” you sobbed out, and he closed the distance slotting your lips together tongues dancing against each other as he pulls you close.

“Baby I better not ever hear you talk at me like that again goddamnit, ‘m not going anywhere. I chose you and you’re just gonna have to accept that I don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks ya hear? You’re it for me.” He meant every word, he couldn’t imagine life without you in it and the thought of you giving up nearly destroyed him. He’d do anything to make sure you never felt that way again, didn’t care if it took a lifetime to prove it he’d make sure you always knew you came first.

Later after a long shower where he took you apart until you were on wobbly legs the two of you cuddled up into your bed, surrounded by a ridiculous amount of room service while you watched a movie. No thoughts of Maria entered your mind for the rest of the weekend, Rhett was yours and he’d never let you second guess it again.

Tagging- @attapullman

@bobgasm

If anyone wants to be added to the tag list for Rhett let me know!!

[attapullman]

I know this is Rhett, but but but hear me out. Neighbor! Bob helping someone with their car. And one of queens of gossip stops by and flirts with him.

Linds! You are right on the head and it's taken me 24 hours of 😵‍💫 to have a coherent thought.

It's deffo headcanon that Bob on leave has Rhett vibes - the grown out hair, the ball caps. I wouldn't be surprised at a hidden little tattoo under those khakis.

So it wouldn't be completely left field for Bob to be in the driveway, middle of summer, nearing the end of a particularly long leave, fixing up his truck because the alternator has been screeching bad on his commute.

Hair grown out, too lazy for a haircut, ball cap pulled over to keep it out of his eyes while he's tucked under the truck's hood. San Diego is at a record high and he ditched his faded Naval Academy tshirt half an hour ago. And half an hour ago every female neighbor within a three house radius is glued to her window.

He couldn't be more oblivious, trying not to snap his fingers with all the metal in his truck. Fully aware he could have taken it to the mechanic, but they aren't open until Monday and he promised he'd take you to the beach tonight.

It's not until he hears a, "Yoohoo!" that he's aware there's an audience. Missus Jacobs, Connelly, and Branaugh are walking across the street dressed for the hot weather - if you count that little of fabric clothing. Robert is instantly scrambling to see if he can escape the situation, but it's too late.

For the next twenty minutes the women dote over him, making notes on his handiness. If he was hot before, he's positively boiling with embarrassment. Keeping his head ducked as he attempts to focus on the mechanics, but the women are constantly chucking him another question while ogling his sweaty chest. How could they not when there's thin trails of perspiration making their way down his pecs and straight toward his happy trail?

"Robert!" Your voice is like a splash of cool water as you make your way up his drive, fanning yourself. He makes a solid effort to focus on your face despite the low cut tank top sticking to your skin possibly being the hottest thing he's seen you in.

You smile apologetically to the women. "I hate to interrupt. I think my air conditioner broke. Would you mind taking a look?"

Before the women can even question your motives, he's slamming the hood of his truck down and slipping into the garage for his tool belt. Fully aware that your air conditioner is functioning after he checked it last week, but your plumbing is definitely in need of a little fixing.

Something him and his tool belt fix immediately as he folds you in half in front of the air conditioner and thanks you with long, hard strokes...

[lewinblue]

The Bookkeeper and The Cowboy || Pt 1

WC: 1.6k

Summary: A new bookstore is making its way into Wabang and has everyone gossiping. Some are excited, the kids are happy, some are grumpy and Rhett, well he’s just a little bit curious.

A/N: This was originally going to be one part. I have no self control, though, so it’ll probably 2 or 3

Wabang, Wyoming is a small town with people who knew each other, and parents and grandparents who likely knew each other. If you lived there you likely never thought of leaving. If you grew up in the dusty old town it likely never occurred to you to leave.

Everyone knew each other, every building was known and every person who ran it was known by name. Everyone knew that Maren at ‘Maren’s Marvelous Hair Salon’ was a gossip and that Joe who worked at the butcher's was vulgar but still kind and would likely give you an extra slice of your favorite place of meat. Everyone knew the teachers. Ms. Kay, who was secretly seeing Luke Tillerson, and was teaching second grade. Everyone adored her. She was kind, sweet, and gentle with her students. She waved and smiled at the parents of her students. Unlike the high school teacher Mr. Daughtery. The older man never smiled and was always found with a cup of coffee in his hand. When someone addressed him he only grunted and turned away. Some wondered why he hadn’t retired yet or found another job but most of the time, people just ignored him.

It was no wonder that Rhett Abbott didn’t notice that new building being put up right away. No one had bothered to mention it to him. His dad was working him to the bone and when Maren caught him running errands for his dad for the ranch she never mentioned it.

Rhett only became aware of the new building when he went into the tractor supply store to pick up feed for the animals on the ranch. Old man Waters (no one knew his first name anymore, he could have been the first one in the town for all anyone knows) mentioned a new bookstore that was in the works down the street. He didn’t say it in a grumble or in a way he detested a new business. No, he seemed rather…happy about it? Supposedly his granddaughter loved spending time over there after school even though it wasn’t completely finished. Every time he saw her she chatted nonstop about the new owner and the books and even how the building was coming along.

Rhett nodded and tipped his hat, making sure to say thank you because if there was one thing Cecilia Abbott did right it was to raise her sons with manners. After he stocked the bed of his truck full of feed for the animals and some other things for the ranch, Rhett sat in the truck for a minute longer than usual. He could see the budding store from here and he couldn’t deny that the curiosity got the better of him.

If he took a bit longer to get home than usual it definitely wasn’t to see the new bookstore. It was cream and green and on a hanging green wooden poster it read ‘Cover to Cover’. It was clever and left a small smile on his face for no one to see but himself.

When Rhett finally arrived home it was dark and his mom was just about to finish cooking dinner. Mashed potatoes and pork chops it looked like again. He knew better than to complain, it was Perry and his dad’s favorite meal.

As the plates were being served Rhett reached over to playfully mess with Amy’s hair which made the young girl giggle and her father grumble which only added to the satisfaction Rhett felt. He and Perry could argue from sun up to sun down, never agreeing on anything. Mostly on Rhett’s life choices but he couldn’t deny that Perry did one thing right at that was to make Amy. He adored his niece, her laugh, her adventurous spirit, and her no-nonsense attitude that developed before she could talk.

“Did you pick up the feed for the horse?” His dad grumbled in a question.

Rhett knew not to take it personally. It was just how his dad spoke. He was all hard edges and no soft-spoken words. Those were saved for his wife his his granddaughter. Sometimes, when he was younger, Rhett, wondered if Royal even saw him and Perry as sons and just as extra hands to help around the ranch.

“Yeah,” he said, just as gruffly after swallowing a dry pork chop. “It’s all in the bed of my truck.”

“It took you so long. Thought you might be visiting one of your little bunnies.” Perry smirked and Rhett bit his tongue.

“I was catching with Old Man Waters, while I was there,” Rhett said, despite not owing his brother a reply. His mom was still at the table and didn’t want the conversation to turn into something inappropriate.

“I wanna see a bunny,” Amy said innocently.

Rhett looked at Perry and raised an eyebrow. Once he saw his brother's cheeks turn pink he knew he won.

“It’s not those kind of bunnies, darling.” His mom said and pointedly looked at Rhett for the next bit, “I wouldn’t want you catching anything from those bunnies. Who knows where they’ve been.”

Clear to change the subject Royal jumped in, “What did you and Old Man Waters talk about?”

“Not much,” Rhett tried for nonchalance. He didn’t want his dad to see how much this particular subject interested him. “He said that someone is building a bookstore, it’s not fully done, but he said that his granddaughter loves it already.”

Royal hurmphed at the idea. He stabbed his food before saying in a grumpier tone than usual. “What happened to kids reading at school or their parents reading to them? If you ask me it sounds like some yuppie bullshit.”

“I think it’s nice that there’s a place for people to get books and hang out when they're not working.” His mom said placatingly.

“That’s until more people move to Wabang and new houses and apartments are built and we’ll even have a Starbucks.”

“I only said Old Man Waters said it, doesn’t mean it’s true. It could go under in a month.”

Nothing else was said for the rest of the meal. Everyone could tell that the tonal shift had changed and even young Amy didn’t look up from her plate.

When all the plates were in the sink Rhett offered to help his mom clean them. As if his dad and brother ever would, Cecelia shooed Jim off knowing that he would have to be awake before the sun came up to help his dad with the ranch.

He kissed his mom good night, skipped his after-dinner beer, and took the stairs two at a time. It was quiet except for the quiet noises coming from the bedrooms. His dad was talking nonsense, nothing unusual there, Perry was already snoring. From what? Rhett had no idea he wasn’t the one running around town and as far as he knew their dad had been taking it easy on Perry when it came to the Ranch.

When he passed by Amy’s room it was dead silent. Amy was never silent. Before he could think about it he gently tapped on her bedroom door and moments later Amy stood looking up at him.

“Hi. Uncle Rhett,” she smiled.

The end of his lip quirked and he asked. “How did you know it wasn't your dad or grandpa?”

She rolled her eyes and he realized fast then he liked that Mentions that Amy might like that his sweet little niece Amy was growing up.

“Grandpa pounds on the door like I can’t hear him. Dad just barges in. You and Grandma are the only ones who knock like normal people.”

Rhett nodded at that. It seemed about right the two of them had been doing it his whole life. Maybe for her birthday he’ll get her a lock and install it for her.

“You were quiet at dinner. I wanted to know what was up.”

The girl was quiet for a moment. Long enough for Rhett to start to worry. Amy was never quiet for too long around her uncle.

“I wanna see the bookstore.” She mumbles, nearly whispers. As though she’s afraid Royal will hear her from down the hall.

Rhett made an inquisitive noise, leaned on the doorframe, and crossed his arms. He waited for Amy to continue and after a moment she did.

“A few of my friends have been over to see it and all of grandma and grandpa’s books are boring. The school library’s books are falling apart.” She said this all in one gust of air. “I want to see what it’s all about but Grandpa knows everyone in town and they’ll tell him.”

“Your grandpa doesn’t know everything,” Rhett said with a smirk, thinking back to his childhood and teenage days when he managed to get with a lot more than his parents realized.

At her still-present frown that tugged on his heartstrings, Rhett said without thinking, “I’ll take you there. I drove past it on the way back home and maybe I could pick you up after school and bring you to the s bookstore.”

“Really?” Amy exclaimed and shy he’d herself so as not to wake anyone. She looked around to check that no one else moved around and then looked up at her uncle. “You would do that?

“If you get some sleep tonight and are good in school tomorrow, I’ll be right outside waiting for you.” He swore.

Of course, he wanted Amy to be happy and his father's disdain for any new business from outsiders was irksome. However, when he drove by the cream and green cozy-looking shop he couldn’t help but feel his curiosity peek. His niece wasn’t the only one who wanted to go, he wanted to go into the bookstore too.

[pucktoxicity]

I saw this on Twitter first & wanted to confirm it before sending it in, and it’s not gossip, but Travis Konecny had a massive fire at his home last night. I live near him and heard there was a fire around town but didn’t know it was his home. Travis, his wife Karly, their kids and dogs weren’t there and are perfectly safe, luckily, but the house is pretty damaged. They’re not even in New Jersey currently, either, but I wanted to share. Poor guy. 🥺😢

Here’s the link to the article: https://patch.com/new-jersey/haddon/fire-heavily-damages-haddonfield-home

i’d heard about this… so so sad for him, and what shame he’s not even in jersey to handle it. even worse for them, i bet they were probably going to be coming back soon to prep for the season and get rhett and beau ready for school / everything else. poor tk 💔 sending him positive thoughts and i hope their home is repaired soon 🤍

[chemicalalice]

Fic: Lines of Communication - Kinktober Day 10

Title: Lines of Communication

Summary: It wasn't Rhett's fault that women were always approaching him. But try telling that to your heart.

Pairing: Rhett Abbott x female!Reader

Warnings: Spanking, swearing, rough sex, under negotiated kinks (spanking), unprotected PinV sex, vaginal fingering. Please be mindful of yourself and do not read if this content bothers you. 18+ only!

Word count: 3131

AN: Rhett Abbott: The unexpected king of communication, coming to you straight from the made up world of Chemy's mind.

You knew what you were doing wasn't fair. Wasn't fair to Rhett, or hell, even to you. But you didn't care in that moment. You had had an extra shitty day to round out a shitty week. It had left you feeling rubbed raw; weak and vulnerable. And when you had seen that buckle bunny pressing herself up against Rhett you were done. Insecurities you normally kept at bay with reason and common sense had stormed to the front of your mind, pushing all logical thought to the side.

You knew, logically, that he would never in a million years sample what she was offering, what they all were always offering, unlike a lot of other guys on the rodeo circuit would when their girls weren't around. But sometimes the constant string of women trying to get his attention got to be too much for you.

Work had kept you late and you didn't get to see him ride that night. You made plans to meet up at the bar after instead. He had been sitting near the entrance and was easy to spot when you had finally entered the noisy bar. The girl in the barely there pink rhinestone tank top and jean shorts that showed more of her ass than it covered was easy to spot too.

Rhett wasn't actually giving the girl any real attention, but his mamma had raised him to respect women and so he had a forced smile on his face as he listened patiently to whatever she was saying and that was more than you wanted to see. His phone was in his hands, and when he checked it repeatedly you knew he was waiting for your text. Waiting for you. Still, when she leaned in all you saw was her chest pressing against his arm, pink finger nails grasping for his hat, pink lips practically touching his ear. It didn't matter that Rhett was moving away, smile replaced by a frown. You just saw the girl.

Normally you would have marched over there, inserted yourself in between the woman and your boyfriend; made it clear he was taken. But tonight you were tired. So tired.

You turned and left without saying a word. Waited until you made it all the way home before you bothered to text him.

Have fun sticking your dick in Buckle Barbie.

It was mean and viscous and completely uncalled for. Especially when his name lit up your phone and you sent his call straight to voicemail. But you didn't care. Rhett's had been riding good recently, and that took him away more. You wanted to trust him, but you had been burned by cowboys like him the past. The insecurity had been festering, leaving you laying away at night when he was on the rode, wondering if he had another girl with him. If he missed you. If he even cared.

You were on your second glass of whiskey when you heard Rhett's tuck pull up, and you didn't get up off the couch when you heard him try the door. Still didn't move when the knocking began. But when he started to pound you finally crossed the room to the door, afraid he would disturb the neighbors. The last thing you needed was for your hurt to be made into a spectacle for small town gossip.

His face was red when you swung open the door. "Do want to tell me what the hell is going on and why you think I am fucking another woman?" he immediately demanded.

Your arms crossed in front of your chest and you glared at him. "I saw you at the bar. That girl was all over you."

You could see the confusion cross his face before understanding settled in. "I wasn't even talking to her! I told her I was waiting for my girlfriend and that I wasn't interested."

"Yeah, and if you weren't waiting for me? Then would you have been interested? Are you interested when you are out on the circuit when I'm not there to interrupt?"

Rhett sucked in a breath, hurt and anger warring in his narrowed eyes. "Where is this coming from?"

It was a good question. Rhett had never done anything to make you doubt him. He had a past, yes, but his actions since you got together with him had made it more than clear that the past was the past. You were his present, his future. But you had a past too. One filled with hurt and betrayal, one that made you insecure and jealous and that filled you with fear. That is where this was coming from. It was easier in that moment to turn that fear, all that old hurt, into anger; to lash out at him as a way to protect your own battered heart.

You stepped back, preparing to close the door in his face. "I'm too tired to deal with this shit Rhett. I'm sick of always having to deal with the other girls. I'd be nice to be first for someone for once in my life. So just go home."

Rhett's face darkened, and before you had a chance to move he was pushing his way into your apartment.

"Rhett! Don't-" Your protest was short lived as he filled your space, backing you up across the room until your legs hit the back of the couch. He had one hand twisting in your hair and yanking your head back, the other curling tightly around your arm. You were already pissed, and you grew even angrier when your body responded to his rough handling and you felt yourself growing wet. You felt that anger swirling with shame and want deep in your core.

"I don't know what bug you got up your ass but I'm not going to let you shut me out like this. Especially over some goddamn girl I never even talked to!"

"I doubt you ever really talked to any of them Rhett. Too busy doing other things I imagine." You said sweetly with a nasty smile.

"Why are you being so bitchy tonight? I didn't do anything wrong!" You ignored the guilt that surged up at the pleading tone that tinged his words.

"Oh I am a bitch now?"

Rhett growled and spun you around, bending you over the back of the couch. His hand was still tangled in your hair. "I didn't say that. You did. You've been saying a lot of made-up bullshit tonight and I am more than willing to set you straight and show you just who is my number one if that's what you want."

Without warning two stinging slaps were delivered to your ass in rapid succession. You gasped and were stunned into silence, your body freezing in its struggle. Behind you Rhett paused, breathing heavy and waiting.

"You asshole," you finally hissed. It wasn't a no, a don't, or a stop.

Two more slaps were delivered to your ass and then Rhett's free hand was snaking its way to your front, popping the button on your jeans and pulling the fabric down to pool at your feet.

Rhett let out a soft moan as your black lace panties came into view. The crotch was already soaked, to your utter embarrassment. He palmed your ass cheek, kneading gently. "Did you wear these for me, darlin'?"

"Fuck you," you snapped bitterly, not willing to let go of your anger just yet, even as, to your horror, you felt more slick leak out of your pussy and soak into the lace. It was the wrong answer.

Another slap had you jolting forward, trying to escape his hand, but the grip he still had in your hair prevented you from getting far.

You slumped over the couch, not resisting as he set your flesh on fire with a series of blows. They didn't hurt, not exactly. You knew he would never purposely hurt you. But they stung, and your skin felt hot where his hand made contact. And through it all your cunt continued to only get wetter.

Rhett's breathing was heavy when the spanking finally stopped. His hand stayed on you, though, smoothing over your abused skin; kneading and caressing, slowing inching towards the heat at the center only your legs.

His fingers slid easily under your soaked panties, and you let out a loud moan as he dragged his knuckle up your slit. He roughly plunged two fingers into your cunt, pumping them a few times, cursing at how wet you were, before he pulled away, wiping the slick coating them on his jeans.

You could here him fumbling with his belt, and you tried to twist around, to watch, to help, you weren't sure, but his hand tightened in your hair. "Don't fucking move," he snarled, and you immediately relaxed against his hold. There was anger lacing through his words, and nervousness curled in your gut. Had you pushed him too far? Was this going to be some hate-filled goodbye fuck as he decided he had had his fill of your insecurities?

You jumped when you felt the blunt head of his cock nudge up against your cunt. Rhett held himself in his hand, guided his erection to slide back and forth in between your folds, coating himself with your slick.

And then he was pushing in. Pushing and pushing and pushing, all while pulling back on your hair, causing you to arch your back to accommodate his hold on you.

There was nothing gentle in the way he was fucking you. None of the softness or care that he usually showed. This was rough; harsh and full of frustrated need.

"Is this what you wanted?" He growled, giving another yank on your hair. His face was pressed to the side of your head, mouth against your ear. His other hand was griping your hip just as tightly, and you knew that there would be bruises there the next morning; a perfect shadow of his finger. "You have my attention, baby. You always have it."

Your hands fought for a steady grip on the couch to anchor yourself against the brutal piston of his hips. "Rhett," you moaned, "please. Please!" You didn't know what you were asking for. Release? Absolutely. Forgiveness? Another strong possibility.

"If you are upset about something, we talk about it. We work it out." You hated how steady his voice sounded as he worked you into a sweaty, panting mess underneath him. His thrusts so forceful it was as if he was trying to spear through you; or to plunge his words so deep inside of you there was no chance they wouldn't stick.

"Baby, I love you. There aren't any other girls. I would never do that to you. I don't want no one but you baby. Don't you ever doubt that."

You sobbed his name, pleasure and love and guilt all waring within you. You didn't think you had ever met a better man. "I'm sorry Rhett. I know."

His pace slowed, full thrusts morphing into a deep grind. He stroked down you back, hand in your hair loosening but keeping its place, allowing you to relax the tight curve of your spine that you had been forced to hold. Your ass was still sore from his earlier blows, and every time his pelvis pressed against it , the touch shot straight your pussy.

"I got you sweetheart. Just let go. I'll catch you."

It was too much. His cock was grinding against that spot in you that made you see stars and the care and tenderness in those words were like a balm to your battered heart, tipping you you over the edge. You came suddenly, violently, body thrashing against his hold, tears leaking from your tightly squeezed eyes. The world seemed to fade away as all the sound deadened, replaced by the pounding of your blood in your ears.

Rhett groaned behind you, his hand suddenly releasing his hold on your hair and falling to squeeze tightly at your hips. It cause you to pitch forward, but he followed, keeping himself buried deep inside of you. "Fuck, fuck, I'm cumming baby," he grit out, teeth clenched tightly.

His cum was molten as it filled you in thick ropes. The sensation, combined with the the press of him deep inside you, was enough to pull another, weaker orgasm from you. You felt full. Owned. Rhett groaned again at the feeling of your pussy rippling along his cock as he finally finished cumming.

Your legs felt weak, and you knew the couch was the only thing supporting you. Rhett's lips pressed gently to your spine as he pulled out, sure to keep both hands on you, holding you up. You could feel him leaking out of you, dripping down your leg. You whimpered at the loss of both him inside you and the heavy, grounding touch of him pressed against you.

"Baby?" His voice was soft. You didn't even have the strength to push yourself up, let alone answer with anything meaningful.

"It's ok. I got you." His voice was barely more than a whisper. You felt his arms wrapping around you, then you were being lifted and carried down the hall to your room.

You welcomed the comfort of your bed as you were set down gently amongst the pillows and blankets, your eyes immediately dipping shut. You wanted to stay awake, to apologize, to tell Rhett you loved him and that you had been so unfair. But sleep claimed you before you could do more than mumble his name.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You were groggy when you awoke the next morning. It took almost a full minute before the events of the previous night resurfaced in your mind. And your stomach sunk when you realized your were alone in bed. Although, with the horrible things you had said, you shouldn't have been surprised that Rhett didn't stick around.

It was only after you took two deep, steadying breaths in an effort to keep the tears at bay that you realized you could smell coffee. Hope seized your heart.

You slipped out of bed and reached for your robe. You were still naked, but your thighs felt clean, absent of the crust of dried cum that you had been expecting. Rhett must have cleaned you up after you passed out.

He was standing in the kitchen, leaning against the counter dressed in just his jeans which hung open, giving you a teasing glimpse of the skin, and barest hint of his cock, underneath. The sun streaming in through your kitchen window backlit him, and the sight, how damn good he looked, took your breath away. Your chest ached.

He had been staring into his cup, but he looked up when he heard you enter the room. He smiled hesitantly. "'Morning."

"Good morning," you replied softly. You shifted awkwardly and didn't move from where you stood.. Normally you would push your way into his arms in the morning, demanding he abandoned his coffee to kiss you instead. Now, you weren't sure if that would even be welcomed.

Rhett cleared his throat and set his mug down on the counter next to him. "Look... I'm really sorry about last night. I crossed the line. I shouldn't have touched you like-"

"Stop!" You practically shouted the word, your throat tightening at his apology. You were horrified that after everything that had happened he felt he was the one who needed to apologize. "Rhett! Stop, no, I'm the one that needs to apologize! I was horrible. I was angry and took it out on you and said horrible thing to you and about you and-"

Tears were beginning to leak out of your eyes, and Rhett crossed the room in two steps, sweeping you into his arms. You let out a sob, the tears pushing their way out.

"Hush, girl. It's alright. It's fine. I'm not angry." He pressed his cheek against the top of your head, rocking you gently until your sobs subsided. "Look at me," he murmured, and when you kept your face buried in his chest he pushed you away gently, hands slipping from your arms up to cup your face. His thumbs stroked at your cheeks, wiping away the remaining tears that cling to your skin.

"Did I hurt you?" You could see the worry in his eyes.

"Rhett, no!" You gasped, feeling sick that he was worried about that. "Not at all."

"Ok then.... Then everything else is ok."

"It's not," you insisted, peering up at him. "I was awful to you!"

He smiled then, that lopsided grin that you loved so much. It made your heart clench painfully with how much you loved this man. "I'll admit I was a little surprised. But I get it. Baby, I feel the same way every time a guy talks to you or even looks at you in a way I don't like. But please believe me; there isn't ever going to be anyone else for me but you. Don't ever think that. And I love you too much to ever hurt you."

"I know," you whispered, tears welling up again.

"Next time you are feeling like this you talk to me, ok? We gotta talk about things, baby."

Your breath hitched at the emotion in his words. You pressed your face back into his chest and nodded.

"Ok then."

You pulled back again, feeling the tension still lingering in his body. His words had been calm, reassuring, but you feared that despite them he was still angry with you.

"You don't feel ok. You still feel tighter than a bow string. You just said we need to talk. So talk to me! Tell me what you are thinking." You tried to keep your voice from sounding too pleading. Maybe you didn't deserve forgiveness so easily. You couldn't blame him, and you weren't going to demand it.

He hesitated, looking away. You were prepared for the worst, but got something completely unexpected. "Baby... are you sure I didn't hurt you? I should have never done that, touched you like that, without your permission."

You couldn't help the snort of laughter that escaped as relief flooded through you. This beautiful wonderful man. It was your turn to reach up and cup his face. You pulled him down to you, pressing your lips to his. You didn't deserve him; but you would try. "Rhett, baby, I promise you it was ok. I am fine. Completely fine. I, uh, didn't mind at all....if you catch my drift..."

Rhett blinked, face blank, before he grinned and slid his hands to palm your ass gently, mindful of how sore you might still be. "Oh. Yeah....I catch your drift."

[theealluringstoryteller]

Against The World Around Us

Chapter 2

The rewrite

The sound of heels clicking against the freshly polished wooden floors alerted the maids and butlers of the approaching Queen and her dear friend The Baroness. Breaths were held as the pair passed each who stopped to greet the Queen with a bow each waiting to see the imperial act the way they were told imperials acted: cold and entitled but,all they received was a warm smile and a short greeting made in a soft voice that didn't intimidate them at all. Smiles of relief made it’s way on to the palace workers faces instead of dirty hostile looks she was once sure she would receive.

"See! You were nervous for no reason." Aurelia hummed looping her arm with the Baroness's.

"You can't blame me for being a little nervous.” Omorose huffs gluing a smile on as they passed by a few more.

Rolling her eyes Aurelia let out a laugh "look at you and look at them! Behaving like nervous School children!"

Omorose smiled grew with what her friend was saying realizing how funny the situation was.

“I’m considered an enemy in foreign land! I have a right to be nervous.” Omorose stated in a slight whine leaning into Aurelia's warmth.

"An enemy in foreign land... " Aurelia repeated her silly mood dropping and replaced with concern. "I hope you know you're safe here Rosie " Aurelia said squeezing Omorose's upper arm. Their Journey through the halls towards the Queen's drawing room that held a surprise halted as Aurelia assured her close friend.

Omorose didn't want to offend or worry Aurelia with her thoughts of concern that she forced herself to swallow when she decided to travel into Intacia. She counted the risks, she went over each scenario then she put on a brave face and never looked back.

“Thanks for the reassurance, Lia. It’s just the war is over and everyone is trying to pick up the pieces and I don’t know where it’s going to leave me in the end.” Omorose’s admitted “And I know that sounds selfish but being in my position right now is so stressful,”

“Marriage proposals, pleads to fund imperial campaigns, and people demanding to know which side you are on since a rise of resistance have surged so soon?” Aurelia listed already having some knowledge of what's going on through gossip.

A groan left Omorose’s lips at the mention of all the things she left in the imperial Capitol.

“Please!” She began to beg “let’s not go over those things! I’ve left those things in the coastal empire.”

“Alright …” Aurelia shrugged her shoulders “on a better note I … have a surprise for you in my drawing room!”

Curiosity peeking Omorose’s couldn’t help but to ask “A surprise?”

Nodding Aurelia practically dragged Omorose down the hall and stairs towards said room. Excitement radiating off of her, shining through her smile. Struggling to keep up in her delicate taller heels the Baroness made a few comments and requests for Aurelia to slow down especially as they descended the stairs but all her words fell on deaf ears leading to the Baroness tripping and nearly falling on her face. “Woah!” A voice said catching the Baroness by the waist “You have to be more careful, Beautiful.” They said in a more flirty tone. Before Omorose could show her appreciation to whoever stopped her from falling Aurelia pulled her arm.

“Aurelia can you please slow down!” Omorose’s pleaded turning to glance over her shoulder to see who saved her only to see king Rhett blocking her view

“Castin! It’s good you’re here” Rhett said as he pulled the other man into a hug.

“In your letter you said you needed me,” Castin stated mindlessly returning the hug “Brother.” He added solidifying why he was there despite giving his attention to the woman he saved from falling.

“Ah, I see you’ve met the Baroness,” Rhett playfully nudged Castin’s shoulder.

In disbelief Castin couldn’t help but ask “That’s the Baroness?”

His eyes started on her figure until she finally disappeared around a corner.

“That’s not what I pictured,”

Resisting an eyebrow Rhett gave Castin a questioning look “What? Didn’t expect her to be so pretty?”

A snort left Castin as he rolled his eyes. “So pretty?” Questioned Castin shaking his head not seeing that word correlate with the woman he briefly saw. ‘She’s gorgeous’ he thought allowing Rhett to lead him into the ‘war’ room.

“Ta dah! Aurelia cheered opening the door to reveal a beautifully decorated cake, a bottle of champagne and a banner that read “Yay! The two headed dragon has been slayed by the sea!” Omorose’s read before turning to a proudly grinning Aurelia with a look that said ‘Really?’

“Oh don’t look at me like that! Your parents were evil.” Aurelia stated as of Omorose’s was unaware. “And you deserve to celebrate being free of them.” She added ushering Omorose into the room.

Eyeing the white cream and fresh berry covered three layered cake The Baroness couldn’t help but to crave a slice of the Berry Chantilly cake

“My favorite! Aw Lia, you remembered!” Cheesing Omorose took a seat as Aurelia threw confetti she pulled out what seemed like no where, the colorful pieces fell and scattered over the floor, table and all over Omorose.

“This is so sweet! I love it Lia, thank you.” Omorose went on, dusting the confetti off her cleavage and the top of her lilac dress.

“Oh no need to thank me. Your whole time here is going to be a good time! I know the sudden responsibility and getting hounded has your head spinning. If I can I’m going to try to my best to keep you at ease here.”

“YOU WANT ME TO GET MARRIED TO SOMEONE I DON’T KNOW!” Screamed the Baroness.

2 weeks had passed since Aurelia made the promise of trying to keep her friend at ease but as problems progressed between the rising Intacia and the fallimg Empire Aurelia had to put her friendship aside and her duties as Queen to the forefront.

Rhett her husband sprung the idea to her four days before she got the courage to bring it up to the Baroness.

"yes." Aurelia stated firmly drinking the remainder of the wine she brought to break the ice.

“You know how I feel about marriage-”

“I do! And I feel that you need to grow up!”

Taken aback Omorose hands found their ways to her hips as she hissed out “Excuse me?”

Aurelia bit her bottom lip mentally cursing herself out for adding fuel to the fire but, she couldn’t take back her words and she wouldn’t even think about doing so.

“Omorose you never give the chance to anyone to give you the relationship you keep telling me you long for! And I think I know why-”

“Why?” The Baroness demanded moving her arms to cross them over her chest. Her body buzzing with so much emotion it nearly felt like a wild fire swept across her.

“You’re scared you’re going to end up like your parents!”

A noise left the Baroness’s lips as she fell onto the soft cushions of the sofa. She knew she couldn’t deny that fact but there was another reason.

“Despite that Aurelia everyone that has approached me has shown me their true intentions-”

“So let me and Rhett pick for you! You can met them and if you don’t like them we can arrange for you to meet other suitors.”

“Do you think this would work? Marrying me off to an Intacian while the Empire rebels against you and Rhett?”

Aurelia repeated the lines that Rhett told her when he was convincing her why Omorose was the perfect candidate for the arrangement.

“You’re apart of a very influential and powerful family! You getting married to an Intacian who is equally influential could bring our people together. Show them that we can be one kingdom.”

“I have my doubts but for you and the potential peace I’ll do it.”

Relieved Aurelia pulled her friend into a hug.

“Wonderful! I’ll let you finish your night routine now. I’m going to tell Rhett.”

By morning Rhett had made his way to his number one pairing choice. Walking into the Barracks Rhett greeted his soldiers until he found his Commander.

“Heeeyyy Rhett? Whatcha doing here?” Castin asked walking back to his room from the communal bathroom. A towel hanging loosely around his waist and a toothbrush in his mouth.

“I’ve come to ask you to do something that could help us bring Intacia and the Empire together.”

That sentence made Castin’s eyebrow raise.

“Maybe we should speak in your room-”

Quickly Castin blocked Rhett from his door not wanting to to see who was on the other side. Familiar with this behavior Rhett disappointingly asked “who is she this time,Castin.”

A nervous laugh passed through Castin as he looked down at Rhett’s shoes to avoid his eyes.

“More like them-”

“Them! Castin your supposed to be a leader and a role model to those you lead and you have multiple women in your room-”

“I’m not on the battlefield I need to release this lent up energy somehow-”

“I think this proposition would be good for you.” Rhett claims shaking his head and pinching the bridge of his nose.

“A proposition?”

“An arranged marriage-”

“No!” Castin cut Rhett off shutting down the proposal. If he was going to be one half of a marriage he was going to be the one to pick the other half of said marriage.

“An arranged marriage to the Imperial Baroness Omorose Fentress.” Rhett went on to say waiting for Castin to shut him down again.

“Aurelia’s friend? That woman I stopped from falling?” Questioned Castin suddenly interested.

“Yes.”

Castin turned his eyes to the ceiling in thought. His toothbrush out of his mouth and his hands securing his towel.

He didn’t see much of her that day but he could tell she was a beauty. He weighed out the pros and cons of the marriage and couldn’t get passed the biggest con of them all.

“She’s an Imperial.”

“We are taking the Empire Castin it doesn’t matter.”

Doesn’t matter.” Castin scoffed.

“It doesn’t! Besides she’s nothing like the Imperials we’ve come across, trust me Brother.”

It went silent for a moment Castin still thinking it over before giving in.

“We’ll look at you getting me settled down like you.” He joked subtly agreeing to the arrangement.

“So you’ll do it?”

“Anything for you,Brother.”

“Good it’s settled then! I’ll make the arrangements for the engagement ceremony! You bring a gift to offer your bride.”

Just as Rhett finished his sentence Castin’s door opened and the stench of last night’s activities followed the three women who dressed scantily out of the room. Each giving Castin a kiss on the lips as a farewell. Stupidly grinning castin said “Goodbye ladies-”

“Castin!” Rhett scowled watching on in disappointment. The stupid grin fell from Castin’s face as he caught his ‘big brother’ figure peer down at him with a look that reminded him of his mother.

“Be sure to get checked out by the physician! Last thing you need to do is give the Baroness something incurable, and maybe try celibacy until you are wed.” Rhett suggested pushing Castin into his room before turn in on the heels of his feet to leave.

[sebsxphia]

ptolemaea. | the verses. | preacher abbott lore.

￫ c/w: murder, death, sex, cannibalism, blood, dark themes, heavy religious themes and preacher rhett abbott.

￫ a/n: this is the lore for preacher abbott and is part of ‘ptolemaea. | the verses.’ i’d recommend reading the full series before this! my main masterlist can be read here! 💌

Preacher Rhett Abbott was born and raised in Wyoming, but when he was nine years old, he moved to Florida. He is the son of a Preacher and his wife.

His relationship with his father is good, and his father made him fall in love with America and the idea of becoming a Preacher.

His relationship with his mother was strained and never healthy. His mother only worsened his time in his town and made everyone turn against him with gossip.

He held a gun to his head at seventeen, into a mirror, in the hallway of his home. That’s when he knew he had to leave his town and see the world.

He always knew that there was something different about him. He believed that ever since his Preacher father could bless him, that he was born for something great.

At eighteen he left his town to trail over Florida. Rhett Abbott killed three people in Florida.

The first person he killed was a girl called, Bonnie. Within a year he was working in a Church in a quiet Florida town. He was to learn from the Preacher that was yet to retire, expecting to take over.

Bonnie was nineteen and so was Rhett at this time. She slipped in a Motel shower and hit her head.

She could have survived, he could have taken her to ER, but Rhett felt an enormous amount of power as he stood over her and watched the life drain from her eyes in minutes.

She’s still deemed as a missing persons case.

When Rhett was twenty two, he was officially the towns Preacher in the Florida town.

There was a girl who was lost and confused with their path in life. He took her under his wing to guide her.

She wasn’t special to Rhett, but he had a moral and religious obligation to cure her (and at her parents request).

Her name was Lana and he slit her throat on the Church alter. She was twenty one. This was when he first got a taste for blood.

“It would be better if she was gone, so I can find someone who’s really worth my time.” Is what he told himself.

She’s still deemed as a missing persons case.

By twenty five, Rhett moved to another quieter Florida town. On occasions he still went back to the town where he killed his first two, but a fresh start with some fresh blood for him to consume was better for him.

Ethel was twenty three and a mishap within the town. She wouldn’t listen to Rhett and he got tired.

“Enough!” Rhett boomed through the woods in the back of his pick up truck. He slit her throat with his hunting knife.

She’s still deemed as a missing persons case.

Rhett’s mother died when he was twenty six. He went home to find his father in ruins.

After his prior actions of three murders, he was stood over his Ma’s casket and thinking he was next. Or, he was scared that he’d end up like his father.

He moved to little lamb’s town Church within six months.

He knew you were his. He knew you were destined for something good. Something to make him whole. To make him into the man that he was born to be. Something great.

On the flip side, Rhett saw that you were unguided and unsure about what you were doing with your life, and how you believed in your faith.

He knew you were easily corruptible from how you worked at the Church with him.

He clocked it immediately when he heard you in the Church toilets, moaning his name.

Rhett always knew. He just loved scratching it out of you. Scratching you to the surface. Your were compliant and listened to him. You were his perfect Angel in the Garden of Eden. A true Daughter of Abbott.

He is a Preacher. He has killed three people. His own deprivation/murder of three girls has warped his perspective of love.

You will end up a victim, but you’re different from the three girls that he’s killed.

In Rhett’s eyes, he does have a friend in Jesus being the Devil. He’s never sinned either. He was only doing what he thought was right to save his victims. Is what he tells himself, to convince himself that he’s right.

He loves and cherishes little lamb so much. Up until now, his killing has had no real meaning. Little lamb would be the first he’s eaten.

He wants to eat them as quick as he can so they aren’t all alone and scared down in his basement. It turns his stomach to think about that.

Rhett keeps little lamb fresh in his basement downstairs so no one can find them, and because you’re still in the walls of the home you made up together. You’re safe there.

Even safer in Rhett’s stomach.

That to Rhett, is the safest place that he can keep his little lamb from ever being scared again.

Rhett could be imprisoned for his crimes. Therefore he must eat the flesh of his Daughter of Abbott, little lamb.

He must also eat little lamb to protect them from his crimes and to protect them from ever being taken away from him. To protect them from never feeling lonely ever again. To protect them from hurt. From pain.

Rhett knew from the beginning that little lamb was special and not like the others he’s been with. Rhett planed on saving little lamb from the beginning.

tagging those who may be interested/liked the post: @sunblchdfly @unmistakablyunknown @sugarcoated-lame @becks-things @lewmagoo @lovinglyeternal @18crazybutcutealsopsycho @attapullman @just-in-case-iloveyou @sorchathered @floydsglasses @withahappyrefrain @roosterbruiser

[bonitanightmxres]

Rumor || RHETT ABBOTT

PAIRING: Rhett abbott x fem!reader

SYNOPSIS: After a close relationship blossoms between you and the well-known bull rider, everyone assumes you’re dating. to combat the small-town gossip, you and rhett take action.

WARNINGS: PURE FLUFF

WORD COUNT: 1.9k 

Rhett didn’t think you’d would be at The Handsome Gambler tonight. Not really, anyway. He’d purposely come with Perry after placing fourth in that lousy PBR event, hoping to blow off some steam and drink away the night. But as you walked in with a couple of your friends, smiling from ear to ear, he couldn’t take his eyes off you. He watched your every step until you slid into the booth—you on one side, and your friends on the other.

“…you even listenin’ to what I’m sayin’?” Perry questioned.

“Uh-huh.” Rhett didn’t even bother looking at his brother. The truth was that Rhett had stopped listening to Perry’s voice a long time ago, and instead focused his hearing on you. He could make out the faint sound of your laugh, and that was enough to make him feel jittery inside. The simple thought of you made him smile.

Perry knew he’d lost his brother’s attention, and chuckled knowingly when he turned his head to see what was so mesmerizing to his brother. “See, what you’re doin’ right there, is exactly why people here keep talkin’.”

Over the past couple of years, you’d changed something in him and he knew it. At first, it scared him. Rhett hadn’t known what it was like to be so purely and innocently in love before, where all he wanted to do was be in your company. “What do you mean?”

“C’mon,” Perry scoffed. “The way you look at her? The way she smiles at you? Everybody ‘round this place thinks you’re together, and everytime I tell ‘em you’re not, they don’t believe me.”

If it hadn’t been for the darkness of the bar, Rhett would’ve been sure that the redness of his cheeks could be visible. He chuckled a bit, shaking his head. Of course he’d known about the talk going on recently, he wasn’t an idiot. Despite the “playboy cowboy” persona he gave off, he hadn’t been with any other girl since a different kind of relationship began to blossom between you. Though it wasn’t like you were his, you’d only really begun to see each other as friends, going out here and there, sometimes in a group, sometimes alone. You’d been to his family’s ranch to help out a few times, you’d seen his bedroom, but to Rhett, being in the company of another girl didn't feel right, and he would later realize it was because he wanted nobody’s company other than yours. Rhett chugged the last bit of beer that remained and stood up, hoping the alcohol would kick in and give him the courage he needed.

“What’re you doin’?” Perry asked as his brother walked away.

Truth be told, Rhett didn’t even know, but all he wanted was to be yours.

...

"Don’t look now, your boyfriend’s on his way here,” one of your friends, Kate, said and giggled like a schoolgirl with your friend Lyla who sat next to her. 

From the corner of your eye, you could see Rhett Abbott slowly striding over to you. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Oh, really?” Lyla asked teasingly. “Then how come I heard from your neighbor you didn’t come home last Tuesday night? Said Rhett dropped you off the next morning. I bet you fuc—”

“Hey, darlin’,” Rhett’s country twang was fierce in his voice as he unknowingly interrupted Lyla’s accusation. He scooted next to you as you made room for him to sit, aware of the teasing smirks the women across from him gave you. “Sorry, am I interrupting?”

“Nope, not at all!” Kate’s voice became higher in pitch. “Lyla and I were actually gonna grab some more drinks. You two want anything?”

Both of you shook your head, and Lyla followed Kate and disappeared from sight, leaving you and Rhett at the booth. You enjoyed spending time with him, wherever you may have been, and it didn’t matter what you were doing. Just last week you’d helped repair one of the fences on his family’s land, and to you, there was no better place to be.

“Great job out there tonight,” you said, taking a sip from your drink. “I don’t know how you do it, making bull riding look so easy.”

“I came in fourth.” Rhett stated with disgust, as if you hadn’t been there to watch. It kind of embarrassed him, to do so poorly in front of you. Most of the time he could just block out his feelings and maybe impress you. But tonight? Just knowing that you were there to watch him made Rhett nervous.

You shrugged. “At least you weren’t last. That’s a win in my book.”

He appreciated the optimism and support you gave him no matter what. Win or lose, you managed to keep his spirits up when nobody else could. “So,” he began. “There’s a rumor goin’ around…”

A familiar melody began to from the jukebox, causing you to instinctively grip Rhett’s forearm and go, “Awww, I love this song!”

“Dance with me.” Rhett said out of the blue as he stood up, holding his hand out in front of you.

“Hang on, let me finish my drink.”

Rhett swiped your glass from the table, drinking the last swig himself, though it was a bigger drink than he realized and the taste nearly burned as it went down his throat. Rhett pulled you to your feet, walking you to the nearly empty dance floor, and you saw all the pairs of eyes that made it their business to stare and watch your next move. The song still played, and your arms naturally found their way around each other’s bodies as you swayed to the beat.

“You gonna buy me another drink?” You teased, earning a chuckle from Rhett.

He searched your eyes, how bright they gleamed back at him and he swore he saw his whole future with you in them. The mere thought of it made him smile, “I’ll buy you whatever you want.”

“Oh, yeah? What if I wanted the moon?”

“Then you’ll have it.”

You brought yourself closer to Rhett, and laughed as you rest your head on his shoulder. It was still sore after being bucked off that stubborn bull tonight, but he didn’t care.

“So tell me about this rumor of yours,” you said. “What’s it about?”

“Me and you.”

You raised your head and lifted an eyebrow curiously. “Is that so?” You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t heard the whispers in the last week or two—Kate and Lyla probably had something to do with it, you were sure. The truth was it didn’t bother you. If people thought you and Rhett were together, let them think it. In reality, you loved the rumors. It almost felt like if people kept talking about it, somehow it would be true.

“Mmhmm,” Rhett twirled you around, then brought you closer to him than ever before. Your chests nearly pressed against each other, and you could’ve sworn his heartbeat was going just as fast as yours. Deep down, Rhett sensed you felt the same way about him as he did you. “What do you think about that?”

Leaning in, you whispered, “Let’s give them something to talk about.”

Rhett’s eyes landed on your full, cherry-colored lips, and paused as if he were thinking twice about it. You couldn’t wait any longer, and stood on your tip-toes to close the gap between you. His lips were soft and they felt like home. Even though it was the first time you kissed Rhett Abbott, the jitters in your stomach had settled a long time ago, like your soul had already been intertwined with his somehow. Kissing him felt comfortable, like you’d done it a million times before this, and it was almost as if this is the way it was supposed to be.

Whistles and hollers and claps startled you both, making you jump and knocking you off cloud nine. The noise came from Kate and Lyla who had found new seats with Perry. Perry handed what looked like a bill over to Lyla, who undoubtedly placed a bet over whether or not Rhett would kiss you. Rhett glanced over at his brother, who gave him a thumbs-up, and rolled his eyes playfully.

“What do you say, cowboy? This rumor true or what?”

The song was long over by now, but Rhett made sure this moment with you wasn’t, twirling you and slowly dancing to the beat you created together.

Rhett grinned and kissed the top of your head, “Damn right it’s true.”

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Six: Beech

Sandy grew up by the seaside; a waterbaby from day dot. She lamented the lack of shores in Riverblossom Hills during her showers.

What did the village have instead? Pollen to cut people down in their prime? Gossip hanging on lips like grapes on the vine? Sandy wished she had buried her toes in the sand and refused the offer of Hamilton's mother. Daytona wasn't a council cronie for nothing, though. She made her pokey cottage basement sound like paradise.

Besides, would Hamilton ever say no to his dear mother?

The faucet squeaked shut, and Sandy left that question unanswered.

The children were adapting well. Virginia was already talking as if she were a freshman at Mission University ("My major? Undecided - I'd love to do a double though!"). Rocky made fast friends at the village school. Extroversion seemed hereditary, thank goodness. It seemed only Sandy missed sun and salt spray - but just when she felt the precipice of bitterness, Hamilton drew her into his arms and made an announcement.

"I'm stepping down," he said, "as Daytona's campaign manager."

Sandy openly wore her surprise. "Really?"

"She's got eyes on new blood for the election, and I want to make the most of being here, with you."

Champagne was popped and poured and Sandy wondered if she was dreaming. As she took a sip, she recalled her night with Rhett Hart, and silently thanked the morning after pill.

Throwing an affair in Hamilton's face would have been a surefire way to ruin this new, less-Daytona era.

[chemistryread]

disclaimers/tags: female oc. written as a reader insert but reader has a lot of backstory. slowburn. angst. cheating. implied domestic violence. minors dni.

a/n: idk i’m just kinda writing this story as i feel like lol have fun

right cowboy, wrong time

rhett abbott

part 1

summary: you’re not home and your boyfriend’s a dick. thankfully, not all cowboys are bad.

part 3

Danielle tells you Rhett came by the diner multiple times, only stopping once she finally felt sorry for him and told him you two traded shifts permanently.

Workings nights is shit. People are in worse moods, tired from a long day. There are more drunk teenagers and wandering creeps.

It was calculated.

He called Lenny and asked for the change. By the end of your work hours you were tired and unsettled, with your guard up. All you wanted was to go home, shower and read a book.

Whoever tried to butter you up would back off the second they saw your busted lip and sunken eyes.

Not only that, but the Abbott family were early risers. They woulnd't stop by the diner after 7 p.m., most importantly Rhett, who was already drinking by then.

Sure, he would have to be up late to pick you up, but it was worth the abundant feeling of power.

There wasn't much you could do. He made your life a little worse, so you had to sweeten him to 'gain his trust' back.

Sometimes he'll let you go to the rodeo. You'll snuggle up to him. Smile in between your kisses. Let him pick you up after he wins a bet and keep his hand in the back pocket of your jeans. You have new, appropriate boots. Pancakes are not your favorite breakfast anymore, keeping the blueberrys only.

You always leave before Rhett's turn.

Usually, you'll ask to go to the bathroom, claiming to have a full bladder despite not drinking at all. Call it whatever it is, but you like to go in the last stall that doesn't work, close your eyes and ask for the universe to protect him. And if he wins something by the end of the night, that would be nice too.

You were planning on hearing the gossip from the patrons who came in for late night coffee with rum as soon as the winner was announced.

You were planning on hearing the gossip from the patrons who came in for late night coffee with rum as soon as the winner was announced.

You were planning on hearing the gossip from the patrons who came in for late night coffee with rum as soon as the winner was announced.

Instead, you get to see the check in person.

Rhett walks in a sweaty mess, muddy boots painting the floor. For a moment, you truly consider hiding under the counter, in between the bags of flour and sugar.

Thankfully, Danielle was in need of extra cash and was covering some nights with you. She tells you to take a break and escape to the back.

Some other time you have to ask her when exactly she picked up that you and him meant trouble.

Sitting on the steps, elbows on your knees and hands over your eyes, you laugh when his voice cuts through the peaceful sound of crickets.

"I'm not here for a milkshake, you know."

The delicious twang of his accent makes you want to scratch at your own skin, then you'll have a perfect excuse for its redden tinge.

"Congratulations."

The metal in his boots clinks with every slow step forward, blue eyes defiantly stuck on you.

"How d'you know I won?"

He stops right in front of you, hands behind his back, toothpick in between sharp white teeth. Who knew you could ever like being leered at by a man nearly shoving his crotch in your face.

"You're enunciating your words."

Rhett cackles, throwing his head back, greasy strands of blonde hair sticking to his neck where a stubble grows. Fuck.

"You mean I'm finally oozing with confidence?"

Tongue playing with the toothpick.

"Or cockiness. Same thing." Shutting his eyes, he nods before taking a seat next to you, forcing you to scoot on the step, not bothering to contain the natural spread of his legs. "I knew you had it in you."

"The cockiness or the ability to win?"

You want to say both. You want to say you care more for the attitude, the talking back, the flirting. But your noses are so close, and his eyes are pretty…

So you simply shrug and smile, turning your head 180 degrees.

Deep breath in.

"I missed you."

Mumbling again.

"You know where to find me."

"You changed shifts."

"Collaborative decision."

Please understand. We can't.

"Leave him." Now, you throw your head back to laugh. "What? Why not? I'm not saying run away with me, I'm just saying you should do better."

"Oh, thank you for enlightening me." Frustration grows inside of your chest. You shouldn't even be talking to him. If any nosy patrons put together him walking in and your absence, it wouldn't be too hard for your boyfriend to hear about it and blow things out of proportion. "Do you honestly think it's that simple? Answer me."

He chokes under your fiery look.

"No, no, of course not." He squeezes the pair of gloves on his hands, before angrily slapping them against his thighs. Your thoughts shouldn't be going to where they are right now. "I just mean- It can't be worse than this? Away from home, your dream, your friends. Letting him dictate when you work, where you go and who you talk to. I don't know much, but I know you can't be happy like this."

A wrinkle forms between his brows and you desperately want to smooth it out.

He's had a couple of beers, that much is obvious, and you hope it's the right amount for him to absorb what you're going to tell him but also slightly forget tomorrow.

"I don't have anyone, okay? No one to support me. His dad helped me get into my dream school, pay for a comfortable life until I could hold my own. Eventually, I landed a scholarship for the final year. He didn't like the thought that I wouldn't depend on his family anymore, so he made me take a very long break, saying I need to focus on 'us' again. Consequently, I lost the scholarship. I still have a year left."

He's thinking, and you shiver with the night breeze. Terrified of what his mind is brewing, you clarify.

"It wasn't always this bad. Or at least I never saw it that way. We were high school sweethearts, for fuck's sake. We met when he moved to Boston on his senior year, his dad obviously holding high expectations for his college education. He was polite, and promising. And he liked me for who I was, not what I looked like. Little did I know he was grooming me into a fucking perfect housewife. Forget I said that- What I mean is that I didn't intend on leeching off of his dad or his money. I thought he loved me. And for someone who's never been loved before, that's a big reason to do things. Anything."

"What are you gonna do?"

He sounds so sober, and he looked so happy before you started talking. You keep nailing it, idiot.

"I was gonna though it out. Be here, on this break, for as long as he wanted me and hope he doesn't decide to break it off." You shrug and he winces, waiting for you to say the plans have changed. "But…I just can't. I'm tired. Luckily, a nice man helped me find a decent job and, along with some other money I have saved, I'm inching closer to what I need to finish school and pay for myself."

You're graced with a genuine, albeit shy, smile after your last sentence.

This time you don't hesitate before lifting a finger and pushing the stray slick hair behind his ear. His breath hitches, loud enough for you to hear and your heart to annoyingly skip a beat.

Reaching into his pockets, thin lips turn into a frown as he pulls out the winner's prize. A check.

"It's not much, but if it helps you get away from that fucking prick's grip it counts for something."

You jump up at the absurdity of his suggestion.

"Rhett, no!"

"I don't mind."

"Well I do! You earned that, you won it, it's yours. If anybody deserves it, it's you-"

"You didn't even see me ride, maybe my competition was shit-"

"I can't, Rhett, no. I'm doing just fine working here, I've got this. Don't."

"If you don't take it, I'll just show up here and leave it as a tip, maybe ten bucks a day. But I think there's a blonde nut who's not gonna appreciate that."

He's looking up, devilish smirk and devious eyes mocking your distressed state.

Standing, he puts the piece of paper back inside his pocket, and you sigh in relief. But soon he breaks into a squeaky laugh, and you're squinting at him. What is up with him tonight?

"What are you laughing at?"

Your arms unfold and your jaw slacks a bit when he tells you.

"You've never said my name before. I like it. Especially when you're mad."

He leaves, and you refuse to watch, still dumbfounded at everything that happened in the span of twenty five minutes. Which is a lot longer than you should’ve left Dani alone, so you force your brain to get back to life and run up the steps, back inside to help her with the drunker than usual crowd.

When your boyfriend picks you up, you pretend to nap all the way home, eyes shut so you can relive every electric instance between you and Rhett that night.

You blame exhaustion when asked why you took so long in the shower, turning off the lights so your boyfriend doesn't see your blushing cheeks when you remember the feeling of your fingers arching inside of you. It's a great night of sleep.

On Monday, an envelope full of cash waits for you at Lenny's office. His face says 'I don't even want to know'.

There's a note inside.

'Forgot your tip'.

—————————

Two weeks later, it's the 4th of July and the entire community is buzzing with small America glee.

Belonging wasn't a hugely familiar feeling for you, so you enjoyed watching everyone get excited to celebrate the holiday together. You considered calling your friends from school to check in on them, but figured they'd be too busy in their expensive vacation homes.

Lenny was not immune to the cosmic energy surrounding the town, giving you guys the weekend off. There would be a bunch of vendors all over, hardly anyone would seek out the diner for once, so he wasn't even bothering opening up.

You volunteered to take both shifts, but he called you silly and 'ordered' you to have some fun.

Wasting time around the mansion with the distant family of your boyfriend was awkward. His dad was the sweetest one to you, but from afar. His mom ignored anyone who wasn't her sons, and the boys were insufferable so you stayed clear of their way.

You were currently hanging by the pool, glad the boys were busy with work on the field and your mother-in-law dozed off after her third Long Island.

The sun is not too bright, there's a breeze and the calming sound of the pool cleaner going off. A book is open on your lap.

Rhett Abbott is the only thing your brain seems to want to focus on. For every paragraph you read, a slightly varied speck of blue from his eyes flashes through your mind.

You're scared of it, truthfully.

Of developing deeper feelings for another family boy, bull rider, youngest brother. They tend to not be good with…emotions. You're bad enough on your own.

It's worse, too, because you actually simpathyze with his family. Thinking about the uninhibited Amelia immediately comforts you. This is not good at all.

It wasn't the point. The future is not here, but in Boston, where you'll finish school and hopefully stay away from men completely.

Your phone buzzes on your stomach. You pick it up to texts from Danielle. She wants to know if you'll be at the fair this afternoon. Her kid wants to go on all of the inflatables with her school mates and she might need assistance.

Of course, you tell her.

The boys are more excited for the rodeo. There are no prizes or score keeping this time, just a celebratory show.

It's an excuse to get away from them, who told you they are not kids anymore and prefer to say home drinking until it's time for the real event.

Sure, it crosses your mind. He's an Abbott. He'll be there, undoubtedly.

All day, you run up and down with your coworker and friend, letting the other moms follow the kids on the Carroussel and the Ferris Wheel while you two quickly sneak away to drink sangrias.

You haven't laughed this hard in a long time. It's completely different from what you do with your friends from home, and part of you is endeared by it. A part you didn't know existed.

Shiree, Dani's kid, is one of the funniest little kids you've ever had the pleasure of helping babysit. Her mom says it's not from her (absent) father, so she's a natural, which makes you love her even more.

Later, the three of you are sitting at a picnic table, taking a break to eat terribly greasy and tasty food - your boyfriend would be repulsed by you right now and you consider eating more - when someone calls out your name.

It's Amelia. Her blue eyes are the size of golf balls, on the verge of tears, and her voice is so shaky it tears your heart in half.

Instinctively, your arms spread open and she walks right into them, small hands closing around the back of your neck. You smooth her blonde hair comfortingly, asking what's the matter.

"I can't find my dad."

Danielle sighs across the table, gathering your things quickly and lifting Shiree - who shyly waves to Amy - on her arms.

"We'll help you look, alright?"

You stick together, Amelia's painted nails digging into the palm of your hand, peeking over the crowd as you walk through the large field.

After a few minutes, you spot Cecilia, the matriarch, standing up next to a picnic table, talking animatedly to another family.

On your tip-toes, you point her out to the little girl chewing the inside of her cheek, relief obvious in your voice.

Dani and Shiree follow behind as you take Amy in the direction of her grandmother. On the way, you notice the rest of the Abbotts sitting on the table.

Amelia has to tug you forward to unstuck your feet from the ground.

Rhett's eyes are already drinking you in.

Approaching the table, you have an uncomfortable smile on your face, nodding at the men and choosing to explain yourself to the older woman.

"What is this? We sent you to get corn ten minutes ago and you come back with a group and no food?"

"Oh." She's not mad, clearly joking, but you're still confused. "She said she was lost."

The corn stand was right next to your table. Shiree was eating some. There was no way Amelia could have missed it. Why didn't she tell you to help her find it, instead of her father?

You're looking down at the child, who quickly recovers from her panicked state and shrugs before letting go of your hand. Danielle is holding her laughter next to you.

An older man, who you assume to be Royal, the boys' father, speaks up in a resounding voice. "Why didn't you call us? I gave you my phone for this sort of thing."

The blonde girl shrugs again, standing on her knees on the bench. "Forgot I had it."

Perry exchanges a look with his daughter, shaking his head, and you ignore Dani elbowing you in the ribs.

"Dad, can Shiree stay?"

"You mean, can uncle Rhett's friend stay, don't you?"

"Well, we can't tell her to go away, they came together."

Cecilia chuckles and pushes you towards the table. "You're clearly welcome, dear."

You're not so sure. Rhett's arms are crossed and he's not looking at you.

Conveniently, your phone rings.

"Hey." You're not sure you want your boyfriend to save you out of this one. It's been a good day. Immediately, he asks who's around and why you're not addressing him properly. "Sorry, baby, the signal is kinda bad."

Shiree has already jumped out of her mother's arms and found her place next to Amelia, both discussing which game to play on her grandfather's phone. Dani's making small talk with Perry, pulling two chairs to the table. You meet Rhett's eyes and he smiles softly.

"You know what? Really bad reception here. We're eating, Shiree found a friend…Just text me when you're ready to go. Bye."

You'll answer to your rudeness later. For now, you take the plastic chair next to Dani with a barely contained grin.

The next few hours fly by swiftly, it's almost sad. You have a great time breaking down Royal's strong man front alongside Amelia and Shiree, stomach hurting with how much you laugh at their antics. Cecilia tells you she hasn't seem him this open in a while, and you feel a weird sense of pride.

Dani, Perry and Rhett are on their own separate world. The latter doesn't exchange a word with you, despite a number of stolen glances throughout the afternoon.

At one point, Amelia jokes his favorite attraction is not the mechanical bull, but the tunnel of love (which they don't even have) and you can only imagine you're matching his pink cheeks. He blames his brother for the way his daughter freely mocks him.

All good things come to an end, and your phone pings three times in a row in your back pocket, and you know it's over. Taking it out, it's dark enough that the screen highlights your disappointed expression.

You get up, stretching your arms out, not missing the way Rhett's eyes follow the movement.

"My ride's here." You hug Amelia goodbye very tightly, before turning back to Dani. "Are you sure you don't want to come?"

"Sorry angel, she's tired, which means I'm destroyed."

Kissing her head and Shiree's cheek, you gather yourself to leave.

"I'll see the rest of you at the rodeo, I'm assuming?" The family nods, all a little tipsy. Stifling a laugh, you quietly but boldly turn to Rhett before leaving. "Good luck tonight."

He acknowledges you, a little surprised. But not more than you when he briefly takes your hand, fingers grazing in an awkward move. No one notices, and he turns back to the table immediately. You walk away with a smile and weak legs.

There's not much to do when you arrive at the arena.

Just a few hours after you left, the Abbots made their way to the stands, waiting to watch their son. Royal has a questionable look on his face when he notices who you're sitting next to and that pride you felt earlier goes down the drain.

You and him got pretty tipsy throughout the day, he at home with his brothers and you at the fair with Danielle, and neither of you are stopping anytime soon.

Being a city girl, you can hold your liquor. Your boyfriend, however, finally breaks into his clingy self. His hands are all over your body. You keep trying to push him off subtly under the excuse of talking to the group of girls with you but he's very persistent.

The boys sent the girls to get the next round and you're walking with them, excitedly nodding to one of them when rapid summer rain surprises all of you. Laughing at their groans and yelps, you lend the blonde complaining about her hair your coat and tell them to just go back to the stands, you'll get the drinks, it's fine.

While waiting, someone playfully kicks the soles of your crossed shoes. Heat spreads through you despite your soaked clothes.

"Got my tip?"

He's so close to you, speaking so low into your ear, breathing down your neck.

You throw a quick glance behind your back, tip of your nose an inch away from his, and you notice his half-lidded eyes. A smile threatens to appear so you interrupt it with a huff.

"You know I did. Dick."

He slides aside, leaning his forearm on the counter where you wait for the nice lady to bring your beers, playfully bumping you in the shoulder and looking up at you from under his hat. It's insufferably effective when he does that.

"Think you mean 'thank you'. Dontcha?"

You hate the way these types of western men garble their words. You hate even more that you want Rhett to get behind you again and tell you all the things he could do to warm your drenched body.

The two of you have been staring at each other for a minute, so you recollect yourself, meaning it when you thank him.

"Thank you." In your drunken state, you stretch the sentiment. "It's an insane person thing to do and I don't deserve how good you are, and it's secretly eating me alive…but thank you."

Blue eyes shine in what you hope is adoration, as he smiles at your excessive sharing.

The nice lady comes back with five plastic cups, and Rhett asks for one for himself. He calls her honey and you audibly scoff, another drunken confession of how he makes you feel.

Rhett moves his mouth to comment on it, but you cut him off, embarrassed about your momentary lack of restraint.

"Should you be drinking before your little show?"

His brows furrow at the dismissive tone, seemingly offended at how you referred to what he does for a living.

"Why?" You get hit by his smell - sweat, leather and fresh grass - when he squares up and steps so close his boots bump into your sneakers. "Worried 'bout me?"

"Fuck off, hotshot." He blinks at your crudeness. You are mad. Mad that he's openly pushing your buttons, and that it's working, and you're allowing it to. "Just don't fall off and break your neck. It would suck for Amelia to lose the best material she has for her future stand up comedy."

Rhett laughs, and the sound is incredibly gratifying. You're so drunk it nearly makes you moan in public.

You have no reason to still be here, talking to him. One of the boys will come looking for their beers anytime now. It would be best for you to leave and end this conversation before you dig a deeper grave. But it's so nice, to capture him. It's becoming addictive.

"As long as you stick around she'll have a great mentor for that mean sense of humour you two share."

"Are you admitting I'm funny?"

"I'm admitting you're mean!"

"Abbott, you're a baby."

"I'm sensitive."

He puts his hand over his heart, and your heads lean in, making direct eye contact. You're laughing, voices high-pitched, ignoring the lady bringing Rhett's beer completely.

When she coughs, you turn your head away flustered, and what you see makes your easy expression falter immediately.

It's your boyfriend, and Maria. Together, probably coming to check on the group's drinks. He's too gone to recognize Rhett from a distance, but Maria's eyebrows are furrowed and her step is uncertain, taken aback.

Seeing your boyfriend reminded you that you have one. And an image to maintain, for your own safety. You shouldn't risk Rhett, or anyone else, thinking that you're going to leave your boyfriend for him. That's not what's happening, despite what your silly heart desires.

Taking your cue to leave, you take self preservation too far.

"We've been caught by two confused people. One of which is very cute and seems unhappy she's not the one getting your attention, currently." Slurred words, moreso because you're trying to make them sound honest. Rhett furrows his brows and you have to hold back against smoothing them again. Unfair. "I mean bye."

You're picking up the five cups, uncomfortable with your own words, and start walking away before turning back, almost spilling the yellow liquid on the confused looking boy.

"Oh, and please don't get hurt. I'll hate seeing it. Make my life easier. You seem to like doing that anyway."

Before you can see his reaction, you're smiling big at your boyfriend and kissing him back, accepting his help with the cups. Maria walks right past you, nervous hands in her jeans' pockets. Even in your tipsy moment, your heart annoyingly insists on breaking a little.

Rhett has a bad night riding, while the family you came with has a successful one. And that means your boyfriend is being louder and warmer than ever, overcompensating for the many weeks prior where his insecurities were in charge.

He entertains people congratulating him for a few minutes, you under his arms, before whispering in your ear that he needs to go home to fuck you.

It's not exciting or promising, but he is still your boyfriend, you are still his girlfriend. This is an important reminder.

Later, you're trying your best on top but losing to boredom anyways when he comes down the side of your leg.

He's in the shower while you finally work on yourself, the scent of bodywash over your clean and still wet skin facilitating things for you. It's not your bed you imagine laying on, or your hand pulling your hair, or that it's yourself fucking your slick folds.

It's so wrong for you to think of the young Abbott boy when you just shoved him into the hands of another, beautiful, single woman. But it's the only face - and most importaly, voice - that gets your spread legs shaking and the knot in your stomach to release.

A name starts to slip away from your tongue before you catch yourself, covering your mouth with your hands and snapping your head towards the bathroom door. He's still in there and you pant back into bliss.

The bell ring pulls you away from your thoughts. Did they forget their keys?

Dressing up quickly, you walk into the bathroom and tell your boyfriend someone's at the door. He tells you to get it but that he will be right there, since it'll hardly be for you.

Your knees almost buckle when you open the door to find Rhett, holding the coat you had lended to the blonde girl when it started raining in the arena.

"Rhett, are you serious?"

You're curt, and it seems to upset him, genuinely. But what was he thinking, coming here? With your coat?

"I was just-" A hiccup. He's wasted. "On my way home, and one of the girls with Maria mentioned giving this back to ya."

He shrugs and your eyes widen in disbelief.

"And you volunteered?"

"Thought-" Hiccup. "'D be nice."

Rhett leans against the doorway, looking inside, and you have the forethought to push him back before he invites himself in. He grabs your wrist whilst you steady him on top of the entrance's mat.

Curious, you glance past him, checking for a figure on his passenger seat.

"Looking for someone?"

"No!" You reprimand him for his flirty tone. "No. You need to leave."

In that moment, Rhett notices the blonde man coming down the stairs.

Jesus. Your boyfriend's still dripping, in nothing but sweatpants and a towel thrown over his shoulder.

He strides slowly, pulling you into him with his arm around your torso. It's more than obvious what just happened.

It's no scandal. You're a couple. But to have Rhett see into your life together…You can't look at the stumbling - rather melancholic - mess under the driveway light.

"What's going on?"

"Coat. Brought her-"

"I gave it to one of the girls earlier, and she sent Abbott to give it back."

No way in hell you're letting him speak under these circumstances.

Your boyfriend agressively takes the coat from his hands, looking it over.

"It's ruined, I'll buy you another one."

A kiss to the crown of your head.

Rhett looks intensely at the blonde, eyes sharp and jaw set. He's shorter, slimmer, and drunk. For fuck's sake.

"Anything else?"

God, please don't say anything. Just leave.

Thankfully, all that unfolds is a headshake, his chin down. Before your boyfriend can rudely shut the door on Rhett's face, concern rules over caution.

"Drive safe."

You plea with your eyes, but he barely takes it in before turning around and stomping to his struck.

The door is pushed and you don't see him drive off, running up the stairs to lock yourself in the bathroom and continue your tradition of begging the universe to protect him.

—————————

Games were not something you ever understood. Your priority lies in being straightforward and honest, as much as possible.

Hence why you're wrecking your brain over what his objective is.

You're still on the night shift.

Lenny said you have been granted permission to change back, but Dani could spend more time with her daughter this way, so you denied. He would not complain, obviously, feeling like he had a tighter rope around your neck when you worked nights and spent mornings writing inside your room, within his eyesight.

What none of you could have predicted was Rhett Abbott coming in every night. For half an hour, ordering one cup of coffee and leaving.

The other girls rushed to serve him. He made them laugh and scribble their numbers (the ones he didn't already have) on a stained napkin. Old school, with proof of purchase.

He doesn't make an effort to draw your attention (he doesn't need to, turns out) and you leave him be. Neither of you owes each other a single thing.

One night, he comes in with Amelia and his mother while you're on your break.

Your wishes to go by unseen are ignored when the little girl waves, forcing you to wave back with a smile that does not please your boyfriend. He's sitting across from you at one of the booths, having popped by at your request since you needed a small favor.

Rhett, ever the quiet instigator, leads the girls to the booth after yours. If you look up, you'll meet his and Cecilia's eyes.

As naturally as possible, you cough and go back to your conversation.

"Ok. Like you said, it's short, but I don't feel confident dragging it on for a few more chapters. I haven't done this in a while and it'll probably just confuse me and it'll end up shit."

Amongst other things, your boyfriend was a critic. Showing him the story you've been working on is sure to provide insight, good and bad.

"I see that." He pushes your laptop back on the table. It sits between you, lighting up your features. He has something to say. "I just don't get it."

"The metaphor? It's a little wonky and shoved in at the end, I know, but-"

"No, not the story. I mean the point of all this. Why are you writing something no one's ever gonna read?"

Oh.

Stupidly, you had thought he would feel good about your decision to share this with him. Like you used to do before you got accepted into university. Fix what you broke this morning.

"Practice. Not letting inspiration, albeit short, go to waste? I don't know."

You're picking at the skin around your nails and he grabs your hands to stop the agitation. He notices you flinch, and sighs.

"Is this what's best for us? Writing…I understand it as a hobby, but you're not gonna have a career out of it so why bother?"

You blink.

"Can you just tell me what you thought about the story?"

Another disinterested sigh.

"Not your best, not your worst. Who cares?" His phone rings and he stands up, gathering his things. "Maybe you could help with the family business. In a position where you don't need to understand much about farming and whatnot. Think about it."

With a kiss to your cheek, he leaves you there, unmovable. Empty. He managed to not do the simple thing you asked of him and disencourage you of any future in doing what you love. You should ask Lenny about picking up extra shifts.

Amy's head pops up, hopeful eyes demanding you to collect yourself and answer her request. She wants to read your story.

If she heard, so did the other two.

Tears threaten to stream down your cheeks when you glance at them, anticipating their pitying looks. The nausea grows at the sight.

Closing the laptop's lid with automatic movements, you politely smile at the child before apologizing. "Maybe some other time. Okay?"

The remaining of your break is spent in the bathroom, looking at the words you had typed and debating if it's worth your energy to rewrite them into a better story. Maybe if it was good enough, one person could tell you to not give up, anyone.

When you return, the Abbotts are gone and you pass by the seventh crumpled napkin with prettily scribbled digits in the bin.

Just a few more hours before you can go home to a good book.

You're waiting for a fresh pot to finish brewing when he texts you. 'Find your own ride home tonight'.

It’s past closing time and you're still waiting for him to show up.

Lenny offers to drive you but you ensure him you'll be fine. He always picks you up.

Twenty minutes later, bright headlights shine through the windows. You can finally stop typing.

You're locking the front door, struggling with the lights off, when you hear the truck's door slam. You swallow.

"I don't need a hug hello or an apology kiss."

"Are you sure? I think it would help."

A shiver runs down your bare legs, voice making you shoot up and smooth down the dress, wondering if he saw anything when you bent over to try and find the lock.

"Seriously?"

Rhett smiles.

"How many times are you gon' ask me that?"

You don't concede yet. Crossing your arms and hugging yourself tighter.

"Why are you here?"

Dark boots prop him up to sit on top of the hood, popping gum into his mouth and leaning on his elbows. "He's been at the bar since I got there, right after I dropped mom and Amy back home. He's not coming."

The straps of your purse burn your palm as you grip them tighter, holding back the tears. Fuck how you hate crying.

It's hardly ever over heartbreak or pain, but frustration and anger. That suffocating feeling that you have no power. That things could be better, they just won't be.

Rhett has seen you break too many times now. It almost pisses you off, how often he has invaded your bad moments. You two are not intimate enough to peer into each other's vulnerabilities.

Wetness pools at your waterline again, mad that you can't even control his impression of you due to your overflowing emotions.

Your teeth hurt as you grit them together, snifling, fighting to keep your composure.

"He was pissed. No way he saw me." Need dominates his tone. Followed by bitterness. "A pretty redhead kept his attention elsewhere."

You can't stop the loud exhale that almost takes you down to your knees. Almost.

Again, it's embarrassing that Rhett knows all of this. Knows you let your boyfriend cheat, because you two haven't enjoyed each other in over a year. You don't love him, you don't want to keep him. Let him have his indulgences while you plan your leave.

He jumps back to the ground, raising dust when he walks to the passenger side and opens the door, circling back and taking his seat behind the wheel.

Asshole. Why does he make you feel like this? Like running to his car and driving away with no destination. Stopping at dingy motels. Making good use of the backseats.

You tell yourself it's just the fantasy of being with someone who isn't your boyfriend.

His car smells like sex and spilled bourbon, for fuck's sake.

In a beautiful instance of contradiction, he sternly orders you to put your seatbelt on.

A good bad boy. It's stronger than you, and you break into a fit of laughter.

Poor guy, he is utterly confused.

Pulling out of the diner's parking lot, he's fed up with your crisis.

"Jesus." His head is shaking, but amusument colors his cheeks.

As if instinctively protective, he leans over and pulls the belt across your body. He fits the smell in his truck perfectly, and his tanned skin is warm when it makes contact with your uncovered arms.

"That's better. Brat."

You don't have it in you to laugh anymore.

When asked if you're hungry, your stomach answers for you and he chuckles, making a turn.

(Don't think about the way the lights shine over his sharp features or how he sits lazily, comfortably directing the steering wheel with loose hands, fingers tapping the leather. Look away.)

You do. But then his head turns. His gaze is excruciating, and your thighs are sweating on the seat. For the first time today, you're glad to have picked out a sundress.

Rhett makes smarter choices and takes you to a drive-through.

You convince him to park somewhere and eat out of the car. You're a terrible messy eater and you'd feel bad about getting his car dirty. Sure, we wouldn't want that, he said. Fine, dirtier.

He lets you steal his fries even after you said you didn't want any. You hand him the ketchup packets. Your drinks sit between you on the hood, your ankles crossed, kicking your feet mindlessly.

"Feeling good?"

He licks grease from his fingers.

You hum, stupid smile stuck on your lips.

"It's ok to break the rules sometimes."

"Oh my God." You groan, throwing your head back and crunching the wrapping paper in your hand. "You think I'm a fucking prude."

He points to your drinks. His beer and your water. You roll your eyes almost cartoonishly.

"Beer makes me burp too much. We're not there yet."

His eyebrows raise at your possible implications. That you're becoming acquainted, warming up to each other. It denotes effort and will. Your brain wants to take it back, but your heart beats you to the punch and you shut yourself up with a sip.

"I'm more than my relationship, Abbott." His eyes say he wants to believe you. "I used to want to be a street car racer."

He almost chokes on his burger.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. But it's true. My friends and I used to skip class and fuck around at the autorepair shop down the street. Then the mechanics would take us to actually watch races. It was a lot of fun, I made some great friends, a couple of them taught me everything they could. You'd be impressed at my drifting skills."

"Wow." He laughs with his whole body. It's painfully cute. "What happened?"

You blink, taking another sip, pushing out the cruel reality. A name. "Everything changed after him. We spent long nights talking about academia, and the future, and education. I was good at school, but suddenly I had a real opportunity - hope- to go to a proper school. Develop my writing. I always liked it but it was pretty obvious to me that you either use your established wealth to build your career, or you probably die poor. He made it seem like I had support, at last."

Rhett repeats his question.

"I guess he never meant it, had his own disappointments. Life is never how you expect it to be. Happens."

"You never talk about your parents. What do they think of all this?"

You shrug. "Grew up in foster care."

Realization crosses his face. It does put everything into perspective.

"'M learning a lot about you tonight."

"Regret it already?"

His hand brings the bottle up to his lips, stopping just before as he pretends to consider it. With a generous grin, he shakes his head.

Silence fills the night as you let him finish his beer.

The breeze plays with your hair, dress trapped between your thighs to avoid an accident, spinning the rings on your fingers.

Breaking out of his laid back position, Rhett grabs your hand and turns it in his own, inspecting it. His thumb massages the center of your palm while he pretends to investigate every one of your rings. Then he stops, feels one of your tense nerves and opens his palm, it glued to the back of your hand.

We're alike.

Blue eyes seek yours, and you roll them again. His bruises are from riding undomesticated animals.

"Writing is an arduous job." To be fair, you can't always pull your phone or laptop at work to take note of an idea. The old pen and paper still play their role. He has one more endearing smile for you. Huffing, and pulling your hand away, you ask for the time. "We should go."

He simply nods, adjusting the hat on his head and jumping off the hood. He almost brings the trash with him to the car, before you cut in front of him and rip it from his hands, walking the very short distance to a dumpster. Honestly.

"Did you just separate our garbage?"

"That's what the signs on the dumpsters are for, princess." You tease him. He started it. 'Our' garbage. "Such a pretty head with nothing but air in it."

You climb onto the passenger seat and he chuckles, turning on the truck. If you don't look for a tinge of pink in his cheeks, maybe he will grant you the same kindness.

He's running through every yellow light and it makes you a little sick, the taste of fast food unforgivable. You remember something.

"Still have some of that gum?"

"Uh, yeah. Jacket pocket."

He points to the back seat. Unfortunately, it isn't dark enough in this town that you don't see defined muscles when his arms raise.

You reach for the plastic packet, popping a piece into your mouth, but something catches your eye. Plucked begonias. It's not a full bouquet, looks more like he grabbed them from someone's yard in a rush.

"What are these doing here?"

You're enamored with the delicate shade of pink. Until who they might be for crosses your mind. Honestly, you would get her flowers too. Half the town would.

"Oh, yeah. They're for you." You have never looked up so fast, glad the car has finally been stopped by a red light. Rhett scratches the back of his neck. "Uhm, Amy wanted to gift you something from our land. She thought about a million things before landing on flowers though. She hopes you like pink."

C'mon, not tears again. You're not even angry. The total opposite, actually.

"I do."

The light has turned green again, but Rhett is reluctant to drive. "You okay?"

You only nod, blinking the tears away and indicating for him to go.

He does, but he continues to glance your way every few seconds, pushing his hair back. You're messing with the hat he abandoned on the console.

"Look, I'm sorry. I have to ask. How's your plan going? How close are you to what you need?"

Jesus, did you give something away?

"Shit, maybe you can read my mind. Or you're psychic."

"What does- what does that mean?"

Dejectedly hitting the headrest, you don't even think twice before sharing. It's unlike you but you don't deny yourself the relief.

"Don't be…judgemental. But. He needed help and I helped him."

He's confused. "You helped him…?"

"He needed some money and I gave it to him."

"What?"

He runs past a stop sign and you scold him, slapping his midsection with his own hat.

"Not all of it. A part."

"He's rich!"

If it weren't so ironic, it would be funny. It's the same exasperated reaction you had when your boyfriend begged you this morning. It was the reason you two fought, and why you were trying to make amends with the draft of your story. Clearly, it wasn't enough.

"He's in a lot of debt with his business ventures, alright? And, it's for his dad! You know medication is criminally expensive in this country."

The older man was very sick. Everyone budged in as much as they could to help. They might be weird fucking people, but they are a family.

"So you paid for his share. Do they even know? Or did he use you to keep his good son image too?"

You don't say anything. Of course he doesn't deserve it. You should've said no and dumped him right there. But you do owe his father a lot.

"I didn't use the money you gave me. I took it out of the extra shifts money. And I'll pay you back for the food tonight."

He stutters, looking at you with an undescribable expression. "I'm not mad about that! And don't you dare 'pay me back'. I took you out to eat, I'm not buying you out. Did he fuck you up this bad?"

Your mouth opens to answer but it's not worth it.

Rhett bites his own hand, letting a beat of silence befall you before improvising a U-turn in the middle of the street and speeding.

"Hey, what the fuck?"

Your voice is soft, confused but not entirely put off by the speed. Your boyfriend drives fast all the time, but he gloats too much, it takes away the fun for you. Rhett is also better at riding. The two things are probably not as correlated as you want them to be, but it does imply better control.

You trust him more, is the point.

(The thought terrifies you as much as it is exciting. Kind of like his driving right now.)

Another red light. Awareness dawns on him. He turns to you, quiet and a little unlike himself, but determined.

"You don't have to go home tonight. Fuck him. Do you want to go home?"

You don't need time to consider. "No."

"Okay."

Bright green reflects off his face and he's speeding again, taking you somewhere you hope is not his home.

He finally pulls up to a small neighboorhood. A blue little house, innocently sitting amongst brighter and bigger properties.

The ignition is switched off.

"It's a friend's, he's out of town."

Before you can acknowledge it, he's grabbing the hat from your hands and stepping out of the car and opening your door. He looks up and down the empty, quiet street. Anywhere but you.

You forget the begonias.

Rhett picks a key from the flower pot, poorly hidden in the decorative rocks.

It smells good inside, like fresh laundry. It hasn't been left uninhabited for long.

"I'm surprised to hear you have friends."

He frees the space in front of the sink for you to wash your hands as well, but throws the paper towel roll at you before you can. You catch it, defying his poor throw with a look.

"Don't push it."

"I mean it. I never see you with anyone outside of your family. Except for-"

Why? Why did you start that sentence?

For a moment, all you hear is the water running.

"For?"

Ah, shit. You close the tap, cringing and breathing in deeply before turning around and looking for the paper towel you could've sworn you just put down.

"Maria."

You drag the name out. It comes off more suggestive, and less teasing. You're blowing this, trying to sound like a friend picking on him but reaching more into a creepy side. At least your avoidant eyes find the towels.

"What do you know about that?"

Ice cold. You shiver.

"I have eyes."

Neither of you show signs of kidding. You overstepped.

"Sorry, I shouldn't-"

"Is that why you act weird when you see her? Why you left, that day at the rodeo?"

You cringe again, hearing your nervous laugh.

"What?"

"Don't play dumb, kitten. We both know that you're not."

"What did you just call me?"

Bite the bait.

"Answer me."

Fuck. His posture is too intimidating for you to fight against.

"I mean, sort of. Yes. I'm giving you two privacy." He scoffs, shaking his head. "Are you mad? Jesus, Rhett. I'm not making fun of you. It's a crush. It's sweet."

Dirty boots ruin a pristine floor, Rhett stopping inches away. A hand runs down his face.

"Did Perry say something?"

"Amy. Who was told by Perry."

He huffs humorless.

"Who needs enemies…"

You snicker at his childishness.

"Relax, hotshot. Damn, I see what he means now, you are scared of her! I get it, she's hot."

"Scared?" He squints at you, but his voice cracks. He steps closer and you push back against the sink, your dress rises an inch. "Do I look scared now?"

You remember him calling you a goody two-shoes earlier. Out of (stupid) pride, you won't give him the reaction he's expecting, fuck that. So you push back.

"Of course not. It's different." His arms are now trapping you, asking for elaboration. You look him up and down, raising your eyebrows before scoffing and rolling your eyes, challenging. You look away, then slow blink back to him. "Maria is a beautiful, single woman who has known you forever. There are stakes. It's real."

"And you?"

The tip of his nose is brushing yours, but you refuse to be the submissive one (for now) and angle your head up, lifting his along. It's like a dance, enticing and reckless.

Whispering is more appropriate.

"You and I are friends." Your lips are parted, tongue hitting your teeth provocatively, leaning your head back and he follows in a daze. You have to hold back laughter. "I have a boyfriend. You can't have me. It's playing with food you're never gonna taste. Meaningless."

At the last word, it's as if you were a robot being reset. You straighten up, pat his chest and push him off, walking towards the door. You can't possibly hang around him after all that. And did you actually think you could spend the night somewhere that isn't your boyfriend's house without consequences? You're in enough trouble as it is.

From the same spot in the kitchen you two were completely sharing seconds ago, he calls your name. It's breathless.

"Stay."

"Am I your dog?" You laugh, but he doesn't. His hand is closed in a fist.

"I can't offer many of the things he provid- Actually, fuck that. What does he provide? His daddy's money? I know you don't actually care about that. So, what? Fear, dependence, pain? I could go on."

"Please don't."

You get it. He's right. Most men can do better than that, and the money was only another factor that allowed him to control you, you've abdicated from it as soon as you got the waitressing job.

"I'm not saying you should be with me-"

"I know, you mentioned."

He winces at your sudden change in demeanor, less apologetic. It agitates him, and he powers forward. This time, you don't step back.

"But I can make you feel good. Don't you think you deserve that?" No. You don't. This is wrong. It doesn't mean you don't want it. "And before you can say it, no, it's not a favor. I want it as much as you."

You almost drop to the floor with the shock of his sentence.

"Who says I want it?"

You're stalling, flight or fight instinct taking time to boot up.

He laughs. At you. God, do you look cock deprived or something?

"Are you gonna say he satisfies you?"

"Are you gonna say you can?" Before he can answer, you cut him off, serious again. "Look, I'm not going to do what he does. It's not me."

Rhett looks, somehow, more baffled.

"You're not…like him. This is not the same thing. Tell me you understand that."

"Cheating-"

"On the guy who abuses you."

He's holding your arm, caressing old bruises that haven't healed yet, but he's looking at you. Deep into your soul.

Terrible time for your eyes to tear up again. You're overwhelmed with desire and conflict, afraid of how you might feel after but desperate to let go.

Calloused thumbs dry your face. He's so close…

"Abbott, turning into one of your girls is the last thing I wanted, for the record."

A cheater and a liar, all in one night.

"You're the one in a relationship. If anything, I'm one of your boys."

You gasp, pushing back on his hand around your neck and furrowing your brows at him. "You're fucking revolting."

"We'll see about that. Shut up, would you? Damn."

The latter is basically said into your lips.

His other hand has risen fron your shoulder, to your neck, and finally your jaw. More eager than you were ready to admit, you don't waste time and open your mouth for his tongue to slip in. It hasn't been ten seconds and you're both breathing heavily.

You bite his lip and he sucks on your tongue, a surprising minty taste. That's when you feel Rhett practically pick the gum you forgot you were chewing from the back of your mouth and turn away to spit it out.

He catches the roll of your eyes.

"Does everything prick your sensitive fucking fingers, princess? I'll show you how to be less pent-up."

The tip of his hat bumps your forehead when he picks you up, setting you down on the little table by the entrance hall after knocking everything to the ground.

His lips barely leave yours, which is a shame, you wish you could see if his eyes were blown out.

The table rocks against the wall and you notice him buckle when it grazes his crotch. Bless those thight fucking jeans.

"Rhett. Underwear."

Your hips lift so he can pull them down your legs, easily pushing the fabric of your sundress until you're exposed. He doesn't hesitate to run two fingers along already slick folds.

You fist the thin material of his shirt, head dropping to hide in his neck when he pushes them inside. "Fuck. It's better than mine."

He growls, and it's so important to you, to hear this low speaking, timid, ungiving cowboy lose himself under you.

"Tell me." You already know what he's going to ask. With your forehead still stuck to his collarbone, your hands fly to his belt, pulling him forward before you can start unbuckling him. "You've thought about this, haven't you?"

You stop just before pulling him free, fingers crooking inside his boxers. Your head rises enough that you can whisper in his ear.

"Well, someone's gotta help me finish."

Like that, his free hand that was pressing your breasts moves to your throat, bringing you back to where he can push his tongue down it.

He pulls his own underwear off, slowly removing his fingers, swiping them up and circling your clit. You hiss into him and he chuckles. You finally open your eyes. Yeah, the blue outline of his pupils is very thin.

Your smile props him to bunch up your dress and pull you forward.

Before he can fuck you, you're asking that he fullfils one (please, just that one) of your wishes. And like magic, he reads your mind once more.

The hand that was lightly placed around your throat slides to your neck, grabbing a fistful of your hair and pulling on it. You could fucking cry.

He probably notices, you're not hiding anything from him, and when he thrusts into you, it's unforgiving.

The sounds that come out blend perfectly in the air. Maybe he wasn't lying, and he did want this as much as you. It's not too unbelievable that he was letting all of this want build up, not used to meeting a girl and not fucking her the same night.

He slaps your clit twice and you cuss him out. "Still with me? Good. Thought I lost ya."

"Suddenly, so many words to say. Fucking move, Rhett."

A tug to your scalp. It's delirious.

"My name…when you're mad…I'm gonna fucking jerk off to that. Again."

Your eyes widen at the last minute revelation, with little time to properly tease him because he's finally moving. And, fuck, it's heaven.

You're so tired of being embarrassed in front of him but this is truly the last thing you can control. Your walls are tightening faster with each thrust. It's not gonna take too long.

"Rhett, I'm s-sorry. I'm close."

His left hand keeps switching from your hips to your ass, squeezing as much skin as he can grab.

"Good. That's the point." He stops moving to look at you. His eyes are once again taking your breath away, even when they are this dark. "Don't apologize. Tell me what to do."

It might have been too intimate, but you take his lips in a quiet, soft kiss. "Just keep moving. Faster."

He takes a second to follow your instructions, but when he does, it is so obedient your arm pushes the hat off his head so you can embrace him and grab more of his hair, bringing him closer.

His forehead is drenching your neck in sweat, your fingers gripping the thick blonde strands, his a little more lazily tugging on yours. He uses his hold on your hair to angle your bodies better, forcing you to sink down on his cock as he shoots up.

Your hips loudly knock against each other, the table still battering the wall.

It's coming, your legs and abdomen straining, cooing in his ear. His arms are probably burning.

Two seconds later and you hit your climax together. It's the loudest you have ever heard him be.

You're hugging him tight, face hiding in his neck again, body spasming. It shouldn't be such a surprise when tears slip out of your eyes.

He's still panting, soothingly running one hand up and down your back, the other scratching your scalp after brutally pulling on it.

You pull back, and his eyes widen a little at your wet face. "Did I hurt you?"

"Get over yourself."

He laughs while drying your face for the upteenth time.

"I don't know, I never made a girl cry during sex before."

"Now that, I highly doubt."

You finally say something that gets him to roll his eyes, and he clearly doesn't do it often. His hand squeezes your hip as he pulls out, and warm fluid spills down your legs.

"Shit."

He realizes at the same time as you.

"Oh, uhm, the bathroom. Last door down the hallway."

"Shit!"

You don't mean to make him feel bad or guilty. Both of you forgot. You push him aside and jump off the table, awkwardly strutting to the toilet.

You pee and dry yourself the best you can, but there's no way you're fucking sleeping tonight.

The water out of the sink is thankfully ice cold as it drips down your face, neck and chest.

When you return to the living room, Rhett is chewing on his lip, staring at your underwear he must have picked up and put on top of the cushions on the couch.

You pick it up.

"Can you…?"

He turns around. It's silly, of course, but even with his back turned, your skin is burning.

The walk to the car is short and everlasting at the same time.

Thinking that you truly just used his friend's place in the middle of a nice residential street to secretly fuck and leave is insane. He didn't even consent to it being used for that. He didn't even know you. Did this happen before, with other girls?

You don't look up when he opens the passenger door, lost in your thoughts. As soon as it slams shut, you put your head in your hands and groan, fixing yourself before Rhett climbs inside too.

It's after four in the morning when he slows to a stop outside of your so called home.

The words come out too fast.

"We use protection. Him and I."

"Okay."

"Just- Because obviously he fucks other people on the side, and I don't want you to worry about getting any- uhm, anything."

He rolls his eyes and this time it doesn't seem lighthearted.

"That's great."

Another beat, and you can't shut up. "Do you? I know it's not my business but you did just- inside me…and you, allegedly, sleep around so I think-"

"You have nothing to worry about. I promise."

He doesn't take your word-vomit too well. Fist covering his lips, side-eyeing as you gather your purse from the backseat. You make sure to grab the begonias before unlocking the door and hopping out.

Your three second long debate about whether or not you should thank him becomes irrelevant the second you turn to shut the door and he's not looking at you.

So you let him go, shaky legs carrying you inside the silent mansion.

[widespot]

Junior tries to get a bunch together to go out to celebrate, but only Rhett and Sandy can make it. Which is fine. Rhett's probably his best friend after all this time, and Candy…Candy is who he always wants to see. But this isn't a date.

"Y'all are gonna get malnutrition, going straight to dessert like that." "Shut up, it's a celebration."

"They want to dramatize it, which should be great." "Of course it's great! Why wouldn't it be?" "Because JJ Simbrams wants to do the treatment and he wouldn't know a story if it bit him on the nose." "That's dumb. Obviously you should do the treatment." "Different skill set from novels." "So? You're smart - you could learn to do it."

They go next door to try out the new coffee shop. "It's kind of - I dunno." "Bland? Middle class? Does it even have a mic?" "If they have coffee that's all that's promised unto us."

Not just coffee - a dessert cart! And the atmosphere is very relaxed.

It's not exactly people from all walks of life, but it's a reasonable variety anyhow.

Rhett, as usual, has all the hot gossip about everybody. And who is that at the other table?

"Arden! I thought you had band." "Let out hours ago." "Well, come join us. If you're not too embarrassed to hang around your folks."

"Naw, as folks go, you and Mom are pretty cool." "Especially Mom." "Well. I wasn't going to say it."

"Okay, dancing to the Muzak is -" "Who cares as long as there's dancing?"

"Hi, Candy. How are you doing?" "Wonderfully. How about you?" "Can't complain." "Since when? I heard your little sister beat up that blonde skank. Tell her good for her from me." "I will."

[t-nd-rfoot]

rhett and 🌛 for your emoji requests my love!! <33

NIGHT OWL aka Nights with Rhett Headcanons

Rhett comes to life in the night.

Pairing Rhett Abbott x reader

Theme Fluff

Word Count 559

Note Ahhh this took everything everything everything in me to write without making it too similar to a certain WIP of mine!!! But I loved writing this, just very soft and sweet Rhett 😌💗 a little cliche and expected, if you will, but our cowboy loves the simple life! And also, I figured if I'm changing my aesthetics for next year, I might as well save time changing the one of this and just start now! I hope you enjoy this! ✨

If you enjoyed this, please reblog! Reblogs are the best way to support creators (writers, artists, gif makers, everyone!) on this platform. Share the content, share the love!

It’s not exactly a secret around Wabang that Rhett is a creature of the night

His midnight trysts and antics were a regular topic of the town gossip

(Though everyone also knows about his daytime flings as well)

But it’s not like those were the only things his nights were good for

He was just one of those people who just got his energy at night

Before you, yes, he sometimes (but always unintentionally) gave the townspeople something to talk about

Other nights when he wasn’t doing any of that, he would just clean up whatever he could at the stables or watch TV before passing out on the couch

And then he met you, and that (nearly) changed everything (since he was still staying up and all)

Aside from drinking at The Handsome Gambler, there wasn’t much to do after hours around Wabang, so Rhett spent many of his nights with you

It was the one time you guys could be together since you both worked during the day

On most nights, especially if he wasn’t riding, he’d rush to your place as soon as he finished his work at the ranch

And listen, as much as he loves his ma’s cooking—which is a lot—he loves getting to have dinner with you, just the two of you

Cecelia didn’t mind though, she was just happy that Rhett was making better use of his free time than before

You would teach him how to cook some of the things you made so that you guys could cook together

And those cold Wyoming nights will have the two of you cuddled in front of a fire

Other nights, he’ll go drinking with you—and sometimes, Perry—if he’s in the mood to go out

After his rodeos, he wouldn’t want to go home right away

If it was an out-of-town rodeo, you’d explore the town a little before going back to your motel room

If it was just in Wabang, he’d drive around without any destination

He’ll park somewhere you guys could be alone

You guys will cuddle together in the bed of his truck, under the thick blankets he kept for you under the passenger seat

(Don’t worry, he’s kept his truck clean ever since he picked you up for your first date)

He would listen to your stories of how your day was or whatever you wanted to talk about while stargazing

When the conversation gets serious and he feels you need some cheering up, he’ll ask you to stand up

“But I don’t want to go home yet, Rhett”

“It’s okay baby, just feel we should stretch our legs a little”

But then he’s opening his door, reaching for the console, and you hear the radio volume cranking up and the headlights switching on

He reaches his arm out and twirls you around to slow dance under the stars

It was only near dawn he’d drive you back to your place for a proper sleep

“Stay the night?”

“Darling, you need to rest, and Royal’s probably getting up soon”

“Rhett, you’re way too tired to drive back now”

He’s pulling back the sheets and getting into bed with you

“I know, I just like hearing you ask,” he replies with that low voice and smug grin

When he gets back to the ranch, he’s already counting down till sunset

Disclaimer  I do not own Outer Range or any of its characters. Please do not copy my work or translate without my permission.

[bradshawsbitch]

the maiden who turned linden;

previous chapter | masterlist | next chapter

chapter summary; a peculiar reminder of rhett's night spent under the starry skies causes the townsfolk to stir in their drowse. and what talk is there of a lingering prescence in the woods?

chapter warnings; spoilers for outer range. mentions of alcohol, mentions of getting disciplined by parent, family woes, whimsy.

word count; 3.5K

Whispers. Always the breathless whisper upon parted lips - those whispers carrying stories through ever nook and cranny of a town.

Whispers from woman’s lips to childs, a man’s to another man, and from a woman to another woman. Such has life always been. Stories. Told, heard and forgotten. Repeated until its meaning has undoubtedly been convoluted, and no truth can be held within its message. Some might call these stories hearsay, or within this time - gossip. 

It is strange how words can hold such different meanings, given to them by the men and women who utter them. The meaning of a word - letting you know whether or not the trait is to be desired or not. Is she a story-teller, or is she a gossip? 

There is a notion that gossiping is a female trait, and that there is something inherently feminine within the way the happenings of man travel like wildfire through towns. Those who share this notion forget that the monks of early England’s more important job was to keep record of the happenings in their parish.

They, and they almost alone, saved the entire English language from the influence of Normandy. French, and Latin feared to overtake the entirety of England. Is that not gossip? A telling of a story? A story you may not know entirely… a story that you’ve only witnessed - but have yet to live?

So, when the rowdy young son of Royal Abbott arrived after a hard day's work on the pastures with his father and brother, and his mother ushered them to bathe, stopping at Rhett’s side to inspect his cheek - it somehow made its way through the entirety of Wabang.

For upon the young man's cheek sat a strange mark. Not quite a scar, nor a smudge or a shadow, faint but still visible - stretching across his cheekbone, like small stars had burst forward on his tan skin.

It was the one time Rhett had found himself doted on by his mother in a long time - her wet finger smudging over his cheek over and over again, trying to get the mark off.

She swore up and down, grabbing rubbing alcohol, even threatening to get the methylated spirit from deep within the barn to get it off. Rhett just smiled softly, pushing her hands away when she’d worked herself into quite a frenzy.

“Ma, stop. S’nothin’. Just a little mark, s’all,” he grumbled as she stood closer to inspect it.

“Well, Rhett, maybe you ought to have doctor Schneider look at it come the morrow if it hasn’t gone down. Maybe wear your hat instead of the cap so it’s not in the sun too much,” Cecelia muttered as she patted her son's cheek before getting on with her cooking. Rhett only licked his lips and smiled a lopsided smile before he moved on.

Folks in town gave the youngest Abbott strange looks as he walked the streets in his Stetson, the mark upon his cheek decidedly darker than the day before. Rhett did not mind so much, he knew he wasn’t much to look at anyways - and what was another scar to a battered bull rider and cowboy anyways?

Glancing at his phone, he noticed he’d gotten his errands in town done sooner than he figured. Perhaps he could sneak a beer at the handsome gambler before going home today. Just the one. 

Upon entering the dingy bar, he noticed the older townsfolk sat by the back. Closing his eyes, he damn near turned on his booted heel and left. But the call for a cool beverage on a hot day had him sitting down by the bar, hearing the loud speculations of some of the oldest folk in Wabang.

“You see that. That Abbott boy’s been marked,” said one of the men who must only be in his seventies. “Yeah, even Marge saw it,” the 87 year old cowboy retorted. Rhett rolled his eyes at their words; Marge, a woman who was older than sliced bread - 98 years of age to be precise, had a bit of a reputation of being Wabang’s most frequent gossip. Not only did she rave about the local lores - she seemed to have grown senile enough to believe most of them. 

One time she had greeted Rhett as an old friend and exclaimed ‘Oh, James, I haven’t seen you in years! Does not Liv miss you awfully? It’s a shame the townsfolk drove her away–’ she had trailed off, looking off into the distance as Rhett blinked down at the frail woman. He had no notion as to who James was, nor did he know anyone in Wabang named Olivia that was nicknamed ‘Liv with that strange pronunciation. 

“I’ll tell ya, Ma got awful up in her woes about it. Staff said she’d been up ‘till dawn ravin’ ‘bout it,” said her son with a sigh. “Don’t take that tone about your ma,” a man scolded him “Well what am I supposed to do, Brian?” the younger man (who was actually in his late fifties) defended himself.

“You listen to your mama, son. There’s always been strange goings on in Wabang, since before you were even thought of. Has your ma never told you ‘bout the wood wife?” a man spoke suddenly, effectively quieting the party of men. Rhett glanced over to see Marge’s son roll his eyes. 

“I’ll tell ya son, the tale’s been told more times than any man can fathom. She’s said to be the oldest creature of earth, that wood wife. Some think she’s immortal, and hides well within the forests, streams and mountains of Wabang - but your ma has told me otherwise. According to Marge, she lives among us for a while, her face never the same. And she does live long, perhaps that’s why the towns folk believe her to have everlasting life,” the old man let out a nasty cough that had Rhett cringing over his beer. 

“But no, the creature is said to live longer than any mortal man for sure - and she comes again after she has died. She can die like any mortal man. My ol’ man actually thinks he might’ve shot her in the woods once back in the day.” Rhett furrowed his brows at the way the man sounded almost proud of that fact. An indignant ember ached dully in his chest. Taking another sip, he wondered fleetingly why he cared about the fate of a fictional being. 

“Marge said she’s seen her in two different iterations - at the very end of a life, and later at the beginning of another. She carries the same soul, and memories, but her vessel is different each time,” Marge’s son was about to cut in, probably to kindly tell the man his mother was old and her memory frail, but the man continued on.

“She is said to have the purpose of guarding the nature and all it holds, but she is lonely. It is said that at the dawns of time, she was granted a love. A love she lost. And she spends her lifetimes searching for him. Sometimes she finds him, and some lives she lives on her lonesome.” silence fell over the elderly men, and Rhett’s face held a skeptical look upon it, eyes rolling as he sipped on his beer, mind finally made up as the tale seemed to end. Sounded like a crock of shit to him.

“So? If my old ma’s stories are god forbid, true, what on God's green earth has that gotta do with the Abbott boy and some new fuckin’ birthmark?” Rhett had to give it to the man, he was trying to be respectful, but Rhett couldn’t resist smirking into his beer.

“I told ya, the wood wife is fickle. She marks what is rightfully hers.” the older man explained as if it was as easy as the fact that the sky was blue. Marge’s son muttered something that sounded an awful lot like ‘horse shit’, and Rhett could only chuckle softly under his breath before downing the rest of his drink. 

Right before he ambled out of the bar, moving slow as to not let the men know he’d been listening in, he heard the eldest of them continue after a moment of silence;

“A long time ago, some said that men who bore that mark disappeared never to be seen again. We’re talkin’ way before Marge’s time. Would go in the woods, disappear into thin air. Jus’ like that.” Rhett stilled in his motion to pull his arms through his thin, worn jean jacket, brows furrowed a little, the marks upon his face tingling slightly. A flash of red appeared in his mind, and he had to blink rapidly to make the vision float away.

“I’ve heard she curses ‘em, wills ‘em to do her every bidding with that mark,” grumbled a man who had stayed silent through the conversation

“Nah, Miller, that’s a load of bull, my great gran told me that in her time if a man appeared marked he was hailed as the luckiest son of a bitch in Wabang, they used to–” at this, Rhett willed himself to leave, shaking his head as he pushed his hat down harshly on his head. Drawing in a shaky breath, he stepped out into the sun. 

All this talk of mythical creatures and marking had apparently affected him somewhat as he put his arm out to help steady himself against the warm bricks of the building. His chest felt tight, and that restlessness that he always felt to some extent, came back sevenfold.

Licking his lips, his breaths came out in short bursts. His head was swimming slightly as he raised his hand up to his cheek. As his fingertips graced the high point of his cheek, his whole body felt like he’d been zapped. Like that time when Perry forgot to turn the electricity off when he'd been mending the electric fence - and the world around him disappeared. 

“Up you get, boy,” the gruff voice of Royal Abbott rang out clear in the silent bar. Hoisting his son onto his legs as the younger man struggled to stand on shaky legs. “don’t know where the hell you get off drinkin’ like that when you know the day ain’t over by far. Y’were s’posed to help Perry brand the cattle.” Royal shook his head as he took in the form of his younger son. 

“’m not fuckin’ drunk,” Rhett protested groggily and his father scoffed, shaking his head and leading the way out of the pub before his son could finish that sentence. Royal knew better. Did the kid think he was born yesterday?

“I don’t wanna hear about it,” Royal grumbled, steering his son to the passenger side of his truck, slamming the door shut after Rhett had jumped in. The ride home was silent, and Royal was waiting for an apology from his son, feeling he’s earned it for all the trouble his son caused him today. 

“Listen, son, there’s a lot going on right now - I can’t have you stumbling around like a drunken fool passin’ out all over town.” Royal’s drawl was tired, and Rhett felt anger lick at his insides.

“Alright old man, so you’re sayin’ I can’t enjoy one beer but Perry can drink himself into a blackout and–” before he could finish his sentence he’d received a harsh smack to the back of his head. Royal had disciplined him and Perry when they were boys - which was probably why Perry acted out his anger physically sometimes, whilst Rhett made a point not to - but it had been some time since Rhett'd last felt that particular sting. 

“I’m sayin’ you can’t act like a fucking vagabond at times like these, Rhett!” Royal boomed as his truck screeched to a halt in front of their home “Fuckin’ anythin’ that moves and drinkin’ yourself more stupid by the day!”. Rhett didn’t answer, and only hopped out of the truck, slamming the door shut and making his way into the stables. 

“So you finally deemed it proper to show up huh, little brother?” Perry drawled, smirking as he stood leaned against the wall in the shadow, away from the heat of the sun's rays.

“You can fuck right off,” Rhett growled out as he hastily bridled his mare, ignoring her indignant stomps and whinnies at how unusually rushed he was. He needed to get away before his chest exploded with indignant anger, that uneasy and restless feeling still present. Just as he tightened the cinch under Sidda’s saddle, Royal appeared at the other end of the stable door, looking ready to continue his reprimanding. 

Hauling himself up on the animal, Rhett urged Sidda into a raging canter, leaving only dust and the raining pebbles that kicked up from under the horses hooves as he urged his heels further into her sides. He knew where he needed to go, where he needed to be.

As he neared the entrance to the woods, Rhett sat back slightly, easing up the pressure around the animal’s warm sides, and he smiled at how Sidda came down to a trot. Nearing the forest, she came to a walk and Rhett barely had to steer her before she trodded on down the beaten path, as if this was something she did regularly. 

Rhett had never taken Sidda to the lake. In the past he’d only ever taken his truck up to the path, or when he was younger he’d walk, or take his stubborn pony - Chuck. He’d never given much thought to how Chuck, a pony lazy and stubborn to a fault, had meandered into the forest so easily - when Rhett sometimes struggled to even get the damn thing to walk in a straight line for him. But now the thought nagged at a part of his brain that was seemingly held in the shadows.

As the sounds of the forest surrounded his senses, the anger and hurt seemed to slowly seep out of his very pores - and Rhett felt the need to take a deep, shaky breath as he gently rubbed at his sternum.

When had he ever reacted like that to getting smacked around by Royal? He usually gritted his teeth and went on as if nothing had happened at all. After all, it wasn’t so much the smackin’ that hurt, no that sharp sting went away after a few seconds. It was the words that continued to sting for hours after they were uttered. Sometimes days. Sometimes years. 

Sliding down from his seat in the saddle, he relieved Sidda of her gear - letting her roam in the small clearing as she pleased. The animal clipped her ears, her eyes alert but soft as he rubbed at the space between her eyes. After a moment's silence, Sidda leisurely strolled up to the lake, nostrils flared as she hesitantly let her muzzle sink into the lake, drinking some before moving along the side of the lake.

Rhett opted to remove his boots, socks, and jeans - leaving him in only his hat, white t-shirt and black boxer shorts as he took in the surrounding area in the soft daylight. To his delight, a thick branch hung low over the lake, and with a determined glint in his eyes, he climbed out on it, settling with his back against the trunk, letting his feet dangle and get submerged in the water. 

Heaving a sigh, he lowered his hat so it covered his eyes, before crossing his arms over his chest. The restlessness he felt before was all but gone now that he was there, and it felt as if muscles he didn’t even know he possessed were relaxing as he breathed in the scent of the forest around him.

For a fleeting moment he thought he might just move out here. Never go back to the ranch and leave Royal and Perry to run the damn thing by themselves if he was so much trouble. An infantile and petulant thought - but a thought nonetheless. 

The silence engulfed him, save for birds and wildlife. A small smile settled on his lips and he felt utterly relaxed as he finally let himself feel the exhaustion from passing out outside the handsome gambler.

“Who lingers by my lake?” 

Rhett felt his heart damn near jump out of his throat as he started, sitting up so fast his hat flew into the tall grass by the thick trunk of the tree. Trying to keep the balance he had disrupted proved fruitless, and his tall form fell unceremoniously into the dark waters below.

Breaking the surface, he sputtered slightly, his every nerve ending frazzled and alert. Cerulean eyes quickly scanned the clearing, stopping promptly at the vision before him.

Coming towards him, from across her spot at the other side of the lake, was a woman. Or was it a woman? Her movements were slow but deliberate, moving with grace as she walked along the edge of the lake, never letting her eyes leave him. Her gaze was intense. Too intense. And yet, Rhett could not for the life of him force his eyes downwards as he wanted to. 

“Who goes here?” 

Her voice was soft as she came to a stop before him, crouching down so her long red hair almost touched the surface of the water. Rhett was barely aware that his jaw had slackened, lips slightly parted as his eyes took in her appearance up close.

Her long, fiery red hair was the first he had noticed when he first saw her from a distance. Next came that billowy, white dress he had seen in his dreams.

Up close however, his eyes lingered on hers - soulful brown, much like a doe. Freckles dotted her skin, and he blinked as he recognized several constellations he’d spotted in the sky on her skin. Brows furrowing slightly, he finally noticed the slightly pointed ends that softly peeked out from behind thick strands of hair, right where the tips of her ears should be rounded. 

“What the f–” Rhett whispered, barely holding in the crude word he’d been about to utter. To his great surprise, the woman smiled - a demure sort of repressed smile. As if she knew something he did not. 

Blinking rapidly, Rhett tried shaking his head, wet strands flying slightly as he tried to shake the vision of the woman out of his head. His brain was working a mile a minute as he took her in again, for she had yet to disappear into thin hair, as the hallucination he figured she was. He noticed her hair was slightly knotted here and there, not in a rowdy way, but more of a delicate, swirly way. 

As if the woman could somehow anticipate his next move, she gently stood, making room for his tall form to climb out of the water. And he promptly did, muscles rippling under his wet t-shirt as he hauled his body out of the lake.

Standing in front of her now, t-shirt clinging to his upper body, hair dripping small droplets of water down his face, he noticed she was quite tall herself. 

“Who are you?” his voice sounded gruff to his own ears, after hearing her soft, melodious voice. His manners were all but thrown out the damn window, yet another thing he knew Cecelia would grumble about. 

“I have had many names.” the doe-eyed girl blinked slowly at him, tilting her head slightly as she analyzed his movements and reactions to her. And now Rhett felt he finally understood, realization washing over his face, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he scoffed.

“I get it. You’re with that Autumn girl? Didn’t know she had hippie friends,” he smirked “got lost did you? She’s back on the west pasture,” he nodded in the general direction of her camp. 

The girl looked amused, raising an inquisitive brow, letting silence fall between the two for quite some time before she spoke again.

“No. I have not yet encountered Amy out on the pastures.” 

That statement wiped the smirk right off Rhett’s face. This girl was obviously not of sound mind, Rhett thought bitterly to himself. Perhaps that’s the reason her feet were bare, and the sheer, flowy dress that looked out of fashion clad her form.

She had probably managed to sneak out of that behavioral institute over in Casper, Rhett figured. She should’ve been worse to wear than she was though if she’d hitchhiked or walked here. But her complexion was close to pristine, not a speck of dirt found on her form.

Rhett reached up to tuck a wet strand of hair behind his ear, a nervous habit he’d tried to rid himself of.

“Alright… if you’re not with Autumn, mind tellin’ me how you came to be here?” His voice was rough, nigh on accusatory. Technically, she was trespassing. The woman’s smile only widened considerably as he spoke, doe eyes wide, a peculiar emotion flickering in them.

“Oh... there you are…” her voice was no more than a whisper, barely audible. Her smile felt familiar, and the feelings it sparked deep within Rhett’s chest made him slightly uncomfortable. He watched as her eyes fluttered closed, lips still curved into a secretive smile as she hummed softly. Opening her eyes, she looked at him with a longing that nearly knocked the wind out of his lungs.

“Aurea.” she spoke finally “That is what I am to be called this time.” 

“Rhett,” the words spilled from his lips before he could stop himself. Licking his lips, he drew in a shuddering breath, only now noticing the feeling of peace that had completely settled upon him as he’d come out of the depths of the water.

“Rhett.” she repeated, her melodic voice making his name sound as if it was not just the name of a ruddy cowboy, but the name of the highest of deities. 

“I do so hope you will come back,” she smiled before turning on her heel, entering from whence she had come, leaving Rhett to wonder who, or what, on earth he’d just encountered. 

next chapter

ahhh!!! alright, how're we feeling after that??? thoughts?? is this rubbish? should I even continue? idk man! let me know!

tagging some people who might like; @endofdays56 @lt-bradshaw @rhettabbotts @wkndwlff @briseisgone @up-thereinthesky @roleycoleyreccenter @stormsouls @milesmillergf

[themonotonysyndrome]

Hi Lady 🫶🏻

We all know how Nobels like to gossip and spread rumors.(mostly at bars where lilia works at like she said in part 2) What if someone started a rumor that Castin abuses celica in private and acts like he loves her in public? How would Lilia react?would she tell reyes? How would Reyes react? Would Reyes tell the queen and the queen would tell Rhett ? How would they all react? Aaaaand would they believe it ???

Hello, Anon!

Gossips... oooh~ Juicy! I like to headcanon that apart from learning basic mathematics, children from noble households were taught how to spread, manage and dig into rumours. Rumours are kinda like... their playdough dsnjkfsndf. While they don't have to be an expert gossipmonger, they should at least know how to protect themselves against malicious rumours and allegations.

Celica's curious nature actually teaches her how to unravel truths from lies. Also, she enjoys playing amateur investigator, lol.

So the moment there are rumours about how Castin is secretly abusive, Celica is having an affair and generally others taking shots at their arranged marriage, well, the Imperial Baroness is excited at uncovering this new mystery and perpetrators.

Castin is ready to put out a statement with King Rhett's backing that he's an honourable man and genuinely adores his wife, but Celica immediately shuts it down. If he does that with Rhett, the populace will think that his words are propaganda. So they gotta play it smart, and they gotta play it cruel.

(Castin doesn't know about that last bit, though, so shush!)

So, the first thing Celica will do is contact the people she planted in Intacia's criminal world and trade words with the local merchant guild. Rumours only spread quickly when a high-ranking figurehead has lots of ears and mouths around them. Her suspicion is proven correct by Tristan's man in the merchant guild - someone with high status in Intacia had been vocal about their couple's marriage but he wasn't outwardly so. Just in the privacy of his home which, just so happens, has a lot of servants. Now, high-ranking military officials don't normally employ more than 5 servants to help run their house -

(Except Castin, but that's because he now has an Imperial Baroness for a wife. Different customs, ya know?)

So it must be a fellow discontent noble from Intacia. A local guy who doesn't like changes in the status quo.

Digging into his identity and details came easy after that. He's a member of Rhett's court, one of the few who kept his mouth shut during his coronation and has a business that involves armoury. No wonder he's upset with the idea of peace and what the couple meant to represent!

The next step is... PUBLIC HUMILIATION! Celica would figure out something to humiliate the Lord in Parliament in front of Rhett, his fellow noblemen and warriors. So much so that he won't ever show his face in high society again.

Fair's fair!

[rhettabbotts]

Oh man Shelbs, I'm having a major thought right now, not a smutty one per say, but somewhere between angsty feels and proud dad Rhett Abbott.

So I watched Only The Brave a while back and all I could think about was Rhett x Reader's oldest son and his spitting image, being a bit of a troublemaker growing up to the point where Rhett gives him an ultimatum......you either go into the fire service, the military or you're out of the house. Son opts for fire service since it'll keep him somewhat close to home and chooses the wildland fire crew since he loved being out in the woods as a kid.

Rhett's son absolutely loves the field of work and bonds really easily with his crewmates. Rhett and wifey! reader are prouder than ever of their son because finally.....FINALLY, he has his shit together.

It's the height of fire season in Wyoming and the crew gets a call that a rager started a bit further north of Wabang and holy hell is it a RAGER! The crew goes in to take care of business but pretty soon it gets to the point where the crew captain orders shelters, the fire is raging out of control. All around it's absolutely terrifying.

They wait out the blow over.

The landscape is a scorched and blackened mess.

Families and friends of the crew are waiting in the gym of the Wabang High School with no knowledge of where anyone is.

The entire Abbott clan is waiting there, Rhett, Wifey, Cecelia, Royal, Perry, Amy and the other kids in the clan, waiting to hear of where the oldest Abbott son is. Everybody is an anxious mess, trying to keep each other calm and assuring each other that he's ok.

The gym doors open and the helicopter rescue walks in with a young man still in his gear, his red hard hat, yellow jacket, black field pack, face and neck coated and smeared in black ash.

Patrick Royal Abbott is the only one to fully walk through those gym doors that night......the rest are all in the hospital with severe injuries.

Patrick walks towards his family, almost stumbling and that's when they see him cry for the first time, his father catching him before he can have a chance to fall. Rhett has never seen any of his family this vulnerable, let alone his own son. He holds Patrick and lets him bury his face in his chest and sob until his eyes are burning. Rhett doesn't care that people are staring or giving them dirty looks in the case of the local gossips. He's only glad that Patrick, his and wifey!reader's son, their baby boy, is alive and in front of them.

"I'm sorry dad," he sobs. "I'm so sorry......I'm so sorry."

"I'm proud of you Patrick," Rhett murmurs. "I don't give a single flying fuck what anybody else here thinks......I'm proud of you."

Patrick cries even harder that night, because for the first time in a long time, he hears that from his dad.

Shelbs I apologize if this is a little too angsty but I've had it on my mind for a while and wanted to know what you thought. I might send this to a few other Rhett Abbott girls if you're ok with it (lol).

OH MY HEARTTT I LOVE THIS 🥹

because you know rhett was letting out a sigh of relief when his son walks through the door and even though he’s beating himself up, rhett is so proud of him.