Page 61 of The Companion Love Trap

Once I was cleaned and we were both dressed, I remembered I’d asked him a question he hadn’t answered. I opened the door and stepped out, finding the theater empty. Oops. It looked like we’d missed the video. Glancing back at Cruz, I lifted my eyebrow.

“How was that punishment?” I asked again.

“That wasn’t. This is.” The plug in my ass vibrated, making my knees buckle as every nerve ending lit up. I braced my hand against the wall as my eyes rolled back.

“Fuck,” I cursed, panting.

“Did you really think Everly’s was the only toy I had? It’s time to show you what being mine entails.”

With those parting words, he winked and sauntered off, heading into the group of people like he hadn’t just given me a mind-blowing orgasm seconds ago. He wrapped his arm around Everly, a smile on his face and completely at ease with himself. She had Buns with her, and the two of them talked while playing with the dog. Kieran handed Cruz a drink, spotting me over his shoulder.

When I didn’t move toward them, he headed to me with a curious look. I took in the difference in Kieran as he walked to me, his body more relaxed and confident. This week with Everly and Cruz had been good for him.

“Everything okay, Jace?” he asked.

“Yeah. Things couldn’t be better. Are you happy, Kier?”

He nodded, his smile transforming his whole face. “Yeah. Things feel complete now. Everly is everything. I feel like a man around her,” he admitted.

“And Cruz?” I asked, curious.

Kieran tilted his head in thought. “He makes me feel safe, kinda like you. I haven’t gotten to know him too much yet, but I like how he takes care of all of us. Why?”

“I feel the same. But I also feel?—”

“More?” he asked, giving me a soft smile. His blue eyes held understanding.

“Yeah.” I gulped as I nodded.

“And you’re worried how I’ll feel about it?”

“When did you get so intuitive?” I asked. “But yes. We always talked about a woman, but we never said anything about bringing another man into our dynamic.”

“I have no problem with Cruz. I know he’s a package deal with Everly, and I can see how you two connect in a way we don’t. Though I’m not sure if I’ll want anything with him. Is that okay?”

I stepped forward and cupped Kier’s jaw. “Of course, baby. You don’t have to do anything you’re not wanting. You know this. I just wanted to ensure you were okay with me and him.”

“I am. I think he’s good for you, Jace.”

Yeah, me too.

Kieran squeezed my shoulder before heading back to the other two, where he sat down with them and created the picture-perfect scene I longed to capture. Except now I yearned to be part of it and not just a spectator.

That epiphany hit me full force, making everything come into high-definition

They were my future—the three people I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

No more being what I thought other people wanted me to be. It was time to step out from behind the camera and fully engage.

twenty

EVERLY

Jace’s hand slid down my back, touching every inch of my exposed skin as he pulled me closer before dipping me and twirling me out. We’d danced for the past two songs, and I never wanted to stop.

Dancing with Jace felt like it did to perform with Kieran—effortless. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve believed we’d been dancing together for years.

“What are you thinking, Firecracker?” he asked as we slowed our steps.

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