This Time Around (Maybe #2)(35)

“As he should,” Reid growls, clearly not wanting to discuss our father.

“I’m f*cking exhausted,” I say, changing the subject. “Are you going to the gym or home?”

“Summer’s meeting me at the gym,” he says, turning onto the main road. “You want me to drop you off at home or at the bar?”

“Bar.”

“I’m really happy you and Taiya sorted your shit out,” Reid says.

“Me too,” I breathe. More than anyone could f*cking imagine.

“So you’re solid?”

“Yeah, we’re solid.”

“Good,” he says quietly. “Everything’s still on then?”

“Yep,” I answer.

Reid drops me off, and I head into the bar, grinning when I see a familiar face. “About time you came out to play,” I tell Dash, taking a seat next to him.

“Trust me, after the month I’ve had, I deserve some time to relax,” he says, twirling his glass before taking a sip.

“What do you want, boss?” Jade asks, looking a little bored.

“Nothing for me, thanks, Jade,” I say, turning my attention back to Dash. “Anything I can do for you, my man?”

He tightens his lips. “No, but thanks for the offer.”

Dash is a proud man. He won’t ask or accept any help. “This about your sisters? You know we can always watch the younger ones for you.”

His violet eyes find mine. “It’s not the younger ones who are causing trouble. I hope I never have any daughters; that’s all I’m saying.”

“How old is the trouble maker?” I ask him.

“Fifteen. I’m the only one she listens to, so I’m trying to be at home as much as possible.” Dash looks tired, and worn out.

“Let me know if we can help. I’m sure Taiya and Summer will be happy to keep her occupied.”

“That’s actually a good idea, thanks.”

“No problem.”

“I heard about you and Taiya. About f*cking time, man,” he says, smirking.

“Thanks and I couldn’t agree more,” I say, looking around the bar, taking in the customers. A few of the usuals and a few newbies. “Come by and see us if you’re around. Hell, bring the tribe with you.”

Dash nods, like he’s considering it. “All right.”

“You need to get your mind off things?” I ask, nodding towards two women at one of the tables. Awkward when I realise I’ve actually been with one of those two women.

Dash laughs. “No thanks. Your sloppy seconds don’t sound very enticing,” he says, brushing off my offer. I can’t remember the last time I saw Dash with a woman. I know he was interested in Summer, but I don’t think he’s been interested in anyone else since.

“How do you know it’s my sloppy seconds?” I ask, frowning.

Dash chuckles, downing the rest of his drink before answering. “You should call this place Knox’s *.”

I cringe, glad Taiya isn’t here to hear that. “Nice, real nice, Dash,” I mutter, running my hands down my face.

“It’s the truth,” he says, smiling and showing off those twin dimples I hear women swooning about.

“It’s the past,” I counter, standing up and walking behind the bar. “How’s work?” Dash is a mechanic and runs his own business.

“Good,” he answers. I pour him another drink, and place it in front of him. My phone vibrates so I pull it out of my pocket, glancing at the screen.

How did everything go? – Taiya Really good. Will tell you everything when I get home. – Ryan I put my phone away and head into the office. Time to do some work.





Chapter Twenty

Taiya bounces up and down on my cock, riding me hard. I stare at her beautiful body, at the expression of ecstasy on her face and can’t believe that she’s mine. She’s exquisite, perfect. And I’ve taught her just how I like it. She lowers her head to kiss me deeply, still grinding her hips, not losing rhythm. My hands squeeze the globes of her ass, lifting my hips up to meet hers. She tears her lips from mine, tilting her head back in abandon. I sit up and lean forward to capture one of her nipples in my mouth, drawing deep and sucking. It pushes her over the edge, just like I knew it would. She whispers my name as pleasure takes over her. I roll her over onto her back, still connected, and thrust into her, my mouth finding hers once more. No one has ever felt better than this, made me feel like this. Like I would do anything to protect her. Anything. Conquer the world if I had to. Taiya is the only woman I’ve ever made love to, and the only woman I’ve ever been with without using a condom. I buck into her once more as I feel myself erupt.

“You bring me to my knees,” I say in a hoarse whisper as I pull out of her, resting my forehead against hers. We’re both panting, and damp with sweat. Taiya doesn’t say anything but kisses me sweetly, saying more with one kiss than I could ever do with words.

“I love you, wife,” I say, kissing down her neck and playfully biting.

She laughs, wriggling her body. “Love you too, husband.” I sigh into her hair, just enjoying the moment. “When do I get to meet your sister?” she asks after a few minutes of silence. I told her everything that happened, and how proud I am of Persephone.