Ray of Hope (Ray #2)

by E. L. Todd

  My hands wrapped around his wrists, feeling his strong pulse race through his veined forearms. “I missed you too.”

  I was wearing a dress, so he moved his hand up my dress and pulled down my thong. It slid down my legs until it rested around one ankle. Instead of removing it, he left it there. Then he pressed his hips between my thighs and shoved himself inside me. “But my cock missed you more.” He slid through my slickness with ease, drenched in my arousal. “I can tell the feeling is mutual.” He slid through my wet tightness and groaned with pleasure.

  My knees were pressed against my ribs, and I was balled into a tiny form while he thrust into me from above. He pushed me into the mattress every time he shoved his dick inside me. The headboard rocked against the wall, and all I could do was lie there and enjoy the sight of him fucking me hard. “Ryker…” My hands moved up his chest and to his shoulders. I dug my nails into his skin because I knew he liked it.

  He pressed his mouth to my ear. “You like it when I fuck you like this?”

  My nails dug into him again for an answer.

  He slammed into me harder, hitting me so deep he was practically smacking into my cervix. He wasn’t just long, but thick. Even after all this time together, he still stretched me in the most exhilarating way. I’d never felt so full with another man. “Your pussy is so tight no matter how many times I pound it.” He groaned into my ear again and kept going.

  I dragged my nails down his back until I reached his ass. His cheeks were all hard muscle, and I loved latching on to them so I could pull him deeper and harder inside me. “Harder. I’m gonna come.”

  “Yes, sweetheart.” He gave it to me as hard as he could, making me bounce on the mattress because he was slamming into me so forcefully. His cock hit me hard every time, giving it to me good.

  That was exactly what I needed, and I soared over the edge with a scream. “God, yes…” My head rolled back, and I closed my eyes as the sensation overtook me. Ryker gave me such amazing sex, and I was addicted to the nights we spent together in his bedroom. He satisfied me in ways no other man ever did. But yet, I still wanted more.

  “That’s my girl.” He panted above me, his body covered in sweat.

  “I want you to fill me.” I pulled him harder inside my body, loving the look on his face when he came inside me.

  His eyes darkened with desire. He lengthened his strokes, penetrating me longer and harder.

  “Give it to me, Ryker.”

  “Fuck, sweetheart.” He pressed his face to mine and gave me a hard kiss just before he came. “Fuck…” He rammed himself deep inside me, squirting his seed as far as it would go. He wanted to make sure my pussy took every single drop.

  I pulled him harder into me, loving the feel of his softening dick once he was satisfied. “It’s heavy… I can feel it.”

  He stayed above me and looked at me with those sex-drunk eyes. “You make me come a lot.” He kissed the corner of my mouth before he slowly pulled out of me, my lubrication forming a sticky line as we separated. He reached between my legs and felt his come drip out. He let it stick to his fingers before he left the bed and walked to the bathroom to retrieve tissues.

  I lay there and waited for him to return, wanting to have another round before dinner. When I was with Ryker, I didn’t care about food or water. All I cared about was him deep inside me every single minute of the day.

  ***

  Ryker lay next to me in bed, the clock on his nightstand displaying the midnight hour. He was usually asleep by this time since he got up at the crack of dawn, but he was still wide awake. He turned on his side and stared at me, his eyes unreadable.

  “What?”

  “I can’t look at you?”

  “You can. Just curious as to why.”

  “Because I enjoy it.” His hand snaked across the sheets until it rested along the curve of my side. His five o’clock shadow had grown in, and now it was thick and ready to be shaven off. “Since you’re my girlfriend, I can do whatever I want.”

  “You’re getting fond of that title, aren’t you?”

  “Maybe I just like taking advantage of the label. It allows me to get away with more things.”

  “Such as?”

  “Staring at you, for one. And teasing you, for two.”

  “True. You do like to tease me.”

  Safari lay at our feet, so Ryker had to bend his knees in order to move closer to me. “My favorite hobby.”

  I ran my hand along his chest and felt the scorching warmth that radiated at all times of the day. He was my personal heater in the cold city of Seattle. I didn’t need central heating when I had him. “How’s your father?”

  His eyes narrowed at the sudden change in subject. “Why?”

  “You never talk about him. How’s he doing?” He said goodbye to me when he retired, but I hadn’t heard from him since. I wasn’t even sure if Ryker told him we were seeing each other.

  “He’s fine.” It was a short answer, and it was clear I wasn’t going to get more out of him.

  “What has he—”

  “I don’t want to talk about him. Not now. Not ever.”

  I froze at the cold response, having no idea where it came from. He didn’t talk about his dad much, and when he did, he didn’t have much to say. But I didn’t realize they had beef between them. Now I was even more curious, but I knew Ryker didn’t want to discuss it. “There is one thing I want to know, and I’m entitled to ask it.”

  He gave me the same look of frost.

  “Does he know we’re seeing each other?”

  His jaw was clenched like he might not answer. “No.”

  If his dad didn’t know, his mom probably didn’t either. I didn’t know much about his family because he never mentioned them. Since his dad was so sweet and generous, I couldn’t imagine why Ryker would have such a problem with him. But I guess there was more to the story.

  ***

  “There they are.” Rex stood up and waved Zeke and Rochelle over.

  We were sitting at the lanes, wearing bowling shoes and listening to the balls collide with the pins on the other side of the room. Music from the 60s and 70s blasted overhead.

  Zeke and Rochelle walked over hand in hand. She had dirty-blonde hair that was more brown than blonde, and she wore jeans with a baggy shirt. The only women I’d seen Zeke with were supermodels. While Rochelle was pretty, she wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. But since he wore a huge grin on his face and looked at her like she was a diamond in the rough, then she must be exactly what he wanted.

  “Hey, guys.” Zeke stopped when he reached us. “Rochelle, you already know Rex.”

  Rex pulled her in for a hug. “Nice to see you again. Zeke talks about you all the time.” He gave her a thumbs-up. “He says the sex is great.”

  Zeke immediately shot him a glare.

  Instead of being uncomfortable, Rochelle laughed. “Good to know.”

  Zeke pulled her away before Rex could say anything else. “These are some of my friends. This is Jessie.”

  Jessie shook her hand. “Hey, girl. It’s great to meet you.”

  “You too.” Rochelle was all smiles, looking like a woman with a great attitude and zest for life.

  I was the total opposite. My personality was built on sarcasm.

  “This is Kayden.” Zeke moved down the line.

  Kayden shook her hand. “Welcome to the gang. We’re going to get on your nerves fast.”

  Rochelle laughed again. “That’s okay. I’m a little annoying too.”

  Zeke faltered when he came to me, looking a little awkward. “And this is Rae.”

  Rochelle looked me up and down, and it was the first time she didn’t smile. In fact, she looked disappointed. Quickly, she recovered and adopted a smile but it wasn’t as bright as it had been a second ago. “It’s so nice to meet you.” She shook my hand.

  Maybe I imagined that moment of hesitance from both of them. I hadn’t pissed off Zeke lately, and there was no way I could
have ticked off Rochelle that fast. It had to be all in my head. “You too. Zeke talks about you all the time.” I glared at Rex. “And not just about the sex.”

  “Oh good,” Rochelle said with a chuckle. “I’m glad he has more to say about me.”

  Zeke hooked his arm around her waist. “Where’s Ryker?”

  “He’ll be here soon. You know him, likes to make an entrance to everything.”

  Zeke smiled. “He sure does. But we’re going to have uneven teams.”

  “I suck at bowling,” Jessie said. “So I really don’t count.”

  “That’s true,” Kayden said immediately.

  “Hey.” Jessie turned on her at the betrayal.

  “What?” Kayden said with a shrug. “It is. And I’m not much better.”

  Jessie’s venom died away when Kayden threw herself under the bus too. “So, we’re good.”

  “Is Ryker a good bowler?” Rex asked.

  I shrugged. “How would I know?”

  “Uh…because you’re sleeping with him?” Rex raised an eyebrow.

  “Yeah, because we do a lot of bowling while we’re having sex,” I said like a sarcastic smartass.

  Rochelle immediately laughed at my joke.

  Zeke looked down at her with fondness in his eyes.

  Rex looked like he wanted to kill me. “When is he gonna get here?”

  “When he gets here,” I snapped.

  “I’m gonna throw a ball at your head,” he threatened.

  “Like you could pick it up, little girl.” I put my hands on my hips and challenged him. Staying with Ryker a few days a week had subdued my rage, but I was still ticked at my brother.

  Zeke leaned toward Rochelle. “Siblings…”

  “Oh,” she said. “I thought they might be exes.”

  “Gross!” Rex jerked in disgust. “Hell no. I’d have sex with Zeke before that happened.”

  “Me too.” I didn’t realize what I said until it was too late. But when I looked at Rochelle, she didn’t seem upset. In fact, she was chuckling at our little fight.

  Jessie eyed the time on the clock. “Hope Ryker gets here soon. Otherwise, this argument is going to last a while.”

  “There he is.” Kayden pointed to the entrance.

  Ryker walked inside in jeans and a gray V-neck. He wore a leather jacket, the first time I’d ever seen him wear one. He looked around the lanes to find us, looking like a model cut out from a catalog. His face was cleanly shaven, and his dark hair was still perfect from styling it that morning before work. Every woman nearby turned their heads in his direction, practically snapping their necks.

  Nope, bitches. He’s mine. “Babe.” I waved my hand in the air so he would spot me. I’d never called him that before, and it just came pouring out. While I wanted to get his attention, I also wanted everyone to know that fine piece of man meat was mine.

  His eyes landed on me, and a small smile stretched across his face. He grabbed his bowling shoes from the counter then walked over to us. He nodded to everyone in greeting and went right for me. His hands slid around my waist, and he pressed his face close to mine. “Babe?”

  “What? People call each other that.”

  “You never call me that.” He gave me a small kiss on the lips, more of a tease than anything else. “What’s that about?” He smiled like he already knew the answer.

  “A bunch of hoochies were checking you out. Just wanted them to know you’re off the market.”

  “Hoochies?” Both of his eyebrows shot up. “I haven’t heard that word since seventh grade.”

  “Well, it’s a good word. Never should have died out.”

  He rubbed his nose against mine. “I like it when you’re jealous. It’s hot.”

  “Yeah?” I thought it was just pathetic. I got jealous at the bar, and then I got jealous again just because a few women looked at him. I used to make fun of people for acting that way, but now I was doing it on a regular basis.

  “Oh yeah.” His hands snaked down to my ass and he gave me a firm squeeze. “Your cheeks get all red, and you get a bossy attitude. I like it when you’re insecure because you’re never insecure. It’s a new side to you.”

  “You get jealous too.”

  “I know.” He squeezed my ass again. “But I actually have a reason to be jealous.” He kissed my neck before he turned away and greeted my friends properly. “Who’s this?” He walked up to Rochelle and extended his hand.

  “I’m Rochelle.” She beamed at him even brighter than everyone else.

  “My girlfriend,” Zeke explained.

  It was the first time Ryker truly smiled that day. “That’s great to hear. Good for you, man.” He dropped her hand then sat on the bench to put on his shoes. “Whose team am I on? I don’t care as long as I’m not on Rae’s.”

  “Ouch,” I barked. “What did I do to you?”

  “Nothing.” He tied his shoelaces before he stood up. “I know you hate to lose, and I want to put you in your place. You know, show you who’s boss.”

  “I’m warming up to this relationship…” Rex walked to the monitor and began to put our names in.

  Ryker had greeted me with such affection then he turned on me. “I’m gonna kick your ass. And when I do, I’m not putting out. That will put you in your place.”

  Ryker laughed like the threat was absolutely ridiculous. “Okay, sweetheart. Whatever you say.”

  “What?” I put my hands on my hips. “You don’t think I can beat you?”

  “No. I just don’t think you can keep your legs closed.”

  “Ooh…” Jessie covered her mouth and tried not to laugh.

  Kayden shook her head. “Burn.”

  Rex just covered his ears.

  Zeke pulled Rochelle tighter into his side. “Told you my friends were nutcases.”

  “It’s okay,” she said. “I’m a nutcase too.”

  ***

  My team consisted of me, Zeke, Rochelle, and Kayden. Kayden was dead weight and just rolled gutter balls, but Zeke and Rochelle were both pretty good. Rochelle was surprisingly awesome. When I asked if she bowled regularly, she said she was on a charity team for the hospital she worked at.

  At the end of the game, we won by a few dozen points.

  I walked up to Ryker full of attitude and started my victory dance. I shook my hips and spun around, being as smug as possible. “Take that, smug prick.”

  He watched me dance in front of him, his eyes dark with their usual intensity. “Smug prick?”

  “Yep. Looks like you lost to a bunch of girls.”

  “Eh-hem.” Zeke stared me down with annoyance.

  “And Zeke,” I corrected. “Sorry.”

  Ryker snapped his fingers. “Keep dancing. It’s pretty hot.”

  I smacked his arm. “I’m serious. I kicked your ass. How about that?”

  He shrugged. “You want me to bow to you?”

  “I want an apology.”

  “For…?”

  “Saying you didn’t want to be on my team.”

  “I’m not apologizing for that. I still don’t want to be on your team.”

  “You think I want to use sex as a weapon?”

  That same smile stretched on his lips. “When we get back to my place, you’re going to be riding me within ten minutes.”

  “Alright…I’m going to the snack bar.” Rex walked away, nearly running up the stairs.

  “Me too.” Kayden followed behind him, leaving Jessie with Zeke and Rochelle.

  “Do they always fight like this?” Rochelle asked.

  “Not sure,” Zeke said. “But I know Ryker always teases her.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “Arrogance isn’t sexy.”

  “Arrogance has nothing to do with it. I just know my woman.” Ryker smiled. “And I know what she likes.”

  I forced myself not to melt when he referred to me so possessively. I kept my spine straight and didn’t back down. “Well, I’m going home tonight. So, good luck with that.” I walked
around him and chased after Rex and Kayden. I could use some good food.

  Ryker spoke when he thought I was out of earshot. “By the end of the night, I’ll have her on all fours.”

  ***

  We got dinner at the pizzeria. Ryker took the seat across from me and ate his slices slowly, his intense gaze glued to me the entire time.

  I ignored him and talked with my friends. “Rochelle, you’re a doctor too?”

  “Yeah,” she answered. “Pediatrician. I work with kids.” She finished two beers and was on her third, keeping up her pace with the guys.

  “You guys must have a lot to talk about then,” I said. “That’s cool.”

  “Well, we have really different scopes of practice,” Zeke said. “They’re really apples and oranges.”

  “Because you aren’t a real doctor?” I teased.

  Zeke rolled his eyes. “They think I just pop pimples all day.”

  Rochelle smiled. “You don’t?”

  “Ooh.” Rex clapped his hands. “I like her, Zeke. She gives you shit like the rest of us.”

  Zeke glared at her in a playful way. “She does. But she makes it up to me when we’re alone.”

  “Happily,” Rochelle said.

  I grabbed another slice and kept eating, ignoring Ryker’s perpetual gaze.

  “You look so sexy when you eat, sweetheart.”

  I kept my eyes down.

  “I know I’m on the other side of the table,” Rex said. “But I can hear you.”

  “Then get some earplugs,” Ryker said.

  Rex grabbed a piece of garlic bread and threw it at him. But it missed by nearly a foot.

  “Throws like a girl…” I mumbled under my breath.

  Rex threw another garlic stick that hit me right in the face. “Now look who’s a girl.”

  I picked it up off the table and ate it. “Yum.”

  “God, you’re gross,” Rex said.

  Ryker eyed me with the exact same expression. “I’ve always liked my women dirty.”

  Rex cringed then turned to Kayden. “Talk to me about something. Anything.”

  She told him about her day at the library and how they were reorganizing the shelves. Rochelle talked to Zeke about going hiking the next day, and Jessie jumped into the conversation and said she didn’t own a pair of running shoes.