Page 69 of The Companion Love Trap

Companion Rule #12—don’t be stupid. True love’s never fake.

“My home? It’s with them—three men who love me and who I love in return. People might not understand us, but I don’t care. We’re happy, and I know no matter what, they’ll always support me and want the best for me. That’s something you were never capable of, so yeah, I don’t really give a fuck what you think. I might not have the power to remove you from this ship, but I don’t have to sit here and let you continue to spew hate over everything. It’s my 30th birthday, so I’m going to do what I want.”

I turned to my sweet Meerk, the man whose heart brought music back to mine. I reached out my hand to him.

“Kier, feel like playing with me in the club?”

“I’d love nothing more.”

He took my hand and kissed it. Then glanced around, swallowing. I knew he didn’t like to be put on the spot, and I felt terrible for putting him in that position.

“Anyone who wants to come and celebrate this beautiful woman’s birthday is welcome to join us. Drinks and admission on us.”

“You won’t want to miss their performance. It’s magical,” Jace shouted, pushing Kieran and me forward.

The people around us clapped as we stepped through the tables, some wishing me happy birthday and others squeezing my hand in support. I even caught sight of the three women I’d met the day before. Beth stood and gave me a hug before patting me on the butt and telling me to go have fun.

It only proved my point that the kindness of strangers was a powerful thing. I didn’t look back at the table; there was nothing left for me there. Nothing I said would change how she felt, but it had changed me. The last of the doubt and fear I’d held onto was now squashed beneath the weight of my love for these three men.

Cruz led us to the club and rushed us backstage, making me wonder if this had been part of their plan all along for my birthday. It didn’t matter if it was because I couldn’t wait to play. My fingers actually itched with the need to pour my emotions into music. Jace handed me a violin and bow, his eyes shining bright as he stared at me.

“I knew you were meant for us, Firecracker. But I had no idea how amazing you’d make our lives. I love you too, for what it’s worth.” He kissed my cheek and stepped over to Kieran to say something before walking back out to the front of the club.

“Don’t think he’s the first one to say it back. I’ve been saying it for months, Meu Tudo. You just didn’t know it,” Cruz said, pulling my body to him. The violin and bow hung down at my sides, reminding me of Howlers and how much this man had done for me just by being present.

“I think I did, but I was too scared to acknowledge it. What does that mean, Cruz? Will you tell me now?”

He kissed me and nodded. “Meu Tudo means my everything because you are Everly.”

Tears welled again, and I nodded as I reached up to kiss him. “Thank you for loving me, Cruz. Even if it was a little stalkerish, you never stopped chasing me.”

“Little? Nothing I do is little, Meu Tudo.” He smirked and kissed me again before he walked off. I glanced at Kieran and walked over to sit beside him.

“You okay? Sorry if I ruined things.”

“You’re asking if I’m okay and apologizing for their awful behavior?” He shook his head. “Lass, you have nothing to apologize for. I don’t want to do business with people like them. In fact, Jace and I had already discussed getting rid of most of the investors and board. I don’t need them.”

“But your products are more important—” I started but was cut off when he placed a finger over my lips.

“I’m still able to make them. Turns out Cruz is a bored billionaire. Howlers is just one of his operations. With his investment, I can cut out all the people who were only here to make themselves rich.”

My mouth dropped open in shock. What the actual fuck?

“Yeah, I know.” Kieran laughed. “He’s richer than me and Jace combined. I was going to suggest we all move into our apartment, but Cruz apparently has a house and an entire apartment building for us to choose from.”

“You want to live together?” I asked, my eyes wide. Kieran’s face softened, and he cupped my cheek.

“If I never spend another day without you again, it still won’t be enough. I want to start all my mornings with you and end all my nights next to you. Is ceol mo chroí thú, Mo Chuisle.”

My eyes fluttered close as I leaned against him. “I want that too. It scares me, but I do want it,” I whispered, lifting my head. “What does that mean?”

Kieran’s cheeks tinted. “You are the music of my heart. And Mo Chuisle means my pulse literally, but it can also mean sweetheart. I think they both fit.” He shrugged one shoulder and dropped his eyes.

“I love that.” I cupped his cheek and pressed a kiss to his lips.

“I can’t believe you donated your entire trust fund to Voices In Motion. Why?”

I smiled. “When I researched them all, it was the one that seemed to help people the most without an alternative agenda. I’ve been volunteering there for years.”

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