This Time Around (Maybe)

by Fernando, Chantal

  Her face takes on a thoughtful expression. “You want to go rescue animals with me?”

  What the fuck. “How is that the opposite of sex?”

  She smirks. “Sounds pretty fucking opposite to me.” It’s official. My sister is weird.

  Reid cuts into our weird and slightly disturbing conversation. “We’re here about your father.”

  “My dad’s a deadbeat,” she says, fidgeting with the sleeves of her white top. Her expression falters a little but she tries to quickly mask it.

  “We know. He’s also our father,” I add in softly. There is a beat of silence.

  She looks interested, but still a little unsure. “Prove it.” Reid pulls out his driver’s licence and shows it to her. She looks at us both. I mean really looks at us, and then opens the door wide. We walk in and take a seat on a new looking pink couch. She sits opposite us and sighs. “Start from the beginning.”

  And we do. We tell her everything up until we received the letter.

  “So I have elder twin brothers,” she says, her lips curving.

  “I guess you do,” Reid says, smiling a little.

  “So tell us about you,” I say, eager to know more.

  She lifts her shoulder in a shrug. “Haven’t seen Dad since I was a kid. My mum died a few years ago. I’m a uni student, studying law. I work part time at a café. That’s about it.”

  Even though I had nothing to do with it, I can’t help but feel proud. She’s studying and working, making something of herself. “Good,” Reid says softly, and I know he feels what I’m feeling right now.

  “So start packing your shit and get ready to go,” Reid tries to say casually but fails.

  I groan, pinching the bridge of my nose.

  “What the hell are you on about?” she asks, sitting up straighter.

  “What Reid is trying to say is you can come live with us. I have plenty of room, and we own a bar you could work in, and we want to take care of you and make up for lost time,” I try to explain.

  “Yeah, I don’t think so,” she says, standing up. The universal gesture for ‘time to go.’ “I’m happy to have met you guys, and I would love to get to know the two of you and have you in my life, but I’m not moving.”

  “But…” Reid starts, until he sees the stubborn look on Persephone’s face.

  She grins. “I get that you are clearly both used to getting your way, but not this time.”

  “Okay, will you let us take you out for lunch now?” I ask, not wanting to leave her just yet.

  “Sure, I’d like that,” she says, smiling. “Only if I get to choose the place.”

  “Deal,” Reid and I say at the same time, sharing a relieved look, and then taking our baby sister out to lunch.

  *****

  “We have to get some real food,” I say after we drop Persephone off at home.

  “Agreed, seriously. I think she took us to that place on purpose,” Reid says, staring at the road.

  “I know she did,” I grumble. Her eyes were alight with mischief as she watched us order from a menu of rabbit food. “She’s probably not even vegetarian.” Reid grunts in agreement. We glance at each other, and both start chuckling. She’s something, that girl.

  “I feel like a weight’s been lifted,” I tell my brother. “I wish she’d move in with us. Hell, we could try to get her an apartment here in the building.”

  “We’ll wear her down eventually,” he says with confidence.

  I’m not so sure. “Stubborn seems to be her middle name.”

  “Why do you think he sent us to her?” Reid asks suddenly.

  I shrug. “Maybe because she has no other family.” From what Persephone told us, it was just her and her mother. She isn’t close and doesn’t keep in contact with anyone from her mum’s side. So it looks like we’re it for her.

  “Maybe he felt guilty,” I say, looking out the window. Maybe, just maybe, he felt a little remorse for all the things he’s done over the years. At least now, we can look after Sephie so she’s not alone.

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

  “I’m fucking 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 fucking 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 fucking 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 pussy.”

  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 h
ands 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.

  “I’ll invite her over for dinner or something, and everyone can meet her.”

  “Good,” she says softly, her voice a little roughened. “Now, I want you again.”

  I lift my head up. “Hmmmm. Greedy little thing, aren’t you?” I trail my fingers down her flat stomach. When I reach her sex, she leans into me, silently asking for more.

  “When it comes to you, yes,” she gasps. Good answer. I roll on top of her, pinning her with my weight.

  “Thank you for coming back to me,” I whisper into her ear. “Now, I’m never letting you go.”

  My thumb circles her clit and she gasps. I lick my tongue across the tattoo behind her ear, the one that bears my initial. My stamp of ownership.

  “Keep doing that and I won’t be going anywhere.”

  I chuckle huskily, kissing up her neck. “You never used to be this….”

  “Demanding?” she says, smiling so much that her dimple pops up.

  I grin. “Yes, demanding.”

  “I spent so long without you. I used to fantasize about what we would be doing if you were with me,” she rasps.

  Now that gets my interest. “What did you used to fantasize about?”

  “You flew to South Africa, and surprised me. Took me to a hotel, and we made up for lost time,” she says, the last line insinuating just how we made up for lost time. However my mind lingers on the first part of her comment.

  I blow out a breath. “I thought about coming after you. Trust me I did, night after night. Then I kept rereading your letter.” That fucking letter. “I guess I let my pride get in the way.”

  “It doesn’t matter. We’re here together now. So show me how much you love me. Maybe I’ll tell you in detail exactly what happened in my mind when you found me…”

  I slide into her, and show her just that.

  Then she keeps her word and tells me what she used to fantasize about, and we make that a reality.

  *****

  The sound of someone knocking on my door wakes me up. The space next to me is empty. Taiya must have already left for work. Throwing on some shorts, I jog to the front door, wondering who the hell it could be. Opening the door I come face to face with my baby sister. I instantly go on alert, checking over her to see if she’s okay.

  “Sephie? Is everything okay?” I ask, ushering her into the house. I’m glad she’s here, and using the address I left with her, hoping she would visit.

  “Sephie? You already gave me a nick name?” she asks, raising an eyebrow and looking amused.

  “Reid did actually. Now answer me, is everything all right?” I ask, frowning. We walk into the kitchen and I pour her a drink.

  “Everything’s fine. Can’t I just drop by and see my big brother, who I only found out about the other day?” she says, sarcasm and hurt laced in her tone.

  “You can come see me anytime. Hell, you can move in here if you want,” I tell her, meaning every word.

  She sighs, “I just got in my car and drove, and I ended up here. You gave me the address, so….”

  “You’re welcome here anytime,” I say softly, wanting her to know that. “Now, tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it right now. Can we just hang out?” she asks, looking around my apartment.

  “Sure, I’d love that. What do you have in mind?”

  Her expression turns thoughtful. “What were you going to do before I showed up?”

  When I’m silent for a second, she makes a face. “Oh, crap, did I interrupt something?”

  I cock my head to the side, smirking. “No, you didn’t. Taiya already left for work. I was going to hit the gym to work out for a bit, then come home and shower and head to work.”

  She takes a huge gulp of juice. “I could use a workout.” She flexes her arm. “These guns aren’t as big as they used to be.”

  I look down at her puny arms and laugh. “Is that right?”

  “Yep. Are there any hotties at your gym?” she asks, pushing her blonde hair out of her face.

  “Doesn’t matter, does it?”

  “Why not?” she asks, her forehead creasing.

  “Because once they know you’re my sister, they won’t even look in your direction,” I say, grinning at her scowl.

  “Is Reid this much of a cock block?” she asks, as if considering spending the day with Reid instead of me. I laugh so hard I have to lean on the table to hold me up. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  “Reid will probably just punch whoever looks at you. I’m the easy going one,” I add, laughing again when her comment replays in my mind.

  “Hmmmph. How about we start with food. Food is good.”

  I pause. “Depends what kind of food you’re talking about.”

  She snickers. “A giant burger and fries?”

  I narrow my eyes. “I knew you weren’t a vegetarian!”

  Now it’s her turn to laugh. “You should have seen your face!”

  Seeing her laugh makes me happy. I’ll eat plain lettuce everyday if she laughs like that.

  “You’re a little shit, you know that?” I tell her, smiling.

  “You have no idea, bro. But you will find out. Now, go get dressed and take a shower. You smell like sex.”

  I clear my throat at her comment, and then get my ass in the shower.

  *****

  She spins around, doing some fancy thing with her leg. She looks amazing, especially in that tight fitting thing she’s wearing. I don’t know how we ended up at the dance studio, but after spending the day together, Sephie wanted to meet Taiya. So here we are, watching her dance and teach a class. I discreetly adjust myself, hoping no one saw, and thinking how fucking inappropriate it is to get a hard on for my wife, while she’s teaching an entire group of people.

  Sephie laughs, letting me know she knows what’s going on. Taiya lifts her head up at the sound, her attention now on us. She smiles as she sees me, and then looks towards Sephie and beams. I know she’s been so excited to meet her new sister-in-law, and now she gets the chance.

  “I’ll see you all next week!” Taiya tells her class, saying her byes and walking over to us.

  “Hi,” she says, her eyes bright with excitement. She gives me a peck on the lips and then turns her head to my sister. “Hello Persephone, nice to meet you.”

  Sephie smiles. “Call me Sephie,” she says, throwing me an amused smirk.

  “How did you know it was my sister?” I ask, putting my arm around her.

  “Because you wouldn’t be stupid enough to bring any other woman here,” she says, the little spitfire. “Plus you both have the exact same shade of hair. And even though her eyes are brown, they are the same shape as yours.”

  Sephie laughs, and makes a whippi
ng sound. “Great, now my little sis thinks I’m whipped,” I mutter, trying to hide my grin.

  “Then she’s smart,” Taiya says. “What did you two get up to today?”

  “Ryan took me on my first bike ride. Then we were going to go to the gym, but we went and ate instead,” Sephie tells Taiya. “Then we went and saw a movie.”

  “Sounds like you two had a good time,” Taiya says, smiling.

  “We did,” Sephie says, smiling up at me. It’s the weirdest feeling, almost like we’ve known each other for years.

  “I’ll meet you guys at home then?” she asks, looking between Sephie and me.

  “Yeah, and Taiya?”

  She looks up at me, those beautiful green eyes wide and unguarded. “Yeah?”

  I lean towards her and whisper into her ear. “You looked fucking beautiful teaching that class.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Taiya

  “Xander looks like he would be kinky in bed,” Sephie says out of nowhere, causing Summer to choke on her drink.

  “Why would you say that?” I ask, trying to hold in my laughter.

  Sephie looks over at Xander and sighs, “I don’t know just look at him. Tattoos, muscles, long hair… that intense look on his face.” I look at Xander, who is sitting with Dash and Tag, and laugh. He does look like he might be intense in bed. He’s currently talking with the guys, his hazel eyes sharp and intelligent.

  “What do you think he’s into?” I ask, actually curious now.

  Sephie purses her lips in thought. “I don’t know. Bondage? That would be hot.”

  I look at Xander once more, with raised eyebrows, speculating.

  “Maybe he likes to have sex with a goat mask on, or something,” Sephie jokes.

  I burst out laughing, causing all the men to look over at me. Ryan walks over, like I knew he would, to see what’s going on.

  “What’s so funny?” he asks, touching my cheek with his fingers.

  “Nothing,” we all say at the same time, except for Sephie who says, “Just wondering what Xander’s like in bed.” The woman has no filter whatsoever.

  “That’s my brother!” Summer whisper-yells. “Do you want to talk about how Reid is in bed?”