“Get out of my house.” I shove him, but he barely moves. Asshole. “Send a prospect or your dad next time to pick up Emily. I don’t want you anywhere near me ever again.”
“We’ll see, baby. You know where to find me for a good fuck. One where you don’t need to fake an orgasm.”
“I’d never go near you, not again, even if you were the last man on God’s green earth.”
“Oh, baby, keep telling yourself that.” He leans down again. “You know where to find me.”
“Dad, I’m ready.”
Striker winks at me and leaves with Emily.
I groan out in frustration. He infuriates me to no end. Coming in here and calling me a whore. So what if I had slept with Brad? It has nothing to do with him. He may be Emily’s father, but he has no say in what I do with my life. In all my twenty-seven years of living on this planet, I have never met someone as irritating as he is.
You know he’s right. Shut up. Who asked you?
Sighing, I head upstairs and finish getting ready. Time to let my hair down and be me.
***
“I had a great time, Brad,” I say, giving him a shy smile looking up at him. Jake and I are still waiting for the divorce to come through. I thought it would feel strange dating while still married to Jake, but I’m finally doing something for me for once. Jess gave me the push that I needed and told me I had to get out there and date.
“I did too.” he returns my smile, grinning down at me. As I stare into blue eyes, not as blue as Striker’s, his smile wide.
Why are you thinking about Striker? You have this gorgeous cop in front of you. He has handcuffs. “
“Whatever you're thinking about…” He leans down to whisper in my ear. “I have my cuffs in my car.”
My cheeks flame scalding hot. Shit, I said that out loud.
“Mom.” Hearing Emily's voice, I turn and see her and a pissed-off-looking Striker.
“What are you guys doing here?”
“Dad took me for pizza and ice cream.” Her eyes glitter. Looking up at Striker, I offer a tight smile.
“Mr. Xanders.” Brad holds out his hand. Striker looks at it, raising an eyebrow, looking back to him.
“Come on, Emily. The ice cream will be melting.” He completely ignores Brad’s hand. “I'll drop Emily off in the morning. I've got stuff to do.” He turns his back on us.
“All legal stuff I hope.” Closing my eyes, I pray he just keeps walking. Upon opening them, I see him turn a little. I only see half of his face.
“Of course, Detective.”
Emily looks between us, confused as hell. I offer her a smile which she returns. She turns and looks up at Striker, who laughs at something she just said. My heart swells seeing them together. I jump when I hear Brad speak. I was lost in watching Striker and Emily and I had forgotten he was standing there.
“Well, where were we?” Brad smiles, leaning down to kiss me. Placing my hand on his chest, I stop him before our lips make contact. “What's wrong?” he asks. “Do I have garlic breath? I knew I shouldn't have had that garlic bread.”
“No. No, Brad. I just... I just thought we could take this back to my place?”
Where the hell did that come from? Why did I invite him back?
“Sure.”
***
“Make yourself comfortable, I'll be back down in a minute.”
Brad pecks my lips.
Turning, I sprint up to the bathroom and pull out my phone. “Come on, Jess.” I whisper to myself. “Pick up.” The ringing continues.
“Hello?”
“Oh, thank God. I thought you were never picking up.” I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Aren't you on a date? Do you need me to fake an accident to get you out of it?”
“What? No, Jess. He's here. I invited him back to my place.” She bursts out laughing. “Jessica, this isn't funny!” She continues laughing. “I'm hanging up on you now. Thanks for the pep talk and confidence boost!”
I hate her right now.
“I’m sorry.” She’s still laughing a little.
“Yeah, you sure sound it.”
“Seriously, what’s the problem?” she asks, a little more calmly than before.
“The problem is, I’ve never really had a date apart from the ones with Brad, let alone asked a guy back to my place.” My panic rises.
“Calm down, Daria. You don’t have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with, and if he makes you do stuff that makes you uncomfortable, call me and I’ll come save you.”
“Thanks, Jess. You look after my nephew!” Jess found out she was pregnant a couple of weeks ago. She has always had issues with her periods so she thought nothing of it until her uniform started getting tighter. She had no idea she was six months along.
“I’ve sent Nico to buy the weirdest combo known to man.”
“Daria, you okay in there?” Brad speaks through the door.
“Shit, I forgot Brad was here.” Jess starts laughing at me.
“Oh, God. You really are a newbie.”
“Shut up, Jess.” I hang up on her and open the door to see Brad smiling at me with his handcuffs swinging on his finger.
His lips slam to mine, kissing me hard. Stripping our clothes, we back towards my bed. I’m just getting into it when the vision of Striker pops into my head.
Really? At this time?
I moan as Brad places the handcuffs on my wrists, hooking them over the bar of my bed. Kissing down my body, he kisses my pussy through the thin fabric of my thong. Still seeing Striker in my mind, I buck my hips forward. I need to get off quickly. Striker was just inside me a few days ago and I can’t get it out of my head.
“You’re so wet.” Hooking his fingers either side of my panties, he pulls them down. He kisses back up my body until he’s hovering over me. “Condoms?”
“Bedside table,” My words come out all breathy. Reaching over the bedside table, he puts the condom on and pushes into me. Just as we’re getting into it, my door bursts open.
“Oh, fuck. I’m sorry.”
“Nico?” I gasp. “How the hell did you get in?”
Brad jumps off me, using a sheet to cover himself, while I’m lying here as naked as the day I was born, handcuffed to my bed.
“Shit, Daria. I’m sorry. I’ll wait downstairs.” He covers his eyes, causing in him to walk into the doorframe.
“Um… Brad?” He looks pissed that Nico walked in on us. Looking at me, he reaches down to get the keys to his cuffs.
After Brad and I get dressed, I say goodbye to him at the door. “I’m sorry about this. I’ll make it up to you.” I kiss him.
“I look forward to it.” With one last kiss, I close the door and find out why the hell Nico is here and ruining my date.
“Daria, I am so sorry. You really need to learn to lock your front door.” God damn it.
“You need to learn to call before turning up at someone’s house!” I snap. “Why are you here, Nico?” I’m pissed I just got pussy-blocked by him.
“I just came by because I need help getting something for Jess as a push present.”
“You couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”
“I forgot you were on a date.” I narrow my eyes at him. Did Striker send him over here? “Striker didn’t put me up to this.”
“Didn’t say he did.”
“Didn’t have to, it was written all over your face.” A smirk appears on his face. I know he’s about to mention the cuffs. “So, you like a bit of kink, huh?”
“Goodnight, Nico.”
“But, I need your help.”
“Well, I need to finish what Brad started,” I snap, opening the front door, indicating that he should leave.
“Have fun, you kinky gal.” He laughs as I close the door.
Shit. I need a cold shower.
Chapter Eighteen
Striker
Walking up to Daria’s door, I knock.
Everyone is at Daria's house for Emily’s birthday meal. Daria opens the door, but the smile on her face slips when she sees me.
“Striker, how nice of you to join us.” I shake my head at the obvious sarcasm. “You’re late.”
“Why, hello to you too. I had to pick up Emily’s present.” Walking in, Emily runs to me.
“Happy birthday, princess.” I hug her. I can’t believe it’s her tenth birthday. The year has gone by so quickly. It’s something I never thought I would get the chance to do. Hell, I never thought I would have kids at all.
“Thanks, Daddy.” She grins, taking her card from me. Looking up, I spot that detective dick. He isn't family so I have no idea why he’s here. Eight months I’ve witnessed Daria and that boneheaded cop all over each other. Yeah, I followed her a couple of times. I don’t trust the guy. Cop or not, he gives me weird vibes.
“I just have to go back out to collect the rest of your presents.”
Picking up the remaining bag of gifts, I know I’ve probably gone way overboard and Daria will no doubt chew my ass for one particular gift, but I’m sure I can fuck her into forgiveness.
“Oh. My. God.” Emily looks up to see me walking in the door with her gifts. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She runs towards me, squealing, with tears in her eyes. “Look, Mom!” She beams, looking towards Daria.
Daria looks thunderous. Nico and Dad look highly amused, Jess is, well, being Jess and giving me a death glare and I’m not even giving PC Dickhead a second look.
“Striker, a word.” Her voice is level. Following her to the kitchen where she’s leaning against the sink, all I see is her tits sitting on her folded arms. “Are you kidding me? Are you freaking kidding me?” she whisper-shouts.
“What did I do now?”
“A dog, Striker? A dog?” Her voice is a little louder. “Who's going to look after this dog? Take it out for walks? Train it? I don't have time for this!”
“Relax, Daria.”
“Relax? You bought our ten-year-old a freaking dog.”
“That's all she asked for. I couldn't say no.”
“She’s been asking for a dog for the past five years.”
“Well, good thing I'm here now. She gets what she wants.”
“Life is not like that. It's not about getting what you want all the time.”
“She’s a Xanders. Xanders always get what they want.” I look down her body and back up again to her eyes, and a red tint hits her cheeks.
“Well, this is one thing she won't be getting.” She starts storming past me.
“Really? Are you really going to break her heart?”
She stops in front of me, turning and looking up. “Next time, run it by me.”
“Of course, baby.” I watch her ass as she walks away from me.
I'll have you under me before the night is out, Daria.
You're mine.
***
“Can’t believe you got her a dog, man.” Nico laughs as we watch Emily play with her dog. He’s a silver Labrador with blue eyes. I saw him and couldn’t help but smirk at the fact that Daria wouldn’t be able to get away from blue eyes. Just like when she looks at Emily and sees my eyes, now, when she sees the dog, she’ll see blue eyes just like mine and she’ll think of nothing but me. “Did you do this to go against Daria?”
“No. Emily asked for a dog. She’s my daughter. I’ll get her whatever her heart desires.” I snort out a laugh. “I maybe bought this specific one to fuck with Daria.”
Nico shakes his head, laughing again. Emily runs over to me, throwing her arms around me. “Thank you, Dad. This is the best present ever.” She kisses my cheek.
“Emily, Dad’s on the phone for you.” Daria calls over. Our eyes clash, and for a second, the other people in the room ebb away and it’s just us. My heart flutters the longer I stare at her, and my tongue darts out to wet my lips. An adorable flush appears on her cheeks. I lean forward, her lips part, and her chest moves up and down. Why did she have to wear a tight KISS t-shirt? My eyes skim down her body to her long jean-clad legs. My cock hardens at the thought of getting between them again. Daria’s the first to break the eye contact. I follow her gaze to see who caused her to look away.
“Detective Pretty Boy.” My voice was low, but not low enough.
“Striker,” Dad says, gaining my attention just as Brad leans in to kiss Daria and leaves. I grip the beer bottle neck tighter. “Striker, don’t cause a scene.”
I snap out of it when the puppy tries to jump up on my lap. I reach down and give him a helping hand. He stands and licks my face.
“That’s the most action you’ll be getting tonight.” Jess sneers.
I shake my head.
“Jess,” Nico warns her, but she rolls her eyes at him and walks away. “Hormones.”
“Nico, she hates me. I get it.” I chuckle at him trying to make excuses. The dog settles himself on my lap.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Nico sighs, following Jess as they say goodbye to Emily and Daria.
“I’m going to head off too,” Dad announces. “Don’t rub her up the wrong way, Striker.”
You have no idea how bad I’m going to rub her.
“You leaving too, Grandpa?” Emily asks with a hint of sadness.
“Yeah, sweet pea. I need to be up early. We’ll arrange something for next weekend you’re with Dad?” Dad looks over at me and I nod in agreement.
“Okay.” She hugs him, and then Dad hugs Daria goodbye.
“Dad?” Emily comes to sit by me. “Can you stay for a bit longer and watch a movie with me and Mom?” I look up to see Daria shrug and gives a slight nod.
“Sure, princess.” The wide grin she gives me makes my ice-covered heart thaw a little more.
“I’ll go get the hot cocoa and popcorn ready,” Daria says.
“I’ll go help Mom.” I move the puppy onto Emily’s lap. “You need to name him.”
“I have already.” She closes her eyes and lifts her chin proudly. “Blue.”
“Good choice.” I chortle and walk out to help Daria. She has her back to me when I walk into the kitchen. “You need a hand clearing up?” She jumps, turning with her hand on her chest. I hold my hands up in surrender. “Sorry.”
“No, I’ll do it tomorrow. Do you want cocoa? Or another beer?”
I remember Emily mentioning that Daria makes the best hot cocoa. I smile. “I’ll have a cocoa.” Her head jerks back, surprised at my choice. Walking closer, I stand next to her.
“It’s a tradition we have.” She speaks while she grabs three mugs and the powder. Looking at me shyly, she adds, “Normally, Jake’s here. We all sit and watch whatever movie Emily picks, drink hot cocoa, and eat our weight in popcorn. I can’t believe Jake blew us off like that. He’s only missed three birthdays in ten years. He’s breaking that little girl’s heart in there and I can’t do anything about it. My heart aches for her. She tries to put on a brave face, but I know she’s hurting really bad inside.” Her hand makes a fist and she slams it down. “He’s taking his frustrations for me out on her and it’s not fair.” I turn her around and hold her to calm her down. I’ve no idea why I took that action, but something called on me to do it.
“He’s a dick,” I mutter, and she steps out of my arms. “What? You and I haven’t got the best relationship, but we’re making it work for the sake of Emily. He can’t even keep one promise?” She looks down, knowing I’m right. “Look, give him time. As much I despise the guy, he’s lost his wife and the daughter he brought up for ten years in one go. I would probably be the same had it been me.”
“You would have killed the other guy.” She covers her mouth, looking at me wide-eyed when she realizes what she said out loud. “Sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? It’s true.” I shrug, grabbing the popcorn and popping some in my mouth. I walk through to take my place beside Emily.
Near the end of the movie, I move my hand at the same time
as Daria, causing our fingers to touch. We look at each other. I feel like someone has injected hot liquid in my veins at the simple motion. Neither of us move our hands, my fingers eagerly want to touch more of her, but I need to keep my distance. For now. Emily has her head on my lap and her legs on Daria, but by the looks of it, Emily has fallen asleep.
“I’ll put her to bed.” My voice is low. “Come on, princess. Time for bed.”
“Five more minutes,” she mumbles sleepily, making Daria and I laugh.
After putting Emily to bed along with Blue, I come back down to see Daria tidying up. “Are you sure you don’t want help?”
“Can you put out the trash on your way out?”
“Sure.”
“Hey, Striker.” She looks up from picking up a cup. “Thanks for today. I know I went off at you for getting her a dog. It’s just, I was planning to get her one for her Christmas.”
“Oh.” Well, I feel shitty now. “Had I known…”
“You would have still got it for her to piss me off.” She raises an eyebrow.
“You got me.”
“But seriously, Striker. If we’re going to succeed at this co-parenting, you need to discuss things like this with me.” Closing the distance between us, I can’t keep away any longer. Taking her head in my hands, I stare into her hazel eyes. Her pupils dilate, staring back at me. I lean down, hovering my lips above hers. This is her move. “What are you doing?”
“I’ve wanted to do this since you opened the door with your shitty attitude.”
“We can’t.”
“We can,” I whisper, and plant my lips on hers. The kiss quickly turns animalistic. She reaches for my jeans and unbuttons them, pushing them down, along with my boxers. I shadow her actions. My hand between us rubs her clit, rolling it between my thumb and forefinger. Her hand grabs my cock and starts stroking it up and down slowly. We never let up on the kiss. I lift her on top of the breakfast bar, pulling her to the edge, lining my dick up to her entrance and push in slowly.
“Shit,” she gasps between kisses. I continue to fuck her slowly, removing my lips from hers. I watch her eyes as she comes undone, followed by my grunt of pleasure as I come inside her. Breathing hard, I pull out of her and she jumps down, pulling on her jeans, not looking at me.
Three Strikes (Demons Disciples MC Book 1) Page 13
