groaned as she snuggled up to him. Her naked body rubbed against his.
Ray lifted his head and looked to the bedroom door. It was still closed and locked. They’d had to do that, as Lullu had a habit of interrupting them at the most inopportune times. For reasons Ray couldn’t fathom, his daughter didn’t know how to knock—but he loved that the worst problem in his life was his kid not knocking before entering.
“There’s only one way to wake up a sleepyhead,” he whispered as he slipped beneath the blankets and began planting kisses all over Mina’s body, starting at her collarbone, nipping the hardened buds on her breasts, and making his way down her belly and finding his favourite spot—between her legs.
“Ray …” She moaned sleepily as her hands reached down and gripped his hair.
He slid a finger between her lips … God, she was always so ready for him.
Keeping the plump lips parted, he stroked her with the tip of his tongue. She groaned louder and arched her back. He drew his tongue up and down as he slid two fingers inside of her.
“Raaay …” she mewled, and he smiled, wrapping his arms around her thighs as he made love to her with his mouth. The scent of her ecstasy drove him wild as she climaxed, her back arching, her hands pulling him up to her.
“Taste.” His voice was hoarse as he kissed her.
“I want more,” she murmured.
“Of course you do, baby.” He positioned himself at her entrance and teased her with his hard, wet tip.
“God, Ray, pleeeease.” Her eyes fluttered open, and Ray fell into their depths as he plunged deep inside of her.
Their rhythm quickly became frantic and rough as she raised her legs up and clenched his arse.
Ray threw back his head as she bit the skin on his collarbone, and they came.
“Moooommy, Daaaaddy! Will you please hurry up?” Lullu called from the house to where Ray and Mina stood at the edge of the hill, looking out over the ocean. Behind them, a brand-new wooden bench decorated the once lonesome area.
They started most mornings off standing or sitting here. A little out of respect, but mostly to remember that they lived in paradise.
The bench, which Ray had made by hand, was for Ben. On its back was a large copper plaque. Ray had hated the man until Ben had given his life for Mina.
In memory of Benjamin Meintjies
Friend, protector, hero
Ray traced his finger over the engraving, as Lullu called to them again.
“Coming.” Mina turned and waved.
“Don’t we only have to leave in half an hour?” Ray gave her a confused glance.
“Oh, you still have much to learn about your daughter. Especially on a comp day.” Mina chuckled.
It was Lullu’s vaulting competition for national colors. The girl had been almost impossible for most of the week. Ray really looked forward to spending the day with his pa, Rochelle, Thomas, and Mina’s mom—one happy family at last. But his nerves were wrecked.
“How the hell do you cope with the stress? I don’t know if I can watch our daughter do this.” He took her hand in his.
“Well, I’ll tell you one thing. I’m happy to be doing this with you for a change!” Mina chuckled as they walked inside, grabbed their bags and the car keys, and walked out the front door.
“Hurry up, you two slow pokes.” Lullu hung out the back window of the large SUV that towed the horse trailer.
They hit the road. The comp was being held at a prestigious breeding farm a few hours’ drive from Redemption.
Lullu donned her earphones and closed her eyes. Ray gave Mina a WTF look.
“She listens to Guns N’ Roses. Says it helps her get her mojo on.”
Ray simply shook his head. “The Gunners, of all bands. Thank God she has good taste.”
“So, you given any thought to my offer?” She placed a hand on his jean-clad leg as he steered the vehicle toward the main road.
“Yeah. I can help out, but I think you have a winner in Vestra. She’ll make a great manager alongside you. I’m willing to do the hardcore shit like Ben used to, to keep the inmates in line. I don’t mean to be ungrateful and I need the money, but I can’t promise you all my time if I get accepted into my course.” He shrugged.
“I understand. Any more news from Thomas?” She squeezed his knee, and he jumped a little. “You know I’m ticklish and I’m driving.”
A cheeky grin was