Bite & Release 3: Riley

by CORY CYR

  I stood, and Kai patted my back.

  “Who are you going to get female advice from when I’m gone?” Kai said mockingly.

  “Where are you going? Some bud you are, leaving when I need you most,” I taunted.

  “Dude, you always knew I’d go back home. My dad’s never here anyway. He has his fishing business, so it’s time to do what I want. I’ll have enough money saved soon and be able to buy my own gym. Self-employment, baby. While you’re changing diapers, I’ll be knee deep in island pussy and cash.”

  Even my state of depression couldn’t stop me from chuckling. “Well, as long as your priorities are straight.”

  “I have to be honest, Riley. I don’t envy you because I’d never be a good father. My own was never around. He spent the first eleven years of my life gone on some fishing boat. Then after the accident, all he did was drink. And when he recovered, we came here and he disappeared, basically leaving me on my own. Don’t get me wrong. It made me great in business, but I never want a relationship. I don’t trust any woman. My motto is to screw them before they screw me.”

  I’d always known Kai hadn’t had a good upbringing, but normally he talked about it after many drinks. I would pick him up at his favorite bar and pour him into bed, still mumbling about his prick father and a mother who left. His grandmother, whom he truly cared for, had raised him. When she died, his father brought him to Fairbanks after receiving a large settlement he’d gotten for his accident. His plan was to purchase a boat and basically bail, abandoning Kai. My best friend had always enjoyed no parental guidance.

  His dream was to own a gym. He was tired of working for someone else. Even after he graduated, Kai took college courses to become certified in nutrition and exercise science.

  We wanted different things. I loved Alaska and the clinic. If Gabe stayed here, we could raise the child together and work at Protected Paws.

  I’d do this without him. I’d always known our lives would eventually go in different directions. I supposed that was life.

  “You need to go see her. Hash this mess out. I’m going to admit it. I am disappointed because I thought maybe you would relocate with me.”

  I shrugged. “That would have never happened. My parents retired and left me in charge of the clinic. I could never leave my patients or fail my mom and dad.” I slumped back on the futon. “I’m sure I’m a letdown to them. They had to fly back here, and now everything is majorly fucked up. I’m not sure my dad is ready to be called grandpa, and I’m damn sure I’m not prepared to be called dad.”

  “Well, you can’t change anything if it’s actually real, so deal. Now that’s my advice to my best friend.”

  He was right. I needed to have a conversation with Gabe. Everything going back and forth in my head was scaring the crap out of me. Pretending to know how she felt. I was in a panic because not having her love could be a deal breaker for both of us.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Riley

  B ack in my truck, I called my mom and dad. They were less than thrilled with disclosing the hotel name and room number were Gabe was. I insisted, even though they were of the belief they should be going with me. In their eyes, I had proven I was too immature to run the veterinarian business as well as my own life. But I had to see her on my own. I had done this. It was mine to handle.

  Fifteen minutes later, I stared at the hotel. My hand shook as I removed my cap and combed my hair. I gulped down my fear, walking to her room.

  Gabe’s mother opened the door.

  I nodded. “Mrs. Tobin, I’m here to see your daughter.”

  She appeared startled. “I hadn’t realized that you look so much like your dad,” she uttered softly.

  “Many have said I have more of my mom’s features,” I commented, attempting to lighten the situation.

  “Come in, Riley. It’s cold outside. I’m glad you came.”

  “Look, I apologize for our first meeting. There were other things going on. I think I acted impulsively and took out my anger on you and Gabe.”

  “Everything you heard was true. The things I am accused of regarding your mother. However, that was many years ago. My wish is we get over the past and concentrate on the issues at hand, mainly my daughter having your child.”

  “That’s why I’m here. Gabe and I need to talk. I want to do the responsible thing. If she’ll hear me out,” I said hopefully.

  “Gabriella is in the next room,” she divulged. “I’ll give you a stepmother’s advice concerning my daughter. The hormones are making her rather sensitive, so tread lightly.”

  I walked next door, appreciating the fact that Carrie and Gabe weren’t actually related. I still had to be respectful of their relationship because she was the only mother she’d known. I quietly tapped on the door. My heart swelled along with my impertinent cock at the sight of her. Her streaked brown hair hung loosely against blushed cheeks and swollen eyes. She had been crying. I stood in the doorway, not even feeling the cold wind at my back. I only shivered in the knowledge that this woman was carrying my baby.

  “Even after everything you’ve said, gutting me with your words, I still love you. Which makes me either insane or incredibly stupid. But the one thing I do know is I’d rather be with you in this moment than take a chance at never loving anyone like this again. I want this child and I want you, baggage and all,” I whispered.

  Her eyes became large as they filled with tears.

  “Don’t cry. Please don’t cry. I’ll be with you as long as you want. I know you may not feel like I will, but I am begging you not to cut me out of your life.”

  “How can you still love me after everything I’ve done? I lied to you multiple times. How can you ever trust me?” Gabe’s hand went to her belly. “It would be so easy for me to say I’ve never been a bitch, but in reality, the way I am now has always been with me. I used that part inside me to push you away when I felt myself getting too attached because, God help me, I knew the truth would kill us both. I wanted to spare you that pain by letting you walk away from me freely. I know you’re only here because of the baby, but I swear I would never take your child away from you, Riley.

  “I felt as though my birth control shifted. It didn’t feel right. I knew pregnancy could be a possibility, yet I said nothing. If I’m lucky enough that you forgive me, I swear I’ll love you until my last breath. You’ll have me forever. Our story can’t end here. All I’ve ever dreamed about is a happy ending, and I can only achieve that with you.”

  I bit back my angst. “I don’t care about the past. I only care about us and our baby. Tell me our child is okay.”

  She waved me in, and I sat down in a chair.

  “I took several home pregnancy tests before I finally saw a physician at some clinic. After the device was removed, they suggested a blood test. All I was told was that I’m pregnant. I have no idea how far along I am, but I’ve already seen a few changes.”

  I rubbed my hand over my facial hair. “Do you plan to stay?” I asked, dreading her answer.

  “If you’ll still have me. I want us to raise the child together. You and this baby are my everything. I want you there when I give birth.

  Give birth. Jesus, this was real. I was going to be someone’s dad. Regardless of my anxieties, I did love her, and I was prepared to do whatever was needed to keep her in Alaska.

  “I want to be honest. My mother is planning to move here if I stay. I feel as though I should apologize for everything she did to your mother. It’s as though I never really knew her all these years.”

  I stood, cocooning her in my arms. It’s not your fault that your mother tried to kill mine. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.

  “You have nothing to apologize for concerning your mom’s actions. She was young. But you need to promise me. No more lies. I need one hundred percent transparency from you. We can’t be parents without trust. Love can make you crazy. Look at me. I kicked you both out of my house and fired you. We all need to put the past where it belongs
. I have no concerns about my mom and yours, but my dad… I’m not sure he’ll be able to.”

  “Your father has a fierce love for Ryan. Maybe when he holds his grandchild…”

  I chuckled. “That’s an entirely new quandary. I honestly believe he thinks he’s twenty-one still. Grandpa Shea, just the words will make him cringe.”

  “That’s all I ever wanted, a man to love me like that. My father was always there. He rather worshipped the ground I walked on. When he died, I think a part of me went with him. I went off the deep end and concocted an entire plan. I wanted the kind of love my mother pretended to have with Shea. I thought you could give me that, and if you refused, I would break your heart. In my twisted reality, your dad would be crippled by your pain. I honestly believed my mother still loved him.

  “The one thing I didn’t plan was you as a person. You were so decent and compassionate that falling in love with you destroyed my entire course of action. I did whatever I could to alienate you because I knew the truth would end us. When you terminated me, I realized I had pushed you too far.”

  “Can we go back to where you fell in love with me? Are you telling me the truth? Is it for real? Your mom cautioned me about your hormones.”

  She sighed. “Shit, I may not survive this pregnancy if my mother has all the control… as usual,” she admitted as she sat on the bed. “I do love you, Riley. I even told your mom and dad to tell you. It was kind of like me being knocked up; it wasn’t planned. I’ve never said those words to any other man. I want us to raise this child together.” She paused as she placed her hand on the zipper of my jeans. “It’s been too long. I need you.”

  My mind grew tense as my subversive dick got harder. My erection was to the point that the head might be decapitated by the tightness of my underwear. I groaned in discomfort.

  Gabe’s fingers made quick work as I flinched with concern for my stiff length. Once released, I felt relieved, and I took off my shoes and shook off my pants. Her hands dusted across my hipbones as her lips kissed my cock. I pulled my sweater over my head, standing naked, my shaft tipping toward her. She stood, allowing her thermal nightgown to drop to the floor, and I kneeled and pressed my ear against Gabe’s stomach.

  “Is it safe to have sex?” I asked, not wanting to sound ignorant.

  Her hand rested on my head. “I wasn’t sure either. According to Google, sex isn’t harmful at all. Some women even have it up until their due date. You’re not going to be one of those paranoid fathers, are you?”

  “Probably. At least I’m being honest. This is all new territory for me. Putting my cock in you right now is making me anxious,” I confessed.

  “Really?” She snorted as she touched the head of my shaft. “You look plenty ready to ride me, or would you prefer me on top?” she asked nonchalantly as she pulled the bedspread back.

  I gently laid Gabe on the bed and positioned myself at her opening. Her core glittered with wetness as I pulsed with need. Her walls gripped me when I immersed myself in the warm wetness, friction building between us. As I kissed her and fisted her hair, I roared toward release.

  “I love you, Gabe,” I whispered as I rested my face on her neck. I thrust rapidly, desperate to get deeper. I rocked into her, soaking myself in our arousal. Lifting my head, I released a moan.

  “I love you, too, Riley.”

  Those words fueled my orgasm, which decimated me. Beads of perspiration dotted my forehead as I sat up, my cock still inside her. Gabe’s hand swept across my damp chest, her fingers drifting over my nipples. I not only shivered from the physical contact, but the knowledge swirling in my head that this woman was pregnant and loved me, too.

  I pulled her up. “I needed that,” I murmured. “This feels so right.” I twitched my dick.

  “Mmm, I love that sensation. When you do that, it vibrates against my clit,” she quipped, squeezing my member tightly.

  “Did I ever tell you I love your dirty mouth? It turns me on. Of course, our language will have to be curbed when we’re parents. I’d hate the first word my kid learns to be screw.” I chuckled. “I don’t think the grandparents would be too happy.”

  “It will be difficult because every time you glance at me with those green eyes or I see you naked, it’s very hard not to say fuck. I want to do you every second. You know, I read that pregnant women get horny constantly,” she commented.

  “Well, then we’ll be perfect together because you’ve made me insatiable. Remember, you’re my first and last, and I have a young man’s stamina,” I stated as I pulled out. “Will it bother you that I’m younger?” I asked, pulling the rest of the bed linens back. I cradled her in my arms and slid her under the sheets and blankets.

  “It’s only ten years. You don’t have to worry about me. But, Riley, you’re going to be a dad and have major responsibilities. I worry that you may change your mind as you get older. I’ve already done a lot in my life. I don’t want you to miss those experiences.”

  Slipping into the bed, I turned my body toward her. “You need to understand that all I ever wanted was a deep connection with someone. I dreamed of having the same kind of intimacy my parents had. I had quite a few girlfriends but always stopped short of a sexual relationship because I think I was waiting for you. Our hearts are tethered. Don’t worry. I’ll never want more than you.”

  “I have to wonder how I got so lucky being here with you,” she said as she stroked my cheek. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”

  I leaned into her, sweeping my lips against hers. “Maybe it was destiny. We’ve already had our first big fight, and I predict we’ll have more. You can’t have such intensity in a relationship and always have clear skies and smooth sailing. But I wouldn’t change anything. What we have is far from perfect. But it belongs to us.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Riley

  W e arrived at the house late the next afternoon. I sighed because I recognized my parents’ rental car.

  I heard Gabe utter under her breath, “Son of a bitch.” I assumed the second car was her mother’s.

  “You do realize they’re going to be furious. Can’t we just go to a hotel?”

  “Umm… this is technically our home. You want us to live in a hotel? What about the dog? What are we going to do after you give birth?” I bantered.

  “Everything is happening too fast. My mother is going to shit.”

  “I’ll wager my dad shits first.” As I placed my left hand on hers, our gold bands caught the light of the overhead bulb. “Come on. Let’s get this over with. We’re both adults.”

  I opened the passenger door and helped her out. Gabe’s reluctance was written all over her face.

  “Do you think we should have waited? If we told them, they would have come up with a hundred reasons for delaying the inevitable. They would have asked us not to jump into such an important decision.”

  “Gabe, we love each other. I spent over an hour trying to explain everything to Kai. I’m happy he was with us, but I’m not thrilled that the only other witness was some chick he’d just banged. I swear we’ll do it right, with all the traditions, after the baby is born. Our parents will have to accept this.”

  She turned to me before we got to the front door. “You didn’t feel obligated, did you? Because you thought it was the right thing to do? I heard what Kai said.”

  “Now listen to me, wife. Even though I love Kai as a brother, I would never take his words as gospel. I’m not like him. It’s not my nature to walk away from responsibility. The difference is how I feel about you. I need you to believe being your husband is what I wanted. You and I created a life. Now I have my own family, and that makes me the happiest man in the world.”

  As soon as the door was open, we were bombarded by three people. The questions came all at once.

  Gabe recoiled as her mother verbally scolded her for disappearing. “I was worried, Gabriella. You checked out and said nothing. One phone call. The last thing I knew was sending Riley to see
you. What were you thinking?”

  “I was thinking I’m a full-grown woman and don’t have to ask my mommy for permission,” she snapped in response.

  I shielded my wife by standing in front of her. My eyes signaled a warning at my parents. Dad scrutinized my body language, his stare landing on my hand. “What the fuck did you do?” he demanded.

  “We got married. I thought you’d be happy. I love her. She’s having my baby. Marriage was the responsible thing to do. I won’t have my kid thinking I didn’t want them or their mother.”

  My mom sat on the sofa with her head in her hands, sobbing softly. I was going to get a complex if I made her cry yet again. My arms went around her as I sat.

  “You’re too young. Why did you do this? I’ve hardly had time to come to terms and accept the fact that you’re going to be a father, and now you’re married. How could you make such a rash decision without consulting me and your dad?”

  “Mom, I didn’t tell you because we would have argued about it. What’s going on in this room right now is what we both expected if we gave you a heads-up. Neither you nor Dad could have talked me out of this. It’s what I wanted, and it was my choice to make.” I stood and went over to Gabe, kissing her hand.

  “Dad, don’t,” I warned because he was about to continue my mom’s conversation. “We’re married, and that’s the end of it. I think you should get your own emotions in order. Like it or not, we’re all family now.”

  Dad groaned as he realized Carrie was included in that family. It was difficult trying to absorb that Gabe’s mother would always be around. Would she actually move here? I mean, theoretically, she’d never given birth, not like my mom who had gone through it twice. Mom’s help would be invaluable.

  My line of sight went immediately to Gabe’s mother. She appeared to be tightlipped, keeping her opinions about our sudden nuptials to herself.