“Yes. No. Yes. No,” I mumbled, my hips bucking of their own volition, already greedy for more.
“No?” He chuckled again as he spread my legs wider and braced his hands next to my head. In one smooth motion, he shifted his body above me, teasing me with the feel of his hard length as it grazed my sex.
“Yes,” I moaned as he trailed wet kisses down my neck. Seconds from unraveling, I wrapped my legs around the backs of his thighs, locking my ankles together. “I need you.”
His hand cupped my backside, and he pushed inside of me. The sensation of being stretched and filled by him felt like it lasted for an eternity. For a few beats, he didn’t move as if he were too busy savoring the feeling of being connected again. Then, it started. His first few strokes were slow and gentle. The ocean breeze swept up my needy moans and carried them out to sea.
“I never want to leave this bed,” he said against my mouth, his hips rolling in sync with mine.
“Neither do I,” I whispered, meaning every word I said.
Then, his hand circled my waist, driving into me harder and faster until we were both lost in the moment.
Lost in the passion.
Lost in the pleasure.
Lost in each other.
With my head buried next to his shoulder, I clung to the roped muscles hugging his spine as our hips moved against each other. It was as though the last three weeks of uncertainty and darkness hadn’t happened. Everything was light again. The rightness of being with Ryker made my heart swell and my head spin. I loved this man.
As the thought registered in my mind, my release rushed through me fast, hard and unexpected. Cries of pleasure somersaulted from my mouth one after another as a million nerve endings burst into flame inside of me. Two hard thrusts and Ryker followed me over the edge.
For long seconds, he buried his head in the crook of my neck, slowly rocking in and out of me. Time stood still. I never wanted it to end and for the first time since I met him, I believed it didn’t have to.
“What’s the date?” he murmured, not lifting his head.
“The fifteenth. Why?”
He pressed a kiss against my lips. “Because I never want to forget the day we started our lives together.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Ryker
Hattie, Rever and I stood on the tarmac next to the airstairs, leading to Ignacio’s private jet. Ignacio stared through us like we were invisible.
He handed his small carry-on bag to Noah. “Give me a minute,” Ignacio said.
After we had revealed Emanuel’s deception, we told Ignacio it was time for him to retire. He screamed at us. He threatened us, but in the end he agreed. I think he knew it was time to hand over the reins of the Vargas Cartel. He had some lingering health problems from being shot in the chest and Emanuel’s deception made him look weak.
Noah met my gaze, and I nodded. “It’s fine. He’s not going anywhere.” I’d hired Noah to escort Ignacio out of Mexico. Unlike the other people affiliated with the Vargas Cartel, he didn’t harbor any feelings of loyalty toward Ignacio.
Ignacio stared at his feet for a minute, then trained his dark eyes on me. “You know, I’d always hoped that my sons would take their place in the Vargas Cartel.”
Hattie squeezed my hand, showing her support without words.
“I know,” I conceded. “You didn’t exactly keep it secret.”
Ignacio pursed his lips and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I guess not.”
Rever grinned and slapped Ignacio on the arm. “Looks like you got your wish.”
Ignacio scoffed. “I’d never dreamed my sons would push me out to make it happen.”
“Senator Deveron and his son were indicted last week,” I pointed out. “It’s only a matter of time before the US government requests your extradition for cocaine smuggling, money laundering and a long list of other shit the Deverons feed them.”
Ignacio shrugged. “It’ll never happen.”
“Either way, it’s time for new leadership,” I reiterated for the hundredth time in the last week. Ignacio believed the Mexican government wouldn’t approve his request for extradition because he had too much evidence implicating high-level government officials. He was probably right. Even if the Mexican government imprisoned Ignacio, they’d orchestrate his escape from prison and subsequent disappearance like so many other powerful drug lords before him.
“That’s what you say now, but don’t be too stubborn to call me when things fall apart. I’m not too proud to come back and help my sons.”
Rever rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry. We’ll be just fine.”
“I doubt it.”
“You don’t know when to shut up, do you?” Rever snarled.
“I successfully managed the business for almost two decades. That’s unheard of in the world of drug cartels. You need my guidance.”
“Guess what?” Rever said. “You didn’t do such a good job. Emanuel nearly stole the whole thing from you while you were busy meddling in our lives.”
“I would’ve figured it out with or without you two,” Ignacio snarled.
“You know,” Rever hissed. “I’m done with this shit. Ryker, I’ll meet you in the car.” He turned on his heel and left.
Hattie leaned into me, pressing her lips against my cheek. “I’ll go talk to him.”
I turned to watch her until she was safely ensconced in the car. I had a hard time leaving her alone. I felt like she could be snatched away at any second.
“I give this six months,” Ignacio said.
I turned to face him. “What?”
“You and Ryker trying to run my cartel.”
“Why’s that?” I asked, but immediately regretting it.
“You’re too soft and Rever’s a hothead. Rever will kill indiscriminately, and you’ll spend all your time cleaning up his messes and apologizing for his behavior.” A bitter laugh tumbled from his mouth. “I’m almost sorry I won’t be around to watch it happen.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. Unlike Rever, I refused to be baited. Ignacio had been lashing out at us for days. The insults made Rever crazy, but I understood what Ignacio was doing. He wanted us to change our minds and let him stay.
“We’ll see.”
Ignacio gripped the metal tube stair railing. “Yeah, well, I better get going before that asshole you hired drags me up the stairs.”
“Love you, Dad,” I said when he reached the top of the stairs.
He paused, his entire body tensing. “I know.” He glanced over his shoulder. “I love you, too. I love both of my sons. I just wish you’d let me be in your life.”
I smiled even as my heart constricted. “Maybe someday.”
He rubbed a wrinkled hand along the side of his face. “Goodbye, Ryker.”
“Goodbye, Dad,” I whispered.
Epilogue
Hattie
I dug my toes into the pristine white sand and the waves crashed around my ankles. I lifted my chin, letting my head hang back, drinking up the sun. A few wispy white clouds dotted the blue sky. A seagull swooped and cawed as it dove into the turquoise water. It was a perfect day.