Page 3 of The Companion Love Trap

Drying my chestnut locks, I curled them into waves that fell down my back, tickling the exposed skin there. Adding some red lipstick and black eyeliner to make my blueish-green eyes pop, I felt like a million bucks in my favorite black mini-dress. I was ready to conquer my search for my nut.

Hello, healthy girl era! It was time to get your mack on. There were so many dicks still left to try.

“Wowza! Look at you, girl. You’re gorgeous,” Jules said as I exited the locker room.

Instantly, I brightened and twirled in all my feminine glory. “It’s amazing what a hot shower can do. Thanks again for letting me use the buddy pass. You should meet me later at Howlers. I’ll get you into VIP.”

Her eyes light up. “That could be fun. I’ll think about it. Be good, Everly.”

“I’m always good.” I giggled as I waved over my shoulder and exited. The night was early in the city, but the vibe was changing already as people ended their workday and headed to their favorite watering holes. And my favorite place—the one that always put me in a good mood—was Howlers.

Part nightclub/part show—Howlers was famous for their dueling pianos, tabletop dancers, and sexy bar show. You couldn’t go an inch without something drawing your attention. The line to get in was long, but the advantage of working a million jobs, you tended to know someone everywhere.

“Jonno! How’s it looking inside?” I asked, hugging the burly bouncer as I approached. He smiled, making the girl in line step back. Possibly, Jonno was scarier when he smiled.

“Baby girl. You’re looking fine tonight.” He took my hand, and I did a spin as he whistled. “Gonna be a lot of broken hearts inside. You performing?” he asked, rubbing his hands together.

“Maybe.” I shrugged, perfecting the coy look. “I haven’t decided yet. Who’s working?”

He lifted his eyebrow, giving me a knowing look. “Cruz is manning the bar, and I heard that Phantom might make an appearance tonight.” Jonno watched me, his eyes searing into my skin as I tried to act unaffected by both of those names.

“Oh? That’s cool. It’s been a while since the Phantom has been in.”

“It’s already packed. Some famous photographers and a bevy of models are up in VIP. It’s caused quite the stir.”

I scrunched up my nose, my plan to hide out in VIP crashing to the ground. But if Cruz was here… a throbbing sensation between my legs started, my pussy envisioning his cock and all the glorious things he could do to us. Oh yes, Cruz would need to be on the menu tonight. It had been far too long.

But first, I had a date with my mystery piano guy.

“Guess I’ll bug Cruz,” I sighed dramatically, hoping the desire wasn’t evident in my voice. Jonno smirked, making me believe it wasn’t as concealed as I’d hoped.

“Be gentle, baby girl. You look hot enough to scorch half the men in there.”

“Just half? I need to up my game,” I teased. Kissing his cheek, I patted his shoulder as he lifted the rope to let me in; the girl standing there kicked up a fuss. Jonno’s face had gone back to his scowl; his arms crossed as she continued.

Oh, honey, that is not how to get what you want. Especially with a man like Jonno. You sweet summer child.

The club’s darkness engulfed me as I entered, the energy soaking into my veins with each step I took. The thing I loved about Howlers was the escape. Between the shows, the sex appeal, and the total abandonment of self, I could let go and entirely give into the atmosphere, leaving the labels at the door.

Cruz’s dark eyes immediately met mine as I entered the bar area. As usual, when he worked, his dark hair was pulled up in a top-knot on his head, proving he was the exception to the style. Stubble peppered his angled jaw, showcasing his pink lips, the bottom thicker than the top. His bronze skin shimmered under the neon lights as his muscular and tattooed arms were displayed in his black tank top. Silver necklaces hung from his neck, and several earrings ran along his earlobe. His nose ring twinkled as it caught the light, making me think of his other piercings.

Heat seared my skin as he scanned me from head to toe, taking in every inch of my outfit. His nostrils flared as he got to my shoes; the flirty heels were his favorite. The chemistry between us was palpable, and my body yearned for his touch. I knew he wanted more, but the one label I’d never wear again was girlfriend.

I might be homeless, jobless, and almost thirty. But I would never be attached.

two

CRUZ

As soon as she stepped foot in the bar, I knew. My eyes clocked her, trailing over every visible inch that I could. When they landed on the heels I loved, I had to control myself from jumping over the bar and fucking her right there on the dance floor. Everly’s aqua eyes met mine, desire and mischief swirling in their blue-green depths. The specks of blue seemed molten under the lights, dragging me into their abyss.

Everly Carlisle was the most gorgeous woman I’d ever laid eyes on. Her dark chestnut hair cascaded around her shoulders and back, making me want to run my fingers through it. She was tall, her luscious legs on display in her short black dress, highlighting her golden skin that practically shimmered.

Everly was all curves with thick thighs, a lush booty, and soft middle that always made my dick stand up and take notice. Her breasts were perky, fitting just right in my hands and haunting my dreams as I devised ways to touch them again.

From the moment I’d seen her, I’d been a goner.

“You ever going to tell her, boss?” one of the bartenders on duty teased.

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