Page 37 of Stepson

Without hesitation, she nods and stares deep into my gaze. I don't know why, but her approval of trusting me hits something deep in my soul. She may not know this yet, but she has my full heart. Whether she chooses me or Marcus, there’s nobody else in this world for me but her.

"Then let's go."

We walk hand in hand out of the parking garage, watching the sun slowly disappear behind the horizon as the coming night air nips at our bare skin. I know this walk well, but this is all new for her, and I'll take it as slowly as I can. I don't expect her to drop her lingerie and fuck me in front of a room of people, but I hope her seeing it sparks the girl I know is buried deep inside. I got a glance of that girl during our one night together in the Jeep and again when she sucked my dick beneath the desk as a maid spoke to me.

Yeah, I know sexy, dirty Bentley is in there somewhere. I just have to bring her back to the surface.

The neon flashing sign guides our path as the club comes into view. I steal a glance at her as her eyes nearly bulge from her face. She nibbles on her bottom lip again before she looks at me.

"A sex club? Aren't these places—"

I cut her off. "These places are safe. I promise. I used to work here."

She swallows, looking a bit sad. "You worked at The Kitten's Lair? What, um, what did you do here? I mean…"

I laugh, making her stop mid-sentence. "It wasn't like that. I was just the bouncer, babe. No fucking done on my part."

Her shoulders instantly relax, and I love that she shows her jealousy just then. Actually, I want to swing her over my shoulder, slap her ass, and tell her the only woman I want near my dick is her, but I do none of those things. Instead, I’ll show her.

“Ah, shit, is that Gabe Price?!” One of the bouncers I worked with years ago greets me excitedly.

I haven’t seen this guy in forever, and it’s good to see him now. He was a good guy, and I enjoyed my time with him. It always made me laugh knowing he was a bouncer; being the skinniest little black guy I’ve ever seen, but he had a way with words that made up for his lack of muscles.

“Andre, what’s up, brother?” We cup hands, going in for a back slap.

He’s all grins when we separate.

“Awe, shit, man, you’ve missed a ton. Where the hell have you been?”

“Prison,” I answer bluntly.

He inhales a sharp breath. “No shit, man? Fuck.” He scratches the back of his neck before his eyes slide over Bentley. “Who’s this?”

I puff my chest out with pride, grabbing her hand in mine again. “This is Bentley. My… girl.” I don’t know what else to call her and feel my term is as true as it can get.

She smiles warmly up at him. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

They shake hands as Andre grins from ear to ear. “Damn, brother, she’s smoking. You two here to enjoy the club?”

I nod, hoping like hell Bentley’s cool with this.

“I think so.”

He slaps my shoulder. “Well, go on in, man. You two enjoy each other. Have a drink on me.”

I pull Bentley into the club through the black burned wood doors and into a small coat room. I nearly laugh out loud when I see the same little scrawny guy that worked here years ago as well.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in.” He smirks as he stands up, rounds his desk, and embraces me in a hug. “You know that Pearl is pissed that you left without a word, right?”

I flinch, remembering my old boss and how much she was basically obsessed over me. Most nights after we shut down, she’d invite me into her office and try to talk me into doing a scene with her. I always turned her down. I don’t mix business with pleasure. Ever.

“Yeah, well…” I scratch the back of my neck, “I was in prison. Not much I could do about that.”

“Prison?! My God,” he breathes, shaking his head. “What did your shitty father do to you this time?”

Bentley’s grip in my hand tightens as I squeeze back.

“Long story short, I was arrested for grand theft auto. I don’t really want to relive that tonight, if you don’t mind. Is there any room in the club for some newbies tonight?”

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