Chapter 26
CHAPTER 26
H ot Games
Dean
Seven months later …
“Girl, didn’t I tell you, you don’t have to check on me every second like a toddler. Why do you think I moved back to my place?”
I smile as my mother sounds like her old self. I was sad to see her move out, but she was insistent. In the end, I figured it might be for the best.
Hudson has a team that watches her place twenty-four seven. They know to inform me immediately if anything happens to her. She’s been lively as ever since going back home.
“Mom, I was only calling to see if you needed anything.” I roll my eyes and shake my head.
“What I need is for you to get on one of those dating apps or at least give me an idea of your type. I need to know what I’m looking for.”
“Mom, for the millionth time, I don’t need you to find me a man.”
I groan internally as Ronan snaps his head up and narrows his eyes at me. We’ve been seeing each other for about eight months now. In the last two months, I’ve practically been living here.
Even when he has to take business trips, I’ve been sticking around to dog-sit. At least that’s what I’ve been telling him and trying to tell myself. The truth is, I sleep better in his bed.
I might not be able to be wrapped in his arms, but I’m surrounded by him in another way. I’ve allowed myself to get comfortable here. So much so, I purchased an apartment in the building for my men to be close by without alerting Ronan to their presence.
Ronan doesn’t seem to mind having me here so much. He is in the habit of making me breakfast in the mornings after we go for a run with the dogs. Usually, I sit and write a bit while he cooks.
Normally, I tend to have my talks with my mom when he’s not around. I still haven’t introduced the two. My gut keeps telling me it’s not a good idea.
“Whatever, Danika. If you didn’t need my help, you would have a man and I’d be spending time with my daughter to plan her wedding, not planning to take her to Vegas to help her find a man.”
“I’m not even going to entertain that one. When we go, we’re going away for some mother-daughter time. Nothing more.”
She huffs and I swear I can feel her rolling her eyes at me. This trip is going to be something else. I can see it already.
“By the way. I’ve been trying to get in touch with your sister. I thought it would be a good idea to invite her along on our trip. I was thinking that she and I could work on our relationship and sort some things out.
“I haven’t been able to reach her. Have you spoken to her lately? Maybe you can tell her to call me,” Mom says hopefully.
“We sort of fell out. I haven’t spoken to her in a while,” I say tightly.
I don’t tell her I haven’t spoken to my sister in almost a year and a half. That’s not a conversation I want to get into at the moment. I’ve washed my hands of Anika. There’s nothing I have to say to her.
“Oh … you two used to be joined at the hip. I didn’t think anything of it when I didn’t see her at your house. I thought she was avoiding me. I had no idea you two weren’t on speaking terms. What happened?”
“It’s a long story and I’m being rude to my company. Did you need me to pick anything up for you?”
“No, I’m good. Byron stopped by with groceries for me yesterday. In fact, he was the one to get me to thinking about reaching out to Anika.”
I jerk my head back and pull a frown. First of all, Byron needs to mind his damn business. Secondly, who the fuck asked him to drop anything off to my mom?
I hate when people try to get in the middle of shit that has nothing to do with them. He may have some type of feelings about the loss of his family, but he has no idea why my mother and I don’t fuck with Anika. He needs to keep his nose out of my family business.
“Oh really? Since when has Byron been the deliveryman?”
“Danny, why do you treat that boy like that?”
“Like what?”
“I remember when you were little, and he was your best friend. Since … once Linda and Myron … when they died, you … Freddie and I both noticed you stopped behaving the same around Byron.”
Ronan places a plate before me as I sit at the kitchen island. He kisses the top of my head then nuzzles his face into my neck. I close my eyes and tell myself this isn’t the time for this conversation.
“Mom, this is a conversation for another time. Like I said, I’m being rude.”
“Fine, Danika. You keep treating good men like this and see what happens.”
“Love you, Mom. I’ll be by later.”
“Unless you’re bringing me a nice young man to meet that you’re dating, keep your big head where you are. Get on my nerves.”
I burst into laughter. “Bye, Mom.”
I hang up and place my phone down on the island. Happily, I pick up my fork to dig into my pancakes and sausage. The buttermilk flavor bursts in my mouth, causing me to close my eyes and hum.
“These are so delicious.”
When I open my eyes, he’s still standing beside me, looking at me intently. I put my fork down and fold my arms across my chest. For months, we’ve been in our own little bubble.
He keeps trying to tell me something, but I’ve managed to cut him off whenever he gets that serious look on his face. I don’t want this to change.
I’m happy. I have my book life, my alter ego, and then there is him. Life is good right now. We don’t need to change that.
I think fast before he can say anything to change all of that. Lifting from my seat, I reach across the island for the maple syrup. Once I have it, I place it in front of me and push my plate aside.
Then I retake my seat and pull Ronan’s shirt I have on over my head, tossing it away. A heated look comes to his eyes as he looks my naked body over. Whatever he was going to say is forgotten as he plucks me from my seat and places me on the countertop.
He steps between my legs and cups my face, then takes my lips for a deep kiss. I moan into his mouth and push my hands into the back of his basketball shorts. He sucks on my tongue as I rake my nails over his tight, hard ass.
“Why haven’t ya told yer mother about me?”
I’m caught off guard as his question sinks in. I thought I had distracted him. Slowly, I drag my nails up his back in hopes that I can derail him this time.
“Danny, I asked ya a question,” he says firmly.
“I heard you, but do you really want to talk about my mom?”
I reach for the syrup and begin to pour it over my chest. His nostrils flare and his eyes blaze with passion and desire. I’m not about to tell him my mother wants me to date to find a husband.
Ronan would have me call her back to set up a dinner where he’d likely ask for permission to ask for my hand or some shit. I’m not giving her or this man that kind of encouragement.
When he dips his head and traps my nipple between his lips, I know my distraction has worked. He groans around my flesh in his mouth and reaches between my legs. I begin to whimper and keen as he fingers me while sucking deeply at my hardened peak.
The sound of my wet pussy and his heavy breaths fill the air. The look of lust in his eyes is enough to get me there. I’m right on the edge of an orgasm when he pulls away and stops.
My breasts are heaving and I’m panting for him to continue. Looking me in the eyes, he lifts his drenched fingers to my lips and sticks them into my mouth before he attacks my lips with his once again.
Pulling back slightly, he reaches to pinch my nipple as he bites his lip and groans. Grabbing my breast to squeeze in his hand, he then leans in and presses his forehead to mine.
“Are ya sure ya want to play this game with me, love? Ya should answer my question I asked ya now,” he breathes against my lips.
“What?”
“I’m yer man, Danika. I have been for eight months, nearly a year. Why doesn’t yer ma know about me? Why is she trying to set ya up with other men?”
I reach for his face and tug him to me to capture his lips. He allows the kiss, but it’s hard and demanding. Ronan can be aggressive during sex, but this is a bit different.
He groans into my mouth as he pushes his shorts down. I whimper into his kiss as he taps his length against my weeping pussy. Don’t ask me how he got a condom on so fast or where he got it from.
I’ve become used to him pulling them out of thin air and getting them on in the blink of an eye. We haven’t spoken of not using them since that very first time. I started birth control a few months ago, but I haven’t told him yet—there’s so much more to that conversation I’m not sure we’re ready for.
“Tell me, love. Are we going to do this the easy way or are ya going to make me fuck the answer from yer lips? Yer choice, but ya will answer.”
“I’m not afraid of some dick, baby. Do what you must.”
“As ya wish, smart-ass.”
“Ronan,” I cry out and throw my head back as he thrusts into me.
He lifts me from the counter and moves us to the custom lower counter where the doggy island is off to the side of the standard-height island countertop. Yes, the kids eat at the island with us like a family. My heart skips a beat as I have that thought.
This man and his dogs are becoming my family. I can’t allow him or my mother to know how I feel about him.
“Focus on me inside ya,” he demands, pushing me back roughly, causing me to land on my back as he grabs a breast in each hand.
As he kneads my tits, he bends over me to capture a peak in his mouth as he continues to thrust into me hard. The groaning and growling rumbling in his chest is such a turn-on. I reach over my head for the edge of the counter and hold on tight.
“Fuck, Ronan, fuck. Yes, yes, yes. Fuck me, baby.”
Lifting his upper body, he begins to play with my pussy with his thumb while drilling into me. I don’t care anymore that this man keeps me screaming for him. It’s proof he always does his fucking job.
“Baby, don’t stop. Please,” I whine when he stops as I begin to pulse around him, ready to come.
“Answer the question and I won’t.”
“It’s nothing. We can talk about it later.”
“Ach, ya will answer me now or you’re not coming.”
I look at him with wide eyes and pout. Then a grin comes to my lips. Two can play this game.
I knock his hand out of the way and begin to rub myself while he’s fucking me. He grabs the sides of my torso, his nails digging into my skin. My pussy begins to gush, my orgasm is a breath away.
He quickly repositions me so that my leg is on his shoulder. My eyes roll back and I’m sure he’s going to allow me to come this time. However, right as it’s about to hit, he pulls out.
I growl and narrow my eyes at him. He has a cocky grin on his lips as he strokes himself. God, he’s such a beautiful man.
His body was built for sex. I lift my gaze to his eyes and see a new determination there. He moves back to me and tugs me from the corner, then spins me around to bend me over the surface.
Holding my arms behind me and pinning me down by my wrists, he drives back into me and slaps my ass hard. I have something for that ass though. I begin to squeeze my walls around him.
“Fuck, Danny,” he bites out and slaps my ass again.
I love the way he says my name. It brings something intimate to our relationship. It falls from his lips musically and with a possessiveness I love.
“Yes, Ronan. Yes. I’m coming.”
He grabs my locs with his free hand and tugs me up from the counter. Leaning over my body, he gets right in my ear. His hips are slapping loudly against my ass. I squeeze my pussy around him a few more times, hoping to keep him from stopping.
“Yer first mistake is forgetting I love to eat yer pussy. I’m going to get my answer, baby. Yer only prolonging the process. Squeeze me all ya like.”
With that, he pulls out and turns me again, placing me right back on the counter, then drops to his knees. He makes good on his word. The man devours my core like he’s on a mission. Which he is.
“Babe, okay, okay,” I scream after I don’t know how long.
I think he’s been eating my pussy for about thirty minutes at this point. He lifts to his feet and drags his hand down his face. He looks me in the eyes with a hard glare.
“Are ya ready to answer?”
“Yes,” I pant. “I wasn’t ready. I’ll tell her.”
“When?”
“Soon, baby. I promise. I’ll set up a date for you to meet her.”
His eyes light up and he reaches to cup my face and kisses me fiercely. This time, he carries me to his room and makes love to me.
* * *
Ronan
“Can you turn it up?” Danika asks as we sit on the couch watching a movie.
I chuckle and reach for the remote as I keep my arm around her and my fingertips running up and down her arm. I can’t keep my hands off her. I don’t know what came over me this morning, but hearing her tell her mother she doesn’t need her to find a man for her stirred something inside me.
I’m crazy about this woman. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m home. I know things aren’t perfect between us.
We both have secrets. When we communicate, we dance around the truth all the time. If I didn’t know the truth and didn’t have my own secrets, this wouldn’t work for me.
I don’t play games, but for Danika, I find I will do a lot. I’ve tried to come clean, but she finds a way to change topics and shuts me down every time I try. I’m allowing it for now.
“Oh my God. Really? KD, for the love of God,” Danika groans as KD’s snores get louder.
She’s lying on her back across Danika’s feet. These dogs can snore the place down as KD is proving. Bullet comes over and nudges his sister then barks.
KD snaps up and glares at him, releasing a low, chastising growl. Danika and I laugh at the two as I rub Bullet’s head. KD turns over and places her head on Danika’s lap.
“Uh-uh. Listen, girl. If you’re going to stay, you need to cut that snoring out. I can’t hear the movie.”
I chuckle and shake my head. Suddenly, Blitz runs for the elevator and Bullet takes off after him. KD remains unbothered.
I look over my shoulder, expecting Oisín and Tadhg. I asked them to come by. I want them and Danika to meet.
I need to make a trip to Ireland and will be away longer than I’ve been over the last few months. Oisín needs to take the dogs.
They haven’t been around him in a while. I want to make sure they will adjust since Danika should be heading to the Alliance meeting as well. I also want Tadhg to meet Danika because he’s going to be around more after the Alliance meet.
“You know these guys?” Danika says, jumping up from the couch as if she’s ready to attack.
“Relax, love. This is Oisín and Tadhg. They work for me. Oisín takes care of the kids when I’m away for an extended period.”
“You’re going away?” I don’t miss the sad look on her face.
I stand and pull her into my arms, kissing the top of her head. She wraps her arms around me and inhales deeply. I rub her back and tighten my hold.
“Aye, I have some business to handle and my nephew’s wedding is coming up. I would love for you to join me for the wedding.”
I don’t tell her I’m heading to the same meeting she’s heading to. I’m a little shocked she hasn’t mentioned going away. The meeting has been set for a few weeks now.
“Um, I’ll get back to you on that. You know I don’t mind keeping the guys and staying with them.”
“Ach, I miss my friends. I don’t mind taking them at all,” Oisín says.
“Hi, it’s nice to meet ya,” Tadhg says.
“Hi.”
“Tadhg, this is Dean. Dean, this is Tadhg and that one trying to steal our kids is Oisín.”
“I’m going to let you guys talk. I’ll be in the room.”
“Ya don’t have to go. We’re going to have a few beers as Oisín bonds with the crew.”
“Nah, I’m going to go write.”
“Don’t leave on my account, I’m going to walk the gang and then come back for my beer,” Oisín says as he looks up from rubbing Bullet’s belly.
I pull her close and lean into her ear. “Let’s go out. I want to take ya to dinner. If ya leave, leave to get ready for a night out.”
She pulls away and looks up at me with a smile. “That I can do.”
I tap her on the ass and allow her to walk away. I pull out my phone and send off a text to make plans for a date. Tadhg comes over and takes a seat on the couch.
“She’s a pretty one. I get why ya’re always in a good mood lately,” he says.
“Aye, I have to agree,” Oisín adds.
“Shut yer gubs and go walk the dogs.”
Oisín holds his hands up in surrender. I know they’re taking the piss at me so there’s no real bite to my words. Tadhg has a shit-eating grin on his lips as he watches me.
“It’s good to see ya like this,” he says.
“Aye, it’s good to feel it.”