Riptide Love: The Thorns, Book 2

by Melissa Lopez

  When his little brother’s taillights disappeared from sight, he went inside.

  In the living room, his mum spread a sheet out for him, tucking in ends under the cushions. He’d given up telling her he was big enough to make his own bed years ago. She simply never listened to him. Or anyone. Miller plainly got his stubbornness from her.

  She fluffed a pillow and dropped it near the arm of the couch. “All set.”

  “Thanks, Mum.”

  “My pleasure.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “It was a pleasure to hear you boys in the kitchen too.” She sat on the edge of the chair. “Did the twins leave you with a dollar to your name?”

  “No.” He laughed. At least now, he knew better. He’d never been around long enough in the past to play poker with the twins.

  “Shameful how those boys act.” Mum shook her head. “Alba spoiled them.”

  “Yeah, Uncle Aaron and Auntie sure let them get by with a lot,” he mocked, knowing full well his cousins had had plenty boots to their backsides.

  “Ethan Riley, those boys had it good compared to you and Miller…” Looking down, she trailed off.

  Yeah, he guessed so. He’d give her that. But he’d seen his uncle turn mean. Especially if he’d been drinking.

  “Miller called earlier.” Sharp eyes regarded him. “Besides when you told me you were going into the Navy, I don’t ever recall any of you boys needing to talk to me. Do you know what’s on Miller’s mind?” Mum looked as if she’d come apart at the seams, and he sat beside her and wrapped his arm around her.

  “Big M’s fine. He’s just…” Christ, what was he supposed to say? What could he say? “We’re just having a family meeting.”

  She leaned into him. “Do you know how much I worry about you and your brothers?” He squeezed her. He thought he did but he probably didn’t. “Every day, I worry some shark is going to get you. Miller works too hard and never takes any time for himself. And Cohen…” She shook her head against him. “I swear, even with girls of his own, that boy’s still reckless.”

  Ethan closed his burning eyes. “We worry about you too, Mum.” He hated seeing his mum growing old. Co e-mailed him every other week, telling him of a new ailment she’d developed.

  Wiping her eyes, Mum pushed up. “Well, I’m heading to bed. The girls wore me out.” She smiled. A dozen lines appeared on her face. “Now, Cohen’s girls are spoiled, but I’ll deny it if you say I said so.” She gave him a kiss on her way out of the room.

  “Good dreams, Mum.”

  “I want that.” A feminine whisper got his attention.

  Turning, De stood with her arms crossed under her breasts. Long naked legs gave him an eyeful. Lust stirred. How easy it’d be to strip that T-shirt from her body. “Want what?”

  “My son’s love.”

  “Nate loves you.” Tightness creased his forehead as he frowned. Everyone could tell Nate loved his mum. De was a damn fine mother. He enjoyed watching the two interact.

  “Nate’s a baby.” She sat nearby, folding her sexy legs under her. “I don’t know how he’ll feel as an adult.” After a shrug, she leaned back.

  “You’re doing an excellent job with Nate.” Ethan slid over to her. “Speaking of Nate, any trouble getting him to go to sleep?”

  “No. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.” Laughter brightened her face, lit her eyes up. “Those girls sit still about as much as a kangaroo does.”

  “Christ, they’re amazing. I’m still surprised how Cali fell asleep sitting up.”

  “That was cute to watch.” She laughed again. “They’re beauties, though.”

  “Hellions more like it.”

  De shifted, exposing the love mark he’d placed on her neck earlier. “How are you feeling, luv?” He’d ridden her hard, been rougher with her than he could ever recall being with a woman.

  “I’m tired.” Her teeth caught her lower lip. “A little sore.” A blush spread up from her chest. He watched as it crawled up her neck and cheeks.

  “That’s too bad.” He moved closer, but she stalled him by placing a palm on his chest. “I was thinking how great a kiss from you would be.”

  “The lights.” The colored deepened on her face.

  “What is it?”

  “Your mum might come out here.”

  “She won’t.” He winked. “Mum’s a bloody bright woman. Besides, the hellions wore her out. She’ll sleep until morning.”

  “And…” De hesitated. “I’m not completely comfortable in my skin.”

  “What?” He blinked, zeroing in on her breasts. “Luv, you’re sexy as hell.”

  Lifting his chin, she forced him to meet her gaze. A slow smile turned her mouth up. “I don’t think you’ve looked everywhere.”

  “Luv, I’ve looked you over a hundred times.”

  “No you’ve not.” She laughed. “Now turn the lights off if you want a kiss.”

  Quickly, he gave her a kiss on her mouth. Then, he turned all the lights off except a dim lamp in the corner and went into the kitchen to shut those off as well.

  Back in the living room, he removed his boots and socks before pulling his shirt over his head.

  “You’re moving fast.” Laughing, Denae shook her head. “Don’t you dare take those off.” She waved at his jeans. “Remember your mum. What if she gets up?”

  “All right, luv.” There hadn’t been a thought for his mum the previous night. But the smart bloke he was kept quiet on that fact.

  Sitting back down, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “What about your delectable body are you hiding?” He nuzzled her temple.

  “Let’s just say breasts aren’t the only thing Nate gave me.” She turned, bringing her legs over his lap.

  “Your breasts are excellent.” He cupped one in his hand and massaged. “Just excellent. I’ll love any other change…”

  “Ethan!” De caught his wrist. “I’ve stretch marks now.”

  Face to face with her, he stilled. “What?” He’d not noticed a blemish anywhere on her. Not anywhere and he’d looked his fill.

  She moaned, trying to shift away.

  “Where?” He held her in place. “I want to see.” Yes, he wanted to see everything. Wanted to know everything he’d missed out on.

  De covered her face. “Why’d I say anything?”

  “De, luv. Show me.” Christ, he had to see. He wanted to know all the changes to her body.

  Four fingers covering her eyes spread open. “Weren’t you going to kiss me?”

  “Eh, I am as soon as I…”

  She growled, causing him to grin.

  “Come on, luv show me.”

  “Fine.” She stood and lifted the hem of her shirt to her bellybutton. “Excellent they’re not.”

  Ethan groaned, seeing the faded lines. There weren’t many, a half dozen or so at her hip line. What he wouldn’t give to turn back the clock. To see the marks developing as Nate grew inside her. “You’re a beauty, luv.”

  Reaching out he clasped her thighs to bring her closer. He leaned over and ran his tongue over the marks that marred her silken skin. Here and there he placed kisses.

  “Oh, Ethan.” Her hands tangled in his hair while he continued his exploration.

  After making sure he covered all the marks she’d been worried about, his tongue dipped into her bellybutton to tease. “De…” He swallowed, the lust raging hot in his blood.

  At the arch of her body, he removed her underwear.

  He grunted, rubbed his confined prick. “Come here, luv.” He lay down on the couch to stretch his arm out for her.

  Willingly, she took his fingers to allow him to help her lay at his side. Facing him, her minty breath mingled with his.

  With his eyes closed, he swiped his tongue along her lips. Her teeth nipped at him.

  Slipping his hand over her hip, he cupped her arse. He growled at the surge of arousal he felt. He pulled her long leg up over his hip. He loved the feel of her naked skin under his hand
.

  Teasing lips played on his mouth, her tongue slashed out from time to time, until he opened for the kiss. Moaning, she arched her pussy against his prick in need. He squeezed her arse cheek, urging her closer.

  De’s mouth demanded from his. Greedily, she sucked his tongue. He groaned at the tightening of his balls. The passion with which she explored him fueled his blood until his prick pulsed in need of release.

  Gasping for breath, she clasped his face in her hands. While all he wanted was for her to grasp his rigid prick.

  Ethan slipped his hand between them to fondle her pussy. Wetness spread along his fingers as he ran them up and down her slit, tweaking her swollen clit from time to time.

  Christ, he’d never get used to how she responded to him. Had always responded to him. His mind hazed over in need. Need for release, an even deeper need for her responses to him.

  The kisses grew deeper as he concentrated on bringing her to climax. Over and over he flicked, rubbed and pressed on her extended clit.

  She moaned, rocking into his hand. De’s body tensed when his fingertips turned rough on the sensitive flesh.

  On a cry, which he caught with his mouth, she came apart for him. He groaned, waiting for her climax to ease. At her calming breath he climbed over her to stand once her body relaxed.

  With shaking fingers, he got his prick out of his pants and protection rolled down over the aching muscle. “Come here, luv.” He sat in the rocking chair. “Come on.” He stroked his prick.

  She stumbled over to him, and he helped her get her sexy legs over the arms of the chair. Christ, her legs made him hot. He worked his prick into her tight hole.

  “Oh, Ethan…”

  Teeth clenched, he rocked the chair a bit, thrusting up on a backward motion.

  De clutched onto the top of the rocker and kissed him.

  Their mouths sucked at one another’s. Their tongues dueled, danced and teased for control.

  Back and forth, they rocked her pussy, grinding down on the root of his prick. His balls tightened with each press of her weight.

  Suddenly, she rocked against the motion of the chair and moaned. That’s it. That’s what he wanted. Her response. Her need. She killed him with her tight hole, torturing him with the promise of building pleasure.

  Desperate to come, he grabbed onto her arse to stay buried deep in her pussy while they rocked. Nothing existed but her hot body, eager mouth.

  She panted into his mouth.

  “Oh, fuck…De…” Unable to hold back a moment longer, his come pumped out, his balls let loose, he arched, jerked until he was left empty. Drained. His chest heaved while he worked to catch his breath.

  Placing his hands on her waist he lifted her up to get his semi-erect prick out from inside her. There’d be no more accidents for De and him.

  For long minutes he held her close as their breathing regulated. This closeness he could get used to. Wanted the chance to get used to having her in his life.

  She finally lifted her head from his shoulder. “I’ll need help getting up.” Amusement sounded clear in her voice before she pressed a kiss to his mouth.

  Ethan did his best to appear calm.

  His mum seemed to be holding up as well as could be expected. She sat, drinking after-dinner coffee and eating a slice of the pie De had baked earlier.

  Cohen, on the other hand, looked concerned as he kept a check on the time.

  The muscles along Ethan’s shoulders knotted with tension.

  Miller had opted out of dinner but promised he’d be there any minute.

  De and Hayleigh entertained the ankle biters in the living room.

  At the sound of an approaching engine, Co stood and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Fuck, I’ve no clue why I’m so jumpy.”

  “Cohen Michael.” Their mum turned sharply to waggle a finger at Co. “Not in the house and not near those precious girls.”

  “Sorry, Mum.” Over her head, Cohen rolled his eyes, causing Ethan to bite back a smile. Their mum always rode them about one thing or another.

  At the sound of the slamming door, the dogs set to barking.

  “Uncle M! Uncle M!” His nieces ran into the kitchen, jumping up and down. “Uncle M!”

  No sooner did Miller get through the door than Abbey and Cali latched onto his legs. They each sat on one of his feet, squealing as he pretended to dislodge them. Miller lifted one leg, then the next to shake the girls.

  Ethan looked on, enjoying this side of his brother. Even as a child he didn’t remember Miller playing much.

  The girls laughed, delighted with M’s antics.

  Ethan closed his eyes. Christ, Miller needed a family of his own. A bloody brood of children. He pushed the rising guilt away. Miller’s family hadn’t been meant to be with his De.

  His.

  When he looked up, De stood in the doorway with Nate in her arms. The boy focused wide-eyed on Miller with the girls.

  After another couple minutes, M stood still to regard the girls. “How are my two favorite kittens?”

  Neither answered, only giggled.

  “Abbey, hop off so we can see if Nate wants a ride.” Miller placed his hands on his hips.

  “I don’t want to.” Abbey looked up mulishly.

  “Abbey, you have to take turns.” Hayleigh went over and removed the oldest of the girls.

  Miller gazed at Nate. “You want a turn?”

  Nate was reluctant, but once De got him over to his uncle, the boy was all for it.

  Miller pretended he couldn’t lift Nate. “I don’t know, mate, you’re as heavy as my horse.”

  “I am not.” Nate laughed. “Horses are big.”

  His brother lifted Nate then, causing the boy to hang on and laugh. He rubbed at his constricting chest at the sight of them together.

  Ethan glanced over at De. She wasn’t looking at Miller, only at him. Before his family, he made his way over to her and kissed her on her delectable mouth. Then, for her ears only, he leaned in and brushed his lips under her ear. “You’re a beautiful woman, luv.”

  De snorted and pushed at his chest. She was unable to nudge him away, so he stayed close by in her personal space. The tightness in his chest he’d been experiencing since rediscovering De and meeting his son returned full force. He liked having his family all together.

  Playtime wasn’t over until Abbey got another turn.

  Only when Nate came over to them did Ethan give her breathing room. She picked their son up.

  “I like Uncle M.” Nate flashed the room a big grin.

  Ethan chuckled along with De.

  “You too, mate.” Miller tipped his hat as he sat at the table.

  Mum got busy serving his brother, though he did try to stop her. “I can’t eat right now, Mum.”

  “At least have a piece of pie.” While up, she poured a glass of milk for Miller too.

  “I’m going to go see if the girls want to watch a cartoon with Nate.” De brushed his chest as she passed by.

  By the time he got over to the table, Hayleigh had taken a seat on Co’s lap.

  Miller dropped his hat on the floor beside him and raked a shaking hand through his hair. He pushed the pie away.

  Instead of clasping Miller on the shoulder like he wanted, Ethan took up a sentinel position behind their mum. He folded his arms against the coming hard news.

  When M lifted his head, a hint of tears swam in his eyes. The sight of his shaking brother nearly buckled Ethan’s knees. Needing to be there for their mum he stiffened his spine.

  Teeth clenched, Ethan closed his eyes. Christ, he hated his bloody father. He’d hate to be in his brother’s shoes right now. Knew there was no way he’d be the one to break their mum’s heart. Or set reality straight when it came to their father in Cohen’s eyes. Hell, he hadn’t been able to face down his brother…

  “What the bloody hell is wrong?” Co’s raw voice brought his eyes open. Anxiety got his feet moving. He stopped at the side of the table.


  Hayleigh’s arm went around her husband’s neck.

  “I’ve got something to tell you. I can’t think of any way to tell you but straight up.” Miller left his chair. At their mum’s side, he got down on one knee. White knuckled, his brother grasped their mum’s folded hands.

  “Go on, Miller.” She forced a weak smile. “Nothing could be that bad.”

  “I swear if I didn’t have to tell you…I wouldn’t.” Miller’s voice grew low, tight. “I’d never intentionally hurt you like this.”

  Mum worked a hand out to pat Miller’s. “Go on son. Just tell me.”

  Miller’s throat worked.

  The back of his eyes burned. Ethan dealt with life and death every day in his career and nothing had ever been so difficult to witness.

  Unable to watch his brother struggle alone a moment longer, Ethan knelt on the other side of their mum. He clasped both their hands in his. As M stated, there was no way to be other than direct. “Our father had a child out of wedlock. Doc tested Miller’s blood against the blood from her. And I confirmed she is who she said she is.”

  Their mum whimpered a slight noise, but that was all.

  His throat worked. That’d been far harder than anything he’d ever faced before.

  It was Cohen who reacted. He stood, taking Hayleigh with him. “What kind of bullshit is this? Our dad would never do something like that.”

  “Cohen, we’ve got the documented proof.” He held Co’s gaze.

  Their little brother left the house, his wife in his wake, leaving the girls in De’s care.

  “Who is the woman claiming this?” His mum swallowed.

  “An eighteen-year-old, Shania Thorn Rose.” He caressed his mum’s back. “Her mother’s name was Claudia Rose.”

  “I don’t know the names.”

  No, his mum wouldn’t. Their father hadn’t let her be active in the business end of the station. Had always kept her away from the visitors. She’d been a full-time mum. A bloody good one.

  “Was.” Their mum looked them both over. She looked older than she had when they’d started. “You said, was…”

  “Claudia passed away from cancer several months ago. Shania has no other relatives.”