Viewing Room
Author: Heidi McLaughlin
Date: 2016-09-03 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Romance; Erotica; Suspense; Contemporary; Contemporary Romance; Adult; Bdsm; Erotic Romance; New Adult
Description: **STANDALONE NOVEL by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, Heidi McLaughlin & L.P. Dover.** Viewing Room Rules:The rules of Society X are simple . . . break them and you're out.Rule #1 - No namesIt doesn't matter if you want to know, it's forbidden.Rule #2 - No exchanging numbersIt doesn't matter if you want to call, it's forbidden.Rule #3 - Everything is to remain strictly anonymous.It doesn't matter if you want to tell, it's forbidden.Whatever your desire.Whatever your fantasy.The Viewing Room will make it happen.For Kennedy Vaughn, it’s an escape.For Hunter Miles, entering the
Publisher: L.P. Dover

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written consent from the author.

Viewing Room: A Society X Novel

L.P. Dover & Heidi McLaughlin

Copyright 2016 by L.P. Dover & Heidi McLaughlin

Editor: There for You Editing Services

Cover Design by: Regina Wamba www.maeidesign.com

Model: Anthony Kemper

Interior Design and Formatting by:

www.emtippettsbookdesigns.com

Table of Contents

Title Page

About Viewing Room

Dedication

Chapter One - Kennedy

Chapter Two - Hunter

Chapter Three - Kennedy

Chapter Four - Hunter

Chapter Five - Kennedy

Chapter Six - Hunter

Chapter Seven - Kennedy

Chapter Eight - Hunter

Chapter Nine - Kennedy

Chapter Ten - Hunter

Chapter Eleven - Kennedy

Chapter Twelve - Hunter

Chapter Thirteen - Kennedy

Chapter Fourteen - Hunter

Chapter Fifteen - Kennedy

Chapter Sixteen - Hunter

Chapter Seventeen - Kennedy

Chapter Eighteen - Hunter

Chapter Nineteen - Kennedy

Chapter Twenty - Hunter

Chapter Twenty-One - Kennedy

Chapter Twenty-Two - Hunter

Chapter Twenty-Three - Kennedy

Chapter Twenty-Four - Hunter

Chapter Twenty-Five - Kennedy

Epilogue – Kennedy

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

NOVELS BY HEIDI MCLAUGHLIN

NOVELS BY L.P. DOVER

FOREVER MY GIRL

LAST CHANCE: A Second Chances novel by L.P. Dover

Copyright Notice

Viewing Room Rules:

The rules of Society X are simple . . . break them and you're out.

Rule #1 - No names

It doesn't matter if you want to know, it's forbidden.

Rule #2 - No exchanging numbers

It doesn't matter if you want to call, it's forbidden.

Rule #3 - Everything is to remain strictly anonymous.

It doesn't matter if you want to tell, it's forbidden.

Whatever your desire.

Whatever your fantasy.

The Viewing Room will make it happen.

For Kennedy Vaughn, it’s an escape.

For Hunter Miles, entering the Viewing Room means he’s been selected.

What you witness in the viewing room will have you asking for more . . .

**STANDALONE NOVEL by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, Heidi McLaughlin & L.P. Dover.**

To all the readers who want to explore your inner fantasies – this is your room. Better make sure your batteries are charged/ your husband is home/ or your boyfriend is stocked with condoms. Enjoy!

The day finally came, and for the first time in seven years I’m able to breathe. I hate that I feel like this, but when you’re strapped down for so long, the feeling of being free is just so liberating.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile like that,” Chris observes, walking into my office. Chris Marshall is my business partner and one of my closest friends. We graduated college together and started up our own law firm. For three years now, Marshall & Vaughn has been the most highly sought out law firm in Portland.

Smiling wide, he sits down in front of my desk, his green eyes lit with excitement and his blond hair gelled to perfection; he’s ready for our night out. Glancing down at the paper in my hands, I breathe a sigh of relief.

“It’s because I’ve never had a reason to. The only thing that’s made me happy over the past few years is this firm.”

With a failing marriage, I had to put my focus into something. Neither Aaron nor I wanted to put forth the effort to keep our relationship intact, so we went our separate ways. We married too young and had different goals in life. There were plenty of good times shared, but it wasn’t enough. I can’t even begin to tell you how long it’s been since we’ve had sex.

Leaning over on his arms, Chris winks. “All of that’s about to change, my dear friend. Now that you’re officially divorced we’re going out to celebrate. No more late nights at the office for you.”

Chris is the one who tried to persuade me not to marry Aaron in the first place, that he wasn’t the right kind of guy for me. I wish I would’ve listened to him, but my parents loved Aaron and I wanted to make them happy. Now I know to do things that make me happy; work is my escape.

“Oh yeah? How are you going to stop me?”

His eyes twinkle and I know I’m in trouble; he’s up to something. It’s confirmed when Elaine and Sara appear in the doorway, dressed for a night out on the town. Elaine’s wearing a short, flared black dress that looks sophisticated with her pixie-style brown hair while Sara looks sexy with her curly blonde hair pulled high to show off her shoulders in her strapless red dress.

“Where are you off to?” I ask them.

They glance at each other and smile. “The same place you are,” Sara informs me.

I glance down at my black skirt and blue blouse, knowing I’m not dressed for whatever it is they’re planning. Elaine waves me off. “You look amazing, Kennedy. You could wear a plastic bag and still be as beautiful as ever.”

“That’s right,” Sara agrees. “You’ll fit right in where we’re going.”

Sara is our receptionist and in her early thirties just like me. Chris and I became friends with her in law school, but she dropped out to help support her parents who were ill. Now that they’re both gone, she’s hoping to finish up her schooling. Elaine, on the other hand, is in her forties and happily married with a son in high school. She’s mine and Chris’ assistant.

Chris holds out his hand. “There’s a party in your honor tonight. The girls and I have been planning it all week.”

Taking his hand, I walk around the edge of my desk to join them. “A party? Where?”

They all grin at each other and then Chris waggles his brows at me. “Let’s just say it’s about damn time you went there with me.”

Heart racing, I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Is he talking about Society X? It’s an elite club Chris is a member of and I’ve often been curious about it, but never wanted to go while I was married. Even though Aaron and I were done a long time ago, I felt I should wait until our divorce was final. Now there’s nothing holding me back.

“Are you trying to say we’re going to Society X?” I ask.

Just being able to go inside is a thrill in itself. Chris told me numerous stories of his times there in the sex rooms. Society X is a club where you can experience an upscale, striptease type atmosphere and if you’re a member you can enjoy a lot more. Only high profile people can afford to be a member but Chris said it’s worth it.

Chris pulls me toward the door. “Yep, and we’ve all banded together to make sure you have the best night of your life.”

Sara nods happily as we walk past. “It’s called the Big D party. The people at the club loved the idea.”

“Great,” I laugh. I can’t wait.

When we get out to the parking lot, I climb into my car and follow them there. The club is packed when we arrive, a line wrapping around the building. We all park and Chris opens my door. “You ready?”

Exiting the car, I point at the line. “How are we going to get in? It’ll take hours.”

Sara and Elaine join us, both thinking the same thing by the expressions on their faces. Chris chuckles and puts his arm around me. “That’s because those people aren’t members.” We walk up to the front of the club and the guy standing at the door waves us up. He has a handsome face with the brightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen and muscular arms. The way he looks at Chris leads me to believe they know each other; it has to be Max, his infamous cousin.

Leaning down, Chris whispers in my ear, “That’s my cousin.”

“I figured,” I say with a smile. “I can almost see the family resemblance.”

Chris beams. “Really? You think I’m that hot?”

I wink. “Maybe you can get a job here.” He stands up straighter and I can’t help but laugh. Chris is a very attractive man, always turning women down left and right. Before I met Aaron, my parents fell in love with Chris. They never understood why we didn’t date until I told them he was gay. My mother always said it was unfair how all the good looking guys preferred men. I have to agree with her.

Max saunters up to me and shakes my hand. “You must be Kennedy. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Max. I’ll be the one showing you around the club.”

“It’s good to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you, too,” I say, winking up at Chris.

He flourishes a hand toward the door. “Shall we?”

Sara jumps ahead of us and holds onto Elaine’s arm as we walk inside. Max and Chris are behind me, whispering words I can’t hear but it’s obviously funny by the sound of their chuckles.

There’s a stopping point up ahead where people are asked to leave their things. Apparently, no phones are allowed in the club. “Ladies, all you have to do is leave your electronics such as cameras and phones. You’re more than welcome to carry your purses in,” Max informs us.

We walk up to the front and drop off our things. There are other employees walking around inside and they all look professional, dressed in tuxedos. There’s nothing cheap about Society X. From the fixtures to the expensive flooring, you can tell the owner had to spend some serious money to make the club as elite as it is.

Max leads us past the slew of people inside to a hallway that drops us off at two doors. One is labeled Men and the other Women. Max smiles at us all and opens the door to the Men side. “I’m assuming this is where you want to go, right?”

“Um . . . yeah,” Sara laughs. “I don’t swing the other way.”

Giggling, Elaine nudges me in the side. “So she says.”

Sara moves up to the door. “I heard that.”

Max focuses on me and I nod. He opens the door and the deep thump of the music vibrates from my feet to all through my body. It’s dark, but I can see all the different flashes of light above the tall wall. Women holler out and I can only imagine what they’re seeing. When we turn the corner, my eyes go wide.

Chris comes up from behind and whispers in my ear, “Ready to get this party started?”

“Yes,” I breathe. Chris says something to Max and then it isn’t long before I have a drink in my hands.

There are men everywhere, walking around half-naked and talking to the women. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous people in my life. My ex-husband is a decent looking man, but nothing like what I’m seeing. I didn’t even know that people like this existed in Portland.

Max leads us over to a private table and we sit. “In about an hour, we have a surprise for you. Actually, it was Chris’ idea. He thought it’d be just what you needed.”

Eyes wide, I suck in a breath. “You’re not going to make me go into the dark room, are you?”

Everyone bursts out laughing and Chris shakes his head. “No, crazy woman. You’re not ready for that. But what’s going to happen is just as exciting. You’ll thank me tomorrow.”

Is it wrong that I’m excited? I’m thirty-three years old and it feels like I’m back in college, having fun without a care in the world. I’ve missed so many good years being stuck with Aaron.

Society X is known for its sex clubs. If you’re a member, you can choose between three rooms: the dark room, the viewing room, or the bondage room. The dark room is where you’re in complete darkness with another person you don’t know. It’s the appeal of the room, to have sex with a stranger. The thought seems pretty tempting, but I’m more of a visual type of person. The bondage room is completely out for me. I don’t like the whips and chains kind of stuff. The viewing room, however, could be very interesting. In there, you can watch whatever fantasy your heart truly desires. Chris loves that room; it’s what got him hooked to the club. Some will say he’s addicted.

Max brings me another drink and it’s just what I need to loosen up. There’s so much going on in the club that I have to experience it all. Standing, I reach for my drink. “I’m going to walk around for a bit before my surprise,” I tell everyone. Sara starts to get up and join me, but then one of the strippers comes by and begins to talk to her. She mouths the word ‘sorry’ at me but I wave her off, laughing.

There are tables all throughout the room with ladies filling almost every seat. The guy on stage is dancing for a group of women who keep shoving money down the front of his G-string. It isn’t just one-dollar bills either. The women here have money to burn.

My gaze roams around the room until a certain man catches my attention. He’s younger than me, but probably not by much, maybe in his mid-twenties. His body is amazing, but it’s his face that got me. There are ladies all around him, but for some reason, he has his eyes on me. They’re dark, most likely a shade of brown from what I can tell. I bite my lip and try not to smile, but it’s hard not to. It’s been so long since I’ve had a man look at me like that.

“Good evening,” a voice calls out from behind. My heart jumps and I turn around, gasping for air. A guy in one of the Society X tuxedos holds a hand out to me. “I’m Jared. You’re Kennedy Vaughn, correct?” He has dark hair, gelled in messy spikes, and a really cute smile.

I shake his hand. “Yes,” I reply curiously.

He hands me a card. “We’ve been watching you tonight. If you’re interested, I’d love to talk to you more about becoming a member. We think you’ll be a good addition to our clientele.”

“Is that something you say to all the ladies?” I ask with a laugh.

His gaze turns serious. “No, Ms. Vaughn. We’re very particular with the people we choose. I know Mr. Marshall has something planned for you tonight, but if you’re willing, I’d love to invite you back for a tour of the rest of the club. That is, if you’re interested.”

It takes all I have not to look at the mysterious guy across the room, but I can feel his eyes on me. “Thank you, Jared. I’ll think about it and let you know.”

He nods once and smiles. “Sounds good, Ms. Vaughn. I look forward to hearing back from you.”

He saunters off and I turn around, my heart falling when I can’t spot my guy. He’s probably off in a back room rubbing up on someone else. Why do I care anyway? He’s most likely gay just like most of the men who work in strip clubs.

Tossing back the rest of my drink, I take one last look around the room and am about to head over to my table when a voice murmurs in my ear, “Looking for me?”

Gasping, I turn around. It’s the guy from across the room and I’m right about his eyes—they’re a soft brown with a gold ring around his pupils; very sexy. His cologne wafts in the air and it’s intoxicating. It takes all I have not to run my fingers down his rock hard abs.

“You’re a little full of yourself, aren’t you?” I counter.

He shrugs. “Not really. I was just hoping you were. My name’s Hunter.” He reaches for my hand and keeps his gaze on mine as he kisses it. My body shivers and a smile crosses his lips. “I haven’t seen you in here before.”

He slowly lets my hand go and I have to remind myself to breathe. “I’m Kennedy. It’s my first time here. Apparently, my colleagues thought it’d be a good idea to celebrate my divorce.”

His smile widens. “And the night is getting better. You don’t look old enough to have been married. Must not have lasted long.”

“Five years. We were just two different people. And I’m not as young as you may think.”

His gaze roams over my body in appreciation, making everything inside of me tighten. “You can’t be more than thirty.”

“Thirty-three,” I correct him. “And you’re what … twenty-one?” I know he’s older than that, but it’s fun flirting with him. I’m never going to see him again after tonight, so why not?

He bites his lip. “Twenty-five. How old is your ex-husband?”

“Thirty-six, why?”

I can feel the warmth of his body as he moves closer, his lips only a breath away. “Just thought I’d see if you’d be interested in someone younger. I’m positive I could make you feel things your ex-husband couldn’t.”

My body trembles and thoughts of sneaking away to a dark corner with him run rampant in my mind. However, like all strip clubs, they’re made to speak like that. He’s probably said the same thing to a dozen other women within the past hour.

I step back. “Thanks for the offer, but aren’t most of you gay?” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.

He tries to hold back his smile and fails. His fingers grasp a strand of my auburn hair and he twirls it around. “I’m not gay, Kennedy,” he murmurs, drawing closer. “If you stick around long enough, maybe you’ll find that out.”

“Kennedy,” Chris calls. I jerk around and he’s standing with Sara and Elaine, waving me over. Hunter has already walked off but makes sure to glance at me over his shoulder as we retreat to opposite ends of the room. Chris glances at Hunter and then at me. “I see you’re mingling tonight. He’s cute.”

I smack his arm. “Not going to happen.”

“Are you ready for your surprise? Max is ready for us,” Sara says excitedly.

I laugh. “I guess so.” Max waits for us by another door that leads out of the stripping area. When he opens it, there’s a long hallway with other doors.

We follow Max to a door on the left, but he stops with his hand on the knob, his gaze on mine. “You don’t have to participate if you don’t want to, but Chris thought you’d enjoy it. I wanted to go ahead and warn you now.”

My heart thunders in my chest. “What exactly will I be doing?”

He nods toward the room. “This is the viewing room. We have a dancer all picked out for you, but your friends have requested to have you up on stage with him. Basically, all it’ll be is a lap dance.”

“And we get to watch,” Sara pipes in. “But I’ll be happy to switch places with you.”

Chris puts his arm around me. “Nope, this is something she has to do. It’s time she lives a little bit.”

As Max opens the door, I take a deep breath. I’m ready.

The viewing room is a wide-open space with a stage on one side and a soft couch on the other. My skin breaks out in chills when I see the bed in the center of the stage along with a chair beside it. I have a strange feeling I’m going to be lying on that bed at one point or another. Sara, Elaine, and Chris sit on the long couch, sipping their drinks while I look around the room.

“Kennedy, do you mind sitting in the chair?” Max asks.

I turn to look at him and then focus on the chair. I can do this. After joining him up on stage, I take a seat.

Kneeling down in front of me, he smiles. “If you ever feel uncomfortable, all you have to do is say stop. We’re not going to do something you don’t want.”

“Okay.”

“Are you ready?” Closing my eyes, I nod. The lights dim but when I open my eyes, I can’t see the couch. The lights above have hidden them from sight, making it feel like I’m the only one in the room. Music starts to play and it’s no shock that “Pony” by Ginuwine is the song choice. It’s the perfect one to set the mood.

I can feel someone behind me and then their warm hands caressing my shoulders. The smell of his cologne drifts to my nose and I gasp. Is it the guy I talked to in the club? Heart racing, I wait for him to face me, but he stays behind me, his mouth so close to my ear.

“Are you ready, Kennedy?” he murmurs. I suck in a breath and freeze. It is him. He circles around me, his dark eyes full of heat. “Are you?” he repeats.

He moves closer, straddling my legs with his hard cock pressed between my breasts. Sliding lower, his body shields me from view as he settles between my thighs. His hand slides under my skirt and he smirks, knowing the others can’t see what he’s doing. What’s exciting is that I’m actually letting him do it. I want him to touch me. If the others weren’t in the room, there’s no telling what I’d allow him to do. My body craves a man’s touch.

He pushes his hand farther up my skirt, his middle finger skimming across my underwear. My skin’s on fire and I know he can feel the wetness between my legs. Groaning low, he gently nips my breast through my shirt.

“How ’bout we give ’em a show?” he asks, murmuring the words.

All I can say is ‘okay’ and then I’m in his arms. He carries me over to the bed and lays me down, covering my body with his. His hips move against mine as if we’re having sex and in my mind I can just imagine us doing it. With his back to my friends, he lowers his underwear so I can see his arousal. My whole body trembles and I want desperately to feel him inside of me. He slides his hands up my legs and pulls down my underwear, breathing in my scent. The song is almost over but yet I want more. It feels like I’m high, drugged up on sex and lust. When the music stops, the room is dead silent except for our breathing. Hunter’s chest rises up and down, his eyes wild and unsatisfied. At least he looks how I feel.

“Do you still think I’m gay?” he asks, whispering the words.

A small smirk spreads across my lips. “Maybe. It’s a shame you can’t prove otherwise.”

The lights brighten and he slides off my body. Grabbing his robe, he puts it on and backs slowly away. “Until next time …”

I watch him walk away, my heart pounding against my chest. I’ve never been so exhilarated in all my life. Thunderous steps pound toward me, and then Sara appears in my line of sight, fanning herself. “Holy shit, I can’t believe you did that. It was so hot.”

“Yes it was. And I really want to do it again.”

Chris and Max both chuckle. “She’s addicted now,” Chris says. “Looks like you have a new member.” He’s completely, and without a doubt, right. I’m addicted and I want more … a lot more.

The line outside Society X reminded me that it’s Friday and hands down the busiest night of the week. The women, and I’m sure men, come out in droves. It’s the work crowd. The people who need to let loose before going home to their mundane existence. The patrons tonight give new meaning to the phrase ‘happy hour’. They drink, we perform, and shit gets downright fucking nasty.

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the look on a woman’s unsuspecting face when I pull my dick out of my pants and stroke it for her. She’ll lick her lips, the automatic response drunk and horny women give, showing me that she’s ready to taste what I have to offer. I’ll get real close and watch her eyes go wide and her mouth drop open before I back away and make some other woman’s panties wet. I love teasing them.

That’s how we work. It’s our modus operandi. Tease the fucking shit out of them until they’re squirming in their seats to create the friction their aching clits need to get off. And when I come out after my set, they’re all too willing to pay me for a lap dance. The only rule: they can’t touch, but you can bet your ass I’m touching them.

Once I step inside the locker room, I hit the shower. I like to be fresh when I take the stage. When I’m done and dry, I spray myself with my cologne and body spray so that it makes my body glisten under the fluorescent lights. It’s my job to make the ladies feel like they can live out their fantasies. I want them all to think I’m attainable, that they’re sexy enough to have a guy like me.

Most of the women I encounter in the club ask if I’m gay. More so, they assume I am. I think it shocks them when I tell them I’m one hundred percent hetero and enjoy having my dick sucked by a woman. However, a handful of my co-workers are, but they don’t go around broadcasting it. At Society X we’re all fucking equal and all here to do one job: bring pleasure to the people in the room.

“What are your skits tonight?” Donnie asks. Donnie and I have been dancing for a year, except he’s danced elsewhere before landing the job here.

“Fireman, some bath scene, and a few group things. What about you?” Donnie and I stand side by side, with just our jeans on. The underwear we have on is club issued. They’re white with Society X printed on the waistband. The owner, Bryce, is a stickler when it comes to his club, which is probably why it’s the hottest nightspot in town. Even though this is a sex club, it’s clean. So clean I’d bring my grandmother here, but then she’d ask how I know about this place and I’d have to lie.

I live on the third story of a pretty decent apartment complex in a one-bedroom bachelor pad. It’s nothing high-end, but it’s affordable, clean, and it’s mine. I tried living with a few of the other dancers before and it was nothing but a sex-fest. And considering my grandma likes to go to church on Sundays and insists on driving, the last thing I needed for her to see was someone’s cock hanging out or some chick with her tits bouncing in the air. Grandma doesn’t know that my income is based on how well I can take my clothes off at night or how well I might stroke my dick. It’s not something you bring up at dinner. The last thing I want to do is give her a heart attack. Or have her think I need to repent. I do enough praying when I’m banging my flavor of the week.

“I have a bride and groom scene, two appointments in the viewing room, and I’ll be out there with you during the group shit,” Donnie says.

The viewing room is the place to be. That’s if you’re lucky enough to get booked. I’ve been in there a few times, but Donnie has regulars and those are hard to get. A lot of people can’t afford the membership rates and those that can usually have their favorites. On my nights off, I like to come in and watch what’s going on in there. It’s not always open for anyone’s viewing pleasure and the sign on the door will tell you if you can go in. That’s the only time staff is allowed. We’re not allowed to be members, and even if we were, we wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Most of us have day jobs and whatnot, but there are few who live solely off Society X. Take G Money, aka Gary, for example: he’s been here since it opened. Started as a bouncer and moved into dancing. This is his only job and he is booked most of the time for private parties. The man is a walking god among women and totally bats for the other team. Still, he does all the bachelorette parties, private parties, and whatever else the patron’s want and makes a killing. Some of us only strive to reach his status level.

Poking my head out, I watch the women and a few men continue to filter in while G Money dances around the stage. The women who are up close are going fucking nuts for him and his surgically enlarged dick. Most of the time I don’t pay attention to who is coming in, but then there are other times I’ll find someone that I want to focus on during my performances. It’s funny to watch them scramble to tip me even though that’s not why I do it. There’s always one in the crowd that needs extra attention.

That’s when I see her. Her red hair catches my attention. She’s sophisticated—that much I can tell from here—and also new to the club. I’ve never seen her before.

“I’m going out,” I tell Donnie. He nods, but doesn’t look up from the trashy romance novel he’s reading. He’s always trying to copy the sex scenes for his stage show. I don’t blame him, but I like to do what comes naturally. I just fuck the crowd.

The minute I walk out of the back room I have a harem waiting for me. They’re my regulars, not that I know any of their names but some I may have carnal knowledge of. It’s a hazard of the job. Not that I’ve picked them up here, it’s usually at Starbucks or whatever, and there’s always the awkward conversation of “hey I saw your dick the other night” and they sit there licking their lips instead of having a real conversation with you … so you show them what your cock can really do when hundreds of women aren’t looking at it.

I stand along the bar and watch the redhead. Her skirt is fucking tight, accentuating her ass perfectly and I imagine my hands palming her cheeks. That vision quickly changes to her riding my dick with my hands gripping her ass. I shake my head and ask our bartender for a ginger ale. I need something to get rid of my suddenly dry mouth.

My dick jumps when she turns and looks at me. Her gaze is penetrating—it lingers, as she looks me over, calculating the steps she has to take in order to get to me. I give her a smirk and make sure she knows that I’m looking at all of her as my eyes sweep up and down the length of her body.

When she turns around, I know I have to do something and as I step toward her, the women flocking me follow, but I ignore them. They can’t touch me so the sooner they get the hint, the better.

I step behind her, taking a deep whiff of her perfume. “Looking for me?” I murmur in her ear. She turns and her hand accidentally brushes against my dick.

Her mouth opens in shock and it’s fucking inviting. I want to taste her, to thrust my tongue in so deep until she’s screaming with pleasure. When I look into her eyes, I realize it’s a huge mistake. This woman is rocking the hottest green eyes I have ever seen. They’re sucking me in, daring me to get swept away by their magic.

“You’re a little full of yourself, aren’t you?” she states boldly, knocking me off my game. She’s a little vixen. I like it.

I shrug and can’t help but smirk. “Not really. I was just hoping you were. My name’s Hunter.” I pick up her hand and kiss the back of it. “I haven’t seen you here before.”

“I’m Kennedy,” she says breathlessly when I let go of her hand. It falls limply by her side as she mumbles, “It’s my first time here. Apparently, my colleagues thought it’d be a good idea to celebrate my divorce.”

Fucking single. I can’t help but smile at that little tidbit. “And the night is getting better. You don’t look old enough to have been married. Must not have lasted long.”

“Five years,” she says. “We were just two different people. And I’m not as young as you may think.”

I take a step back and give her a once over that turns into me lingering at her goods. “You can’t be more than thirty.”

“Thirty-three,” she corrects me. “And you’re what … twenty-one?”

I bite my lip to keep from laughing. “Twenty-five. How old was your ex-husband?”

“Thirty-six, why?”

I step in closer, bringing my lips within inches of hers, and share the same air. “Just thought I’d see if you’d be interested in someone younger. I’m positive I could make you feel things your ex-husband couldn’t.” The words are out of my mouth and I don’t want to take them back. It’s been ages since I’ve seen someone that I want to get to know and not the other way around. Being a stripper has its advantages. I don’t have to come on to anyone. The women I meet are fucking eager to get on their knees and show me a good time. But this woman … Kennedy … fuck me if I don’t want to spread her out on the table and dive into her pussy and taste her.

When she looks at me like I’m joking, I stare back at her with my most serious expression. Kennedy trembles and starts fidgeting with her hands. She’s nervous. I make her feel this way. She steps back, putting too much distance between us. Her friends are giggling as they watch her fumble.

“Thanks for the offer, but aren’t most of you gay?”

This time I do laugh and use the distraction to touch her hair. Picking up a strand, I wrap her silky auburn hair around my finger. “I’m not gay, Kennedy,” I whisper as I step closer. “If you stick around long enough, maybe you’ll find that out.”

With that, I leave her standing there in the middle of the room with her mouth slack open. As soon as I step into the backroom I’m trying to catch my breath. I stare at myself in the mirror, wondering, What the hell am I thinking? I’ve never done anything like that, but one look at her and I had to know her … I had to touch her. But now that I have it may not be enough.

When Jared walks in, I straighten up. For all I know he caught all that on the floor and probably has a list of rules I’ve fucking broke. If he fires me, I’m going out there and scooping Kennedy up and taking her with me.

“Hunter, you have a schedule change. You’ll be in the viewing room next.”

“Thanks, Jared,” I say, nodding to him. I should be happy, but I’d rather go out there and eye fuck Kennedy all night long than grope someone else.

Getting a gig in the viewing room is what I always strive for, but it takes everything inside me to get geared up. I’m ready to get the shit over with and find Kennedy again. Once my client is situated in her chair, the lights are dimmed and my music starts. The song is “Pony” by Ginuwine—the most overplayed song in strip clubs, but for whatever reason the women wet themselves for it so we keep playing it.

I can tell there are people watching, but I can’t see their faces. All I know is it’s a group and not just one person. When my eyes find the woman in the chair, I pause for a quick second. I can’t see her face but I recognize her red hair. It’s her. It’s fucking Kennedy. I promised her a good time and that’s what I’m going to give her. With a smile on my face, I drop my pants and step behind her chair.

“Are you ready, Kennedy?” I murmur against her as my hands caress her shoulders. She tenses and I love that I make her nervous. If she asked me to fuck her right there on stage, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I’ll make her come like she’s a fucking porn star and make her feel things she could only imagine in her wildest fantasies.

When she doesn’t answer me I step around to the front of the chair so I can look into her green eyes. “Are you?” I ask again as I straddle her, pulling my cock out of my Society X underwear so she can get a good look. She sucks in a breath when I place my dick between her breasts. What I wouldn’t give to fuck her tits right now. Sliding lower, I situate myself so her friends can’t see as I settle between her thighs and slide my hand up her skirt until my finger grazes her damp underwear.

She trembles and I take that as an invite to do more. I gently bite down on her fabric-covered breast and she groans, sending a clear signal to my dick.

“How ’bout we give ’em a show?” I ask as my finger continues to run up and down the front of her panties.

“Okay,” she says, barely audible but enough for me to hear. I have her consent to do what I want, until she tells me no.

She’s in my arms before she can change her mind and my body is covering her the moment I lay her on the bed. My hips move into hers on their own volition and before I know what’s going on, I’m harder than a fucking rock.

Her hips meet every one of my thrusts until I pull away, afraid I’m going to blow my load and get her pretty little skirt wet. I slide my hands up her legs and grab her panties, pulling them down her legs so I can see how fucking wet she is. I lean down and breathe in her scent, committing it to memory.

As my music ends I realize I’m in a trance. My chest is heaving and this is the do or die moment. I can fucking fall into her and find out what it’s like to have her pussy squeezing my dick or I can get up and go do my job.

“Do you still think I’m gay?” I ask, leaning into her.

The devilish smirk on her face makes me want to fuck her even more. “Maybe. It’s a shame you can’t prove otherwise.”

I don’t know if that’s an invitation or what, but the lights flickering back on save me from making a fool out of myself. I leave the warmth of her body and step back. It pains me to leave, especially when we have a perfectly good bed to put to use, but I have to. She didn’t ask for sex in the viewing room.

“Until next time …” I say before disappearing behind the curtain. I stand there, listening to her move around while I try to control my breathing. The woman is going to fucking kill me.

I continued to watch Kennedy all night and much to my pleasure she ignored everyone until I came out. I gave her a lap dance, much to her friends’ delight. Her cheeks turned the same color as her hair, but never once did her eyes leave mine, even as I stood there stroking my dick in front of her face. I wanted to ask her to go back in the viewing room and give me her number, but knew I couldn’t. She’d have to ask for me and I’m not sure that’s a chance I’m willing to take.

I flirted with her more than any other woman tonight and my tips show for it. I should have a bankroll in my pocket, but I don’t. It’s a small sacrifice that I’m willing to accept because the alternative has been somewhat worth it. My only hope is that she comes back tomorrow or next week and we can play once more. All I know is that I have to see her again.

The parking lot is still full when I walk out. That’s when I see her standing by a car talking to her friends. I stand back and watch her for a minute until I see them hug each other and go to their separate cars.

I cough loudly so she knows I’m approaching. She turns and steps toward her car, her eyes wide.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “You didn’t,” she replies nervously.

“Then why are you shaking?” I run the edge of my fingers down her arm, causing her to shiver even more. Chuckling lightly, I step closer.

“It’s cold out.”

“Let me warm you up,” I offer. Kennedy glances over her shoulders, probably wondering if she needs to scream for help. The truth is, the security guard can probably see everything and if she does scream, he’ll come running. “Why don’t we sit in your car and talk?”

She pulls her bottom lip in between her teeth only for my thumb to pull it back out. If anyone is going to be biting her lip tonight, it’s going to be me.

“What harm can it do? You think I’m gay, remember?” I tease.

She scoffs and then smiles. “Not anymore.” That theory went out the window once she had me in the viewing room. Unlocking her car doors, she nods toward the passenger side. “Get in.”

What I’m doing is risky and I could probably lose my job, but there’s something about her and everything inside of me is screaming that I need to know her. I climb in and she starts the car, warding off the early morning chill that’s in the air. Kennedy turns on the radio, her breaths growing deeper and faster. She won’t look at me but I’m about to change that.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” she says as her breath fills the compact space in her car.

“Done what? Talk to a man in your car?” I take her chin and gently turn her to face me.

“No, what I did in the viewing room or having you in here. I feel …”

I can’t help but smile. “Dirty?”

“No,” she says, shaking her head. “Torrid. I—”

Leaning over, I capture her lips with mine, stopping her from saying anything more. She whimpers as I push my tongue into her warm mouth. Nails dig into my arms and then my neck as I work the buttons on her blouse. I may be moving too fast, but I don’t care. As long as she doesn’t tell me to stop, I’m going to have her. With the valley of her breasts exposed I move down her neck to her tits, tweaking her fabric-covered nipples between my fingers. She squirms in her seat, looking for friction.

“When was the last time you came?” I ask, without stopping my fingers and lips.

“Huh?”

“Orgasm, Kennedy. When was the last time you came on a man’s cock while he was buried deep in your pussy?”

She mumbles some incoherent answer but it doesn’t stop her body from responding to me. I fish out the condom that’s in my pocket. It’s a hazard of the job and I’m always prepared. I pull her shirt off, as much as I can, and yank the cups of her bra down exposing one of her mounds. Her nipple puckers as the cold air hits, inviting me to take it in my mouth. I bite and lap at her breasts while she holds my head there, unwilling to let me move.

My cock strains against my jeans and my balls fucking ache. I want to fuck her. What’s worse is that I need to. I won’t be able to think of anything else until I’ve had her. My hand slides between her legs and she spreads them for me, giving herself to me freely. My fingers await her wet satin panties, but find skin.

“Where are your panties?”

She sighs breathlessly and it’s so fucking sexy. “In my purse. They were too wet to put back on … oh God,” she moans as my thumb brushes against her clit and my finger dips into her pussy.

“Fuck, you feel so good against my finger,” I say against her skin as my hand rocks back and forth between her legs. She moves her hips in rhythm and moans as her nails dig into the back of my neck.

“I need more.”

“My fucking pleasure.”

I move the seat back and recline, pulling my jeans down and letting my cock spring free. I wrap that fucker fast and pull her toward me. She’s already hiking her skirt up around her hips and centering me. My hands grip her hips as I bring her down onto me. I don’t go slowly with this shit either; I fucking pull her down so I can feel her pussy wrap around my dick.

I hiss at the contact and her head falls back. I give her a second to adjust to my girth before I rock my hips and plant my feet on the floorboard for leverage. I thrust into her, causing her to scream out.

Kennedy bounces on my dick and the smell of sex fills the car. The windows have fogged up so no one can see in, but they wouldn’t need to see to know what’s going on in here.

“You’re so fucking sexy,” I murmur. She falls forward and I suck on her nipples as she moves her body up and down my cock.

“You’re so big,” she says. “I can feel you everywhere.”

That’s the fucking goal, sweetheart. I let go of her breast and move to her lips, plunging my tongue deep inside of her mouth. We kiss, exchanging the same air, moans, and slew of curse words until she sits back up. My hands fall to her hips when she slows down, opting for a change in position as she leans back. I have a clear shot at her clit and waste no time rubbing it. When her head falls back I know I’m on the right path.

“Keep going, Kennedy,” I tell her as she bucks her hips, moving faster against my thumb.

“I’m going to come.”

I pump faster, trying to be right there with her. The first initial squeeze of my dick has me on the brink and when she reaches behind her to touch my balls, I’m jerking into her, groaning as her pussy clenches tightly around me, pulsing as if it’s just been through the best night of its life.

Kennedy falls to my chest; we’re both heaving and out of breath. I hold her to me, wishing my shirt were off so I could feel her against my skin.

“I can’t believe I just did that,” she whispers, her voice sounding terrified.

She moves away, quickly sliding off of me like I have the fucking plague. When she’s back in her seat, she looks at me and down at my condom-covered dick.

“Do you always have condoms on you?”

“Yes.” When you work in the sex industry, you get laid. I have to be prepared. I can see it in her eyes it’s not the answer she wanted.

“Oh God,” she says, covering her eyes. “I need you to go.”

“Why?”

“Just go, please.”

She doesn’t have to ask me again. I take the condom off, wrapping it in a piece of tissue that I find on her console, and slip my pants back on.

With my hand on the door, I look at her. Her face is still covered, but I can’t help myself—I lean over and kiss her hand, lingering there for a moment. “If it’s any consolation, I’ve never been with someone … like this.”

“Right.”

I shake my head. “No, what I mean is, I’ve never wanted someone like I want you. I don’t get turned on anymore on the job because I’ve grown immune to what is required of us, but with you, you make me so hard I wanted to fuck you earlier.”

“Please go.”

I nod even though she can’t see me and slip out of her car. By the time I reach mine, she’s tearing out of the parking lot with her tires screeching.

“Way to fuck that up, Hunter.”

The weekend is over and I spent it hiding away in my house. Now I’m on my way to the coffee shop before heading into work. My cheeks burn as I remember what happened in the very car I’m sitting in. I want to pretend it was just a dream, but Hunter’s cologne still lingers in my car, making it all the more real.

What the hell have I done? I don’t just screw people I don’t know in cars. It’s been two days since that night at Society X and I can’t get it out of my mind. Hunter awoke things inside of me I never knew were there, but at what price? My dignity? Is it wrong I enjoyed it and want to go back?

Nope, I can’t go back, not with the way I left. I’m so embarrassed but also angry with myself. Hunter probably does that with a different woman each night and I was stupid enough to fall for it. I pull up to the coffee shop and hurry inside. I’m not running late, but the sooner I can get to the office and bury myself in work, the better.

Mackenzie is working at the counter and she smiles at me when I walk in. Her blonde hair is pulled to the side in a long braid and she’s wearing a Portland State University T-shirt underneath her apron. “Good morning, Mackenzie. How was your spring break?”

She sighs. “Cancun was amazing. I want to go back.”

“I bet,” I laugh. Her skin has a glow, something I haven’t had in a long time from all the hours I work inside. I glance down at my pale arms. Yep, I’m definitely going to have to try and get out more.

“Want your usual?” she asks. I nod and she gets to work on my drink which is always a mocha latte with a shot of espresso. “You’re here a little early aren’t you?”

“Yeah, I wanted to get a head start at the office.”

After she hands me my latte, I pass her my card. “I know how that is. I have to get to school early this afternoon to study for a test.”

“Have fun with that. Exams are the one thing I don’t miss.”

She runs my card and gives it back to me. “I’ll be glad when I don’t have to do it anymore. I only have three more years,” she replies sarcastically.

“It’ll be over before you know it.” More customers start coming in so I wave and find a table. Since I have a few minutes, I pick up one of the newspapers they always keep scattered on various tables and have a seat. It’s the only time I’ll have to read it with the kind of schedule I have.

I hold up the paper and search through it, but nothing really catches my eye. It’s always the same bullshit, week after week. I’m almost done with my latte when I hear the chair across from me skid across the floor. I lower the paper and freeze as I stare into a pair of golden brown eyes.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I snap. Dressed in a pair of khaki pants and a polo shirt, it’s a complete contrast to the way I saw him the other night.

Hunter smirks. “I could ask you the same thing. Are you following me?”

Rolling my eyes, I slam the paper onto the table. “Hardly. I come in here every day and I’ve never seen you. Maybe it’s you following me.” I realize my mistake as soon as I say it. Now he’s going to know I’m in here every day. My cheeks slowly begin to burn and all I can think about is staring into those eyes of his as he fucked me in the car. The ache between my legs comes back with a vengeance. Shit.

“Where do you work at?” he asks, taking in my attire.

“That’s none of your business. Now if you don’t mind, I’ll be leaving.”

I start to get up, but he grabs my hand. “Wait.”

Huffing, I sit back down. “I don’t have time for this, Hunter.”

He stares at me as if he can see right through me; it makes me shiver. “Well, you’re going to make time because I have something to say. You left in such a rush the other night, I didn’t get a chance to explain myself.”

I snort and lower my voice. “Like that matters. You’re a stripper for Christ’s sake. You probably screw a different girl each night.”

He sits back, eyes raw and untamed. Luckily, there’s no one near our table. “For a while, I did and it was fucking awesome. I’m not going to lie about my past or what I do. But if you want the truth—”

Holding up my hands, I cut him off. “I don’t.” I get up and push in my chair. “Good-bye, Hunter.” Instead of going out the door to my car, I retreat to the place I know he can’t follow. Heart pounding, I slam open the bathroom door and rush to the sink. My cheeks are red and my whole body is on fire. It’s best to get away from him before I do something stupid again.

As I look at my face in the mirror, the door opens and Hunter comes barging in, locking the door behind him. I jerk around and back myself into the wall. “Seriously?”

He stalks toward me. “I told you I had something to say and you’re going to hear me out. Why are you so afraid? You wanted it the other night just as much as me.” Not being able to deny it, I stand there frozen as he moves closer. “And don’t try to deny it because I can tell. I can see it in your eyes. You wanted me then and you want me now.”

“You’re such an arrogant bastard,” I hiss.

I try to step past him, but he blocks my way, cornering me with his hands against the wall. His lips are so close I feel his breath against my face. “I’m not saying that to be an ass, Kennedy. I’ve never had anyone affect me the way you did the other night. It was intense and something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I’m not gonna lie … I want more. I’ve been going out of my mind hoping I’d see you again.”

His mouth closes over mine and he pushes his tongue inside, only I willingly let him in. Everything inside of me clenches and if I’m truly honest with myself, I want more, too. “We can’t,” I say, breaking the kiss. “I can’t do this knowing you’re sleeping with other women.”

He doesn’t move back, but stares heatedly down at me, his arousal pressing against my core. “I never said I was. And who’s to say you’re not fucking other men?” I don’t have an answer because he has a point. Nothing is holding me back from doing anything I want. I’m young and single. He rests a hand against my face, stroking my cheek with his thumb. It’s his eyes that make me fall under his spell. “I’m living in the moment and all I see is you. I’m not gonna be able to stop until I have more.”

“What happens when you get that?” I ask breathlessly. “You move on to the next piece of ass?”

He shakes his head. “I’ll want even more.”

Pushing me against the wall, he picks me up in his arms and I gasp. My legs wrap around his waist and he carries me to the counter. His lips are all over mine, tasting and biting. I can’t think of anything else but that night two days ago. I can still feel him stretching me to the point of pain, but it was a delicious ache. Lifting my skirt, he sets me on the counter.

I hiss as the cold marble rests against my skin. “What are you doing?”

He slides me toward him and gets on his knees. “I want to taste you.” The next thing I know, he rips off my underwear and his mouth is on my clit.

Grabbing onto the sink, I moan, “Oh my God, Hunter.” His tongue plunges in deep and I bite my lip to keep from screaming. I’m so close to losing control, my orgasm building with each flick of his tongue. As soon as he thrusts a finger inside of me, I’m done. I clench all around him as my body explodes. I cry out as quietly as I can while I ride wave after wave of pure ecstasy.

“You taste so fucking good,” Hunter growls, swiping his tongue against me one last time. He helps me off the counter and straightens my skirt. Noticing his bulging pants, I reach down to touch him, but he grabs my hand. “I’m out of time,” he murmurs.

My hands itch to touch him. “What about you though? I can’t leave you like that after what you did to me.”

He kisses me again and bites my bottom lip. I can taste myself on his lips. “There’s always tomorrow. If you want me, meet me here in the morning.”

With those final words, he straightens himself and walks out the door. Heart racing, I walk out after him and Mackenzie jerks her head in a different direction, clearly trying to be discreet. While I watch Hunter get into his car, I’m still reeling from my orgasm. I can hardly move.

He wants me here tomorrow? Is that something I really want to do? My body screams yes, but should I really risk my reputation for that? No … but I’m going to do it anyway.

There are cars already filling the parking lot when I arrive. It’s a good thing because it means we’re busy, but it’s bad because I’m late. Out of all the years I’ve worked, I’ve never been late. I walk in and Sara does a double take when she looks at me. Am I glowing? Do I look like I just had one of the best orgasms of my life? I try to hide my smile, and can’t.

“Good morning, Kennedy,” she calls out. “You look happy this morning.”

“Thanks,” I say in passing. “Good morning to you, too.”

When I get to the office, Elaine comes barging in with her notebook at the ready. Clearing her throat, she pushes her glasses up on her nose. “Your first appointment is here. Her name is Jennifer Bates and she’s trying to get a divorce. From what I gather, it’s getting pretty nasty.”

I love working divorce cases; especially if the guy is in the wrong. There’s nothing like the feeling of triumph when my clients win against low life assholes who like to cheat or beat their wives.

“Sounds good. What else do I have today?”

She glides her pen down the paper. “Nothing major, just a bunch of paperwork from the courthouse. Should I send in Mrs. Bates?”

“Please,” I reply, sitting up straighter in the seat.

After writing something down in her notebook she looks at me, her gaze narrowed. “Did you get a new haircut this weekend?”

I laugh. “No, why?”

“You look different this morning. I can’t put my finger on it.”

“I don’t know, maybe it’s the jolt of espresso I had this morning.”

She yawns. “Maybe that’s what I need this morning. As soon as I seat Mrs. Bates I’m going to make some coffee. You want some?”

I wave her off. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks though.” She walks out of the room and a couple seconds later, she shows up with Jennifer Bates—however, I already know who she is. She almost looks the same as she did in high school, only now she’s lost a little bit of weight and her hair is a gorgeous blonde.

“Jennifer Bloom?” She greets me with a smile and I hug her. “I can’t believe it’s you. Please, have a seat.” I look over at Elaine. “I graduated high school with her. It’s been …”

“Fifteen years,” Jennifer says.

Elaine backs away to the door. “Looks like you have a lot to catch up on. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Elaine.” Once she shuts the door, I turn my attention to Jennifer. “You look amazing.”

“So do you. You always said you were going to be a lawyer. I’m glad you did because there’s no one else I’d want to handle my case.”

I point the seat in front of me. “Please, have a seat. We’ll get started. I have to say it’s good to see you, though. I only wish it was under better circumstances.” Opening my notebook, I clasp my hands over top of it. “I hear you want a divorce.”

She scoffs. “You have no idea.”

“Do you mind telling me why?”

Her head lowers and I can see it’s taken a toll on her. Jennifer and I were friends with the same people back in high school, always acting crazy. Once we graduated and went our separate ways, I never heard from her until now.

“He’s cheating on me. I don’t know how I didn’t notice before.”

“Does he know you’re filing for a divorce?”

She shakes her head and meets my gaze. “Not yet. I want to know everything I can do to fuck the bastard in the ass. I know you’ll fight for me.”

“You’re right there. I don’t like men who cheat.” Grabbing a pen, I write down some notes. “Okay, let’s see. Do you have proof that he’s cheating? I’ll need something to go on in court.”

She pulls out her phone and hands it to me. My breath hitches the second I see the Society X membership card. “I know it’s not much to go on, but he’s a member of Society X. I’ve never been in there, but I’m not stupid. I’ve heard stories. Not to mention, I followed him a couple of times when he said he’s working but ends up there. If I knew the right people, I’d find a way in there and fuck him up.”

I scroll through more of the pictures and stop at one. “Is this his datebook?” I ask.

She glances at the picture and nods. “I snuck into his work office and searched through it. Last Wednesday was one of the days I followed him when he ended up at the club. He wrote down seven o’clock in the VR on that date. VR stands for viewing room.”

“How do you know that?”

She nods toward the phone. “Because he spells it out at one point in those pictures and then uses the abbreviation for the rest of the time.”

I stare at the pictures and sigh. “This proves he’s having fun in other places, but it doesn’t necessarily say he’s cheating even though we both pretty much know he is.”

Her face falls. “Do you think we can ask the owner of the club?”

I shake my head. “He’s not going to help. The club has strict rules about anonymity. You’ll need to get someone in there.”

“And how are we going to do that? I can’t join the club. My friends are all Chad’s friends’ wives, stuck up bitches who think they’re God’s gift to men.”

She always loved to date the popular boys in school who couldn’t keep a girlfriend for more than a week. I guess it doesn’t surprise me she’d pick a husband who’s the same way.

“How did you meet this guy?” I ask her.

She blows out a frustrated breath. “In college. He played for the Lacrosse team and I fell for him hard. His smile was what got me. I didn’t realize it got him a thousand other women as well. He’s a smooth talker.”

“Do you still love him?”

With trembling lips, she averts her gaze. “I wish I didn’t. I know with time it’ll go away, but it’s so hard being betrayed.”

“I know,” I murmur. “We’ll make sure he pays for hurting you. Do you want to go ahead with the divorce process?”

She nods. “Yes. I can’t stand being in the same house as him.”

“All right, I’ll get everything going.”

“But how are we going to prove he cheated? I don’t know of anyone who can get into Society X.”

I stare at her, thinking I must be out of my mind. Pulling out my purse, I reach into my wallet and remove Jared’s card, the escort who invited me to join the club. When I set it in front of Jennifer, she gasps.

“Why do you have that?”

Grabbing the card, I pick up the phone. “Because I’m about to become a member. I’ll find your husband, and when I do, he’ll regret the day he put his dick in someone else.”

Her face lights up. “And that right there is the Kennedy I knew. I trust you.”

I dial Jared’s number and it only rings once before his voice comes over the line. “Hello?”

“Hi, Jared, it’s Kennedy Vaughn. I’m ready to become a member.”

A small chuckle escapes his lips. “Let’s get you in then.”

Walking out of that coffee shop was the hardest thing I’ve done in a while. What a bunch of dumb luck it is that I run into her. If it weren’t my grandma needing a ride to the doctor I’d still be sleeping.

“Fuck,” I exclaim as I walk to my car.

“Anytime,” the woman I pass says.

Normally I’d wink at her, but not today; I keep walking. I’m late picking up my grandma, I have no coffee, and I left without getting Kennedy’s number, which means I’ll be camping out here at the coffee shop until I see her again. We can just add crazy ass stalker to my list of jobs. What the hell is wrong with me?

The drive to Gram’s is easy since she doesn’t live that far from me. Ever the gentleman, I go to her door so I can help her down the front porch stairs.

“There’s my favorite boy,” she says, opening the door. She tries to give me a kiss, but I shy away. The last thing I need is for her to ask what I had for breakfast. A nice plate of pussy might not go over too well with her.

“I think I’m getting a cold, Grandma. Best not to get too close to me.”

“Oh no, maybe you should see the doctor, too. I’ll see if they can fit you in.”

I shake my head. “I’m fine, I promise. We need to concentrate on you getting better.” I help her down to my car and open the passenger side door. It kills me that no one else in the family gives a damn about her to take her to the doctor. I’m all she has left … and she’s all I have, too. After my parents died when I was three, my grandmother was the one who took me in and raised me. I have a couple of aunts and uncles but they’re too self-involved to give a shit about anyone other than themselves.

We start on our way to the doctor’s office and she sighs. “When are you going to find a nice young lady to settle down with?”

Kennedy comes to mind and I smile. “I don’t think I’m ready. Besides, I’m far too cute to be tied down to one woman. What will all the ladies at your bridge club think if I’m off the market?”

She chuckles. “They’d all have a heart attack. They love fantasizing about my good-looking grandson.”

I want to add that they’d have a heart attack if they knew what I did for a living. Who knows, they’d likely book me for their next club event under the guise that they’re playing cards. Old women can be sneaky as shit. They’re also some of the kinkiest people I’ve met.

We arrive at the doctor’s office and my grandmother clasps onto my arm as we walk inside. Luckily, they call her back as soon as she signs in. Usually I don’t mind waiting because the receptionist is hot, but today I don’t pay her any mind and can feel her eyes shooting me with daggers. Each time I look up from my phone, she’s glaring at me. She doesn’t know that I’m Googling the shit out of every female within a hundred-mile radius named Kennedy.

As soon as we’re done, we go to lunch. It’s a nice little bistro that I like to treat my grandma to every now and again. She likes to brag to her friends on how I treat her. I also send her flowers. She’s the only parent I have so I take care of her.

We have the same conversation weekly and nothing really changes. I hope that some day I’m sitting here and can tell her that I met a lovely woman, but that’s not likely until I stop stripping. People view stripping as a step above prostitution. I can see why, but at Society X, we’re all about helping the masses realize their sexual prowess. For example, the other night with Kennedy—I can easily bet she’s never fucked in a car, and yet she rode my dick like a fucking champion bull rider. Today when I saw her, she was ashamed of what she did because of what I do for work. If I were some guy she met at a bar, or her husband, she’d probably feel liberated, instead of dirty.

I know what Kennedy thinks of me. Her words were laced with ignorance when she reminded me that I’m a stripper. That’s how she sees me. Thing is, I don’t care. I just want a chance to prove her wrong and to show her that I’m a stand-up guy who takes care of his priorities.

I also know she’s perfect for me. There are things I’ve never experienced before that I have with her. I’ve grown immune while performing and a master at keeping my dick under control … until I met Kennedy.

After lunch is over, I drop my grandmother back off at her house and promise to be here early on Sunday for church. I always fear that when I walk in the place is going to burn down or someone from the congregation is going to recognize me. It’s these churchgoers that you have to watch out for.

Driving across the bridge to work, I beat the city traffic. The parking lot is starting to fill up and it’s only late afternoon. Inside, Donnie is getting oiled down and he’s flexing his muscles while he does it.

“Who’s on tonight?” I ask, picking up the call sheet. Every few days we get newbies who come in and try this out. Some stay, most go. It takes a lot of self-confidence to get up on stage and take your clothes off so women can judge you. If you’re not well-endowed that could affect your tips. If you can’t dance, women get bored. You really have to have a lot of charisma and charm to work the stage.

G Money comes strolling in and picks up the call sheet. He’s booked for a private party tonight, along with a few other dancers. Those pay big money and are something I’m striving for.

Donnie comes over and mock hugs me. “What time you going in?” I ask.

Taking the sheet from my hand, he reads it over. “Looks like I have an hour. It’s a fucking threesome.”

“You make it sound like it’s a bad thing.”

He shrugs. “Fantasy play. I’ve been doing this for a month or so, repeat clients.” He sets the sheet down and starts working out, making his abs look good for when he hits the stage. After changing into my “work” jeans and underwear, I decide to hit the floor and entice a few women into some lap dances—it’s something I need to do to earn a living. However, Kennedy’s voice is in my head reminding me that she’s too good for me because I’m a stripper.

The Monday evening crowd is fairly dense and probably not big spenders. There are a few ladies in the corner who likely spent the day shopping downtown and are now unwinding.

“Enjoying the view?” I ask, trying my best to get into the mood. It’s hard when I don’t give a shit.

Two of them ignore me, keeping their eyes on the on the stage, and the other two smile like they’re about to get lucky.

“We are now,” the blonde says.

“Great, anyone care for a lap dance?”

They both giggle and the blonde tells me she does. I take her chair and pull it away from the table so I have some space to move.

“There aren’t many rules, but there is an important one. I can touch you, but you can’t touch me.”

She sticks her lower lip out in a pout and while I used to find it cute, I don’t. I’d rather see green lustful eyes staring back at me, watching me as I show her how much she turns me on. Instead, I’m shimming my hips for a woman who is probably looking to get lucky.

My hands move my pants down while I dance, underwear next, but never past my thighs. When she sees my dick, she licks her lips.

You wish, sunshine. I stroke my dick for her, bringing it close to her face before backing away and giving her a nice view of my ass.

The second I feel the slap, I stop and pull up my pants. I turn and glare at her, but before I can even say anything, she’s being hauled up out of her chair, throwing slurs in my direction and saying it’s my fault. Fucking wonderful.

Her friends are riled up; yelling and screaming as if it’s my fault she can’t keep her hands to herself. The rules are simple—don’t touch. The only time it’s allowed is if you’re in our exclusive rooms and those aren’t for everyone.

Heading backstage, I throw my step box against the pile of them in the corner.

“What happened?” G Money asks as he comes off stage.

“Fucking bitch slapped my ass, and then her friends got all up in my shit because they got tossed.”

“You should’ve farted on her.”

“Jesus Christ, Gary. I’d like to keep my job. I have a feeling management won’t take too kindly to the dancers shitting on the patrons.” Even though it’d be funny as hell, I can’t take the risk. I need my job.

“I used to do it if they didn’t tip enough. The lap dances are cheap and they tip a fucking dollar. Goddamn Las Vegas and the entire dollar titty bars are giving exclusive clubs like this one a bad name. Bitches need to be giving up the cash. Can’t get laid at home so they come here for some action and you know damn well they’re rubbing their clits in the bathroom.”

G Money seems to have reached his pinnacle as an adult performer. Maybe he should try straight up porn from now on. Women conserve money. I get it. Dollar tips suck, but if you have the tools to turn them on, they’ll start throwing money at you.

My night doesn’t get a whole lot better and I find myself watching the door for a familiar redhead. Deep down I knew it’d be dumb luck for her to show up again, but I had hoped. I count my tips at the end of the night, change, and head to my car, still with the slight hope that Kennedy is in the parking lot. I need to change my train of thought and get the fuck over her. Unless something changes, or I’m the right place at the right time, I’m probably never going to see her again.

I drive across the bridge, returning to my dull little existence away from the big city lights of downtown Portland, and think about the changes I could make to be the right kind of guy for someone like Kennedy. Thing is, if it’s not her, why the fuck should I change?

What am I doing? There’s seriously something wrong with me. No respectable woman like myself should be waiting in a coffee shop parking lot for a stripper. But dammit to hell, if he’s not just sex on a stick. I arrived a few minutes early so I could get my coffee and hurry out before Hunter showed up, but I couldn’t seem to get out of the car. My body wants to see him again, but my mind is telling me to run before I get attached. Who am I kidding? I’d be stupid to get attached to a guy like that.

“We’re just having fun. It’ll grow old soon,” I say, wishing I could believe my lies.

Scrolling through my phone, I find Jennifer’s number. It rings a couple of times and her voice sounds groggy when she answers. “Kennedy?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Sorry it’s so early, but I’m heading over to Society X later on today to sign my membership papers. Before I request time in one of the rooms, I need to know what you think Chad is interested in. I know he likes the viewing room, but do you know if he prefers to be the one watching, or the one actually performing?”

She sighs. “Makes me sick just thinking about this.”

“I know,” I murmur, “but I need to know what you think. I have my own assumptions, but you know him better than I do.”

Chad Bates is a very good-looking man, muscular and athletic. From what I could gather about his personality, he’d most likely be the one to perform. By watching, he’d get nothing out of it. He’s the type to want carnal satisfaction.

She sniffles, but I can hear the anger in her tone. “He’s outgoing, so he’d perform. Most likely with two women if that’s allowed. That’s one of his fantasies.”

I can’t begin to imagine what she’s going through. “Thank you, Jennifer. One way or another, I’ll catch him.”

“I know you will. I’m just ready to stop pretending. If there’s anything else you need, let me know.”

“Actually, there might be. Do you think there’s any way you can go to Chad’s office and look in his datebook again? That way, when I make my appointments at Society X, we can see if he’s booked for the same time.”

She gasps. “That’s a good idea.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a silver car pull into the parking lot. My breath hitches when I see Hunter walking toward the coffee shop entrance, dressed in a pair of jeans and a snug, green T-shirt.

“You still there?” Jennifer asks.

I shake my head. “Yep, I’m here. I’m going to make an appointment tomorrow night and then do it weekly for the viewing room and give them Chad’s description. If you find out he’s going to be there, make sure to text me.”

“I will. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. I know it’s probably not good for your reputation to be seen there.”

“I’ll be fine, I promise.” As much as I want to catch Chad, I don’t personally want to be seen at the club on an every day basis; especially, having to watch people I don’t know have sex on stage. Now if it’s a private performance by Hunter, I’ll be all for it. I say my good-byes to Jennifer and take a deep breath before getting out of my car. I can see Hunter through the window, sitting at the same table I sat in last time with a coffee in his hands.

I walk inside and order my usual, sneaking glances at Hunter to see if he’s noticed me. When I get my drink, I slowly stroll over, my heart pounding relentlessly as I stop behind him. “You came,” he murmurs. Tilting his head to the side, he gazes at me with those hypnotic brown eyes of his.

“I come here every morning.”

He chuckles lightly. “That may be so, but I told you if you wanted me for you to meet me here. Looks like I got my wish.”

I sit down across from him and my legs brush up against his under the table. Just that simple touch makes my insides clench. “Now what?” I ask, keeping my voice low. “It’s no secret, I want you, but I’m not going to come here every morning just to sneak away into the bathroom with you.”

His smile fades slightly. “Is that what you think I want?”

I shrug. “I don’t know, but it can’t happen again. What we did yesterday was spontaneous and fun, but I can’t afford to get caught doing something like that.”

Reaching over, he grabs my hand. I suck in a breath and freeze as his fingers intertwine with mine. “Then we won’t. I don’t want to just fuck you in cars and in bathrooms. Believe it or not, I want more from you than that.”

“Like what? I’m older and divorced. What more could you possibly want?”

His smile comes back. “A date, perhaps. You may be divorced, but that saves me from having to steal you away from your husband. As far as your age, there’s not much difference between us. You need to stop acting like you’re fifty.”

I gasp in shock. “I do not act like I’m fifty.” Granted, I do work all the time and I never go out, but that doesn’t mean I’m an old lady.

“Oh yeah, prove it. Go on a date with me tomorrow night.”

Now it’s my turn to smile. If he wants me stop acting like I’m fifty, I’ll show him. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because after I leave here, I’m going to Society X to sign the membership papers. And tomorrow, I plan on spending the evening there.”

He sits back in the chair, his gaze full of heat. “All right, I see you’re going to make me work for it.”

I slide my hand away from his and stand. “I just want to see how serious you are. If you really want a date, then prove to me I’m the only one you want. In return, I’ll open myself up to other possibilities.”

Rising, he wraps an arm around my waist, drawing me in to his body. I can’t look away from his eyes, even when his lips close over mine. “You are the only one I want, but I’m going to have fun proving it.”

He kisses me again and lets me go so I can walk past him. My whole body trembles as I hurry to the door, and when I look at the counter, Mackenzie gives me a thumbs up; my cheeks flame beet red. Hunter’s completely different from any man I’ve ever met. The way he speaks about the things he wants is so foreign to me. Aaron was never like that, never sexy or romantic. I was beginning to believe those men only existed in books and on TV. Boy, am I wrong.

The parking lot to Society X is almost vacant when I pull up; only a few cars here and there. Jared meets me at the front door and extends his hand. “It’s good to see you again,” he says.

I shake his hand. “Same to you.”

I walk inside the club, he shuts the door behind us. “Do you want me to show you around the rooms before you sign the papers?”

“No, thanks. I pretty much know the gist of them.”

He nods. “All right then, let’s get you signed up.” I follow him through a set of doors to a hallway. We pass the dark room before we get to the viewing room. The door farther down the hall goes to the bondage room—I want to stay as far away from it as possible. Jared turns us down another hallway and into an office. “Have a seat, please,” he says, nodding toward the chair across from the desk.

I sit down and he passes me a stack of papers, going over each and every one. “As you know,” he begins, “everything you do in here is kept anonymous. You’ll need to call ahead of time to make appointments in the various sex rooms. Also, if you have any preferences on partners, please let us know beforehand so we can match you up with someone.”

Being the lawyer that I am, I read over the contracts and everything’s pretty straightforward. It’s expensive to be a member, but I sign them all and pass them back to Jared. “Here you go. What happens now?”

Taking the papers, he slips them into a folder that he puts in the file cabinet beside a large safe. “Basically, you can do anything you want.” He opens the safe and pulls out a small, black velvet box. “This is your Society X necklace. We ask that you wear it while you’re here so we’ll know you’re an elite member. Plus, you can skip the lines outside and walk right up to the door.”

When I open the box, the diamond X necklace twinkles under the light. “It’s so beautiful.”

“Thank you. It’s yours to keep and not to be worn by anyone other than you.”

I nod. “I understand.”

Jared sits down behind the desk and types away on the computer. “Now that you’re officially a member, I can schedule you into one of the sex rooms if you’re interested.” He glances at me over the top of his laptop.

I felt so dirty requesting the viewing room to watch others have sex. “Actually, I think I want to go into the viewing room,” I say, hoping my face isn’t turning red.

His lips pull back into a smirk. “We can do that. Do you have a date and time in mind?”

“Tomorrow?” I ask.

He types away again. “Looks like we have tomorrow at eight available. Want me to put you down?”

“Sure. And I want to watch the show, not be in it.”

A small chuckle escapes his lips. “Got it. Do you know what you’d like to watch?”

Heart racing, I bite my lip and close my eyes. “Two girls and a guy.”

His fingers clicked away on the keys. “That can be arranged. Do you have any specific male or female in mind?”

“I want the male to be around his early thirties with short, light brown hair and blue eyes.”

“Tattoos?” he asks.

Chad doesn’t have any so I say, “No.”

“Okay. Last question … do you want it passionate or fast and dirty?”

I stare at him, completely at a loss for words. What the hell have I gotten myself in to? Chad isn’t going to want his sex slow and passionate. If anything, it’ll be fast and dirty. “Fast and dirty,” I tell him. The only time I’ve ever watched two people have sex was in a porno movie. Watching it in real life is going to be one hell of an experience.

Once Jared finishes typing on the computer, he stands. “Everything’s good to go. Welcome to Society X. We’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Tomorrow comes awfully fast and the day flies by. Maybe it’s because I’m not exactly thrilled about watching people have sex all by myself. It makes me wonder what kind of things people ask to see when they have requests. All I can say is that I feel like a creeper.

Chris walks into my office and stops when he gets a good look at my face. “Whoa, why are you so red?”

Glancing at the clock, I sigh. “Because in a couple of hours, I have to watch three people have sex in the viewing room.” He knows that I’m doing my own investigative work, but I never told him exactly what I’m doing until now.

He bursts out laughing. “Are you serious? What if it’s not the guy you’re looking for?”

I shrug. “Then I guess I’ll be watching these people have sex.”

“This is classic. I was going to ask you to go to dinner with me, but you’ll be too busy.”

I roll my eyes. “Ha-ha. I’d much rather be getting some dinner. I think I’m just going to stay here until it’s time to go.”

He tries to hide his smile and fails. “Have fun with that. You’ll have to let me know how it went in the morning.” He chuckles the entire time he walks to his office and then out the front door. I’ll never be able to escape him now; he’ll make fun of me for the rest of our lives.

Once everyone leaves, I eat the rest of my turkey sandwich I had left over from lunch while I look over my notes on Chad Bates. Jennifer never texted to tell me if he was going to be at the club or not, so I guess I’ll just have to find out when I get there. I wonder if Hunter’s ever done something like that … had sex with two girls on stage in front of an audience. That’s one of the reasons why I can never get serious about him. How can I when he does that for a living?

My time is running out so I close up the office and head to the club. The parking lot is packed, but I slip on my necklace and get out of the car. I try to ignore the evil looks from everyone standing in line as I walk up to the door. Luckily, Jared is right inside, dressed in his tux and his dark hair perfectly coifed.

“Good evening,” he says, taking my purse. It’s going to be hard to pin anything on Chad without physical proof. Maybe I can try to sneak in a hidden camera next time. Jared nods for me to follow him and we go through the door that leads to the sex rooms. Placing his hand on the doorknob, he smiles at me. “You ready?”

I laugh. “I hope so.”

We walk inside and he points to the purple, velvet couch. It’s the same place my co-workers sat when Hunter and I were on stage. “All you have to do is sit here and watch the show. If for some reason you have to leave, just press that blue button,” he says, pointing to it on the wall. “That way, I’ll know to come in and get you.”

I nod. “Thanks. I think I got it.”

He starts toward the door. “Enjoy the show.”

Once he’s gone, I sit down on the couch and the lights go out except for those on the stage. There’s a bed with bright red sheets and red lights illuminating it. I’m thankful nobody will be able to see me. A door behind the stage opens and two girls come out, both naked. One has bright blonde hair and the other brown. They stand by the bed and kiss, their hands on each other’s breasts. It’s in this moment I realize I’ve crossed over a line I’ll never get back from. Jennifer is going to owe me big time for this.

The two girls mess around on the bed, no doubt priming themselves for the guy who’s about to come in and fuck them. Their moans grow louder and the back door opens. I can see the man’s silhouette, but I can’t see his face. He strolls closer and closer into the light, and I hold my breath when I can finally see him … only it’s not Chad.

This guy almost resembles him with the short, light brown hair and athletic build, but it’s not him. He’s gloriously naked and I’d be stupid not to admire a nice body when one’s put on display for me. The second he sees the girls spread open for him on the bed, his cock hardens. It makes me wonder what goes through these people’s minds when they volunteer to have sex in front of others. In a way, I’m curious, but I know I can never do anything like that. Those young and wild days are over.

A hard, deep beat plays across the speakers, almost like the sound of a heartbeat. The guy gets on the bed, his grunts rough and fast as he pushes his cock into the blonde-haired girl. She screams out as he pumps into her while the brunette watches on, biting her lip in anticipation.

When he finishes with the blonde, he turns the brunette onto her stomach and holds her hips, thrusting into her hard. Their bodies slap together, their groans loud as they’re brought to completion. I sit there in awe as I watch it all play out. I’m not going to lie, I’m fascinated and a bit turned on. My ex never got rough with me or fucked me hard, but I can imagine Hunter being wild like that. I want someone to be like that with me, to want me so much that they lose themselves.

After the trio has calmed down, they slip through the back door and it’s over. The lights come back on and Jared walks in. “Did you enjoy the show?” he asks.

I did and now I need relief. “Of course,” I reply. “Do you think I can make a weekly appointment to come in here again?”

His eyes brighten. “I’ll get you scheduled up. Same people or do you want different ones?”

“Different, please.”

“Will do. I’ll text you with the time when I look at the schedule and get your people booked up. Same day, I assume?”

I nod. “That’ll be great.” That way Jennifer doesn’t have to worry about the datebook. If he disappears on a Tuesday night, I’ll know where he’s at. I follow Jared out the door and he escorts me to get my purse and then to the back door. Luckily, I can exit out the members back entrance instead of going through the front. The last thing I want is for someone I know to see my red face as I’m leaving Society X.

Jared opens the door. “Have a good night, Ms. Vaughn.”

“Thanks, Jared.” When I get to my car, I’m not alone. Visions of the first night Hunter and I had sex in my car run rampant through my mind. My whole body clenches and all I want is for him to ride me hard like that guy did to the girls inside the viewing room.

Arms crossed, he leans against my car with a smirk on his face. He’s dressed in a pair of jeans and a snug, black T-shirt. I just want to rip it off his body. “I was hoping I’d see you out here tonight,” he calls out.

I hold out my arms. “Here I am. Are you working tonight?”

He nods. “Getting ready to go in. Why don’t you come back inside?”

I shake my head. “I think I’ve had enough for a night.” Then I think about all the women he’s going to be around. Jealousy fires in my veins and I hate that I care so much. “What are you going to be doing tonight?”

He approaches me, his arms snaking around my waist. I let him hold me, but I don’t hold him back. “Are you worried I’m going to fuck someone?”

“That’s all up to you, Hunter. I can’t stop you.”

“No, you can’t, but I guess it’s a good thing I don’t want to. I told you I’m going to prove to you I’m serious about this. By the sound of your voice, you don’t trust me.”

“Kind of hard to when I know you take your clothes off every night.”

With a sigh, he lets me go. “There’s only one way for that to change. Go out with me and you’ll see I’m not the dirtbag you seem to think I am. All I ask is for one date.”

I can tell he’s serious by the look in his eyes. “Fine, we’ll go on a date. When do you want to go?”

Grabbing my wrist, he pulls me to him, and this time I wrap my arms around his neck. “Thursday night,” he murmurs against my lips. “But there’s something I want you to do first.”

“What?”

“Request me for the viewing room. I’ve been dying to get you back in there.”

I lick my lips and smile. “That can be arranged.” The words leave my lips before I can even think about them. I can't take them back now.

Fucking Kennedy and her damn tongue. Watching her lick her fucking lips after I boldly asked her to book us into the viewing room almost had me bending her over her car and taking her in the parking lot for everyone to see, but no, I can’t. I want to date her so I bit my tongue, winked, and walked away while my dick screamed at me.

What I need is for her to be waiting for me when I get home from work, spread out and playing with her pussy. Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to see her like that, getting herself off while she thinks of me, while I undress for her. I can only imagine the look in her eyes when she sees my dick get hard for her, only for her.

I watch Kennedy pull away out of the parking lot before I head into the club. The music is thumping with some sexy number meant to entice the women. I peek through the door that we use to access the main floor and see that the women are lining the walls tonight.

“It’s a week night, why are we so busy?”

“Some convention is in town and Bryce offered them half price. The bar has been crazy since the second they showed up,” Julius, our DJ, says while the song plays for Franco. The women are going crazy, jumping up and down for him as his ass shakes in their faces.

“I guess I better get out there.”

As soon as I step out back I see that we have a full crew tonight. There are at least ten of us dancing, which on nights like this will help. I change quickly, putting on our standard underwear and loose fitting jeans. These jeans are easy for the lap dances because they can slide down my hips without unbuttoning them, faster to pull up and get the hell out of dodge with, too.

The only drawback to going out now without performing is that I haven’t enticed the crowd. Once Franco comes out here the chicks will be waving their dollars at him, trying to get his attention. For me, though, it’s a chance to mingle and I’m secretly hoping Kennedy is in the crowd.

“Hey, ladies, can I interest you in a little lap dance?” There are three of them and they all look shy, but tempted. One slinks back into her seat, avoiding eye contact with me while the others silently talk to each other. I’m about to move on when one of them says yes.

As I go over the rules, their face drops when I remind them they can’t touch me, which makes no sense considering they’re told when they pay and before they're escorted to their seat. Most seem to think the rules don’t apply to them or once we initiate contact it’s game on. The owner, Bryce, is strict and extremely protective of Society X. Breaking the rules assures you’ll never be allowed in again.

Setting my pace to the music that’s on, I move my hips seductively, letting my hands roam over my body while I squint at the ladies. For whatever reason, squinting is supposed to be sexy and maybe is has to do with the lighting in the room or the music, I don’t know, but that’s what they tell us. What I do know is that it’s working. The women in front of me are adjusting in their seats, licking their lips, and following my hands everywhere.

Turning around, my hands grip the sides of my jeans and I give them a little shove, showing them my ass first. When I face them, I keep my cock covered, the chicks licking their lips in anticipation. Even the really shy one is watching me and I find that I’m more focused on her than these other two.

My hands move my jeans and underwear down farther, enough to see what I have. The women squirm in their chairs as I palm my dick. I stroke myself, showing them how big I am, and feel myself up, letting my hand run through my hair. I do this a couple of times before I’m stuffing myself back into my pants and collecting my payment.

“What are you doing later?” the one on the left asks, grabbing my hand to hold me there.

I shake my head and lean in. “My wife.”

The word falls easily from my lips, even though it was unexpected. Kennedy asked me to prove myself to her and while she’s not here, this is the first step. Before meeting Kennedy, I would’ve easily told this woman where to meet me if I were interested, but even those encounters were few and far. Kennedy is the only one that I have hooked-up with right from the club. It was spontaneous and the best sex I’ve ever had. I can’t imagine anything or anyone would be better.

The rest of my night is much like this, women asking to hook-up only for me to tell them no. I don’t feel bad in the sense that I’m letting them down. What feels bad is the ache in my dick because all night I’ve done nothing but think about Kennedy and the way she tastes and how she looks when she’s riding my cock. Unfortunately for me, my dick is about to become acquainted with Rosie and her five sisters because there’s no way in hell I’m going to fuck shit up if Kennedy is willing to give me a chance.

Late nights are a way of life at Society X, and for the most part working the weekends—Thursday through Saturday—are enough to sustain my income. Occasionally, I go in during the week and cover for someone, but the tips aren’t as good and for me to drive across the bridge doesn’t always seem worth it. Besides, I have a life outside of the club. I’m trying to better myself so I can give up stripping someday. So when I see my phone screen light up with SX’s employee number, I cringe. The last thing I want to do is go to work.

“Yeah,” I say quietly as I answer my phone. My friends glare at me for answering during our conversation, and people around me glare at me for interrupting them, leaving me no choice but to seek out some privacy.

“You’re booked in the viewing room tonight at six for a strip tease,” Jen, our scheduler, states matter-of-factly. No asking if I want the gig or not, it’s be there or lose my job. I want to ask who booked it, but she won’t tell me. Hell, I don’t think she even knows.

“I’ll be there.” And that’s the end of our conversation. She hangs up, knowing that at six tonight I’ll be in the viewing room ready to take my clothes off. I just hope that it’s Kennedy. Looking at my phone, I see that it’s already late and I have to leave now in order to make to the club in time to shower and get ready.

I head back to my friends and by the expression on some of their faces they know I’m leaving. “Sorry, gotta run.”

“Is she really that important?”

I pause, mid-step, and nod. “Yeah, she is.”

When I first started working at Society X, I didn’t know what to tell my friends, so I told them that I’m having an illicit affair with a married woman. While it’s not far from the truth, it was better than the alternative. They still don’t know what I do for work and when a couple of the guys talk about hitting up strip clubs I shy them away from SX. The last thing I need is for one of them to see my car, or decide to take in the guy’s side instead of the ladies.

As soon as I arrive at the club, I rush in and start my prep. A strip tease is easy and it’ll be a piece of cake if it’s with Kennedy because my clothes will just want to fall off. Hell, I can ask her to take them off if I wanted, but where’s the fun in that? I want to see her eyes widen when I start playing with my dick and it hardens just for her. Fuck, right now he’s jumping with anticipation knowing he’s about to see her.

Dressed in a button down, jeans, and leaving my feet bare, I wait for the clock to strike six before pressing play on the playlist I set up after I arrived in hopes that it’s Kennedy waiting for me. Keith Sweat’s “Nobody” starts playing and I step out, stalking toward the chair I know that is sitting on the middle of the stage. The last time I was in here, I had her on a bed and that’s where I plan to fuck her the next time we’re together. I welcome the sounds of the headboard banging against the wall while her nails dig deep into my flesh as she tells me to fuck her harder.

When my client comes into view my dick springs to life. I try not to smile, but I can’t help it. She did what I asked and now I’m going to perform for her. Walking up to her, I bend down and lean into her, licking from her neck to her ear, biting down on her lobe before backing away from her.

Moving to the music, my hips sway back and forth while my fingers work the buttons of my shirt. I pull it open it up and go back to her and straddle her legs, thrusting my hips toward her in rapid motion before backing away from her.

I thought dancing for her would be easy, but it’s not. I want to rip her clothes off and ask her to sit on my face so I can bask in her glorious pussy, but this is what she asked for and I have to deliver. I can’t have an unsatisfied client.

I make my way back over to her, popping each button on my jeans to the beat of the music. The song shifts into “Blurred Lines” and Kennedy sits up straighter, making me laugh. My hips shimmy as I push my jeans down, letting them pool at my feet before kicking them away. She licks her lips at the sight of my erection trying to push through the cotton of my Society X briefs. Leaning over her, I palm my dick and give it a tug, pulling my underwear far enough away that she can see my flesh. I want her to fucking touch me without being prompted to do so.

I push forward, stimulating that I’m fucking her. It’s not enough for me. And when the song switches to “I Want your Sex” I stand up in front of her and take her hand in mine, roaming it over my body. Her nails trail along my skin, over my abs, and through my happy trail, causing my dick to get harder than it already is. When she brushes along the outline of my cock he twitches with desire.

“See what you do to me, Kennedy? No one else has ever done this before.” I grind into her hand, enjoying the feeling of the foreplay she’s offering. I know to her they’re just words, but they are the truth.

Unable to hold back, I stand and drop my briefs. There I am, in all my glory for her to see. She licks her lips, eyeing me then my dick. All she has to do is say when and I’ll put him inside her and fuck her until she sees stars. The ball is in her court, waiting patiently for the word.

Standing in front of her, I take her hands and place them on my bare ass, letting her squeeze my cheeks and pull them forward until she’s double handing my fucking erection. She gives him a light tug, causing me to hiss.

Kennedy pumps her hands over my flesh as I stand in front of her. “You do this to me,” I tell her again as I thread my fingers through her hair. I would never say this to another client, nor would I let them touch me unless it was specific on the schedule. My attraction to her doesn’t have me thinking straight and will likely cost me my job.

Her tongue snakes out, licking the tip of my dick.

“Fuck, Kennedy,” I say quietly as my grip on her hair tightens. “Do you want me to fuck your pretty little mouth, or that delicious pussy of yours?”

She doesn’t answer because she doesn’t know. My words are foreign to her, solidifying the fact that her husband had no idea how to make her feel like a woman.

Thrusting into her hands, I make the decision for her. I can get by with a hand job, but come Thursday night I’m spreading her out on my bed and feasting on her delectable body. And if she wants to keep things chaste and see how they go, she can watch me jack off. Just having her in the room is enough to make me blow my fucking wad all over the place.

When my music stops, I groan and her hands freeze. I reach down and cup her between her legs, thankful that she wore a fucking skirt. My fingers easily find that she’s dripping wet and slide in while my thumb presses down on her clit.

She starts fucking panting while gripping my dick. Her tiny mewls keep me going until her pussy squeezes the shit out of my two fingers.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I say into her ear as it only takes her seconds to come. I keep my fingers inside her, loving the way she feels. “Thursday night, Kennedy. I’ll wine and dine you, and you can guarantee I’m going to I’m fuck you so hard you won’t be able to walk into work on Friday.”

She looks sated and ready for round two when I pull away from her. I kiss her chastely on the lips and disappear quickly behind the curtain to finish off my raging dick. It doesn’t take me long to release, ending what had to be the most erotic strip tease I’ve ever done.

When I walk out of Society X, I’m breathless and flushed. My underwear is soaked and I’m dying for more. What is it about Hunter that makes everything inside of me feel alive? The whole idea of Society X is exhilarating and sexy, but kind of dirty and creepy all at the same time. With that being said, why am I loving every second of it? I should be dating a respectable man, not a stripper. But there’s something about Hunter I can’t get enough of. He’s wild and dangerous, but his eyes show a whole other side to him. Maybe I’m imagining there’s more to him, but I’m going to find out.

My lips still tingle from Hunter’s kiss as I walk out to the parking lot. I made sure to park beside his car when I pulled in. It’s a silver Nissan 370Z, and it just looks like something he’d drive. Reaching into my purse, I pull out my small, sticky notepad I always carry around to write notes on. Being a lawyer, I have to be prepared for anything. I write my phone number down and slide the note under his windshield wiper. I was tempted to slip my number down his underwear, but the second I saw him, all thought went out the window.

I get in my car and start on my way home. Our date is still three days away, but a part of me doesn’t know if I’ll be able to wait that long. My phone rings in my purse and when I pull up at my house, I realize why. Getting out of his car is my ex-husband with his phone in his hands. It’s strange to think that we’ve only been officially divorced for a short amount of time, but it feels like it’s been longer. What we had fizzled out many years ago.

I pull into my garage and Aaron is right there to open the door for me. “Thanks,” I say, getting out of the car.

I can’t help but stare at him. He looks different from the last time I saw him. His dirty blond hair is a bit longer and gelled and he’s wearing a pair of worn out jeans with a snug T-shirt. Maybe I’m not the only one making changes. I’ve never seen him so laid back.

“You’re looking good, Aaron. The single life suits you.”

He smiles. “So do you. Did you work late?”

I shake my head, trying not to think of Hunter’s hands all over my body. “I had an appointment to go to.”

“Ah, I see. Do you mind if I come in for a minute? I can’t seem to find one of my thumb drives. I think it might be in the office.”

“Sure.” He follows me into the house that we both used to share together. The office was completely his when we were married and I have yet to walk in that room. I never have time to do anything but work, and that’s always at the firm.

Aaron walks down the hall and disappears into his office. “How’s work going for you?” he calls out.

“Great. You?”

I go to the kitchen to get some water and I can hear him rummaging around in his old desk. “Couldn’t be better. I got a promotion last week.”

“Aaron, that’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.” Aaron is an accountant that handles large corporate accounts in downtown Portland. He’s a hard worker and has been striving to get a promotion for years.

With a wide grin, he joins me in the kitchen, holding the missing thumb drive in his hand. He looks so much younger now. Getting a divorce is probably the best thing that ever happened to us. “It’s a good feeling, Kennedy. When I found out, the first thing I wanted to do was call you.”

“Why didn’t you?” I sit my glass of water down and stare at him.

He shrugs. “We’re not together anymore. I need to get used to that.”

“Just because we’re not married doesn’t mean you can’t share your good news. We’ve known each other for years, Aaron. I don’t want us to cut ties completely.”

“I know,” he replies, averting his gaze, “but when we start seeing other people, it might be awkward for them.”

I study him for a second and it doesn’t take long to figure out why he appears so sheepish. “Are you interested in someone?” I ask.

He looks over at me and sighs. “I didn’t want to tell you.”

“Why not?” I couldn’t be happier for him.

“I was afraid you’d think I was seeing someone when we were married. I stayed faithful to you until the very end.”

My eyes burn and I hug him. It’s the first time we’ve touched in months. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m happy for you, Aaron. We both deserve to be happy.”

He lets me go, his warm green gaze staring into mine. “What about you? Have you been seeing anyone?”

Hunter comes to mind and the last thing I want to say is that I’m messing around with a stripper and having sex in cars. “Kind of,” I answer. “It’s still all new so there’s nothing really much to say.”

He breathes a sigh of relief. “I hope it goes well for you.”

“Same to you,” I murmur.

We hug again and he lets himself out of the house. It feels good to know he’s moving on just like I am. For years, I knew we weren’t really compatible, yet I felt safe with him. We had some good times, but there was no spark, no passion. Passion is a must.

My phone buzzes and I pull it out of my purse.

Hunter: I’m ready for Thursday.

Me: So am I. What are we going to do?

Hunter: Wear something nice. I’ll pick you up at 6.

Hunter: Make sure to give me your address.

I text him my address and smile. Something nice, huh? I’m curious to see where a guy like him will take me.

For the next three days, Hunter and I text back and forth, just simple messages about our days. He keeps asking what I’m doing and I’m not about to tell him I’m busy running my own law firm. I don’t want him knowing that stuff yet. Until I see he’s serious about being with me, I’m not disclosing all of my personal details. My phone beeps and I look down at it.

Hunter: On my way.

My heart races as I finish up my make-up with a light shade of lipstick. Hunter requested that I wear something nice so I put on a sleeveless, black dress that hits just above my knee. It flares out at the hips, which makes it sexy but flirty. I decide to do something different with my hair and put it in waves down my back. By the time I inspect myself in the mirror, the doorbell rings. Taking a deep breath, I grab my purse and keys and slowly walk to the door. When I open it, my mouth gapes.

“Wow.”

Hunter stands there, dressed in a dark, gray suit with his hair perfectly coifed. His lips pull back in a small grin as he looks me up and down. “I could say the same thing. You look beautiful,” he says, taking a step closer. His hand closes over my hip and he leans in to kiss me. I freeze in place, in awe of how professional and distinguished he looks. “Can’t speak?” he asks with a laugh.

I step back to gaze at the whole package. “I’m just shocked. Looking at you, I’d never guess you were a stripper.”

His smile slightly fades. “That’s not all I am, Kennedy. There’s more to me than that. That’s why I wanted to take you out tonight.” He holds out his arm. “Ready?”

After locking the door behind us, I take his arm. He escorts me to his car and he opens the door. “Thank you,” I say. He’s really impressing me and I like it. We head down the highway and it looks like we’re staying in the Vancouver vicinity. He turns off an exit, which leads us to the nicer part of the city.

“Did you have a good day?” he asks, sneaking a glance over my way.

I smile. “I did. I left work early for the first time in years.”

“I feel special then. What do you do for work?”

I’ve already rehearsed this in my mind. I hate not telling him the truth, but I have to be careful. “I’m an office manager for a firm here in Vancouver.”

“Nice. I assume you work a lot of hours?”

If he only knew. I don’t really want to spend the night talking about me. “Just a little. It’s a demanding job. What about you? What do you do during the day when you’re not working at the club?” I ask, hoping to switch the subject.

He pulls into the parking lot at one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. I’ve eaten at it a couple of times, but it’s not the kind of place a man will take a first date. Chuckling, he taps my chin and I close my mouth. “I’m in college, Kennedy.”

“What?” I gasp, turning to face him. “What are you in school for?”

He smirks. “Business. I told you I wasn’t just a stripper. The money helps pay for my tuition.” One of the valet attendants opens my door and I get out, completely in shock. Maybe there is more to Hunter. The attendant hands him the valet ticket, and then he reaches for my hand as we walk into the restaurant. “Are you shocked?” he asks, glancing down at me.

“A little. I assumed stripping was your passion.”

He shakes his head. “Hardly. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun at times, but it’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

We walk up to the hostess and her eyes linger on Hunter a little longer than necessary. She’s probably seen him on stage, which makes me a little jealous that others have enjoyed him like I have.

“We have a reservation,” he tells her. “It should be under Hunter Miles.”

So his last name is Miles. I’m learning more and more about him. The hostess takes us to our table and hands us a set of menus. We sit across from each other and I smile. “Miles, huh?”

He grins. “I figured you were going to find out sooner or later.”

Our waiter walks up, a young man with dark brown hair and glasses. “Good evening. Can I get you both something to drink?”

I quickly glance over the wine menu. “A glass of Riesling, please.”

The waiter looks over at Hunter. “And I’ll have a gin and tonic.” Once he leaves, Hunter stares at me with his penetrating brown gaze. “Aren’t you going to tell me your last name? I gave you mine, now it’s time for you to give me yours.” It’s a risk giving him my last name because all he has to do Google me and he’d find out who I really was. “We have to be honest if you want this to work, Kennedy.”

“Vaughn,” I murmur. “My last name’s Vaughn.”

The waiter comes back with our drinks and Hunter holds up his glass. “To the night.”

I tap my glass to his and take a sip. “To the night.” He takes a gulp of his drink and sets his glass down when I ask, “So when do you finish school?”

“I graduate at the end of this semester.”

“Do you have a job lined up?”

He shakes his head. “Not yet. I’m sure I’ll figure it out when I graduate. Right now, all I can think about is passing all of my exams.”

It has to be hard to do that working nights. “What does your family say about you working at a strip club?”

Averting his gaze, he looks down at his drink. “My parents died when I was young. My grandmother’s the one who raised me. She doesn’t know what I do.”

My heart hurts for him. I can’t imagine not having my parents. “I’m so sorry, Hunter.”

“No need to feel sorry for me,” he replies with a shrug. “My grandmother made sure I had everything I needed.” The waiter comes back and we order our food. Hunter meets my gaze with a sad smile.

I take his hand, entwining my fingers with his. “If you don’t mind me asking … what happened to them?”

Sighing, he closes his eyes as if he’s remembering and then opens them. “Car wreck. I was three years old. What I hate is that I don’t remember anything about them, only bits and pieces. My grandmother has pictures of them, but the more time that passes, my memories fade.” Picking up his glass, he finishes the rest of his cocktail. “What about you? Where are your parents?”

“Here in Vancouver. I don’t talk to them as much as I should. Work tends to get in the way. But after hearing about your parents, I didn’t realize how good I have it.”

“Most people don’t,” he says, squeezing my hand. “I’d give anything to see them again.” Our waiter brings out our food and Hunter lets my hand go so we can eat. “So what are you doing when you’re not at work or visiting me in the viewing room?”

I almost choke on my steak and glance around the room quickly to make sure no one heard him; he chuckles. “To be honest, I haven’t had much time to do anything. My ex-husband wasn’t exactly the adventurous type. I buried myself in work to take up time, but I’m hoping to change that. There’s so many things I want to do.”

“Like what?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I’d like to travel to places like Hawaii to see their beaches, Wyoming to hike the Grand Tetons, and even Vermont to go to the Ben & Jerry’s factory. The list is endless.” He stops eating and stares at me like I’ve surprised him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’ve shocked me is all. I never expected you to want to hike the Grand Tetons. That’s something I’ve wanted to do for years.”

“Maybe one day we’ll get to do it.” The more we talk, the more I see we have a lot in common.

Hunter traces a finger over my hand. “I surely hope so. If you decide to give me a chance, we can do it together.” The thought of opening my heart up again scares the hell out of me. Having sex with Hunter has given us a connection I can’t deny, but I can feel other things developing. Being with him intimately is like being in a whole new world. I just hope my heart can handle it.

Dinner is amazing and goes by way too quick. I try to pay for my part of the meal, but Hunter slips his card to the waiter before I even realize it. “Do you want to stroll around downtown a bit?” he asks as we walk outside. The night air is chilly, but it’s perfect.

“Sure.”

He takes my hand and we walk down the sidewalk. There are people strolling around, hand in hand, enjoying the nightlife with smiles on their faces. It’s then I realize that I’ve never really had that with anyone.

Hunter squeezes my hand. “What are you thinking about?”

I nod toward a couple across the street. “I was looking at them, the way they’re smiling at each other. I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone look at me like that.”

His brows furrow. “Your husband never did?”

I shake my head. “Not like that. Our relationship was just safe. There was no passion. Don’t get me wrong, I loved him, but we never had the intensity that …”

I don’t want to admit all the feelings I have for him so I stop, only Hunter doesn’t let me. Stopping mid-step, he gently turns me to face him. “What were you going to say?”

“It’s nothing,” I say, waving him off.

He pulls me over to a vacant corner, the cold brick building against my back. There are people walking by, but I can’t see them because he’s so close. “Tell me,” he murmurs. “Were you going to say the intensity that we have?”

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. “Yes.”

“Why didn’t you want to tell me that?”

“Because,” I reply, opening my eyes, “I don’t know how I feel about all of this and admitting things only makes it real. I’m not ready to let you in.”

The wind blows my hair in my face and he brushes it away. “You’ve already let me in, Kennedy. All you have to do now is let go.”

“How do I do that?”

He leans closer and kisses me gently on the lips, his teeth nipping my bottom lip. “I don’t know just yet, but we can figure it out together.” He kisses me again and his hands grip my hips. “Stay with me tonight.”

It sounds like a question, but I can hear the command in his tone. I like that he takes control, that he takes what he wants. I have a feeling that if he truly wants me, he’s not going to stop until he has all of me, body and soul. My body tightens and I want to feel him inside of me more than anything.

“Let’s go,” I whisper. We walk back to the restaurant where his car is still parked and with each step we take, I can feel the tension growing wilder by the second. Instead of going to my house, he takes us to his apartment, which is in a newer neighborhood just outside the city. We climb up to the third floor and he opens the door. It’s dark inside but the place smells just like him. I stroll inside and he shuts the door, locking it behind us.

“You have no idea how hard it’s been to concentrate this week,” he growls low in my ear. Wrapping his arms around my waist from behind, he kisses my neck. His warm breath sends shivers down my skin.

“I know the feeling.”

He turns me around and pushes me gently against the wall, pressing his hips into mine. “What do you want, Kennedy?”

There are so many things I want, but all I can think about is his lips on mine, his weight pressing me into his mattress as he thrusts inside of me.

“Kiss me,” I command.

However, it’s not just a kiss I want … I want all of him.

Everything moves in slow motion, especially when Hunter’s lips touch mine. Immediately, my body lights up hotter than the summer sun and I’m on fire, burning from the inside out. I grow impatient, needy, as he holds me firmly in place with my face between his hands, opening my lips with his tongue and thrusting deep and hard.

“Hunter,” I moan breathlessly.

He nips the tender flesh behind my ear and groans low in his chest, “Yeah?”

“I want you … now.”

Immediately, his lips still against mine and he pulls back ever so slowly, his gaze heated and raw. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes,” I claim breathlessly. “I need this.”

I don’t have to say anymore because in one quick move, he lifts me in his arms and carries me to his room, only we don’t get to the bed. Shifting me in his arms, he wraps my legs around his waist and I gasp as he pushes me into the wall. Holy hell, he’s intense … wild. He lifts my hands above my head and holds me prisoner while he bites his way along my collarbone and down to the mounds of my breasts.

Groaning, he pushes his hard cock between my legs and rocks his hips, sliding me up and down against the cold, smooth wall. I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like to really have him inside of me. That time in the car won’t compare to what it’ll be like in his bed, feeling his whole body around me.

He grabs one of my breasts and squeezes it hard, pinching my nipples between his fingers. I cry out as the pain shoots through my body on down to my clit; it feels amazing.

“Do you want me to fuck you here against the wall or on the bed?”

Gasping, I bite my lip and thrust my hips, watching his eyes roll back in his head. Two can play at that game. Fucking against the wall doesn’t sound like a bad idea. My clit pulses so violently I can barely speak; I’m so close.

“I want you to take me on the bed.”

Hunter sets me down and unzips my dress, letting it fall to the floor before pushing me onto the bed. I’m naked, my whole body trembling as I wait for him to undress. Being the stripper that he is, he takes off his suit ever so slowly and it’s sexier than hell. “Once we start there’s no going back. I want you to know what you’re getting in to.”

Slowly, I glide my fingers down his washboard abs and slide his boxers down to the floor, his cock so thick and hard I can barely wrap my hand around him. Holding him tight, I pump the full length of his cock until a strangled moan escapes his lips. Reluctantly, I let go.

“I think I can handle it,” I murmur.

“Well, then you better be ready.” With his brown gaze on mine, he lays me down and closes his lips over a taut nipple, sucking it hard … feverishly.

“More,” I rasp, arching my back.

Lifting my hips, he spreads my legs wider. “I’ll give you more,” he growls, sliding down my body.

He flicks his tongue across my clit, making me jump, and does it again. His breath teases my sensitive flesh as he breathes in and out, licking inside of me. Over and over, he licks and sucks my clit until I can’t take it anymore.

“That’s right, baby. Come for me and let me taste you,” he commands.

Doing as he says, I explode from the inside out, reaching down to grip handfuls of his dark tresses as he tastes every drop of my desire. When he lifts his head and climbs up my body, I can’t help but smile. No man has ever made me come that way. “That felt amazing.”

My body quivers as it comes down from its orgasm-induced high, and Hunter is all too happy with my reaction. “I think I’m addicted to your mouth,” I tease. “I want more.”

“Trust me, you’re going to get a lot more.”

Smirking, Hunter lifts me up in his arms and sits back against the antique wooden headboard of his bed. Straddling his waist, I can feel his cock throbbing between my legs, and I tease him by only letting the very tip of him inside of me.

With short, gentle strokes, I glide up and down until his grip tightens on my hips and he growls, “You’re killing me, love. Ride me now or I’m going to take control, and I don’t think you’re ready for that just yet.”

In a way I want to see what he’ll do, but instead, I lower down inch by inch until he’s completely inside of me. “Hunter,” I moan, slowly moving my hips. It hurts at first, but I’m so turned on and wet for him that the pain turns into a delicious ache.

“You feel so fucking good, Kennedy. I can’t believe how wet you are for me.”

With one hand tugging on my hair, he lowers the other one so he can rub my clit with his thumb. “Lean back so I can taste your nipples. I want them in my mouth when I come.” I have never been with a man who talked during sex like this, especially not my ex-husband. It’s a rush and it feels amazing to feel desired, wanted.

His grip on my hair tightens and I arch my back, still moving my hips as he bites down on a taut nipple. “As much as I love you riding me, I think it’s my turn now.”

“Then do it,” I plead.

Picking me up by the hips, we stay connected when he flips us around and collapses on top of me. I wrap my legs around his waist and hold on tight as he thrusts his hips deep and hard. Faster and faster he pumps, his lips still suckling on one of my nipples. The harder he sucks and pushes, the closer I come to losing myself; we’re both almost to the edge.

“Hunter,” I cry out, “I’m so close.”

He growls low in his chest and holds on tighter, grunting with his thrusts. “Me too, love. Oh fuck, you’re getting so tight.”

Digging my nails into his back, I scream out my release, and at the same time I can feel his cock throbbing inside of me, filling me with his desire. Breathing hard, he kisses my neck and holds on tight for a few minutes while he rests. When he lifts his head, he brushes the hair away from my face and kisses me gently on the lips, tracing them with his tongue. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”

“You say that now, but what’s going to happen when the novelty wears off?”

He shakes his head. “Stop being so scared. You’re not the only one who can get hurt. I’m just as involved in this as you.” His lips close over mine and I can feel his arousal growing hard again inside of me. “Do you feel what you do to me?”

My heart starts to race and I grab his hand, placing it over my chest. “Can you feel what you do to me?” I counter. He moves his hips and I gasp as he rocks against my clit.

“Yes, I feel it,” he murmurs. “And I can promise I won’t break it.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“I never do.”

“Good morning.”

Kennedy stretches, raising her arms above her head enough to drop the sheet covering her tits down so I have the perfect view. Just thinking about them makes me hard and gives me the idea that I need to fuck them.

“You made me breakfast?” She sits up, trying to keep herself covered, but the sheet falls away.

“I did. You know I could always hold your tits for you while you eat.” I reach out to tweak one of her nipples and she bats my hand away. Being the gentleman I am, I hand her one of my T-shirts and sigh when she pulls it over her head, covering her mounds.

“Hmm, I love bacon but never really cook it when I’m home. I hate dealing with the grease.”

“Um, yeah I used the microwave,” I say as I run my hand through my hair. “My grandma, though, she makes everything the old-fashioned way from scratch. She doesn’t even have a microwave, which sucked when I was growing up. I had to learn to cook.”

“Cooking isn’t a bad trait to have, Hunter.” Kennedy takes a bite of her eggs and washes it down with coffee.

“Nope. I suppose if my career as a stripper doesn’t work out, I can always be some kept man who makes sure his woman is always sated both in bed and in the kitchen.”

Kennedy’s eyes go wide and her chewing stops. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I don’t know, do you have a position open for me at your house?” I move the tray and set it on the floor before pulling the sheet fully away from her body. Instinctively she brings her legs up, but that only turns me on more. My hands grab onto her knees and spread them apart, giving me a clear vision of her body.

“Just think, Kennedy, you can work all day …” My finger trails down her legs until I reach her core, tickling her clit. “I can clean and have dinner ready for you.” She moans, rolling her eyes as I push two fingers inside her. “I’ll even wear one of those maid aprons … naked.” My hand pumps as her legs quiver. “I’d be ready to fuck you at any given time or you could drop to your knees and suck my dick whenever you wanted.”

“Oh fuck,” she yells out as she thrusts against my hand. Pulling away, I quickly push my shorts down, freeing my cock, and slam into her. I want to feel her walls clench around my dick one last time before I have to take her home. Gripping my headboard for leverage, I flex my hips between her legs as her nails dig into my ass.

“Hunter,” she says as her orgasm builds. “I’m going to come. Oh God.”

The sounds of our skin slapping and audible moans fill my room. Her legs squeeze my sides and she bucks into me, as her pussy milks my dick. I grunt my release, collapsing on top of her as my hips jerk with aftershock.

“So about that job I just created.”

“You’re hired,” she says breathlessly.

I laugh and pull her to me. I’ve never felt like this with anyone before. Usually it’s been a one-time thing and I never want to go back, but with Kennedy, I can’t get enough.

“I’ve never done it like that before.”

“You know there’s so many positions we can try. We should do at least one a day,” I suggest with a wink.

“How many are there?” she asks.

I shrug. “A hundred, maybe. Could be more, but we’ll have to repeat some, especially the ones I like.” I slide off of her and lay on my side, pulling her back to my chest.

“I have to go soon,” she says, reminding of the time. I let her go and she slowly slides off the bed.

“Being an adult fucking sucks,” I tell her as I get off the bed to find my shorts. I pull them on and sigh. “We should take a vacation. Find a tropical island where we don’t have to worry about time.”

Kennedy doesn’t say anything and when I look over my shoulder I see her getting dressed, her body tense. That last comment was probably too soon. It’s obvious she’s not ready.

As soon as she’s dressed, I drive her home and the whole way back to her house, she lets me keep my hand on her thigh. When we get to her house, I walk her to her door and give her a kiss that she’s not likely to forget and neither are her neighbors.

“The walk of shame looks fucking sexy on you,” I tell her as I swat her ass. “Expect me to text you, sext you, and call you when I’m jacking off later.” I kiss her again and head to my car. When I turn around, she’s staring at me with her mouth open.

I think about stopping at the coffee shop on my way home, but I’m on such a high from being with Kennedy I don’t want to cloud my memories of her with caffeine. Instead, I go home and shower, and prepare to start the first day of my internship. I lied to Kennedy last night when she asked me what I’m going to school for. I don’t know why I did, but I thought she would judge me if I told her that I want to be a lawyer.

She already carries this preconceived notion about me being a stripper I didn’t want to see a look—the look of bullshit—on her face. So I lied and told her I’m getting my degree in business. For years I’ve been busting my ass with college, including summer school, so I can graduate with a degree in law. My dad was a lawyer and even though he’s not alive I thought I could follow in his footsteps. Somehow make him proud even though the route I took probably isn’t what he had planned for me.

My reflection in the mirror is one I’m not used to seeing. Rarely do I look at myself at home before going to school or work because I don’t care, but today is different. Today, I feel different. Tonight when I’m off work I’m going to tell Kennedy the truth and hope that she can see past my blunder. If not, I’ll seduce her until she’s putty in my hands and I’ll ravage her body.

Adjusting my tie and the lapel on my suit jacket, I shake my shoulders out, making sure they’re relaxed. Honestly, I’m not used to wearing this many articles of clothing and it will take some getting used to, but it’s going to be worth it. Interning is the final stage for me. My dark hair is styled professionally and I add my specs. I don’t need the black-rimmed glasses, but they make me look distinguished, smart.

Reaching for my keys, my hand brushes against a card. I read it and that is when my heart drops. I lean against the wall, trying to steady my heart. If there’s ever a time in my life when I’ve fucked up, it’s now. I read the words on the card again. Yep, I’ve seriously fucked up. Staring right at me is her name. Kennedy Vaughn, ESQ. Vaughn and Marshall, Attorneys at Law.

I close my eyes and pray there is more than one Kennedy Vaughn, but in my heart I know there isn’t. The night we met comes rushing back to memory—the faces she was with. The other people are blurry except for hers and the one … the woman I interviewed with was at the club and she didn’t recognize me.

“Fuck my life,” I roar as I tear through my messenger bag looking for the other woman’s card. Elaine Burleson, Paralegal. Vaughn and Marshall, Attorneys at Law. My career as an attorney is going to be over before it even fucking starts.

“Shit, how did I not figure this out sooner?”

Of course there isn’t anyone in my apartment to answer my question, not that there’s an obvious answer. I interviewed with a paralegal and it was done at the school. There are four of us interning there from my class—Dante, Connie, Alan, and me—all so we can have experience with family law. That’s my specialty, or least that’s what I thought I’d go into when I graduated.

“This is what you get for not being honest,” I say out loud. It’s true. If I had been honest sweat wouldn’t be pouring down my face right now. If I had told Kennedy the truth, last night wouldn’t have happened and being with her far surpasses working in her law firm.

A quick glance at my phone tells me my time is running out. I need to get to the office to start my day even though that is the last thing I want to do right now. My resolve is wearing thin and is about to break as my finger hovers over Kennedy’s name. I should call and tell her everything now before I show up.

However, showing up and looking dapper has its benefits, too. I know she likes me and while this will be a shock, it proves to her that I’m serious about her, about my life, and that I won’t always be a stripper.

I grab my keys and head for my car, locking my apartment up tight. The drive is quick with the office not being far from my apartment or the mutual coffee shop that Kennedy and I share, which makes me question how I’ve never run into her before. Surely, I would’ve noticed her. A beautiful woman like Kennedy doesn’t escape any man’s notice.

Her office … my workplace looms in front of me. I park and shut off the engine, letting the calm rush over me. “I can do this,” I tell myself over and over again. And when I see Alan, Connie, and Dante, I figure it’s best if I walk in with them, a unified front.

“Damn, Hunter, why do you have to look so gorgeous?” Connie says with a shake of her head.

“Sorry.”

“No, you’re not,” she laughs. “We should get dinner sometime.”

This isn’t the first time she’s asked me out, and the answer is always no. It’s not that she’s not pretty; she is, but not my type. Too much make-up, hair always styled perfectly, and thin as a rail. She hardly ever eats when we’re on campus and constantly complains about her weight. Plus, she’s not Kennedy.

In my eyes, Kennedy’s perfect. Everything about her from the way her hair falls in her face when she’s trying to hide from me, to the curve of her hips when my hand is holding onto her. Kennedy has it all—the perfect eyes, lips, sense of humor, style and grace. All without trying.

“I’m seeing someone,” I tell her truthfully, even though in about five minutes that might change. Connie’s face falls, but that’s not enough to deter me. “Let’s go to work, shall we?”

Dante leads the way and every part of me becomes nervous. The door chimes as we step in and my eyes instantly fall upon one of the women that came with Kennedy to the strip club. I try to hide behind Connie and Alan, hoping she doesn’t recognize me. The last thing I need is for her to give away that I work at Society X. I fear that if word got out the school would frown upon my job duties and kick me out.

“Good morning,” Dante says. “We’re here to start our internship today.”

“Yes, of course. You’re going to meet with Elaine. Go ahead into the conference room and she’ll be right in.”

I manage to stay hidden and never make eye contact with the receptionist. Once we’re in the room, I let out a huge sigh and pray that I can get to Kennedy soon.

When the paralegal we interviewed with enters, my heart hits the floor. This is another one who was at the club that night with Kennedy. The pit of my stomach rumbles loudly, drawing her attention to me. I look everywhere but at her, and when she clears her throat I have no choice but to look up at her. I swallow hard and ready myself for my demise.

“Good morning. It’s great to see all your familiar faces.” I should just get up and leave right now, save face and forget about ever meeting Kennedy, but I can’t. I won’t.

“I have your assignments.” Elaine hands out folders with the contents telling us what we’ll be working on and with whom. I’m assigned to Chris and will be working on reaching an alimony and settlement agreement of a couple going through a divorce. The folder is full of documents; pertinent information that I’ll need to come up with the numbers for both parties. On the inside, I’m rejoicing. The last thing I’d be able to do is work with Kennedy.

“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to your offices.” We all follow her down the hall and it takes every ounce of willpower to not seek out Kennedy. I know she’s here, though, because I can sense her.

“Connie and Hunter, this is Mr. Marshall’s office and you’ll be working in here.” Elaine pauses, showing us the room. Inside there are two desks, facing each other both with legal pads, pens, and laptops. I choose the desk closer to the window and sit down. “Mr. Marshall will be in shortly.”

“Wow, this is big time. I had no idea their offices would be so big. I thought we’d be sitting in a research room, crammed in the corner,” Connie states.

“We’re lucky I guess.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mr. Marshall entering the room. Taking a deep breath, I turn to face him. I can tell by the expression on his face, he recognizes me. “Good morn— Well, we haven’t met officially, I’m Chris Marshall.” I shake his hand and introduce myself, even though he knows my name and what my dick looks like. Connie does the same and shakes his hand as well. “Let me give you a little tour,” he says with a slight chuckle.

He takes us around the office, clearly avoiding the other side of the building where I can only assume Kennedy’s at. He obviously knows I’m going to be in deep shit. Once we’re back in his office, he gives Connie a folder of work and I’m about to sit down with her when he shakes his head. “You’re coming with me.” Heart racing, I follow him out and down the hall. “Interesting seeing you here,” he mentions quietly.

“Um … yeah.”

“I’m gathering Kennedy doesn’t know.” I shake my head and follow him down another hall. “Well let’s surprise her, shall we?”

Dread fills my body as he swings open the door that reads Kennedy Vaughn. She looks up and blushes. No, that’s not right. There isn’t a color to describe her right now. She’s whiter than Casper and looks like she’s about to be sick. This is perfect. I’m her dirty little secret.

“Lovie, look who I found.”

“What are you doing here?” she asks, her voice low and clipped.

“Best news ever, Hunter is one of our interns. Well mine, actually, and I don’t think I’m going to share.” His attention goes from me to Kennedy and back to me, clearly picking up on the tension.

“Oh my God, now I know why things are feeling awkward. You guys messed around, didn't you?”

“Wh-what?” she stammers.

“Oh I can see it. I knew you were getting laid, but I had no idea it was from him!” Chris points at me as if I’m not in the room.

“I’m …” Her face grows paler and she squeezes the pen in her hand so tight her knuckles turn white. She’s angry and embarrassed.

“You’ve been holding out on me. How dare you. I thought we were close.”

Kennedy shakes her head, breaking her own thoughts. “Chris, can you leave us alone for a minute?” she asks, her demeanor something I’ve never seen. I can feel it, my internship slipping away. Chris leaves and the click of the door shutting has me on edge.

“What are you doing here?” She sits on the edge of her desk with her ankles crossed.

“I’m one of the interns.” I bite the inside of my lip and wait.

“How did you find out where I work?”

I sigh. “I didn’t. And about an hour ago I didn’t even realize I was coming here until I found your business card on my table.”

“You lied to me.”

It takes me a second for her words to sink in. And once they do, I realize I’m not the only one who made a mistake. “You lied, too.”

Sighing, she closes her eyes. “I’m protecting myself.” I don’t dare move from my spot on the floor even though I want to go over to her. When she opens her eyes, it's not the look I want to see. “You can’t be here.”

Anger boils in my veins. I can’t lose my internship. It’s all I have left. “Why not? I applied for this spot months ago. I’m on the Dean’s List and my course studies more than exceed the requirements your firm requested.”

“That’s not the point.”

I scoff and shake my head. “Is it because at night I strip to pay for college so I’m not drowning in mounds of debt? Or is it because we’ve been fucking and you don’t want to be caught sucking the dick of your intern?” I sigh and hold my breath.

Her mouth drops open and before I can fix the damage I’ve done, she’s pointing to the door. “Get out, now.”

Knowing I’ve sealed my fate not only with her, but also with the job, I make my way back to the office that's supposed to be mine and sit down. I figure if they’re going to ask me to leave, I might as well wait until that happens.

“Staff meeting now,” Kennedy yells as she storms down the hall. I look at Connie who shrugs and returns to whatever is on her laptop. Neither of us move, especially me. I have a good feeling that Kennedy is about to do some damage control.

I storm into the conference room and wait for everyone to get in there. Elaine and Sara come charging in, but it’s Chris who walks in with a smirk on his face that pisses me off. When they’re all in, I slam the door and face them.

“We have a problem,” I hiss, trying my best to keep my voice low. Hunter and the other interns are just a couple doors down.

Elaine and Sara glance nervously at each other while Chris tries to hold back a snicker. He has to know how uncomfortable all of this is for me. Instead, he’s finding amusement in it. If anyone finds out I’m not only screwing around with a stripper, but also an intern I’ll be screwed.

“Did we do something wrong?” Sara asks.

Sighing, I walk past them to the window. If Hunter thinks I’m going to let him slide because we’re lovers he has another thing coming. This is my practice and I have to do what’s best for my business. “No, Sara, that’s not it. I have a problem with one of our interns.”

“But they’re perfect,” Elaine claims. “They’re the top of their class. I interviewed them weeks ago and knew they’d be a good fit for us. We’re trying to hire new blood, are we not?”

I turn around and face them. Elaine and Sara are seriously confused which leads me to believe they have no clue who Hunter really is. “Yes, we’re trying to find new blood, but Hunter’s not going to work. I have no doubt of his academic skills, but he needs to go.”

“But why?” Elaine challenges.

For the first time in my life, I’m tongue-tied. Usually, I can think on the top of my feet, but with Hunter around, it’s like I lose my game. That’s how much he flusters me. I steal a glance at Chris and he shakes his head, clearly not agreeing with my demand.

“There’s nothing wrong with him being here, Kennedy. We own this practice together, and I say let’s give the guy a shot. Just because he gave you the best lap dance of your life doesn’t mean you should punish him.”

And there it is …

Elaine gasps while Sara stares at me in shock, slapping a hand over her mouth to contain her giggle. “I thought he looked familiar,” Elaine points out. “I think he looks hotter in a suit.”

Yes, he does. Rolling my eyes, I sit down. “He’s a distraction. No one will be able to take him seriously if they find out he’s a stripper.”

Chris huffs. “That’s why none of our clients are going to find out. Honestly, I think he’s pretty damn serious if he’s graduating at the top of his class. If I’m willing to look past his extracurricular activities, then so should you.”

Elaine nods. “I agree. I say he stays.”

“Me too,” Sara pipes in.

“So basically, you’re all overruling me?” I ask, knowing I’m defeated. I don’t want to take this opportunity away from Hunter, but I can’t work with him. When I say he’s a distraction, it’s really for me. I don’t trust myself when I’m around him.

“Yep, you’re overruled,” Chris announces. He glances down at his watch and clucks his tongue. “And now we’re all running late.” His gaze focuses on Sara and he tilts his head toward the door. “Do you mind seeing if my client is here? I’m going to get Hunter to shadow me.”

Sara hurries out the door and I nod at Elaine to follow her. Chris gets up and shuts the door, his eyes lit with humor. “What is it?” I huff.

Leaning against the desk, he breaks out into a smile. “I’m curious, Ms. Vaughn. So when were you going to tell me about Hunter? I’m a little hurt you didn’t confide in me.”

“How could I?” I say, massaging my forehead. The whole situation makes my head hurt. “He’s a stripper, Chris. I’ve done things I know I shouldn’t.”

He crosses his arms across his chest. “Like what? Sleeping with a sexy, younger man you’re attracted to?” Hunter’s in his mid-twenties so it’s not like he’s that much younger than me. I’m only thirty-three.

“It’s more complicated than that.” I avert my gaze to the window and he steps in my line of sight.

“You’re making it that way. Being a stripper isn’t a big deal. He’s probably just doing it to pay for tuition. Not everyone is made of money, Kennedy. You and I were some of the lucky ones who didn’t have to pay for our schooling.”

He’s right and it makes me feel even guiltier. I didn’t have to pay for college. My parents saved up for years so that I wouldn’t have to take out loans. Hunter didn’t have any of that. His parents died when he was young. The thought makes me sad for him. I can’t imagine having to strip to make money for college.

Sighing, I close my eyes. I don’t want to look at Chris’ accusatory stare any longer. “You’re right,” I murmur. “I was hasty and I shouldn’t have overreacted. But it still doesn’t change the fact that things are going to be awkward.”

He taps my chin. “How awkward are we talking? Are you saying you and Hunter are a lot closer than just the lap dance?”

The heat rises to my cheeks and I open my eyes. “Yes,” I confess. “We’ve been seeing each other since that night.”

“As in dating or just having sex?”

I roll my eyes. “Both. I agreed to a date and it was actually nice. But I lied to him and he lied to me. He had no clue I was a lawyer and I had no clue he was in school to be one.”

He lifts his arms in the air. “Then I’d say you’re even. He’s probably in his office right now wondering if you’re about to screw up his career.”

The words sting and I blanch. “I would never do that.”

“Good, because I’m going to let you give him the good news.”

“Why don’t you tell him?” I gasp. “He’s working with you.”

Shaking his head, he strolls to the door. “He’ll want to hear it from your mouth. Besides, you two need to talk anyway.” I watch him turn the knob but then he freezes and jerks around, his eyes wide. “Holy shit, I just had a thought.”

“What?”

“You’re working undercover for Jennifer Bates, right? At Society X?”

I bite my lip, remembering the show I watched the other day. I haven’t told Chris about it yet. “Yeah, why?” He points down the hall toward Hunter’s office and it’s like everything falls into place. “Oh my God,” I gasp. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

His smile grows wider. “Exactly.”

The day drags on and I’ve managed to stay in my office to avoid seeing Hunter. I’m not ready to talk to him yet. I have no clue if he’s left since it’s closing in on five o’clock, but I have a strange feeling he’s going to stick around until I leave. If he’s going to work in my firm, he has to watch the way he acts around me … and vice versa. Ground rules need to be set and followed.

“Kennedy?” Sara calls out over the speaker on my phone.

“Yes?”

“Mrs. Bates stopped by. She wants to know if you have time to see her.”

I press the intercom button. “Of course. Please send her back.” I was just about to call her anyway to see if she knows when her husband’s going to be at Society X.

“Yes, ma’am. She’s on her way.”

I finish up my paperwork and stack it on the corner of my desk. The day’s been busy but I welcomed it. I have a lot of court dates coming up, and thankfully, it’s nothing that requires a lot of energy. I’ve had cases before where I had to fight tooth and nail for my clients; it’s exhausting.

A soft knock raps on my door. “Come in,” I call out.

Jennifer opens the door and smiles. “Hey.”

I wave her in. “Hey, I was just about to call you.”

She shuts the door and sits down across from me. “Good timing, then. I thought I’d come by and give you these.” Opening her purse, she pulls out a set of papers and hands them to me.

Looking down at them, I gasp in shock. “Wow. Your husband’s a busy boy.”

Her face turns green. “You’re telling me. Makes me sick.” In my hands are copies of her husband’s datebook entries. Apparently, he’s starting to spend more and more time in the viewing room.

“Have you asked him where he’s going at night?” I ask. I feel sick for her. If I was her, I probably would’ve already kicked her worthless, lying husband to the curb. But I understand her need to catch him cheating on her. She was going to need proof to take a man down like Chad Bates.

She drops her gaze down to her purse, her hands shaking as she holds it tight. “He says he’s working late or meeting with a client. I want to punch the shit out of him every time I see him.” I can’t imagine what it must be like to be stuck with a man you pledged your loyalty to and find out he’s cheating on you with different people every week.

I glance down at today’s date in his notebook and there are the initials DR scribbled in his handwriting. “I’m assuming he’s in the dark room tonight?”

Her jaw clenches. “So it appears.” If he’s in that room, it means he’s having sex with someone he can’t see. It’s the thrill of using your bodies to guide you. The thought’s intriguing but it’s not something I’d be interested in. The rest of the dates for the next month are all in the viewing room; I can handle that.

“Thank you for bringing me this. You have no idea how much it helps.”

“Have you had any luck at the club?”

I shake my head. “Not yet, but I have someone who might be able to help. He’s on the inside.”

Hope blossoms on her face and I pray I can keep it there. “That’s great,” she sighs in relief. “I just wish I didn’t have to go home. I don’t know how long I can handle being near that bastard.”

“Why don’t you tell him you want to go away for a while? With what he’s doing, I don’t see him caring about what you do. Use his money and stay somewhere nice.”

She bites her lip. “You know what? I think that’s the best thing I’ve heard all day. I’m gonna do it.” If she didn’t get away from Chad, there’s no doubt she’ll lose her cool at some point and give everything away. There’s only so much anger a person can take. Getting to her feet, I mirror her and she hugs me. “Thanks, Kennedy. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’re welcome. Now get out of here and take a break. I’ll handle it from here.”

As soon as she leaves, I glance down at the clock. Unfortunately, I can’t avoid Hunter forever. I shut my computer down and grab my purse. When I walk out into the hall, all the other offices are dark except for Hunter’s. Heart racing, I take a deep breath and stop at his door. He’s in there with his head down, examining the documents lying on this desk. I knock gently and he looks up, his expression serious. I haven’t ever seen him look like that before.

“How was your first day?”

He laughs once. “You mean my last? I know you’re here to let me go, Kennedy. I’ve been waiting to get the boot all day.”

I walk inside and sit across from him. “Then you’ll be waiting for a long time. I’m not getting rid of you.”

An audible sigh escapes his lips. “Thank you. I’ve been thinking about what I said to you this morning. It was out of line and I’m sorry.”

I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it. However, if you’re going to be staying here the next few months, we’re going to have to lay down some ground rules.” His whole demeanor is so serious it’s hard to imagine he’s the same Hunter.

He nods. “I’ll do anything. This internship means everything to me.”

“First off, you have to address me as Ms. Vaughn around the others; especially your classmates. My co-workers already know who you are and they’re not going to say anything.”

“I can do that,” he agrees.

“And you have to keep your hands to yourself,” I warn. “This is a professional place so make sure to act like it.”

He nods again. “Anything else?”

Sighing, I close my eyes and all I can think about is the time we’ve spent together. I hate that all we’ve done is lie to each other. “Yes,” I murmur, opening my eyes. “From this day forward, there’s to be no more lying. I promise to be honest with you if you’re honest with me.”

“Okay,” he says softly. We stare at each other for a moment and I’m the first one to break away. “Does this mean we’re still seeing each other or have I lost my chance? I don’t want to lose what we have, Kennedy. I want this to work, even if I have to wait until my internship is over.”

His voice is so genuine I can’t help but smile. “I want it to work, too. For now, let’s just take it one step at a time.” He smiles in return and I’m so happy to see it again. “What does Chris have you doing?”

He shrugs. “Nothing much right now.”

“Good, because there’s something I need your help on. I don’t even know if you can or if you’d get in trouble, but I’ll be right there with you. It’s kind of an undercover type of thing.”

His brows furrow. “What is it?”

I lick my dry lips. “I have to find someone who likes to perform in the viewing room with other women. He’s a client, not an employee.”

“And what are you going to do when we find him?”

I scoff. “Rip off his balls.” I can think of a million things I’d like to do, but all of them will land me in jail.

“This isn’t your ex-husband, is it?”

“No,” I exclaim. “Aaron would never do such a thing. It’s for a close client of mine. She needs my help. And I’m hoping with you by my side we’ll be able to do it.”

Sighing, he runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t think I can do it, Kennedy. The money I make at the club is what helps me pay for law school. Without that income, I’m fucked. I want to help you, but finishing my schooling is more important.”

Even though he turned me down, I can see the determination in his gaze; he’s serious about being a lawyer and I like that. It shows his commitment to his future.

“Then let me compromise,” I say, catching his attention. “If you get fired, I’ll offer you a job here so you can pay for school. It’s the least I can do for your help.”

By the expression on his face, he ponders the idea, but I can see the turmoil in his brown gaze. I don’t want him to get in trouble, but I can use his help.

For a moment, I lose all hope, but then he holds out his hand. “All right, I’ll do it. But I want it all in writing. You will offer me a job if I lose mine at SX. Deal?”

Not thinking twice, I shake his hand. “Agreed. I’ll draw up the papers tomorrow.” He releases my hand and I can feel the tingles all the way up my arm. “Now how about we talk about the details over dinner? We can order take out.”

That sexy smirk of his is back. “My place or yours?”

The decision is easy on where we’re going to eat. What I’m not set on is whether I can do what she’s asking. Society X has paid my way through law school. The money I earn is enough to pay rent, my bills, and tuition. Kennedy is asking me to go against my employment contract and spy for her. After dinner, her and I have to sit down and work out a contract. There is no way I can put my job on the line.

I follow Kennedy back to her house and pull my car in behind hers in her driveway. It almost seems like a surreal moment, almost like we’re sharing a house and life, and coming home at the same time from the office. I try not to let my thoughts get the best of me, except I can’t help it. Kennedy is in front of me with her pencil skirt accentuating her perfect ass as she climbs the stairs to her house and all I can think about is gripping it in my hands while I pump into her.

She turns and sizes me up. I smile, knowing she can figure out what’s on my mind. I can’t help it. There’s something about her that I can’t put my finger on, but have a feeling that she’s going to be someone in my life for a long time.

“I’ll grab the take out menus,” she says after dumping her briefcase on the table by her door. I set mine there as well and place my keys next to hers.

The thoughts running through my mind should have me running for the hills, but seeing our keys side by side really makes me think that I should start thinking about settling down. I know my grandmother would like to see me married before she dies. As she always reminds me, she’s no spring chicken.

“What would you like to eat?” She walks down the hallway with her hand full of menus and her ‘come fuck me, Hunter’ heels tapping against her wood floor. I thought I ate out a lot, but damn she has me beat. She fans the menus out and looks at me, silently asking me to draw blindly from her pile.

“You,” I say as I pull her to me. She giggles and drops the menus on the floor as my lips find her neck.

“We can’t have sex, Hunter.”

“Why not?”

Squirming out of my arms, Kennedy slaps my shoulder. “I’m hungry and we have work to do. I was serious about what I said at the office. I need your help with this case.” She doesn’t say anything about the contract and I know it’s going to be up to me to bring it up. The problem is I don’t want things to be awkward. I mean, how the fuck do you ask your new boss—who also happens to be the woman you’re sleeping with—to guarantee your future? It’s not even a pleasant thought, me having to ask Kennedy to do me a solid and protect me. Makes me look fucking weak, but I can’t show her. Hell, I don’t even want to see it myself.

“Okay, let’s order.” Grasping her hand, I lead her into the kitchen where she has a small table. We spread out the menus and decide on Italian. She calls in our order while I grab our briefcases and bring them back into the kitchen.

“Do you want a glass of wine?”

“Yeah, I’ll take one if you’re having one.” I’m not much of a wine drinker, but I don’t want to assume she has beer in her refrigerator either.

While Kennedy pours our wine, I set up my laptop. Working is the last thing I want to do right now. I’d rather sit on the sofa with her next to me with the lights dimmed and the television on just for the background lighting. I may be a stripper, but do have a romantic side, and working through dinner is not romantic.

But I get it. She has an important case and I’m her intern. Technically, I’m Chris’, but I still work for the firm. Kennedy places my wine glass down and sits across from me. Her legs instantly rub against mine and a smile spreads across my face.

“How do you not have a girlfriend?”

“Excuse me?” I ask, looking over the top of my laptop. “I thought you were my girlfriend.”

Kennedy is unable to hide her smile even though she’s trying to be serious. “I’m not talking about now, but before …”

“Are you saying that I’m good looking?”

She pulls out her laptop and opens it, hiding behind her screen. “All I’m saying is that your glasses distract me.”

It’s not the first time I’ve been given a compliment about my glasses, but I never knew they were a distraction. Kennedy telling me this is something I’m going to use in my advantage. The next time we fuck I’ll wear them and make sure she’s on top. We’ll see how distracted she’ll be then.

“Do you want me to take them off?”

“Can you see without them?”

I shrug noncommittally, not really giving her an answer. I can see without them, but I like that I can make her squirm. If I’m not mistaken I hear her groan, but before I can say anything she’s taking a folder full of papers out of her bag and placing them in the middle of the table.

“Let’s talk about the case.”

When she goes to open the file, I put my hand down on it. “Before I take this step I need the contract, Kennedy. I can’t risk my job like this.”

She nods, returns to her laptop, and starts typing. The doorbell rings and I offer to grab dinner. When I return to the kitchen, she’s gone, only to come back in carrying a set of papers.

“Here’s your contract,” she states, handing it to me.

We swap; I take the paper in her hand and she takes the food. Kennedy filters around the kitchen while I read. She’s offering me a one-year position at full salary in the event I lose my job as a part of this case. In exchange I work for her twenty-four-seven until the case is solved. The clause at the ends says I must reapply for this job after one year, assuming I have satisfactorily passed the bar exam. Kennedy has already signed it, leaving a space for my signature next to hers. I read it over again before adding my name to the solid black line. The one-year salary is more than I make at Society X and I’d be foolish to pass this up.

By the time I’ve read and signed the contract, my dinner is waiting for me on the table. My wine glass has been refilled even though I’ve barely taken a sip. If I’m thinking this is going to be a romantic dinner for two, I’m mistaken—the file is open and pictures are spread out on the table.

“You were sure I was going to sign?”

Kennedy glances up at me as I hand her the paper. “You’re a smart man, Hunter. What I’m offering has to be more than what you make at the club. If not, I’ll make sure it is.”

“It’s plenty,” I tell her. Any of the other guys, if given this chance, would’ve asked for more. Working this closely with Kennedy not only gives me the chance to learn from her, but to be with her more. Both are bonuses in my book.

Society X is an elite club that allows you to explore your sexual fantasies, be someone you’re not anonymously and find ways to take your encounters with your partner to a whole new level. I’ve never thought of it any differently until now.

As soon as I step in the back door my stomach starts to roll. Everything that Kennedy told me the night before sits heavily with me. So much so that I passed up a night of being buried between Kennedy’s legs to just hold her.

I knew people came to Society X to cheat on their spouses, it’s a given. Sex clubs, strip joints, they all have the same stigma and it’s not going to be any different because of status. I suppose deep down I didn’t want to know it was happening here, or that my co-workers were involved. But then again, why wouldn’t we be at the center of the issue? We can’t get into trouble here. We aren’t the cause of the underlying marital issues.

However, we aren’t the answer either. I suppose working at a place like this you become numb. It’s not like we’re asking questions before we get down and dirty. We’re paid to bring others pleasure and right about now that sounds sick.

The schedule for tonight hangs on the wall. I reach for it and pray that I am not in any of the rooms. Last night, as Kennedy was telling me about her client, Jennifer, and how devastated she is, I saw a look in Kennedy’s eyes that told me the same thing … she would be hurt if I were with someone else, job or not.

I let out a huge sigh when I see that I’m only dancing. Easy. I won’t have to decline any rooms and draw suspicion to myself. Before I get to work, I walk over to the female side and survey the crowd of men in attendance. The room is packed, making it difficult to see each and every face there.

Anger boils within, making me want to grab each guy by the lapels and ask them if they’re married, and if so, do their wives know they’re here? But I realize I’m not any better than the men sitting here, watching my co-workers take off their clothes or partaking in a lap dance. I’ve seduced countless women and never batted an eyelash about doing it because they were paying me. I was giving them what they wanted and enjoyed every single second of it.

I give up after three or four walks through the crowd. From the picture Kennedy showed me, the one I focused on memorizing, the man I’m looking for is blond, medium build, and average. There wasn’t anything striking about him, except I could see in his eyes that he doesn’t give a shit, which unfortunately are half the men here.

Most of the men are ignoring the fact that I’m looking right at them. They move to the side so they can see better—some even give me a dirty look, silently asking me why I’m blocking them from seeing the stage. Unless Jennifer’s husband, Chad, is in this room with a sign that says ‘I’m using the viewing room to cheat on my wife’, I’m never going to find him.

I go back to the schedule and scan the rooms to see who is performing a threesome tonight. Donnie has three of the four scheduled and I fume at the thought that Kennedy may be watching any of them. Watching. She’s only watching and not for pleasure … except it’s impossible not to be affected by that shit.

“What’s up, Hunter?” Donnie pats me on the shoulder as he passes by. His dick is hanging out of his underwear, seemingly forgotten that he didn’t cover back up before exiting the stage.

“Just being jealous of your talents, man. Three in the viewing room tonight!” I play it off the best I can.

Grabbing himself, Donnie winks. “Hazards of the job, man. I’ve been here a long time.”

“Don’t you get tired of it?”

“Nah,” he replies, shaking his head. “The way I see it, I’m a fucking sexual therapist.”

“Interesting concept.”

Donnie pulls out the chair, thankfully covering up his dick. “These women, and sometimes men, come in needing a fantasy fulfilled, but don’t know how to do it without the help of the club. They know I’m not going to ask their name or want to fucking call them in the morning. They also know I’m clean, so the anxiety of wondering if you can trust your partner is taken off their chests. They come here because they don’t want their neighbors knocking on their door, bringing over a fucking casserole while the chick has a dick buried in her pussy and sometimes asshole, or having to use their name at a hotel where someone might know them.”

“What about the men who come in to live out the fantasy of a threesome or being watched?”

He moves to the mirror and starts reapplying the lotion we use. “Rare, but it happens. You gotta remember, people who are using the rooms aren’t getting something at home. If a dude wants a threesome and his wife is saying no, chances are he’s going to find a way to get one.”

“And you think that’s okay?”

Donnie catches my gaze through the mirror and frowns. Turning, he comes toward me. “Are you getting all philosophical on me?”

I shake my head and hang the schedule back up. “Nah, just working through some shit. My neighbor thinks her boyfriend is cheating on her and it got me wondering.”

“Is he a member here?”

“No,” I laugh him off. “They live in my apartment complex, there isn’t any way he can afford to be a member. Besides, she doesn’t know I work here.”

“She probably wants your dick, Hunter. I bet she’s crying on your shoulder, making your insides all weak so you’ll fuck her. Be sure to wrap that shit before you do. The last thing you want is a pissed off boyfriend and a baby on the way.” Donnie shakes his head again and goes back to the mirror, admiring himself.

“Ever fuck a guy?”

He grabs his dick and nods toward me. “You wanting some of this?”

“Fuck no,” I say sternly. “I don’t swing that way, man.”

Chuckling, he turns back to the mirror. “I prefer chicks, but if the customer wants my dick up his ass who am I to say no?”

“Right, makes sense. I hope the crowd is good tonight.”

“It will be,” he replies, winking at me as he leaves the dressing area.

Spying for Kennedy is going to be hard. Donnie is tight-lipped about his clients, as he should be, and the only way I’m going to know if Chad is signed up is by happenstance. There has to be another way to find out who he’s partnering with, unless he’s bringing his own women in. That is something Kennedy and I didn’t discuss. Any member can use the viewing room, with another member. Kennedy just assumed it was with staff.

Pulling out my cell, I call her.

“Did you find something?”

I try not to let my heart drop to the floor with thoughts that she’s using me—that maybe she’s been using me from the start.

“Only that I’m dying to have you spread wide beneath me, does that count?”

“Yes,” she laughs.

“I’ll take care of you tonight, I promise.”

“Glad to hear it. But in all seriousness, did you have any luck?”

“Not really. Donnie is our best bet, but you need to consider that Chad may be bringing in people from the outside. Any member can use the room, and if they have a guest pass they can bring in non-members. He may be using the viewing room to cheat with another member of the club, and by the amount of dates in his calendar, it’s probably cheaper here than at a hotel.”

Kennedy sighs. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

“That’s why we’re a great team. In more ways than one.”

“Yes, that’s true. I’ll see you later.”

We hang up and I pocket my phone. The last thing I want to do is go to work tonight, for either job.

One Week Later

“You about ready to go? I’ll walk you out to your car.”

I glance up from Jennifer’s divorce papers to see Chris leaning against the doorframe. “Yep, just looking at these divorce papers. I keep thinking I’ll be able to hand them to Chad.”

“Any luck on Jennifer’s case?” he asks. Everyone has already left for the night, including Hunter so he could make his shift at the club.

Shaking my head, I stand and close the papers up my briefcase. It’s getting late and I’m ready to get home. Hunter will be there as soon as he gets off of work. “Nothing yet. Even Hunter hasn’t found out anything; he’s been snooping around all week. I have the dates Chad will be there, but I seem to keep missing him.”

“So I guess you’re not having fun watching strangers have sex on stage?”

I snort. “Not exactly. It makes me feel dirty. I just want to nail the bastard and be done with it.”

Frowning, Chris crosses his arms over his chest. His tie is undone and his shirt wrinkled; a clear sign that we’ve been working too hard. It’s also closing in on ten o’clock. “You might not be able to catch him, lovey. Think about it, when you catch him, how are you going to have proof? It’ll be your word against his. It’s not like you’ll be able to take pictures of him in the viewing room.”

He has a point, and unfortunately, it’s exactly what I tried not to think of. “I can’t give up just yet. There has to be another way.”

“Always the optimist,” he laughs. “That’s why you’re so good at this job. You like to fight for your clients.”

Grabbing my briefcase, I join him at the door. “That I do. I’d hope someone would do the same for me.”

“You know I would.”

After shutting off my office light, we walk outside to our cars. “And that’s exactly why you’ll represent me if I ever have to go to court.”

He opens my car door, his lips pulled back in a mischievous smirk. “So how are things with you and Hunter?”

A small smile spreads across my lips. “Really good, actually. For the past week he’s been staying at my house. We have a lot in common, which I never thought possible. There’s more to him than I thought.”

He can be dirty at times, but for the most part, he’s a romantic. I never had that with my ex-husband. He also talks fondly about his grandmother and how he takes care of her. From what he’s told me, I feel like I already know her. It gave me a glimpse into what kind of man he is.

“Oh, I know,” he agrees. “The boy’s smart. I have to say I’ve enjoyed working with him more than I have any other intern we’ve had. If you don’t hire him after he graduates, then I will.”

I bit my lip. He doesn’t know about the deal I made with Hunter. “He might be working here sooner than that.”

“Oh yeah?”

I nod. “I kind of offered him a job if he gets fired from the club for helping me. It was the only way I could get him to agree.”

Chris burst out laughing. “See? I told you he was smart. Although, I do have to say I’m shocked you two have kept your distance at the office. I keep expecting to hear your desk rattle.”

I roll my eyes. “Hunter knows we have to keep things professional. We still have jobs to do. Plus, he’s just an intern.” However, things might be different if he ends up working for me.

He tries to hide his smile. “Whatever you say, Kennedy. Be careful going home.”

I get in my car and he shuts the door, laughing the whole time he gets into his. Chris is a jokester around the office, but once he gets into the courtroom, he’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s like he’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

As soon as I get home, I grab a glass of wine and change out of my skirt into a set of sexy, red lingerie. Hunter’s been working non-stop for me and I want him to know how much I appreciate it. I’ve had issues with trust, but he assures me he’s not sleeping with anyone else. He hasn’t given me a reason not to believe him. That’s why I’ve been working hard at night to make sure he doesn’t want anyone else.

With my ex-husband, I never cared so much. I loved him, but when it came to the sex, I never craved it. With Hunter, I crave it and he seems to crave me as well; it’s intoxicating. My phone beeps and I read the text.

Hunter: Just got off work. On my way to you.

Just seeing the words sends flutters through my stomach. I have a plan and it’s something I’ve wanted to do all week. Turning off the lights, I set a candle on the kitchen table and light it, along with a note.

Come to the bedroom and sit down in the chair.

Hunter has to pass right by it before he gets to the hallway. The other day, I bought a pack of small, pre-lit candles so I could line them down the hallway. I didn’t want to burn down my house by using real ones. Once those are put in place, I hurry to my bedroom and light the candles. There’s a chair for him to sit in and my song is ready to play. All I have to do now is wait.

A car door slams and the front doors open. Hunter sets his keys down on the table by the door like he does every night he comes over. I don’t know why, but I love the way it sounds to hear them clank on the glass. It’s something I wouldn’t mind hearing every night.

I hear Hunter’s deep chuckle and then his footsteps as they come down the hall. When he enters the room, he glances around until he finds me. He’s dressed in jeans and a snug T-shirt. I can’t wait to get him out of them.

His eyes roam over my body and I smile as he hardens between his legs. “Take a seat,” I say.

He sits down in the chair. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

I walk around him, tracing a finger across his shoulder. “Thank you. I thought I’d give you a little surprise.” My laptop sits on my dresser and I click on the playlist I worked on all week. A lot of them are older songs from the nineties, but they’re hot as hell. The one I chose to dance to is “Twisted” by Keith Sweat. It’s perfect for how I feel.

When the song comes on, Hunter closes his eyes and groans. “Please tell me you’re about to do what I think you’re going to do.”

He opens his eyes and I straddle him, circling my hips across his groin. “I hope you enjoy the show. Remember, you have to keep your hands to yourself.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Just until the song’s over,” I laugh.

He bites his lip and grips the edge of the chair. I love seeing how hard it is for him to not to touch me. I’ve never been wanted like this before. The song is about four minutes long, just enough time to get him where I want him. The beat is perfect to dance to, perfect for teasing. First, I start with my lingerie and slowly slip it off my body, freeing my aching breasts. My soaked underwear is next and I drop them to the floor. Hunter watches with raw, hungered eyes and I love it. I lift his shirt over his head and run my hands down his chest to the tops of his jeans. His grip on the chair tightens when I unbutton his pants, freeing his arousal.

Settling between his legs, I lick the tip and moan, closing my lips over him. “Fuck,” he hisses. A small chuckle escapes my lips and I suck harder, loving the way his cock pulsates as I milk him. “I want you so bad right now.”

“When the song’s over,” I whisper.

Wrapping my hand around his length, I pump him hard and slowly straddle his waist. I’m dying to feel him inside of me. I lower down on top of him, letting just the tip enter me. His muscles tense and he’s trying his best to not touch me. There’s only about thirty seconds left of the song.

I take him in fully and his eyes darken as I ride him.

“Fuck it, I can’t take anymore,” he growls, lifting me in his arms. He throws me on the bed and I squeal, but then he buries his mouth between my legs. Gripping my thighs, he holds me in place as he ravishes me. My orgasm comes quick and I scream, enjoying every wave of pleasure he gives me.

“That felt amazing,” I breathe.

Spreading me wide with his knee, he moans as he trails his lips down my neck to my breasts. “It’s only the beginning.”

Burying his face between my breasts, he kisses and sucks them greedily, pulling on my nipples with his teeth. Like a starved man, he tastes them until they grow raw and sore. It feels achingly good. He pushes the tip of his cock inside of me and then plunges the rest of the way, so hard and deep. Our bodies rock together and I lose myself. All I can feel is him inside of me and the way my body wants more of him.

Another orgasm builds, and judging by his strangled groan he knows I’m about to come again. Instead of leaving me on my back, he wraps his arms around me and lifts me up on his lap. We’re sitting up on my bed with me on top of him. He’s in so deep.

“Ride me,” he commands, never taking his mouth away from my nipple.

Lifting my hips, I sit down on him until I get a good rhythm. My body clenches and I’m so close. Hunter is, too, by the way his cock pulsates inside of me. “I’m going to come,” I warn.

“Keep going, baby. I want to come inside of you.”

My eyes roll into the back of my head and my insides tighten. Just the thought of him releasing inside of me sends me over the edge. “Yes,” I cry breathlessly. His fingers dig into my hips and he holds me down on his cock as we both reach our climax, our bodies melding together. I can feel his release when he comes inside of me, all hot and primal as he yells out, his body jerking in spasms. Laying my head on his shoulder, my heart beats out of control.

“I’m falling in love with you, Kennedy,” he murmurs in my ear. Closing my eyes, I hold him tight. He’s still inside of me and I love the way we’re connected, both body and soul. Taking my arms, he pulls me back so that I have to look in his eyes. “I’m not telling you this lightly. I’ve never cared about anyone the way I care about you. You may think I’m young and don’t know what I want, but I know for a fact I want this … I want you.”

“You have me, Hunter. I’m not going anywhere.”

His lips close over mine and he lays me down on the bed, gently pulling out of me. He hovers over me, his soft brown eyes never leaving mine. “Why don’t we get away this weekend? I’ll take it off from the club and we can go somewhere, just me and you. I feel like all we’ve done is work. I’m not getting any information out of the club and I know you’re not finding anything in the viewing room.”

Tomorrow is going to be my last appointment in the viewing room for another couple of weeks. According to Chad’s datebook, he won’t be there until then.

“Can you afford to take off?” I ask. I know he needs the money for school.

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’ll be fine. I just want to spend time with you away from everything else. I want to know the real you.”

I sneak up and kiss him. “So you don’t know the real me now?”

“I do, but I want more. I have a feeling I’ll never get enough.”

I know how he feels. “All right, let’s do it. It’ll be my first vacation in years.” And I know exactly where I want to go.

I love waking up next to Hunter. What’s even better is starting my days with him. Instead of going to the café like I usually do, I end up cooking breakfast. Things are changing and I love it.

All day at work, we’ve found reasons to walk by each other’s offices since he’s been working non-stop with Chris. If it wasn’t for the occasional walk-by I’d never see him. It’s probably a good thing he doesn’t work with me because I can see us getting nothing done.

After last night, something changed. I’ve never been one to pack up and leave town, but that’s exactly what I’m looking forward to. Once my viewing room appointment is done tonight, we’re going to pack our bags and get ready to leave for Wyoming. I’ve been dying to go for years but never had the chance. Maybe I did, I just didn’t want to go with Aaron. All I wanted to do when I was married was work. Before we leave for Wyoming, though, Hunter wants to take me to visit his grandmother. I think it’s really sweet he wants me to meet her. I can’t imagine a guy like him introducing just anyone to his grandmother.

Now that all of my appointments are done for the day, I pack up my things. A knock on the door grabs my attention. I glance up to see Hunter leaning against the door with a serious expression on his face. When I first met him, I didn’t think he’d have a serious bone in his body. He looks really sexy when he’s like that; especially when he’s wearing his dark-rimmed glasses.

“Hey,” I say softly.

He walks in, but keeps his gaze on mine as he shuts the door. “You getting ready to go to SX?”

I nod. “My appointment’s in thirty minutes. I really hope I catch the bastard this time.”

“What if you don’t? How long are we going to keep this going?” I can tell there’s something bothering him.

“Not long. Spending my evenings at the club watching people have sex isn’t exactly what I want to be doing with my time. Jennifer’s an old friend of mine, but I can’t put my life on hold to catch her worthless piece of shit husband.”

His lips pull back just slightly. “Good. I hate knowing you’re in that room without me. I want to be the one you’re watching.”

“Not with other women,” I say.

He chuckles. “That’s not what I meant.”

I knew what he meant, but it’s nice to hear his devotion to me. “Then maybe you can join me in a couple of weeks? I think it might be my last time going.”

His smile grows wider. “That can be arranged. Do you know what day in a couple of weeks? It’s not on the weekend, is it?”

“Nope,” I reply with a shake of my head. “It’s on a Wednesday. According to Chad’s date book, that’s the next time he’ll be there after tonight.”

“Maybe we’ll get lucky then.” He glances down at his watch and stands. “I probably need to go, too. Since I’m taking off for a long weekend, I have to work tonight. I can blame it on my girlfriend.”

Smiling, I roll my eyes. “I may be watching people have sex, but it’s work for me, too.”

He hates me being in the viewing room but I absolutely loathe him being around all those women. A part of me wants to sneak into the club without telling him and see how he is with them, but then the other part trusts him completely.

Hunter leans over my desk and kisses me, his lips hard as they press against mine. “Think about me tonight. Because I know for a fact I’ll be thinking about you.”

I kiss him again. “Will I see you tonight after you get off?”

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” He winks and glances at me one more time before leaving my office. I wish I could walk out with him, but with his classmates still around, I don’t want them knowing we’re together.

Once I know he’s gone, I close up my office and head out toward Society X. The parking lot is packed like usual and I go through the routine of dropping off my purse at the front where Jared is waiting for me, dressed in his perfectly fitting tux.

“It’s good to see you again, Ms. Vaughn,” he says, ushering me through the hallways.

“Same to you.” He always sounds so polite. It’s not the way I expected someone to talk to me at a club. I guess that’s what paying a premium price for service gets you.

We get to the viewing room and he opens the door. I know the drill so he doesn’t go into detail on what I’m supposed to do. I sit down on the plush couch while Jared strolls to the door. “Enjoy the show,” he says.

The lights shut off and the show begins. When the lights come on again, the two women dance around the stage, their bodies glistening under the soft, purple lights. I can tell they’re professional strippers by the way they move and look. They run their hands over the guy’s backside, but I can’t see his face—he has the same body and hair color as Chad. Unfortunately, when he turns around it’s not him. Shit.

I watch the rest of the show, amazed at the size of the man’s dick. Hunter is well-endowed, but this guy’s a monster. If I was up there with him and saw that, I would’ve run away. There’s big, and there’s too big. He needs to be off making porno movies. Then again, he probably already is.

The show lasts for an hour and by the time it’s over, I’m ready to go. Hunter still has a couple more hours of work and I fight the urge to sneak into the stripper room to watch him. I really don’t want to see him dancing for other women. Instead, I get Jared to walk me to the front to get my purse.

“Do you want me to set you up another appointment?” Jared asks, handing me my purse.

I nod. “Two weeks on the Wednesday in the viewing room. Do you have anything available?”

“I will take a look and text you with a time,” he says with a smile.

“Thanks. Hopefully, I’ll see you then.”

I walk out the door to my car, wishing like hell I had some good news to tell Jennifer. Leaning against my car, I pull out my phone. I haven’t talked to her in a few days and as far as I know she’s still in Hawaii on her husband’s dime.

“Kennedy,” she answers, her voice sounding much happier.

“Hey, Jennifer. How are you?”

“Sitting here enjoying the sun. I think I need to move out here. It’s amazing how much better life is away from Chad.”

I laugh. “Wish I could join you.”

“Uh-oh, you don’t sound so good. You okay?”

“Not really,” I reply honestly. “I’m at the club.”

“You haven’t found him yet, have you?”

I sigh. “No. I don’t know what else to do. I have someone on the inside helping, but there’s only so much he can do. I’m going to give it one more shot and then after that, I’m pulling the plug.”

“No worries, Kennedy. You’ve already gone way out on the limb for me. I appreciate everything you’ve done. I’m coming home next week. We’ll talk then, okay?”

“All right. Have fun. I’m actually headed on a vacation myself. If you need me just call my cell.”

“Will do. Be safe.” We hang up and I’m about to get in my car when someone catches my eye. I never thought I’d see the fucker, but there he is, getting out of his expensive Mercedes. Not to mention, he has both arms around two women. I watch them walk up to the door, straight to the members’ entrance.

“What do we have here,” I mumble to myself. I snap a few pictures with my phone, but when I look down at them, you can’t see his face. Fuck. At least I saw him. It gives me the push I need. I have one more chance to catch him and I’ll make damn sure it counts.

Shaving cream covers the scruff that has grown the past few days. Today, I’m taking Kennedy to meet my grandmother, and after we’ll be flying to Wyoming to get away from everything. It’ll be Kennedy and I, out in the middle of nowhere completely unplugged and getting to know each other. We already know we’re sexually compatible, but we haven’t been able to date and get to know each other like other couples. For us, things have been backwards and it’s time to change that.

To say this is a huge step would be an understatement. I’ve only ever brought home girls; never a woman and never someone like Kennedy. She’s everything that my grandma looks for in a partner for me: smart, educated, and beautiful. Not to mention she overlooks my temporary career choice and I know Kennedy won’t tell my grandmother what I’ve been doing to earn money for school. As far as grandma knows, I’ve taken out loans to pay for schooling. I never wanted her to drain her retirement to help me out. My career is my burden.

As the razor slides down my face, I hear a slight moan coming from my left. The smile that spreads across my face is unstoppable as Kennedy steps into the bathroom. She’s dressed casually, but still in a dress. I think she likes to torment me with the easy access her normal attire allows for. I also think she likes the notion that I won’t hesitate to bend her over and fuck her senseless if the opportunity presents itself.

Kennedy steps in between the sink and I, pushing her ass up onto the counter. Her legs straddle my hips, giving my towel-covered dick direct line of sight to the place he loves being. That’s how strong my desire is for her. It’s an around the clock ache that only grows stronger when she’s near. Working with her, while it’s been a pleasure, has also been agonizing. Her large cherry desk is ripe for a good fucking and one of these days it’s going to happen.

“I can’t shave if you’re sitting like this,” I tell her as I try to find an angle within the mirror that works for me.

“I don’t want you to shave,” she replies as her hands roam over my chest.

Letting out a small chuckle, I place my forehead to hers. “You like the feel of my stubble when I’m going down on you, don’t you?”

“Yes,” she barely whispers as her fingers ghost over my chest.

And just like that her breathing changes as her heart rate picks up. Kennedy’s body is so expressive and telling. I know when she likes something, when she wants more and how she wants it done. I can’t imagine what her ex was thinking not wanting to be with her when I can’t get enough. One simple touch and her skin pebbles, her nipples harden, and within seconds she’s trying to cross her legs for friction.

“I promise not to shave after today for a week.”

“Don’t shave now.”

I drop my razor and trail my hands up her dress, pushing it up as I go. I don’t know if she came in here with a purpose or not. I honestly don’t care. When it comes to her I’m insatiable and that’s something I’ve never experienced.

“No panties, Kennedy. Are you trying to kill me at lunch today? How long do you think it’d take me to find out you were naked under this dress?” I ask as my finger slides in between her folds. “You’re supposed to be the more mature one in our relationship, and here you are about to meet my grandma without any underwear on. Were you hoping I’d fuck you in my childhood bed? Let you sit on my face while you admired my trophies?”

Before she can answer my fingers slip in and my thumb finds her clit. Her head slams back into the mirror as she arches her back for better access.

“I can’t help it,” she moans as my hand thrusts between her legs. I quickly whip my towel off and clean off my face as fast as I can before dropping to my knees and pulling her forward. Once my tongue swipes at her wet center, I’m frenzied and feasting on her as if it was my last meal.

Her hands grip my hair and the heels of her feet dig into my back, holding me in place. Even if I wanted to move, she wouldn’t allow it, not until she’s come all over my face.

“Hunter,” she mutters over and over as my tongue and mouth work her clit and my fingers press into her g-spot. I stroke my cock, wishing like hell I could be inside her. We don’t have time for sex, not even a quickie, so it’s the best thing I got right now.

“I’m coming,” she yells out, pushing my head even deeper between her legs. As her pussy squeezes my finger, I groan against her core and buck into my hand as I release.

I kiss my way out from under her dress and find a satisfied but still hungry Kennedy staring me down. She reaches for me, but I shake my head.

“It’s only fair,” she says. Color me a fool, but what dumb ass passes up a blowjob? This one! That’s who.

Reaching for the towel, I cover myself back up. “Any other time and I’d welcome the sight of you on your knees with my cock down your throat, but we’re going to be late.”

“I think that’s the problem in our relationship.”

“I wasn’t aware we had any problems,” I state, blanching at her words.

Kennedy puts her hands up and shakes her head. “No, you misunderstand. What I mean is, I can function normally when I’m around you … most of the time. I can tell myself there’s a time and place for us to be intimate, but then I think about you all the time. I see you standing here in a towel, shaving and it’s the sexiest thing I’ve seen since I saw you reading the newspaper in bed. All I can think about is being with you, feeling you inside me.” She smiles and bites her bottom lip. “But what really gets me is the way you speak. No one’s ever talked dirty to me the way you do.”

I stand there for a second, loving the way I can make her blush. She does it all the time when I say dirty things to her. “Do you want me to stop talking?”

“God, no. I think it’s hot.”

“Even the part where I said I want to see you on your knees with my cock down your throat?”

Giggling, she throws her arms around my neck. “Even that part. Sometimes I wish you weren’t so damn sexy though. I’ve seen the way other women look at you.”

I hold her tight. “You have nothing to worry about, Kennedy. This me you’re seeing, is because of you. I’ve never been like this with anyone else and I sure as hell am not interested in anyone other than you. When I’m near you, I’m hard. When I think about you, I’m hard. My dick is in a perpetual state of being erect and I should probably seek medical attention. I’m all yours, baby.”

“You sure?”

I press my body against hers so she can feel what she does to me. “Positive. My body craves you.”

She pulls me into a kiss, opening her lips so I can taste her. “My body craves you too, Hunter. Only you.”

“Are you nervous?” I ask Kennedy, who seems to be fidgeting with her hair.

“I am.”

“Why?”

“What if your grandma doesn’t like me?”

“I like you. Fuck, I more than like you, and my grandmother is going to love you.”

She looks at me and tries to smile, but worry is written all over her face. When we get to a stoplight, I lean over and kiss her until the car behind me starts honking.

Once we pull into the driveway, I kiss her again, hoping to ease her anxiety. “Are you ready?”

She nods, but says, “No.”

As soon as I’m out of the car, I’m hustling over to open her door for her. I begged her to put panties on after our impromptu face-fucking session in the bathroom. She’s a damn tease, but finally relented. I’m tempted enough as is just being near Kennedy.

With her hand in mine, we walk to the backdoor and onto the screened in porch. Iced-tea with three glasses and a tray of cookies are sitting out. I squeeze her hand at the sight, hoping she understands how excited my grandma is.

“Gram,” I call out as we enter the kitchen.

“In here, Hunter,” she says from the living room. When we walk in, she’s carrying an armful of photo albums.

“What are you doing?” I ask, taking them from her.

“I thought I’d show your lady friend your photos.”

My face turns red. “Um, why?”

“Because you said you were falling in love with her and think she’s the one, so I figured I’d show her how adorable you were as a little boy.” She pinches my cheeks and laughs before sidestepping me and introducing herself to Kennedy.

“I’m Louisa, but you can call me Lou.”

“I’m Kennedy,” she replies with a smile so bright that it warms my heart. Any anxiety she was feeling before we stepped in is now gone.

“Come on, let’s chat on the back porch. This old house gets rather stuffy.”

Kennedy winks at me over her shoulder as she follows my grandma out. An insurmountable feeling of dread washes over me as I tail behind them.

“Gram, aren’t we going to be late for lunch?”

“Oh no, you’re going to grill for us. Besides, it’s not every day you bring home a young woman for me to meet.”

“But I shaved,” I whine as I make eye contact with Kennedy. Her face pales before her cheeks turn red.

“Well I’m sure your miss likes a clean-shaven face. Don’t want to give her a burn.”

Kennedy’s eyes go wide as I start to laugh. My grandmother is oblivious to the hidden meaning behind her words. As soon as I set the books down, I lean into Kennedy and whisper, “I guess you’ll never wonder where my dirty mouth comes from.”

She slaps my chest and pushes me away, focusing her attention on my grandma. Once the tea is poured, the three of us take seats on the wicker furniture that my grandmother made me drive all over the great state of Washington hunting for a few summers ago.

“Tell me, Kennedy, what do you do for work?”

She looks at me and I shrug. All I told my gram was that I met someone who I was falling in love with and it was time for them to meet. I left out the details on how we met because I didn’t know what to say and it wasn’t like I could call her back after I conferred with Kennedy on what our story is going to be.

“I’m a lawyer. I have a family law practice downtown.”

“Oh, my Hunter is going to be a lawyer.”

“I know, that’s how we met.”

My grandmother eyes me warily and looks at Kennedy questionably.

“Gram, Kennedy was on campus and I bumped into her, spilling her coffee all over her. I did the honorable thing and took her out for a new drink and we hit it off.” The lie falls easily. The last thing I want is for my grandmother to think any improprieties happened because of Kennedy. If anything, I’m the one to blame. I pursued her. She said no and I still went after her because I knew we had something worth fighting for. I knew from the minute I saw her in the club.

“Hunter is very clumsy sometimes,” Gram says much to my relief.

“What can I say, it’s like I fell right into her.”

Kennedy shoots me a dirty look, catching the meaning behind my words. I smile and wink thinking I have the upper hand until my gram pulls out the photo albums.

“I think this is my cue to go admire my trophies.” I kiss Kennedy on her forehead and my grandmother on her cheek before taking my exit. There are photos of my parents in those books and sometimes they’re hard to look at, especially now. I’d give anything to introduce my parents to Kennedy. I know my mom would’ve loved her, although she might have a problem with the age difference. Honestly, I don’t even notice it. I love that she’s older. She knows what she wants out of life and isn’t pussyfooting around trying to find herself.

Inside my room is exactly how I left it before moving into the dorms. I never came home during the summer, opting to work and take summer classes because I wanted to be ahead of the game. I’m not lying about the trophies. My grandfather had built me some shelves before he passed away so I could display them.

There’s a picture of my parents and I sitting on the shelf. It’s the last one before they died in the car accident. Picking it up, I take it over to my bed. The people staring back at me hold very few memories. Each year another memory fades and I can only recall something if a story is told. Family reunions are the worst. Everyone I know has spent more time with my parents than I did and they have these amazing stories about them, but in the end it’s heartbreak for me and my gram because they’re not here.

Closing my eyes, I imagine it’s my parents on the porch with Kennedy and wonder what my dad would think of her. Would he find her attractive? Would my mom have a problem with the age difference?

All I know is that looking at those pictures brings out a side of me I’m not ready for Kennedy to see because I’m afraid she won’t understand.

The flight to Wyoming is only a little over three hours and it goes by quickly. Hunter gave me the window seat so I can look out at the snow-topped mountains as we fly across. I haven’t been able to stop staring at them.

“My grandma really likes you,” he murmurs.

Grinning from ear to ear, I tear my gaze away from the window to look at him. “And I adore her. She’s so proud of you.” I lower my voice so the people around us can’t hear. “Even if you told her you were a stripper she’d still be proud of you. You’d be surprised how love doesn’t change the way people see you.” All she could talk about was him and how he was the perfect child growing up. She also confided in me about his feelings for me, about how he thought I was the one. Hunter and I haven’t talked about our future in that way, but I’m not going to lie, it’s crossed my mind. I’m not ready for that kind of commitment so close to my divorce, but I’m not ruling it out.

I felt at home with Hunter’s grandmother. It’s strange because I never felt like that with my ex-husband’s family. She didn’t look at me as if I was too old to be with her grandson. Not that I’m that much older than him, but it’s still a difference. The good thing is that we don’t get scathing looks from people passing us by. Hopefully, it’s because I don’t look my age. A life of protecting my skin against the sun will come in handy one day.

Hunter reaches over and clasps my hand, entwining his fingers with mine. “It changed the way you saw me until you got to know me.”

I snicker. “That’s because you have a dirty mouth. Once you showed me there was more to you, it was hard not to fall.”

His smile makes me tremble. “What do you want to do this weekend? I know we don’t have time to do everything.”

The plane slowly starts to descend and I glance back out the window. There’s so much to do in Wyoming and I wish we had all the time in the world, but we don’t. “There’s some trails I saw online that I want to hike. The entrance to the national park isn’t far from where we’re staying. We can drive in and go from there.” He chuckles and I face him, brows lifted. “Something funny?”

His grin grows wider. “I’m still shocked you’re into this sort of stuff. It’s almost like I learn something new about you every day.”

I squeeze his hand. “Same with you. Your grandmother made sure to document every aspect of your life growing up. I think I learned more about you in those pictures than I have from your own mouth.”

Smile fading, he turns his head, his gaze lowering to the floor. An awkward silence passes by and I bite my lip, knowing I stirred something inside of him. I knew there was something wrong when he avoided me and his grandmother while we looked at pictures, but I didn’t want to say anything. Now I think I know. There were several albums of his parents before he was born to when his mother was pregnant with him, all leading up to the final years he had with them. I cried while looking at them, at how happy he was as a toddler being held in his mother’s arms. I kiss his cheek and gently grasp his chin, his brown gaze boring into mine. “You don’t need to hide your feelings from me, Hunter. I saw the expression on your face when your grandmother brought out the photos.”

He sighs. “I didn’t think you’d catch that.”

“It wasn’t very hard. You disappeared after that and didn’t step back in the room until our visit was over.”

The pain in his face is heartbreaking. “I didn’t want to leave you, but it’s not easy seeing the pictures of my parents. You’d think after all these years it wouldn’t bother me. What I hate is that I don’t remember anything about them, just flashes of memories.”

He was really young when they died. It breaks my heart because I can’t imagine living my life without mine, even though I don’t talk to them as much as I should. I squeeze his hand again. “Well, whenever you’re ready, we can look at the pictures together. Maybe your grandmother can tell you stories. I’d love to hear them.”

A sad smile spreads across his face. “Maybe. But I don’t want to spend this trip talking about my family. This is about you and me.”

“And a good weekend it’ll be.”

The plane descends and we finally make our landing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The airport is small so we don’t even fly up to a terminal. When I step out of the plane, the air is thin and cool, and I breathe it in. There’s a whole wall of mountains behind me and I’m dying to venture into them.

Once we fetch our rental car and head to our hotel to check in, it’s still early enough in the day to go on a hike. I don’t want to waste any of the time we have. I feel like I’m someone else, like I’m the Kennedy I used to be before my job became my life. Even Hunter seems to be mesmerized by our surroundings. Our hotel is right in the middle of downtown Jackson Hole and I fall in love with it instantly. It’s everything I imagined it would be—from the deer and bison heads over the huge fireplace to the bearskin rugs on the floor.

“It’s a shame we have to be back at work on Monday,” Hunter murmurs in my ear as I open the door to our room.

“Unfortunately, some of us have work to do. But I know we promised no talking about work while we’re here.”

He winks. “That’s right. If you do, I’ll have to spank you.”

Just the thought of him bringing me over his knee turns me on. I might have to bring up work just to see if he’ll do it. “Don’t threaten me with a good time,” I tease, winking back.

He sets his bag down on the bed and looks at it before turning a mischievous smirk my way. “I don’t make threats, only promises.”

Giggling, I toss my bag beside his and pull out a change of clothes and my sneakers. “Trust me, I’ll be testing that theory soon, but we have so much to see and so little time. Next time, we’re going to spend two weeks out here. I want to see Yellowstone.”

Grabbing his bag, he pulls out his hiking boots. “I want to see it, too, but I heard the Grand Teton National Forest is better.”

“And that’s why we’re spending our time there.” I opened my Grand Teton map to the trails I highlighted. “Looks like Taggart Lake is close. We should go there today.”

Taking the map, Hunter points at another trail. “We also need to do the Hidden Falls one. I heard it’s the best one out here.”

We head down to the car and drive the few miles it takes to get to the park entrance, passing by countless bison on the sides of the road. I’ve never seen an animal that large close up before. It’s exciting. Once we get to the trailhead of Taggart Lake, there are other cars around, but luckily, it’s not many.

Grasping my hand, Hunter takes the lead and I follow beside him. The sun shines overhead and the flowers around are in full bloom. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything as beautiful as this,” I whisper.

Hunter stops and looks around at the snow-capped mountains before settling his gaze on mine. “I have. And I get to see her every day.”

When he talks like this, he takes my breath away. I half expect him to laugh and joke around, but he doesn’t. Most of the time, his head is still in the club and he’ll say things that a stripper will say. I like it and I think it’s hot, but there’s something about his deep side that really touches me in ways I’ve never been touched before.

We finally get to the lake and the water is so clear you can see the rocks way below the surface. I follow Hunter to one of the boulders and we sit so I can take pictures. “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” I inquire.

Settling behind me, he wraps his arms around my waist. “Hopefully, being one of the best lawyers in Vancouver.”

“Is that it?”

He chuckles. “I’d like to have a family, too. Maybe meet a beautiful woman and make her my wife. Know anyone up for the job?”

“Hmm … not at the moment. I’ll let you know if I find someone.” I glance back at him and wink.

“What about you?” he wonders. “Where do you see yourself?”

It’s a good question and not something I’ve really ever given a great deal of thought on. The only thing I’ve been able to see is my job. I turn around so that we’re facing each other, taking his hands in mine. “Honestly, I don’t know. All I’ve done for the past few years is live for my job. After my relationship with Aaron went sideways, I was fully prepared to just swear off everything. But now that I’ve met you, things are different. I want …” I stop and stare into his eyes.

His brows furrow. “What do you want, Kennedy?”

I take in a breath and release it slowly. It’s been a long time since I wanted more than just my work. “I want … more. I just don’t know how to get it.”

He brushes a finger down my cheek and kisses me softly. “Let me handle that.”

Our vacation goes by so fast I can barely believe it. I don’t want it to end. We spent one day in downtown Jackson Hole, walking around hand in hand, visiting all the shops. My body was sore from hiking so much, but we saved the best trail for last … Hidden Falls. The sky was cloudy and I could feel a couple drops of rain as they fell through the trees. It feels good against my skin.

I thought it would be hard not talking about work, but surprisingly, it never comes up even though I want to test him to see if he’ll actually spank me.

“Your grandmother told me you were in the Boy Scouts,” I say, smiling wide when he glances at me over his shoulder.

“I was a good boy up until college.”

I can hear the waterfall up ahead and gasp when it comes into view. It’s over a hundred feet high with roaring waters cascading down. I walk down to the water’s edge and touch it; it’s so cold. “This is amazing. I’d hike another five miles to see it.”

He laughs. “Well, you’re about to hike the five miles back.” The trail is long, but it’s worth it.

We stand in silence for a few minutes and I take a gazillion pictures in case I never get to see it again. It’s not until another couple approaches that we decide to leave.

“Will you miss being a stripper when you quit the club?”

His reply is instant. “No,” he says with a shake of his head. “It’s something I enjoyed for a while, but things have changed. I don’t find enjoyment in it anymore. The money, however, is something I can’t pass up. I like being able to pay for my schooling and not have to worry about loans.”

In a way, I want to just offer him a job at my firm to get him out of the club—that way I won’t have to worry about him and other women—but I can’t do it. I can’t control everything even though I really want to.

We’ve walked a mile down the trail and we still have another four to go. “What about you?” he counters. “When you were young, what all were you in to? You already know I was in the Boy Scouts.”

“What wasn’t I in to?” I laugh, thinking back to all the activities my parents put me in. “Let’s see … I did dance, gymnastics, t-ball, piano lessons, and even had singing lessons. You name it, I did it.”

His eyes go wide and he grins. “Wow, that’s a lot. I kind of want to hear you sing now.”

I wink. “Maybe if you’re lucky, you can hear me in the shower.”

Biting his lip, he pulls me in close and leans me up against a tree. “That can be arranged. What do you say we get back to the hotel and fuck before dinner?” His mouth closes over mine and he nips my bottom lip. “Sound good?”

“Yes,” I moan, feeling his arousal against my leg. “We just have to get through four more miles.”

He pulls back and smacks my ass. “Let’s get it done then.”

The four miles go quickly; especially since I saw numerous heaps of bear dung. The more I saw, the faster I went. We get back to the hotel and my muscles are on fire. Hunter turns on the shower water and the steam billows out into the room.

“I thought you wanted to have fun before dinner?” I ask, watching him take off his clothes.

He licks his lips. “I do. We’re just going to have it in here,” he replies, nodding toward the steaming bathroom.

I take off my clothes and he watches me with hungered eyes, stroking his cock as I approach. Aaron never touched himself in front of me. It’s sexy to watch Hunter do it. He reaches for my hand and opens the shower door, letting me go in first.

The heated water feels good on my heated skin. It’s like it heightens every feeling inside of my body. It doesn’t help that Hunter’s touching me, his body rubbing against mine. Taking a washcloth, I slide the bar of soap over it and use it to clean his body. I wash his arms and stomach before moving around to his back. He moans and then hisses when I drop the washcloth so I can cup his balls, wrapping my other hand around his arousal.

I press my breasts to his back and work my hands up and down relentlessly, loving the way his cock pulsates in my hand. He leans forward, placing his hands on the shower wall. “Kennedy, I’m going to come if you don’t stop.”

“I don’t want to stop,” I mutter, moving faster. “I want you to come.”

I tighten my hold and keep pumping. “Ah, fuck!” he shouts, exploding onto the shower wall. I slow my pace and smile triumphantly.

“How did that feel?” I ask, bending underneath his arm so I can face him. He has me caged in his arms, water dripping all over my body. His eyes watch it run down my chest to the slit between my legs.

Pushing me against the wall, he closes his mouth over mine, licking the water off my lips. I wrap my arms around his waist and he lifts me in his arms, grabbing my thighs so he can hold me in place and spread me wide.

His heat-filled gaze bores into mine as he rests his cock against my opening. “Ready to get fucked?” he growls.

“Way past ready,” I moan breathlessly.

Lifting me up, he sucks on a nipple and then slams into me in one hard thrust. I scream and dig my nails in his back, holding on tight as he pushes into me. I can feel my body tightening all around him and I’m so close, but I hold off as long as I can. There’s no greater feeling than being on the edge and not falling over just yet.

I tighten my legs around him and he thrusts harder. “Is … this … what you wanted?” he growls in between kisses to my lips on down to my neck.

Nodding quickly, I suck in a breath. “Yes. It feels so good.”

He rocks his hips more vigorously and I counter his motions, moving my body along with his. “I’m going to come so hard in you, Kennedy, and you’re going to feel every single drop explode inside of you.”

Lowering my lips to his neck, I bite down and scream out as my release shakes my entire body. He holds me against the shower wall, pounding into me until he comes, his breathing hard and deep. When he pulls out and sets me down, I sway on my feet. “I needed that,” I say, smiling lazily up at him.

“So did I,” he murmurs back. “I think shower sex might be one of my favorites.”

I laugh and kiss him again. “I think it’s one of mine, too. Now let’s go get something to eat.”

After we’ve eaten dinner and are back at the hotel, Hunter leaves to get a bottle of wine so we can celebrate our last night in Wyoming. I’m surprised I haven’t had any phone calls, but Chris and the others at the firm know I’m on vacation. Not having any calls is a good sign.

I scroll through the pics on my phone until I get to the ones of Chad with those other women. If only I had some with his face clearly in them. The door opens and Hunter walks in, furrowing his brows when he sees me on my phone.

“Everything okay?”

I nod. “Just looking at pictures.”

He opens up the bottle of wine and pours me a glass. “Of what?”

“Doesn’t matter,” I say, setting my phone on the bed.

“Obviously it does. I can see it on your face.” He hands me the glass of wine and I take a sip.

“It’s about work, Hunter. We made a vow we wouldn’t discuss anything about it.”

Sitting down on the bed, he beckons me over. “Yeah, but if it gets off your chest, you’ll be able to relax. Just tell me.”

Scrolling through my phone, I show him the pictures of Chad and the women. “That’s Jennifer’s husband. I saw him the other night at the club, only I didn’t get his picture taken fast enough. It kills me that I was so close.”

His eyes go wide. “But you saw him, that’s good. If you saw him once, you’ll see him again.”

“That’s what I’m hoping. My last appointment is next Wednesday. After that, I’m done in the viewing room. It’s not fun being in there unless I’m watching you.”

He beams. “You don’t have to be in the viewing room to watch me. I can dance for you anytime you want.”

After finishing off my wine, I lay back on the bed. Hunter lays down with me, his body brushing against mine. “Have you told Jennifer this next time is your last?” he asks.

I look over at him. “Yep, and I hope it counts.”

Something is different between Kennedy and I; it’s like we’re connected on a deeper level since our trip. I know when she’s standing in the doorway to the break room, or how she’s going to finish a sentence. I can tell what kind of mood she’s in by how she’s sitting at her desk and what kind of sex her body is craving. If she’s rigid, she wants it hard and fast. If she’s rolling her neck that’s when I need to take things slow and make love to her.

I’m in deep and I find myself thinking of reasons why I should quit the club now and not wait. Thing is, I can’t. I still need the money. Rent is due and so is my car payment. It’d be completely irresponsible to quit. But I see the look in her eyes when I leave here to go to the club. She hates it just as much as I hate her going there. I don’t care that she’s trying to pin some piece of shit to the wall with a divorce, the fact that she is watching others fuck drives me insane. Bryce always warned us that having a significant other while working in the club is never a good thing. ‘They won’t understand,’ he is always saying. He doesn’t like us fraternizing with our co-workers either, but it happens. There have been many times I’ve walked in on some of them having sex. They don’t even give a shit if you watch.

I used to not, but now that I’m with Kennedy I don’t think I could stomach being in any of the rooms. Each day that I walk into the club, I pray my name isn’t on the list. And if it is, it better be Kennedy in there because if not, I’ll walk out. We both know it’s my job and I’m required to do stuff, but there’s no way in hell I could be with another woman.

I’m focused on my laptop when Connie walks in, dropping her bag with a huff. “Why are you here so early?”

“How do you know I didn’t get here five minutes ago?” I counter.

“Your car was cold when I walked by.”

I peek at her over the top of laptop and look back at my screen when she catches me staring. Who the fuck touches a car to see if it’s still warm or not?

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“I went by your place last night, thought we could work on the case, but you weren’t there.”

Connie has asked me out a few times, but she’s not my type, and until I met Kennedy I wasn’t interested in anyone romantically. I didn’t think Connie would take too kindly to my lifestyle of a quick fuck and see ya later, especially since she’s in all my classes. I didn’t want to complicate anything at school and make things awkward so I’ve stayed away.

“I was at my girlfriend’s,” I say without looking at her. I don’t need to see her expression to know that she’s pissed.

“I thought you were just seeing her.”

This time I sigh. “Things change when you meet the right person.”

“Oh.”

I probably could’ve softened the blow or told her that I was at the library, but I’m not going to continue to lie about everything in my life. The club I still keep a secret, but I like telling people that I have a girlfriend, even if I can’t introduce her to anyone.

“You should bring her by the Pit some day.”

The Pit is a college hangout with live music and cheap beer. Unfortunately for me, I’ve been there a few times, but tend to stay away for fear that someone would recognize me. It’s never been a problem in class because the studious types won’t blurt out that I shook my dick in their face while they paid me, but the drunken chicks will and that’s a conversation I hope to never have.

“I don’t think the Pit is her type of place, but I’ll ask her.” I lie easily, knowing full well I won’t ask Kennedy if she wants to hang out there.

“Great, I can’t wait to meet her.”

Too bad you already know her. I bite my tongue and nod before returning to my screen. I’m reading over a deposition for a case that Chris has been working on for a high profile divorce. Chris asked me to come up with the alimony chart, but when he presented it to the other lawyer, they declined it, putting us back to square one.

Dante and Alan come in, looking tired. I can’t imagine they did half of what I did this past weekend between the hiking and the screwing. I don’t care what people say, sex is a fucking workout and since I’ve been with Kennedy, I haven’t had to go to the gym. And you better believe I notice how toned she’s getting. My girl had a rocking fucking body to begin with and it’s just getting hotter.

“What are you guys doing in here?” Connie asks. I didn’t think about the guys being in here as odd. They work for Kennedy, which makes me slightly jealous, and have their own office to work in.

“Ms. Vaughn isn’t here yet so we thought we’d come in and see what you guys are doing.”

“Hmm,” I say, knowing full well she’s here. We followed each other in and made out in her car before she finally told me that I needed to behave. I don’t know why I’m the one to blame all time, especially when she attacked me.

“Are you already working?” Dante asks.

I nod and continue my calculations for Chris.

“He came in early.” Connie snickers, which pisses me off. Both Alan and Dante laugh right along with her, but I ignore them.

“You know, kissing ass won’t land you a job,” Alan says. If he only knew. When we were hired for the internship it was made very clear that employment isn’t offered at the end of our semester. We have to apply for any job opening there might be, like anyone else would have to.

“I took Friday off and needed to catch up.”

“But that is what today is for,” Connie adds.

I swear these people will never make it in the corporate world. I go back to analyzing the numbers, trying to figure out why they won’t work. The husband makes more than enough money to cover the alimony, but balks each time Chris sends over a proposal. Pulling the folder out that has all of the financial information, I start poring over the pay stubs and the deposits. Everything looks on the straight and narrow … until I find the words Swiss Bank followed by astronomical withdrawals. This fucker has off shore accounts that he’s hiding.

“Where are you going?” Alan asks as I grab my papers and laptop.

“I need to see Mr. Marshall.”

Seconds after I knock, he tells me to enter. Kennedy is in his office and if she’s surprised to see me, she doesn’t show it.

“Am I interrupting?”

“Not at all, what’s going on?”

“I found something in the Bellows’ file that I think we should look at. Mr. Bellows rejected our alimony proposal, but a closer look at the financials shows that Mr. Bellows has been making deposits into a Swiss bank account. He claims our numbers aren’t accurate, and they’re not. He’s actually making more money than he’s reporting.”

Handing over the printouts, I show Chris on the computer the information I found.

“What are you saying, Hunter?”

“Um …” I look at Kennedy, wondering if I’m overstepping.

“Hunter, if you found something that helps your client, tell Mr. Marshall how you think he should proceed,” she says, encouraging me to speak my mind.

“I think we reject the counter offer and go back with a higher one. When his lawyer balks, and we know he will, we demand all the Swiss bank balances and increase not only the alimony payment, but also Mrs. Bellows’ financial payout.”

“Oh he’s good, Kennedy.” Chris looks at me with pride in his eyes, and Kennedy is doing the same. For me that’s a lot of validation. Usually I’m being complimented on the size of my dick, not my brain.

“Well done, Hunter. I have a feeling Mrs. Bellows will be very pleased. Write up the proposal and get it sent over to his lawyer this morning. Give them an hour to respond before you file an injunction.”

“I’m on it.”

I leave the office without looking at Kennedy. I know that most people in the office already know we’re a couple, but I promised I’d keep everything on the professional level. That probably means making out in her car, in the parking lot, isn’t the smartest of ideas.

Still on my high from slamming Mr. Bellows to the wall today, I have a little extra pep in my step when I walk into the club. I’m working all week, plus the weekend to make up for taking time off to go with Kennedy. It was worth it, but it’s going to be hard to make up the tips I’m missing.

It was my idea to go away—I never expected her to book a flight to Wyoming, though, and I couldn’t really tell her that I couldn’t afford it. I want to be seen as an equal in our relationship, on every level.

As soon as I walk in, I run smack dab into Christy. She’s in charge of the male population of the club. She has a few other employees under her, but men must go through Christy if they want membership, which means she knows Chad.

“Hi, Hunter.”

“Hey, Christy. Sorry for running into you.”

“No worries,” she replies as she starts to walk down the hall. That’s when I have an idea that is surely going to get me fired.

“Christy, I have a question,” I say, running after her. She stops and looks at me with her hands on her hips. “Um … I’ve been experimenting sexually and have found that I’m really into blond guys.”

“Okay?”

“Right, the thing is, working here it’s hard and since we’re the only club in town that does background searches on their clientele I was hoping that you could help me out. I want to watch a threesome, but I need the man to be somewhat buff with blond hair of course, yet have this … I don’t know, certain attitude like he’s God’s gift to women.”

“You’re gay?” she asks, as if this would be a shock to her.

“I’m bi, but think it’s just blond men that turn me on. I want to find out before I approach a guy I’ve had my eye on.”

“You strippers are fucking weird.” She pulls out her phone. “I’ve seen you on the floor, Hunter, I would’ve never suspected you were into men.”

“I think it’s the club. I never used to look at a man before, but there’s a few who come in here that make me wonder.” The lies continue to flow so easily that I’m even shocking myself.

“Whatever,” she mutters, as she scrolls through her phone. “Wednesday I have a client that is coming in. He’s straight, brings in his own girl, sometimes two of them. He likes to be watched. He’s very dominant.”

“You can bring in your own?”

“They’re members.”

“Ah, gotcha. Okay. And he’s blond?”

“Yep. He’ll be in the viewing room at eight. It’s an open show and he likes feedback if you want to give him some.”

“Thanks, Christy.”

Chad is a fucking sick bastard and he can bet I’ll be there Wednesday night to watch him. There’s no way in hell I’m letting Kennedy watch anymore of this shit without me being there. It’s not a possessive thing, but a sexual thing. Watching other people fuck, whether you want to or not, turns you on. I’m going to be there to pleasure her every step of the way.

I head back to my car, pulling out my phone to call Kennedy. She has to know that her suspicion about Wednesday is accurate and she needs to be here.

“Hey,” she says breathlessly into the receiver.

“Fuck, hearing your voice makes me hard, Kennedy.”

“Hunter … I’m still at work.”

“I know, me too, sort of.”

“What do you mean?”

“On Wednesday I was thinking we’d try a little reverse cowgirl?”

“Come again?”

“Exactly, Kennedy. I confirmed with Christy that she has a blond male coming in, who is a cocky piece of shit and happens to fit the body type of Chad. We’re going to celebrate once we nail his ass to the wall.”

“Hunter, do you know what this means?”

That I’m about to get fired from my job from giving out classified client information. I don’t tell her that because I don’t want her to feel bad.

“Yep. He’s going to get fucked up the ass.”

“That he is,” she replies happily. “How did you find out?”

Sighing, I run my hand through my hair. “I lied and told Christy that I’m bi-sexual and want to experiment with this guy I met, but don’t know if he’s my type. I told her I need to see a somewhat buff blond man in action, who likes to dominate.”

“Oh my—”

“Yeah. Wasn’t the most pleasant experience, I’ll tell you.”

“At least, I know there’s nothing gay about you.”

“You’re damn right.”

“Oh wait,” she blurts out. “I already told Jared I wanted in on Wednesday. He hasn’t gotten back to me yet with a time. What should I do?”

“Don’t worry,” I tell her. “I’m already booked in that room to watch. I’ll make sure you’re in, too.”

“Good. I’m ready to get this finished.”

“Me too. But listen, I have to go. I’ll be home around two.” We say our goodbyes and I hang up the phone. When I say home, I mean her house. Aside from going back to mine to get more clothes, I haven’t slept there in weeks. I’m slowly gravitating my belongings into Kennedy’s home with her encouragement.

I’ve even cleaned her house. I figure I need to do my part since I’m helping her mess it up. The biggest mess was when she was trying to cook with flour a few nights before and it ended up all over the place. We laughed for hours, especially when we were covered head to toe in it after rolling around on the floor. It showed me a side of her I’d never seen before.

The morning sun draws me out of my sleep, but instead of hating it like I used to, I welcome it. Glancing around the room, I smile at all the additions. Ever so slowly, Hunter’s been bringing in more of his things. I love seeing his laptop beside mine on the desk, his clothes on his side of the closet, and even the silly things like his toothbrush and razor in the bathroom. What I love even more is smelling him all around me when I wake up in the morning. For the longest time, I never thought I’d let anyone else inside of my home or my heart. It didn’t seem possible.

Stretching my arms over my head, I notice my muscles are still sore from the night before. Every night when Hunter leaves to do his thing at the club, I’ve been spending my time working out. I think I ran three miles last night. It’s the only thing that gets my mind off of what he’s doing. He’s made it clear he hates it when I go to the club and he knows I loathe him being there. I keep hoping he’ll quit and just work for me, but that’s not the kind of guy he is.

“Babe, you up?” Hunter calls out.

The steam billows out of the bathroom and I smile. “Yes,” I laugh. “I needed the extra few minutes of sleep.”

“Wanna join me?”

My stomach growls and I know if I get in the shower with him, I’ll never get out. We have to be at the office soon. “I would, but I’m starving. Besides, doesn’t Chris want you there early?”

The shower water shuts off and I watch him get out, his naked body dripping. He sees me gawking at him and smirks. “He does, but I thought we could have some fun.”

Chris and Hunter have been inseparable the past week. We’ve never had an intern be on top of things like Hunter is. He’s going to make an amazing lawyer when he graduates; definitely one to be feared. “You’ve made it perfectly clear we’re going to have fun tonight. Although, I don’t see how. Seeing Chad up on stage is going to piss me off more than anything … especially if I can’t get actual proof. It’ll be my word against his.”

Grabbing a towel, Hunter runs it through his dark hair and over his body as he walks toward me, his gaze heated and raw. He climbs up on the bed, his skin hot from the shower. “I got this handled, Kennedy. No matter what, we’ll get our proof. And after we bust his sorry ass, you’ll be more than ready to let me fuck you.”

I nod even though I highly doubt tonight will go the way I want. I’ve spent weeks trying to nail Chad Bates to the wall with no luck. It’s like the man’s untouchable. I have one last chance to catch the bastard before I give up for good. Tonight is the final night. Covering me with his body, Hunter leans down and kisses me, his lips soft yet firm. I love the way he nips me with his teeth.

“Are you always this confident?” I ask breathlessly.

It’s one of the things I love about him. I haven’t said the words to him, because frankly, I’m scared as hell. I know I care about him deeply and he practically lives with me, but I haven’t been able to speak them. I can see it in his eyes he wants me to, and I hope one day I’ll be able to say them.

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I have to be,” he murmurs. He starts to kiss me again, but my doorbell rings. Brows furrowed, he glances over his shoulder toward the bedroom door. “Expecting someone?”

I slide out from under him and grab a pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt out from my drawer. “Not that I know of, but I guess we’ll find out,” I say, throwing on my clothes. I’ve never had anyone show up at my house so early in the morning.

I run downstairs just as the doorbell rings again. When I look out the peephole, my heart stops. It’s Aaron. I haven’t talked to him in days. Taking a deep breath, I open the door slowly and he smiles, his sea green eyes brighter than usual.

He’s dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, not his usual work attire. I open the screen door and smile back. “Hey.”

He steps forward, but makes no attempt to come inside. “I’m sorry for stopping by so early, but I was in the neighborhood and I wanted to give you this.” Holding out a long, black box, I recognize it immediately. “I don’t know how they ended up in my stuff, but I wanted to make sure you had them back. Your mother will be angry with you if she thought you lost them.”

Chuckling, I take the box and open it. My mother gave me the expensive strand of pearls when I graduated college. I can’t believe I didn’t realize they were gone. “She would’ve been more than angry,” I reply, holding them close to my chest. “Thank you so much for bringing them over.”

He shrugs. “No problem.” Then he nods toward his car. “We’re on our way to Seattle for a few days and I knew we had to drive right by here.”

“We?” I ask. That’s when I notice the woman in his car. Her hair is a deep red and wavy from what I can tell. She smiles unsurely and waves so I wave back and grin. “Never mind, I see. She’s very beautiful.”

Aaron beams and glances back at her before turning back to me. “Yeah, she is. I was going to wait until I knew you were alone to bring your pearls by, but every time I drive by you have company.” Hunter’s car has been a permanent fixture lately. “I didn’t want to ruffle any feathers.”

I hold up my hand. “You have nothing to worry about.”

Hunter walks into the room, sharply dressed in his suit. He looks at Aaron and then settles his gaze on mine. Tension fills the air because it doesn’t take Hunter long to realize who the man is at my door, but I knew they’d be introduced to each other at some point. The expression on his face makes my heart ache, though. I can see he doesn’t believe I’ll tell my ex-husband the truth on who he is to me.

Hunter grabs his keys and briefcase and I hold out my hand, taking his arm when he joins me at the door. I look at them both and smile. “Aaron, this is my boyfriend, Hunter Miles. Hunter, this is my ex-husband, Aaron Thomas. He stopped by to drop these off,” I explain, holding up my pearls. “They were a gift from my mother.”

They shake hands and Hunter nods. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Aaron replies. “I was telling Kennedy how sorry I am for stopping by so early. But I’m glad I got to meet you. I can see she’s happy now.”

“I am,” I murmur, “but so are you.”

He smiles. “I am. I’ll be even happier when we get on the road. I don’t think I’ve had a vacation in years.” He steps back and waves. “Take care of yourself, Kennedy.”

“I will. You do the same.”

Once he’s gone, Hunter turns me to face him, his arms tight around my waist. “So that’s your ex, huh?”

I bring my hands up to his cheeks and kiss him. “You’re not worried about him, are you?”

He kisses me back. “No, but you were married to the guy for a long time. There’s a lot of history there.”

“Yes, but that’s exactly what it is … history. You’re my present, and hopefully, my future.”

His lips pull back in a grin. “You’re damn right I am. You won’t be able to get rid of me so easily.”

“I don’t want to.”

He kisses me again. “Although, right now I have to go. I’ll see you at the office.”

“I’ll be there soon.” Getting in his car, he winks at me and disappears down the road. He’ll also see me at the club tonight for the last time. I’m secretly hoping it’ll be his last night there as well.

A knock sounds on my door and I look up to see Elaine as she pokes her head inside. “Kennedy?”

I shut my laptop. “What’s up?”

Her gaze lands on my phone. “Jennifer Bates is on line three. She’s returning your call.”

“Thanks. I’ll get it right away.” She shuts the door and I pick up the phone. “Jennifer, how are you?”

“Good. I’m back in town, but Chad doesn’t know. He’ll figure it out when he gets the divorce papers delivered to him. Is that all set?”

“Yep, that’s why I called you. No matter what I find tonight at the club, they’ll be delivered first thing tomorrow.”

She sighs. “He’ll be livid. Be prepared for him to call a meeting as soon as he gets them.”

“I have no doubt, but I’m prepared. Are you?”

“I hope so. I’m not backing down.”

“Good, that’s what I want to hear. I’ll call you as soon as I leave the club. I’m about to head out of the office for the day.”

We hang up and I finish packing up my things. Hunter has already left and so have his classmates. Chris is still in his office when I walk by. “Bye, Chris!”

“Goodnight! Good luck at the club!”

Releasing a heavy sigh, I continue toward the door. “Thanks. I’ll need it.”

Traffic isn’t bad heading home and as soon as I’m there, I change into a short, black skirt and silky, red top. I wish there was a way to hide a camera on me, but I’d never get it past the front desk. My phone beeps with an incoming text.

Hunter: You ready?

Me: I hope so. On my way.

It doesn’t take long to get to the club and when I do, Jared is waiting for me by the door, dressed in his usual black tux. “Good evening, Ms. Vaughn,” he says, his voice professional like always.

“Same to you,” I reply. We go through the motions and this time it’s harder leaving my phone at the front. I want proof of Chad’s infidelity so bad I can taste it. Unfortunately, it’s only going to be mine and Hunter’s eyes that see it.

Jared takes me down the hallway to the viewing room and we stop at the door. “And you’re sure you’re okay sharing the room tonight?”

I nod. “It’s okay. Might be kind of interesting.”

He laughs and I can see the mischievous expression on his face. “I’m sure it will.” When he opens the door, Hunter is already in there, lounging on the large, plush couch wearing a green polo shirt and khaki pants. He glances over at me and grins. “If you want to leave, I’ll be around to escort you out.”

I smile at Hunter. “Thank you. But I’m sure I’ll be just fine.”

After Jared shuts the door behind me, I approach Hunter. He gets up and rakes his raw gaze down my body. “Holy fuck, I’m glad you don’t wear stuff like that to work. I wouldn’t be able to get shit done.” Grabbing my hand, he pulls me over to the couch and onto his lap.

“I knew you’d like it,” I say with a wink.

He snorts. “I fucking love it. There’s no way I’ll be able to keep my hands off you tonight.” My smile fades and I sigh. “What’s wrong?” he asks, brows furrowed.

I shrug. “I don’t know. I mean, I know we’re going to see him here tonight, but I’m not going to have proof. Not unless we wait out in the parking lot when it’s all over in hopes I catch him with his women.”

Hunter’s smile widens. “I told you, I got this. Leave it all to me.”

The lights dim out, completely cloaking Hunter and I from view, and a deep rhythm thumps out of the speakers. It’s hard and strong, exactly what I can imagine a dominant guy like Chad listening to when he’s fucking two women for show. The door to the back of the stage opens and two naked women walk up to the bed, one a blonde and the other a brunette. It’s the same women I saw with Chad the last time I was there.

“It’s them,” I whisper in Hunter’s ear. Two seconds later, Chad walks out, dressed in only a pair of jeans. His cock is already hard and straining against the denim. “Jackpot.”

He pushes the blonde onto the bed and she gasps, while the other unbuttons his jeans and slides them to the floor. She takes his cock into her mouth and sucks him off, his groans more like growls as he fists her hair in his hands.

“What a dirtbag,” I hiss low.

“Yes, he is, and we’re about to fuck him up the ass.” Reaching into his back pocket, he pulls out his phone and grins.

“Oh my God,” I gasp.

“I wasn’t about to let you down.”

Chad is now on the bed, spreading the blonde wide and slamming into her with full force. Hunter turns his phone on video and records away. He zooms in, giving the viewers a clear shot of Chad’s face. There’s no mistaking it’s him. Once the video is done, he snaps a few pictures and puts his phone away.

“We got him,” I whisper happily. Chad is still on stage, fucking his women without a care in the world. Tomorrow, he’s going down. Adrenaline courses through my veins and it makes everything tighten. Taking my hand, Hunter pulls me onto his lap and I straddle him. “I thought you wanted a reverse cowgirl tonight?”

He shakes his head. “Not if you’ll be watching that fucker up there while I’m inside of you. I want you looking at me.”

I roll my hips against him and he hardens. “I don’t want to look anywhere else. Besides, we need to celebrate.”

“Yes, we do.”

Sliding his hands under my skirt, he pushes my underwear to the side and then unzips his pants. I can hear Chad and his women fucking behind us, but I block it out. All I want is Hunter. Once he’s free, I sit down on him and take his full length inside of me as deep as he can go. I ride him hard and he lifts my shirt, biting my nipples through my bra before freeing my breasts. He sucks them hard and it feels so damn good. I love it when he does it like that. It hurts, but it’s a delicious ache that goes right down to my center. My body clenches around him and I’m close. I want to scream out my release, but I know I can’t.

Lifting me in his arms, Hunter slams me down on the couch, his eyes dark and raw. I come hard and he closes his mouth over mine to drown out the cries as he releases inside of me. My breaths are nothing but rapid pants and I tremble while the last waves of my orgasm subside. Chad and his women are done as well and I can see them out of the corner of my eye, exiting the stage.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”

He kisses me again and helps me up. In a few minutes, Jared will be walking through the door. “I would do anything for you, Kennedy.”

I gaze up into his brown eyes. “I know. The same goes for you.” The door opens and Jared walks in. “Now it’s time to give Jennifer the good news.”

Jennifer was ecstatic when I told her the news last night, but now the battle is brewing. After looking at the pictures of Chad and his women, I reached out to a family friend of mine who’s also an undercover cop. She was able to identify the two women. Apparently, they’re the wives of two of his friends. Unfortunately, Jennifer knows them as well. The last thing I wanted was to tell her that her so called friends have betrayed her.

Chad was livid when he received the papers and demanded a meeting just like Jennifer said he would. When he called to talk to me, he was far from friendly, almost psychotic sounding. It made me wonder if he was ever abusive in their relationship; especially since I saw the way he fucked those women. Plus, he’s called her non-stop for the past three hours she’s been at my office.

“Do you think he’s been by the house yet?” I ask. While Chad was at work, she hired a moving company to come in and load up all of his things. And if he tried to get into the house, he wouldn’t be able to. She had all new, heavy-duty locks installed.

She swallows hard. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out when he shows up.”

“What are you going to say to him?”

She laughs but there’s no humor in it. “Depends on what the bastard says. If he tries to blame anything on me, I’ll probably lose my shit.”

I haven’t shown her the video and I really don’t want to. I’m just happy she believes me. I asked her before if she wanted to see it and she said no. I can’t blame her. I wouldn’t want to see Hunter having sex with another woman either.

A knock sounds on the door and it opens. Hunter glances quickly at Jennifer before turning to me. “He’s here.”

Taking a deep breath, Jennifer gets to her feet. “I’m ready.”

Hunter steps back so she can walk past and gently grabs my elbow. “I want to go in there with you. I’ve seen the look on this guy’s face. He’s going to lose his shit.”

The concerned expression on his face worries me. I’ve never seen him look like this. “Okay,” I whisper. He takes the lead while I hang back with Jennifer. “Remember, you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to. I can do all the talking.” She wraps her arm around mine, her grip tight. “I know you’re afraid, but you’ll be fine, I promise. We can always get a restraining order against him if you’re worried.”

She blows out a nervous breath. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Hunter opens the door and Chad is inside with Chris. I’m surprised his lawyer isn’t with him, but then again, Chad is a man who thinks he’s invincible by just having his name. When his focus lands on Jennifer, he rushes around the table toward her.

“What the fuck is going on?” he shouts at her. “You leave for Hawaii and come back wanting a divorce? What’d you do? Find someone else to fuck while you were there?”

“That’s not a good idea, Mr. Bates,” I warn, stepping in his way. “If you’d like to take a seat, that’d be great.” His eyes are wild, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. I’m almost afraid he’ll plow me down, but I stand my ground.

He stops right in front of me, towering over me. Hunter grabs my wrist and moves me back away from him. “You need to calm down,” Hunter growls, “or I’ll be escorting you out of this building myself.”

Chad scoffs. “I don’t want to calm down and I don’t want to sit. I want to know what the fuck is going on.” He thrusts a finger toward Jennifer. “The bitch wants a divorce and I want to know why.”

“Are you kidding me?” Jennifer snaps. “You’re the one screwing other women behind my back. I’m sick of it and I’m sick of you. It’s over.”

His gaze narrows. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. And nothing is over unless I say it is.”

“Sorry, Mr. Bates, but you don’t have a leg to stand on here,” I say. “We have proof that you not only committed adultery once, but multiple times with multiple partners. I would go into details, but I’m sure you’re fully aware of what you’ve done.”

“You don’t know shit,” he spat, glaring at us all. “Do you have any idea who you’re dealing with?”

I laugh. “Obviously, you don’t know who you’re dealing with. I think this meeting’s done.” I storm to the door and open it. “We’ll see you in court, Mr. Bates.” Jennifer steps to the other side of the table so it puts some distance between them. She looks strong with her head held high, but she’s afraid of him. The look in Chad’s eyes scare me, too, but I’m not about to show it.

Chad snarls at her and turns his evil glare to me, running it up and down my body like a predator scouting out its prey. “This isn’t over.”

“It will be soon. Good-bye, Mr. Bates.”

He storms out and slams the front office door. Hunter steps in front of me and grasps my face. “You okay?” He’s never touched me so intimately at work, but I don’t care.

“I’m fine. But I think Jennifer needs a restraining order.”

I look over at her and she nods. “I do, too. I’ve never seen him like that before. It’s like he’s a different person.” And I can only imagine how he’ll be when we screw him in court.

If being in the conference room with Chad Bates was stupid, following him out of the office and watching him drive away is downright idiotic. This man frequents my place of employment, the very same place that pays my bills. It’s not going to take him long to put it together that I had something to do with him getting caught. He’s smart and definitely diabolical, not to mention a compulsive liar.

I saw the look in his eyes when Kennedy stood between him and his wife. It wasn’t good. It was predatory and that is what spurred me to follow him out. I had to know what kind of car he drove. You can bet your ass that I’ll be looking for it at night in the club parking lot or creeping down Kennedy’s street.

One of the classes I took in law school focused on domestic abuse and how it comes in different forms. This man was served divorce papers after not seeing his wife for weeks and instead of breaking down and asking why, he blew up at her. That is easily chalked up to guilt. An insurmountable guilt for what he’s doing. He has no conscious and doesn’t care that he’s hurting his wife, the woman he vowed to love, honor, and cherish. This is a man I witnessed cheating on his wife with her friends. Who the fuck does that?

The parking lot is full when I pull in and the line to get in is stretching around the building.

“It’s fucking Thursday,” I mutter the words to myself, parking my car.

The length of the line should excite me—especially since I’m counting a more female population over male—but I don’t want to be here tonight. I’ve been working each night to make up for missing last weekend, plus I’d rather be at home with Kennedy giving her a private show. The thought of stripping solely for her turns me on. It’s the way she licks her lips, how she crosses and uncrosses her legs for friction, and the lustful look in her eyes. It’s like the first time for us each time she watches.

Up until now I’ve enjoyed stripping. I used to love the cat and mouse game of finding the right woman to bring a little bit of pleasure to at night—the copious amounts of sex that was there for the taking—but now I’d happily give it up if it meant I could make love to Kennedy every night.

Make love?

I tap my head against the headrest of my seat and groan. When the fuck did I go from fucking to making love? When did my life become more about breakfast with the same woman? When did I rush home after work and not stay and party on a Friday and Saturday night?

When I met Kennedy. That’s when. The day I laid my eyes on her in the club is the day that everything changed for me.

I bring my phone to life and thumb over the pictures that I’ve taken of Kennedy. I long to be with her instead of going to work, but I can’t quit. I’m too dependent on the money that I can make by taking my clothes off.

Shutting my phone off I look at the club. The people in line are mingling, having fun and probably talking about hooking up later. They’ll leave horny, willing and ready to give it up.

And to think this used to be me.

Slamming my hand down on my steering wheel I finally make the decision to go in. A few of the women whistle as I walk toward them. They angle their bodies toward me, showing me that they’re available. I smirk and turn to the non-descript door that’s used by employees.

The stripper in me wants to remember their faces for when I’m on the floor. I’ll entertain them, bring them to the brink, and then forget they exist. The thought of touching another woman sickens me, but it has to be done.

Inside, the club is hopping. The music is thumping through both rooms. I say hi to some of our female strippers as I make my way to the male dressing room.

“Sup?”

The guys all mumble “hi” as they get ready. The clipboard tells me that I’m dancing tonight. I can live with that. No private shows. However, that doesn’t mean one won’t get booked. I’ll have to make sure I don’t entice the women too much.

Donnie walks up to me with a guy I’ve never seen before. “This is Roy.”

“Hey, Roy, I’m Hunter.” We shake hands and he sort of laughs, throwing me off a bit.

“Is that your name or like your stage name because you’re a ‘Hunter’? Get it?”

“Um …” In my time working here I’ve met some really strange people, but it’s the dumb ones that really have me questioning why I ever looked for a job like this before. “Name’s Hunter. I don’t use a stage name.”

“Why not?”

I shrug, placing my belongings in my locker and grabbing my lotion. “Never saw the need I guess.”

“Cool.”

I look at Donnie, who is whistling like its Sunday morning. I go about my business, getting ready to go on stage. Once the current act is done the stage will be reset and Donnie and I, along with a few of the other guys, will go out there and have a dance off. The night is still early and we’re the first big group performance and we’ll be the first set to let it all hang out. The other guys who performed showed their ass that’s about it. Bryce saves the big reveals, especially for the new people in the crowd, for his best dancers.

After we hit our opening number I’m backstage listening to Roy talk to G Money about his career. Roy tells everyone that he’s done porn, and while a few of us are skeptical, we also know you don’t have to have a lot of brains to do porn. You have to know how to keep the chick’s legs spread for a good camera angle and eat her pussy. She’ll fake her way through the rest.

Then Roy hits us with the bomb. He pulls out his dick, not only is it pierced but he informs us that it’s been surgically enhanced. This prompts Gary to pull his out and these two idiots start comparing cocks like we’re in a fucking grocery store.

“I got to get the fuck out of here,” I say to no one in particular. I think about leaving, but know if I do I can kiss the rest of my shifts good-bye. Instead, I grab my box and head out the main floor. Surveying the room, I look for the bachelorette party people. They’re less likely to cheat, but the tips usually suck as well.

Once I zero in on one, I make my way over there.

“Good evening, ladies, anyone care for a lap dance?” I turn on the charm and pull my already loose fitting jeans down over my bulge.

“She’s the bride,” one of the girls says, while the first scoots her chair forward. The bride blushes the color of an apple as I go over the rules.

“She can’t touch you?” one of her friends asks.

“Sorry, no.”

“What about us, can we touch you?” The one asking is a blonde with deep red lips and a rack of fake tits that are popping out of her size small shirt.

“No one can touch,” I repeat and focus my attention on the bride. “What’s your name?”

“Luna.”

“Luna, congratulations on your upcoming wedding.” That’s all I say to her before I start dancing, moving my hips to the beat of the music playing.

For the first time ever, I’m not into it because I’m not into the girl and I know I have to do better. I imagine it’s Kennedy sitting in the chair and it’s our first time. She doesn’t know me and I definitely don’t know her and shit starts to move better. My hands roam over my hips, crotch, and to the waistband on my jeans, pushing them down to mid-thigh. I show her my dick and her girlfriend’s hoot and holler their appreciation.

I start to stroke my dick and the bride licks her fucking lips. I make the mistake of looking at her and find her eyes hooded with lust. Jesus, she’s getting married! My hands move from my dick to my body, through my hair, and back over my chest while my hips thrust toward her. When I see her start to lean forward, I slowly step back, ending the dance.

“Again, congratulations on your wedding,” I say, accentuating the last word.

“That’s all I get?” she complains, thrusting her money toward me.

“I don’t make the rules, sweetie.”

She balks, crossing her arms and glaring at me while I walk away with the cash. I continue to work the room, taking advantage of the packed house. By the end of the night, the wad of cash is starting to make a difference and I’m feeling pretty good about it.

Once the crowd starts to thin out, we start to lose the energy. We’re tired, our legs hurt, and if you’re Donnie or G Money, your dick is about to fall off from all the fucking you’ve done tonight. I rarely saw them and can only imagine what they were doing for private shows this evening.

Weeks ago I would’ve been jealous.

Weeks ago I wasn’t fucking the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“Hey, man,” Donnie says, coming up to me. “I asked Christy to book you for my private shows next week so I can take a few days off.”

I swallow hard. “Um … okay,” I stammer, knowing full well I can’t say no just yet. There’s no way I can step foot in those rooms and expect to go home to Kennedy.

“You’ll like the money.”

“How many shows?” I’m curious to know the dollar amount I’m giving up.

“Anywhere from fifteen to twenty.” I mentally calculate how much money I’m going to lose because next week I’m going to have the fucking flu or bite the bullet and quit. That’s almost five grand I’m giving up.

Fuck it. She’s worth it. Hell, she’s worth more.

Donnie doesn’t need to know that, though.

“Thanks for thinking of me.”

“I know you’re looking to get in the rooms more. And if you get booked for the dark room, it’s guaranteed sex and you don’t even have to look at the woman. Best fucking high right there.”

Right, duly noted.

When the last customer leaves, the lights go out and the cleaning crew starts. I think it’s a nasty job because you know damn well they’re cleaning up jizz and picking up used condoms. People are fucking sick with that shit.

Donnie and I walk out together. He gets into a fucking brand new BMW while I walk to my car. One weekend with his tips and I’d be able to buy something new. However, I’d lose Kennedy and it’s not worth it. I’d rather be poor and living in a box behind McDanks than not have her in my life.

“Hey,” someone behind me yells.

I ignore them; it’s usually a pissed off husband or scorned boyfriend. They think it’s our fault that their chick was here trying to get some entertainment and more than likely she went home and asked why his dick wasn’t bigger or if he could move his hips like we do when we stimulate our fucking scenes.

“Hey,” they say again, but I keep walking. “I’m fucking talking to you, stripper boy.”

This time I pause and turn around, subtly moving my car keys in between my fingers. As soon as the asshole comes into light I know I’m about to kick someone’s ass. It’s the piece of shit Chad Bates and he’s fucking drunk.

“Go home,” I tell him, waiting for him to heed my word. He doesn’t, not that I truly expected him to.

“You have a lot of nerve.”

I shake my head. “Sorry, man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“It’s funny that you work here. I recognize you from earlier. You and that bitch accusing me of cheating on my wife.”

“You’re at a strip club?”

“Because she left me,” he roars. “Are you fucking her? I know you guys like to fuck the customers.”

“You should go home, Mr. Bates. I work for your wife, not you.”

“Bullshit. You’re fucking my wife and now I’m going to fuck with you.” He steps closer, but I hold my ground. “You and that redheaded cunt are going down.”

It takes every ounce of control to not punch him in the face. Calling Kennedy from jail isn’t something I want to do at three in the morning.

“Mr. Bates, I’m warning you.”

“No, I’m warning you. I couldn’t understand how my dumb bitch of a wife figured out my secret, but now I know. It’s perfectly clear to me. You’re fucking Jennifer and you set me up. It seems the owner and I will be having a chat tomorrow.”

“You’re wrong.”

He shakes his head. “No, I don’t think I am. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. Let the bitch know that I’m counter suing. She isn’t getting a dime of my money and you can tell her it’s because she got on her knees to suck your dick instead of mine.”

Chad Bates walks off, calling to a group of girls waiting by a car. His arms go around two of them and he kisses one of them and then the other while the third rubs up on him. It seems he’s not having any trouble moving on from his failed marriage.

In my car I pull out my phone and text Kennedy to let her know that I’m on my way home.

Home.

I don’t even think of my apartment as home anymore, but her house. We’re going to have to talk about that, but everything is so nice. I don’t want to assume anything.

What I don’t want tell her is about my encounter with Chad. That’ll have to wait until the morning, preferably after I’ve fucked her senseless.

All night long I could tell there was something on Hunter’s mind, but he never spoke about it. We made love and went to sleep, and I thought for sure he’d wake up in a better mood. I was wrong. I know he doesn’t like spending time at the club anymore, but I don’t think that’s it.

Something happened that he’s not telling me about. I can only imagine what that something could be. My stomach clenches and I can feel the jealousy stirring. I hate him being around other women; especially when he’s entertaining them. What if something happened between him and another woman? It makes me sick to think about it. What makes me even more insane is the jealousy. I’ve never felt like that before about any man.

I walk into the kitchen and Hunter pours me a cup of coffee. It’s Friday, our last day at the office before the weekend break, only he doesn’t get a break—he’ll be at the club.

“You tossed and turned last night,” I say, taking the cup.

His jaw clenches and he’s yet to look at me. “I have a lot on my mind.”

“I can see that. Is there something you need to tell me?” I snap the words and he jerks his head toward me.

“Are you angry with me?” he asks, softening his voice. The muscles in his face relax and those brown eyes of his regard me with concern. Just one look at his face like that and all the insecurities go out the window.

Sighing, I set my coffee on the counter and wrap my arms around his waist. I lay my head on his chest and his heart pounds away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. It’s just you’ve been acting funny since you got home last night. Makes me think something happened at the club.” His body tenses and I know I’m right. I let him go and step back, my chest aching. He stares at me and I can’t read his expression. “Did you cheat on me with another woman?” I choke out.

“What?” he shouts, eyes widening. He rushes toward me and grabs my shoulders, his face frantic. “Why the hell would you think that?”

“So nothing happened between you and another woman?”

He grabs my face, his brown eyes boring into mine. “Fuck no. I would never cheat on you, Kennedy. I’m falling in love with you for Christ’s sake. I would never fuck that up.”

My eyes burn and it’s as if all my insecurities float away.

“I … I’m sorry. I never should’ve assumed.” He kisses me and I melt in his arms. “But I know there’s something you’re not telling me.”

“You’re right, there is. When I got home last night all I wanted to do was make love to you. I didn’t want to ruin the night.” Letting me go, he grabs my coffee and nods toward the kitchen table. “Sit down and I’ll tell you.” I sit and gulp down my coffee. I have a strange feeling I’m not going to like what he’s about to say. “Last night when I was walking to my car, I ran into someone,” he begins.

“Who?”

He huffs. “Chad Bates.”

“Oh my God, did he recognize you?”

“Yep, and it doesn’t end there. He claims Jennifer and I are fucking. He’s going to get his lawyer to counter sue.”

I scoff. “He can try. We both know he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. We’re the ones who have the proof.”

“What pisses me off even more is the cocksucker left with three other women. He’s such a fucking douche.”

“That he is. But is that all that happened?”

Grasping my hand, he shakes his head. “I think we’re going to have problems with this one, Kennedy. I saw the expression on his face. He’s the type of man who’s not afraid to hurt people. I can handle him if he comes after me, but I don’t want him going after you or Jennifer.”

I understand him completely. Even I saw the rage inside of Chad. Instead of asking Jennifer why she wants a divorce, he responded with violence. “I’ll be fine,” I say, squeezing his hand. “I’m a big girl. Besides, I have you to keep me safe.” I smile, hoping it’ll get the worried look off his face, but it doesn’t. Hell, even I can’t deny I’m a little nervous about the situation. Chad Bates is a powerful man with many connections. But whatever happens, I’m not going to let him win.

“I’m not with you twenty-four-seven,” Hunter murmurs.

I bite my lip. “No, but you could be.”

His brows furrow. “What do you mean?”

Glancing down at our clasped hands, I smile. “You could always move in with me. I mean, it’s not like it’ll be that big of a step. You’re practically living with me now.”

He lets go of my hand and tilts my chin up with his fingers. His eyes twinkle and a small grin splays across his lips. “Is that really what you want?”

“Don’t you?” I counter. “I know it’s all happening so fast, but—” Not letting me finish, he grabs the back of my neck and pulls me to him. His kiss is hard and demanding and I willingly open for him, enjoying the taste of his lips. “Does this mean yes?” I ask, breaking away from the kiss.

Chuckling, he lifts me up and sets me on the table, his hands rough as he pulls up my skirt. “You have no idea.” Before I know it, his pants are unzipped and he’s pushing into me. “You won’t be able to get rid of me now.”

I lock my legs around him, holding him tight. “I don’t want to.”

We made it through Friday at the office with no interruptions from Chad. The court date has been set and I have two weeks until I get to hammer his ass into the ground. What really shocked me was how quiet it was at the office, almost like the calm before a storm. At least I have Hunter to keep my mind off of it.

“Looks like this is all of it,” I say, helping Hunter load the rest of his boxes into his car. Everything is pretty much out of his apartment except for his furniture. We’re going to have it put in storage for the time being.

Grinning, Hunter shuts the trunk. “It is. I’ve been staying at your place for so long it feels strange being back here.”

“You can always move back if it doesn’t work out,” I tease.

“That’s not going to happen, love. You’re mine now.”

Giggling, I get in his car and we head back over to my house. Soon, he’ll have to start getting ready for his shift at the club. I wish he would just quit and work for me. I have a feeling it’s what he wants to do, but he’s too prideful to ask. What is it with men and asking women for help?

The day is hot so when we arrive at my house, Hunter takes off his shirt and unloads all the boxes. I think I spend more time watching his muscles work than I do helping him. By the smirk on his face, he doesn’t seem to mind. He sits on the front porch and I run inside to get us both some water.

“Does it get old having so many women admire you?” I ask curiously.

He takes a sip of his water and sighs. “It does now. I used to love it, but there’s only one woman I want looking at me.”

He tries to put his arm around me, but I move away. “You’re sweaty,” I laugh, not really caring that he’s getting it all over my shirt. I just like to tease him.

Chuckling, he guzzles down the rest of his water. “It’s never seemed to bother you before.”

“Well, it does now. I don’t want you touching me.” His eyes twinkle and I jump up and run away before he can snatch me.

“Oh, you just messed up now, sweetheart.” I take off down the front porch steps into the backyard. He chases me and I laugh so hard I can barely breathe. I hide behind a bush and he rushes past, circling back around to the front of the house. Once everything goes quiet, I sneak out of my hiding spot to the side of the house. I peek around the corner and Hunter’s there.

“Gotcha,” he shouts, trying to grab me. I scream and run away, back around to the front of the house. It’s not long before his arms grab me around the waist and we’re tumbling to the ground, the grass tickling my body.

“Who’s sweaty now?” he laughs. I’m pinned to the ground and he rubs his skin all over me. I laugh so hard I end up gasping for air.

“You’re so going to pay for that.”

Taking my wrists, he pins them above my head and leans down, his teeth nipping my lip. “I’ll help you clean off in the shower. How does that sound?”

“Fantastic.” He gets up and lifts me with him, but I didn’t realize we had company until I glance over at the driveway. “Oh, shit.”

“What is it?” Hunter peers over at the man and woman getting out of what has to be a rental car. They live in California and I had no clue they were flying in. Although, it’s not going to be hard for Hunter to tell who the woman is with her bright, red hair. We look exactly alike. “Is that …”

“Yep. It’s my parents.” I haven’t seen them in months, but more importantly, I’ve never seen them look so shocked. A lot’s changed since the last time they were around.

“I can’t believe you didn’t call to tell me you were coming into town,” I scold.

My mother shrugs. “We wanted to surprise you.”

It’s not every day you get a surprise visit from your parents; especially since mine are from California. “I’m glad you did. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you and Dad.”

She runs her fingers through my hair, her gaze roaming over my face as if she’s trying to remember it. “I’ve missed you, Kennedy. You’re so beautiful. There’s a glow to you now.”

“That’s Hunter’s doing,” I tell her.

Her gaze finds him through the kitchen window. “He’s absolutely the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. I love his smile.”

I laugh. “So do I.”

Her red hair and green eyes are the same as mine. The only difference between us is our height. I got my long legs from my father. “Why have you kept him a secret?”

I’m not about to tell her I met him at a sex club. I stand beside her and watch him as he talks to my father. Once they got started talking about football, my mother and I couldn’t get them to shut up. That’s why they went outside. My father looks the same with his salt and pepper colored hair, but he’s starting to lose some of it. He’s still one of the most handsome men I knew.

“I’ve been busy,” I reply, which is not exactly a lie. “Plus, our relationship is kind of forbidden right now.”

“Why? Because he’s younger?”

“No, because he’s an intern at my office.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh wow.”

“Exactly. His age doesn’t bother me. Once he graduates, it won’t matter if people see us together. It’s not like we’re really strict on keeping it a secret.”

She bumps me with her shoulder and smiles. “You look happy with him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”

I shrug. “He makes me feel things I never thought existed. He even met Aaron not too long ago as well. He’s also dating someone else.”

Sighing, she pulls me in for a hug. “I’m just glad you’re happy. I’ve been worried about you for so long. It’s not easy living so far away from my only daughter.”

“Hey, I can’t help it you and Dad decided to retire to California.”

She lets me go and smiles. “I know, but it’d be nice to talk to you more. I know you’re a busy woman.”

Her gaze finds Hunter’s boxes that are stacked in the living room. “Is he moving in?”

I glance over my shoulder and nod. “Today marks the official date, but he’s been staying here for a while now. I thought it was time.”

Hunter and my dad stroll back in, their chuckles so loud it makes me smile. He meets my gaze and winks as they walk into the kitchen. My father opens his arms and I hug him hard, loving the familiar smell of his cologne. “I’ve missed you,” I murmur.

“Maybe if you called me every once in a while you wouldn’t feel like that,” he jokes.

I step back and sigh. “I know. I promise to do better at calling. It’s been a hectic few weeks.”

He nods. “We understand. Hunter told me about this hard case you’ve been working on. Maybe when it’s over, you two can fly down to California and stay with us for a weekend.” He slaps Hunter on the back. “I’d love to have your beau go with me to a football game.”

Hunter beams. “I’m down for it if your daughter is.”

My mother clasps her hands pleadingly and smiles when I nod. “All right, we’ll come down there. We can celebrate Hunter’s graduation.”

Hunter agrees with a grin. “Sounds good to me. I’ve never been to California.”

He and my father go to the living room and I can hear him telling Hunter about all the things they can do when we visit. I’m glad to see he likes him. Even if my parents didn’t approve of him, I’d still be with him. However, it does make things easier.

“Are you in love with him?” my mother asks.

“I am,” I confess, knowing I’ve felt that way for a long time now. “One day I’ll be sure to tell him.”

Kennedy and I stand on her front porch waving to her parents as they drive away. A massive wave of relief washes over me when their car disappears around the corner.

“Thank God,” I mutter, moving to step inside. When I turn, Kennedy is standing there, crossing her arms over her chest. “What’s wrong?”

“You don’t like my parents?”

I pull her into my arms. “What are you talking about?”

“You just said ‘thank God’. I’m assuming that’s because they’re gone.”

“It is, but only because I have to go work and for the last hour I couldn’t think of a plausible excuse as to why I’m leaving.”

“Oh.” Her face softens and she tightens her hold around my neck.

“Exactly. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t approve of my lifestyle. The last thing I want is them trying to turn you away from me.”

“Even if they tried, it wouldn’t work.”

She gives me a look that causes me to smile. I pull her harder into my arms and kiss her nose. “Give me a kiss, woman. I have to go or I’ll be late.”

Kennedy stands on her tiptoes to reach me and doesn’t hesitate to slide her tongue into my mouth immediately. I rub my hands down her back, sliding them over the globes of her ass.

I squeeze her before letting her go. “If I stay any longer I’ll never make it to work. You better think about me tonight.”

She winks. “Always.”

I hurry down to my car and honk as I pull away from the house, wishing this was my last time. Even when I do quit I can’t imagine I’ll give a notice. It’s not like they can’t replace me right away for the floor. The routines will be another story.

Pulling into the parking lot is challenging. Two stretch limos are clogging up the space and they’re hard to maneuver around. Glancing at the clock on my dashboard, I see that I have five minutes to get inside and be on the stage.

“Fuck,” I scream as I slam my car door and take off running to the door. My name is called out numerous times, but I ignore it. Bryce frowns upon tardiness. The shows always need to start on time, despite the lines outside.

“You’re late,” Donnie barks out as soon I make my appearance in the dressing room.

“Traffic,” I lie, throwing my shit in my locker. My jeans are hanging on the hook from last night, along with a fresh pair of boxers. I strip down and change, listening to the catcalls from the guys. After squeezing a shit ton of lotion into my hand, I start rubbing it in everywhere I can.

The moment the lights go down, the six of us are in position. We step out into the pitch-dark room, barely lit by flashlights from the ushers seating people. Once the music starts, we begin our routine. I recognize one of the ladies in the crowd. I’d made the mistake of letting her suck my dick a long time ago. Our eyes meet and she smiles, biting her lip in anticipation. Unfortunately, she’s right where I have to dance. Great. It’s going to be a long fucking night.

I roll my hips to the music, thrusting my dick in her face. Once that part of the dance is over, I continue around the stage, trying to avoid her at all costs. However, the routine doesn’t allow for that.

By the time I’m back to her, my jeans are down and my dick is in my hand, stroking it so everyone in the room can see what I have to offer. The woman slowly pulls her shirt down, showing me her tits and rubbing her nipples. That shit isn’t going to work on me.

The mostly women-filled room claps loudly as we leave the stage and hands are slapped on my shoulder in congratulations, followed by a string of comments from the guys.

“She’s fucking hot, dude.”

“Man, what I wouldn’t give to fuck those tits.”

“Did you see that mouth? I bet she doesn’t have a gag reflex.”

I make my way back to my locker, trying to ignore everything they’re saying. I can’t though. I have to engage or they’ll start questioning what I’m doing here. And we all know I’m still here for the money.

“You gonna tap that?” Donnie asks, waggling his eyebrows.

Fuck no, because what I have at home is a million times better.

“Fuck yeah,” I say, giving him a high-five. “Probably tell her to wait for me in the parking lot.”

“Man, that bitch is going to eat you up.”

Don’t I know it.

I laugh him off and reach for the board. I didn’t get a chance to check it before I went on stage. I search for my name, praying that it isn’t on any of the rooms. My stomach rolls and bile fills my throat when I see that I’m scheduled for the bondage room.

“What the fuck?”

“What’s wrong?” one of the newer guys asks. Since being with Kennedy I haven’t taken the time to get to know the new guys. Usually we hang out, have barbecues and shit like that, except being with her has taken every priority I have.

“I’m in the bondage room tonight,” I mutter, unable to really process what that means.

“Fucking lucky.”

I half smile and replace the board on the wall.

“Hey, Donnie, want to take my bondage room?”

“Nah, man, that room is too unpredictable.”

“What do you mean?” I ask him.

“I don’t want some dude tying me up to fuck me in the ass.”

“Fuck me,” I grumble.

I rush to the bathroom and pray to the porcelain God. There’s no way in fucking hell I’m letting some dude stick his dick up my ass. I’d probably kill them. After cleaning up, I head back to the dressing room.

“Hey, man, you have another one,” Donnie states.

“What?”

“Jared just added you for another. He was looking for you.” Donnie claps me on the shoulder. “Fucker, you’re making it now, aren’t you?”

Pulling the board from the wall I see my name written down in the viewing room. It doesn’t say who, but I have my suspicions. I’m assuming it’s the woman who was all too eager to suck my dick the last time we were in there together.

Unless Kennedy has booked the room and she’s surprising me. I think about texting her, but if I’m wrong then she knows I’ve been booked and that isn’t going make things easy for us. She’s not going to tell me not to go, but she’ll expect that I don’t.

This is a do or die moment for me. There is no way I can go into either of those rooms tonight.

“Fuck.” I slam the board back onto the wall, hearing someone behind me say, “That’s the point” as I walk out of the room. I have to find Jared and ask him what’s going on. It takes me a good bit of time before I finally spot him talking to a brunette.

I tap him on the shoulder. “I need to speak to you.”

When he turns to face me, he doesn’t look happy.

“What?” he barks out. Interrupting this transaction is risky, but I don’t give a fuck right now.

“I’m scheduled for two rooms tonight.”

“So? It’s your job.”

“Right, um …” I run my hand through my hair. “I’ve never been in the bondage room.”

“First time for everything,” he says, looking bored.

“No way of getting out of it?”

Jared pulls out his phone and scrolls through something. He shakes his head. “Sorry, you were requested. You know the rules, Hunter.”

He leaves and starts working the crowd again. It’s his job to bring in the clients for the rooms and it’s ours to keep the clients happy.

Each time I’m on stage, I encounter the same woman, and every time I mingle through the customers I avoid her. She pays good money, but it’s not worth it. My dick doesn’t want to be up close and personal with her.

I look down the hall that will take me to the bondage room or if I go straight through the door I’ll be in the dressing room. I need a moment and head to the dressing room. It’s empty, giving me some peace while I stand in front of my locker and ask myself what the fuck am I doing. I don’t want to be here and I can’t believe because of Kennedy I’m feeling this way. All it took was one night with her to change my perspective on everything.

The time ticks down and now I’m faced with what I'm going to do. My name is called over the intercom, reminding me that I’m supposed to be somewhere where I don’t want to be. If I quit, I have no income and even though I left my apartment, I can’t expect to live at Kennedy’s rent-free, and being a barista isn’t going to pay my bills. More importantly, I don’t want to be a kept man. That’s not who I am.

I make my way down the hall to the employee entrance for the bondage room. I raise my hand to knock, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I know what I have to do. It ends tonight. I turn to walk away, but then a crashing sound comes from the bondage room.

When I enter, the room is dark. “Is everything okay in here?” I didn’t plan on entering, but I have to make sure no one’s hurt. I reach for the light switch, moving it up and down. Nothing happens.

“What the fuck?”

“Yes, what the fuck,” a male voice says from somewhere in the room.

My heart starts to thunder in my chest, the incessant pounding ringing in my ears. When the hair on the back of my neck stands to attention, that’s when I know something’s wrong. It shouldn’t be pitch black in this room, not like this. “Who’s in here?” I demand. I walk further into the room and that’s when my door slams shut.

The man chuckles. “Your worst enemy.” There’s light coming from the opposite end of the room, but it disappears as soon as the door shuts. I reach for my door, twisting the knob, and that’s when I hear a click. I turn slowly, peering around the room, and see red lights blinking in the corner. What the hell is that?

Every step is tentative and I run into a few of the toys; one slams me right into my groin. I groan but keep moving until the red numbers are staring back at me.

“Holy fuck.” Panic consumes me and my heart races. “It’s a bomb!” I shout, scrambling away from it.

It feels like I’m moving in slow motion, except for the numbers ticking quickly away. I don’t know if it’s real or not, but I’m not waiting around to find out. Turning, I run smack into something that knocks me on my ass. My head hits the something hard and I can feel blood oozing down the side of my face. I hold my head as it throbs in my hands. I have to get out of there and warn the others.

Instead of standing, I crawl toward the door, hoping that I’ll make it in time. I fumble with the knob, twisting and grabbing until I get it open. In the hall, the noise from the dance rooms vibrate, causing my head to ache even more. Reaching for the fire alarm, I pull and instantly grab my ears.

I don’t know if anyone is moving, but I have to. I try to stand, but am unable as my knees give out, leaving me no choice but to crawl toward the exit. The red light blinks above my head and the music is still playing. Didn’t they hear the alarm? My hand comes in contact with the cold metal of the push bar, but my head injury has drained my energy. I push, but it doesn’t budge. How long has it been since I left the room?

I push again and it budges open. I roll out, the rocks from the asphalt bite into my skin, causing me to yell. People rush around me, but there is no panic.

“Bomb,” I say, but no one is listening to me. I try again and again, but no one cares. Can’t they see me lying on the ground?

Before I can move, the explosion rips through the building and rubble starts to fall on me. I cover my head as much as I can while fire spreads all around me.

Staying up late waiting on Hunter to get home is starting to wear on me. I try to go to sleep but it doesn’t work. I can’t even lie in bed because I don’t like him not being there beside me. It’s late … much later than usual. Hunter should be home by now.

I pull out my phone and type away. I don’t care if I’m being insecure; I have to know where he’s at since it’s closing on three in the morning and he’s not at home.

Me: Where are you?

I wait for what feels like an hour, but it’s only a couple of minutes.

Me: I’m getting worried. Please call me.

Again, I wait and then all of a sudden, my phone rings. Only it’s not Hunter. Why is Chris calling me so late?

“Chris?” I say into the phone.

He breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank fucking God, you’re okay.”

“What do you mean? Of course, I’m okay.”

“I was worried you were at the club,” he says, his voice desperate.

“At the club? I don’t understand.” There’s something about his tone that scares the shit out of me. “Why were you afraid I was at the club?”

The line grows quiet for a second. “Because there’s been an accident, Kennedy. I don’t know how or what’s going on just yet, but Max said there was an explosion in the bondage room. The whole backside of the club is in ruins.” The breath whooshes out of my lungs. Hunter. “Is Hunter at the club?” he asks.

For a moment, all I can think about is the sinking feeling in my stomach. Is that why he hasn’t called? Is he hurt? Jumping to my feet, I hurry into my room to change clothes. “He is,” I cry, swallowing hard. “Are you there now?”

“Yeah. It’s pretty crazy over here.”

“I’m on my way.” I hang up and charge out of my house, not even caring that I squeal my tires as I back out of my driveway.

My neighbors will just have to get over it. I make it to the club in record time, and when I do everything is in chaos. Smoke fills the air as the firemen taper off the blaze. The backside of the club is destroyed, all rubble with a few remaining items of what used to be the bondage room. There are people everywhere and none of them are Hunter.

“Kennedy!” Chris shouts, pushing through the crowd.

I’m frozen. “I can’t find him,” I choke.

He puts his arm around my shoulders. “He’ll be all right, Kennedy. We’ll find him.”

“He hasn’t called,” I growl. “Something’s wrong.”

The tears fall down my cheeks, but then someone I recognize walks through the crowd; his face and clothes are black from the ash, but I can definitely see the hint of red on his shirt. “Jared,” I call out, waving him down. He looks around, and when his gaze lands on mine he walks toward me with a limp. “Oh my God, are you okay?” I ask.

He nods and then grabs his neck with a hiss. “For the most part. I don’t know what the hell happened.”

“Is anyone hurt?”

“Lots of people are. The ambulances have been taking people away.”

I grab his arm. “What about Hunter? Where is he?”

His expression turns to one of outright terror. “The bondage room,” he whispers. “That’s where he was scheduled tonight.”

The world starts to spin and Chris holds me up. It can’t be true. I refuse to believe it. Hunter would never do that to me. Anger consumes me, but I’m more scared than anything.

“They took him away already,” Jared adds. “I don’t know if he’s okay or not.”

Without another word, I race to my car and speed away to the hospital. The thought of Hunter in that room sickens me. How could he do that to me? I know it’s his job, but he has a choice. His pride won’t let him quit to work for me, but it’s either that or lose me forever. I can’t share him with other women; I refuse. My only fear is that he’s hurt and I’ll never be able to tell him how I truly feel.

I park as fast as I can and rush into the hospital to the front desk. The lady sitting there sees me coming and her eyes widen. She knows I’m desperate. I probably look scary with my hair in a tangled mess and tears flowing down my cheeks.

“Hunter Miles,” I blurt out. “Which room is he in?”

“Are you a relative?” she asks, typing away on the computer.

“Girlfriend.” Then I think about his grandmother. She has no clue her only grandson is in the hospital.

She finishes typing and looks up at me. “He’s on the third floor.” As soon as she tells me the room number, I bolt up the stairs. I’m not about to wait on the elevator. The hallway seems as if it goes on for an eternity. When I get to his room, I freeze. I have no clue what to expect when I open the door. That’s when I hear his voice.

“I told you, I’m fine,” he growls. “I need to talk to the police.”

Then I hear a woman, her voice gentle. “You need to relax, Mr. Miles. The police will be here in a few hours to ask you questions.”

I burst through the door and the nurse jerks her head my way. She’s a woman about my age, her brown hair pulled high and she’s pregnant with tired green eyes. I can’t see Hunter, but at least I know he’s okay.

“Can I help you?” she asks, her voice tired.

When she steps out of the way, that’s when I see him. His face is bruised and he has dried blood caked on the left side of his face, but overall, he looks okay. I breathe a sigh of relief. His eyes widen when he sees me and then he hisses in pain and grabs his side.

“Kennedy,” he murmurs.

“What happened to him?”

The nurse checks his vitals. “A concussion and two broken ribs. He should be perfectly fine in a couple of weeks.” After she’s done, she walks toward the door. “I’ll be just around the corner.”

Once she’s gone, Hunter tries to get up, but I hold up my hands. “Stop,” I snap. I want to go to him, but there are so many emotions warring inside my body. My heart aches for him and I know he’s in pain, but knowing what he could’ve been doing in the bondage room infuriates me. “Why were you in the bondage room?”

His eyes blaze and he shakes his head. “It’s not what it looks like, Kennedy. You know I would never hurt you.”

“Then why were you in there?” My hands shake and so does my voice. “Are you that willing to screw up everything we have on your pride?”

His jaw clenches. “I wasn’t going to go through with it. I swear to fucking God, I wasn’t. When I saw my name on the schedule, I knew what I had to do. I was two seconds away from quitting it all but then I heard his voice.”

His words catch me off guard. “His voice? What the hell are you talking about?”

He huffs. “Chad. He’s the one who left the bomb. He intentionally requested me so he could fucking kill me.”

My knees grow weak and I fall into the chair beside him. “Are you sure it was him?”

He grabs my hand, his battered face more serious than ever. “I’m positive. I heard his voice, Kennedy. Before, at the club, he said we would pay. We have to tell the police before he comes after you. I’ll kill the fucker before he ever lays a hand on you.”

Holding his hand, I bring it up to my face. “They’re probably already going after him. If he was booked in the bondage room, it’ll be in the system. He’s most likely being questioned as we speak.”

Hunter shakes his head. “He’s smart, Kennedy. Whatever happens, he’ll find his way out of this and come after us again.”

I’m not going to let that happen. As soon as the police arrive, I’m going to tell them everything. “I don’t want to think about that right now,” I whisper, running a finger lightly down his bruised cheek. I could’ve lost him tonight. Tears stream down my cheeks, and for the first time in my life, I let everything out. “I’m so sorry,” I cry.

His voice softens. “For what?”

I wipe away the tears. “For everything. All this time, you’ve told me how you felt about me and I’ve been too scared to voice mine. It took you getting hurt to make me see.”

His brows furrow. “Make you see what?”

I pause for a second and suck in a breath, letting it out slow. “That I love you. I was so afraid I was going to be too late to tell you that.”

He brushes the hair off my face. “I know you love me, Kennedy. In time, I knew you’d tell me. I wasn’t going to push you.” His brown gaze bores into mine. “And you know I love you, too. That’s why I’m done with the club. I know it hurts you when I’m there.”

A small smile spreads across my cheeks. “Does that mean you’ll work for me now?”

“No,” he murmurs. “Not until I’ve earned it. I’m not going to let you pay my way. I’ll figure out something. Right now, I just need you here. That way I know you’re safe.”

He pats the bed and moves over, his teeth clenched from the pain. I gently climb into bed with him and snuggle against him, terrified I’m going to hurt him. “Nothing’s going to happen to me, Hunter. I’m right here.” We lay there and all I can think about is how I’m going to make Chad pay. He’s not going to get away with this.

“How did your grandmother take the news?” I ask, grabbing Hunter a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. After the club bombing, it’s been all over the news, but luckily, his grandmother never watches it. It made it easy to lie and say he was in a car accident.

He chuckles but there’s no humor in it. “She was upset, but I told her I’m okay. I’m just glad she doesn't know the truth. She’ll worry herself to death."

Giving him the bottle of water, I sit beside him. “Have you talked to the club owner?”

“Not yet,” he replies with a sigh. “He called while you were at the office to see if I was okay. For now, the club’s closed for a while.”

I can’t help but be happy about that. I’ve wanted him away from that place for so long. Hunter turns his body to me and rubs my hands with his thumbs. It’s been three days since the explosion and I’m shocked at how well he’s moved around. You would never guess he has two broken ribs.

“You okay?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Not really. I’m ready to find out if they have the cocksucker in custody.”

We were told we’d get a phone call today, but so far, nothing’s come through. I’m officially Hunter’s lawyer in the matter so whatever happens, I’ll be right there. So far, there’s been no talk of anything on the news, no motives, or suspects. It’s like it’s all been kept under wraps.

My phone rings and I recognize the number immediately; it’s Detective Van Bryant, the man who interviewed Hunter and who I spoke to about Chad and Jennifer’s court case. He’s also a friend of my parents. “Kennedy Vaughn,” I answer, putting it on speakerphone so Hunter can hear.

“Good evening, Ms. Vaughn. It’s Detective Van Bryant.”

“Yes, I know. Is there anything new on the case?”

He releases a heavy sigh. “There is, but first, I’m calling to let you know Mr. Bates was nowhere near Society X the night of the explosion. He has an alibi putting him at home. Witnesses can confirm his whereabouts.”

“They’re lying,” I snap angrily.

Hunter slams his fists down on the couch. “That motherfucker.”

“We’re still investigating, but you should know we found other evidence that could change things. According to the club documents, there was a man who requested Hunter for the bondage room. His name is Freddie Grant. Our men are bringing him in now for questioning.”

“Freddie Grant?” I turn to Hunter. “Know anyone by that name?”

Brows furrowed, he shakes his head. “No.”

“He’ll be here soon, and hopefully, we’ll get some answers.”

“What I want to know is how he got the bomb in there in the first place. Security is really tight there.”

“Christy Mathers would’ve been his escort,” Hunter informs him. “Has anyone questioned her?”

The line goes silent for a second. “I’m sorry, Mr. Miles, but she didn’t make it. She died at the hospital from her injuries. We’re all wondering how he was able to slip it in under her nose.”

Hunter’s face pales and he closes his eyes. “I can’t believe she’s gone.”

“Her family’s been notified,” the detective says. “And as soon as we get more information, I’ll let you both know. For now, just be aware Mr. Bates is not a suspect in this case. I know he threatened you, but there’s no evidence pinning him at the scene of the crime.”

“Thanks, Detective.” We hang up and anger boils in my veins. There is no way in hell I’m going to believe Chad’s alibi.

If I never break another rib it’ll be too soon, not that it’s changed my lifestyle much. I can still make love to Kennedy, although she’s doing most of the work. In fact, I think I like the way things have been going lately. At first, she thought I needed to heal and was trying to baby me at night. She didn’t realize that I’d get better being inside of her. When I finally convinced her that we could have sex as long as she was on top, she was game.

Driving is a fucking bitch though. Turning corners or switching lanes of traffic is a damn nightmare and I’m legit the old man driving in the slow lane right now. I’m on my way to Ward Enterprises to meet with Bryce Adams, the owner of Society X. Apparently this will be his temporary office while the club is being rebuilt. Must be fucking nice, I think to myself as I pull into the underground garage. Even reaching for a parking ticket is fucking painful. You’d think the man in the booth would help a brother out, but nope. He’s just sitting there, staring straight ahead like the zombie apocalypse is about to start.

“Thanks for the help,” I yell out once I have my ticket. The fucker has the nerve to tell me I’m welcome. I must’ve missed where he got off his stool to help me out.

Once my car is parked I make my way back outside. Ward Enterprises is not only a massive building, but also one with the highest level of security. The underground garage doesn’t even go under the building, but off to the side where the courtyard is, protecting it from would be bombers who use their cars as bombs.

The steps to the building loom before me. They’re wider than normal, which for a woman is great because they tend to take smaller steps, but us men have longer strides unless you’re me and you can’t move very well. I’ll be sure to thank Bryce for this one.

After checking in at security, I’m given a badge and scanned before I’m allowed to get onto the elevator. I press the button that will take me to Ward Enterprises and go over what I’m going to say to Bryce. Telling him that I’m quitting will be easy, but I have no idea what he’s going to ask me about that night. I know he’s pissed. I don’t fucking blame him. He has stellar security and one of his employees fucked it all up.

“Hi, I’m here to see Bryce Adams,” I inform the woman behind the large semi-circle desk with the headset on.

“Mr. Miles, you may go in. Mr. Adams is on the right hand side, three doors down.”

I knock on the door and wait for Bryce to tell me to enter which he does immediately. The one thing I know about him is that he’s very private so barging in on him would be highly frowned upon. Not that I plan to use him for a reference unless I go back to stripping.

“Hunter, please have a seat.” He points at the chair in front of his desk, which I gingerly take. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore.”

In my back pocket is the bill from the hospital that Kennedy was able to get for me. With no insurance, I’m responsible for it all. The ambulance ride alone was over a grand.

“Indeed. I think you were one of the lucky ones.”

I nod and let out a strangled breath. It even hurts to breathe when I’m sitting. “Depends on how you define lucky.”

“You’re not dead,” he states matter-of-factly.

“Well yes, I’m not dead.”

Bryce doesn’t show any emotion whatsoever as he stares me down. I’m getting the feeling that I’m the enemy here and not Chad Bates, who was in the room with me before the bomb went off. I’m starting to think I should’ve brought Kennedy with me.

“Do you remember much of that night?”

“I remember it all. What do you want to know?”

“Why did you leave the bondage room?”

I try to adjust, but the attempt is futile, everything hurts. “That night I saw my name on the board for the bondage room and subsequently for the viewing room. I went to Jared to ask about the booking, but he wouldn’t tell me anything. I didn’t want to do it.”

“But it’s your job.”

“I know. I heard a crashing noise come from the room so I opened the door to make sure whoever was in there was okay. At that point, I was going to apologize to the client and let them know I wouldn’t be able to perform with them.”

“Did your dick fall off prior to the accident?”

I look at him warily. “No, my dick is fully attached and functioning.”

“So you were going to tell my client, who pays a hefty monthly fee, that you weren’t going to perform for them? And then what?”

“Then I was going to find you and let you know that I quit.”

“You were going to quit?” He almost sounds shocked.

“Yes, I am still. I’m quitting.” I realize I should’ve given him my medical bills before I dropped that bomb.

“You can’t quit, you’re one of my best dancers.”

I sigh and press my hand against my ribs. “With all due respect, I enjoyed my job, at times I even loved my job, but I met someone and she’s important.”

Leaning back in his chair, Bryce laughs as if he’s plotting my demise. “Let me get this straight. You can have all you can eat pussy and you’re cashing it out for a cunt your dick already knows?”

I nod. “Yeah, I am.”

“Unbelievable.”

“If it helps you process my reasoning, I’m in love with her.”

He dismisses me with the wave of his hand. I leave out the part where I met Kennedy at the club. I don’t want him to think I broke any rules and even though she had me in the viewing room three times, he doesn’t need to know.

“So you’re quitting, great. Let’s get back to the bomb. You were in the room?”

“Right, I opened it to check on the client because of the noise I heard. I flicked the light switch but nothing happened and that is when I heard a male voice telling me that he was my worst enemy.”

Bryce shuffles some papers on his desk. “Freddie Grant?”

I shake my head. “The voice belonged to Chad Bates.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I met him a few weeks back in the parking lot. He accused me of fucking his wife.”

“Are you? Did you?”

“No, that is not my girlfriend’s name.”

“Did you fuck his wife in one of the rooms? Or outside of the club?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know. Not recently,” I tell him even though I know the answer to be without a doubt no. Retaining attorney client privileges is a fucking bitch. I really want to tell him that Jennifer is a client of the firm’s, but I can’t.

“So why’s he after you?”

Because he’s fucking nuts. “I’m not sure. Don’t you have the police report from Van Bryant?” If he did, he’d know the answer because Kennedy told the police everything.

“No, I’m conducting my own investigation. It’s easier this way. I’m not keen on giving the police my client records, especially since I pride myself on everything being anonymous at the club. You know if this man's wife is being fucked on the inside that is really between them. I don’t expect my staff to tell anyone.”

“We don’t know names anyway,” I point out.

“True. How many dealings did you have with Christy?”

“Not many.”

“According to her phone, you booked the viewing room with her to watch.”

Fuck. I didn’t think about that. I swallow hard and nod. “Yes, my girlfriend and I wanted to explore.”

“She knows you worked at the club?”

“Yeah, she knows.”

“Maybe she’s jealous of you screwing other women and she planted the bomb?”

While his thinking could be spot on, he’s forgetting that Jared would’ve had to be the one involved.

“You’d have to ask Jared, he was her contact.”

“Interesting.” He continues to read over his papers. “So, she’s not the jealous type?”

Yes, she is, but she’s not a killer. “No, she rather enjoys getting fucked by me, definite perk of screwing someone who does it professionally.”

He has a wicked grin on his face while my stomach rolls. This man probably fucks half the staff and clientele and never thinks twice about it.

“I should give these to you.” I slowly reach for the bills and set them on his desk. He picks them up and inspects them without saying much.

“Whatever else comes in, have them sent my way.” He says this without looking at me. Reaching into his drawer, Bryce pulls out a check. “This is your severance since the club is closed.”

I take the check and my eyes bug out. “Wow, thank you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I know it won’t cover everything, but I hope it helps. The club will be closed for remodeling and even though you’re quitting, it’s yours.”

“Thanks. What are going to do with the room?”

He shrugs and kicks back in his chair. “It’s the least popular of the rooms so I’m thinking of changing it to a playroom. It’ll be a mix of the dark room and viewing room, but more one-on-one and all fantasy play.”

“That’s cool,” I reply, not knowing what else to say to him.

“Right. So if you and your girlfriend ever want to play, you know where to go.” He winks and I take that as my cue to exit. Thing is, if Kennedy and I want to play, we’ll do it at home and save the two thousand a month in membership fees.

I make my way out of his office and back to my car without incident, checking every few seconds to make sure my check is still in my pocket. That check alone is enough to get me through the rest of the semester with the hope that I’ll be hired on either at Kennedy’s firm or elsewhere.

The drive back takes forever. Rush hour traffic over the bridge keeps us gridlocked on the interstate. Each car I pass, or that passes me has me looking to see if Chad is driving. That fucker is getting away with murder and needs to pay. Except our hands are tied. His shoddy friends offered up an alibi and it’s my word against his. If we could get him in front of a line-up, I’d be able to point my finger at him simply by his voice. I’ll never forget it.

Instead of going home, I head to the office. I still have a few days of recovery until I’m allowed back at work. These two weeks since the accident have been tortuous. Kennedy goes to work, doesn’t come home for a quickie at lunchtime, and walks in well after closing. Most of the time she finds me in the kitchen with my shorts around my ankles and my cock in my hand, stroking it for her.

Sara smiles at me when I walk in and I point at Kennedy’s office. “She’s free.”

I knock once before opening the door, much to her surprise.

“Hey,” I say, walking to the side of her desk and giving her a kiss. It’s chaste and work acceptable behind closed doors.

“How’d it go?”

“Fine. He asked some questions, though. Wanted to know if I was fucking Jennifer and that’s why Chad came after me, only he says it’s Freddie, but we know the truth. He gave me this.”

I hand her the check for ten grand and watch her eyes go wide.

“Hunter.”

“I know. I mean, I’ll have to watch my spending, but it gets me through graduation. We should celebrate.” I grab my dick, which is already hard from being in the same room with her.

“Not here,” she warns.

I try not to laugh, but to no avail.

“You’re going to hurt yourself even worse.”

“I’m fine. I promise.”

She looks away and that’s when I see it—something’s wrong and she’s trying to hide it from me.

“What’s going on?” I ask, brushing my hand over her hair.

“It’s Jennifer. I’ve been calling her for days and she hasn’t returned any of my messages. I’m worried about her.”

“Maybe she went on vacation?”

Shaking her head, Kennedy returns her gaze to mine. “No, she just came back and while she was gone, she called me, or called me right back every time I would phone her. With the stuff at the club and Chad being questioned, I’m scared that something has happened to her.”

I lean forward and give her a kiss. “You’re a good woman, Kennedy. I’m sure she’s lying low after seeing the bombing. She has to know it was Chad.”

Kennedy nods and melts into me. If my ribs were better, I’d crawl under her desk and feast on her, but getting into an awkward position won’t bode well for my body.

“I’ll let you finish. I need to go home and jack off. My balls are starting to hurt.”

“Geez, Hunter, seriously?”

I shrug. “Can’t help it. It’s all you, babe.” I kiss her, this time letting my lips linger and move softly against hers until she gives me access to her warm mouth. Once our tongues meet, I have both hands in her hair and I’m pulling her out of her chair. She brushes against my bulge, reminding me that it’s not only me who has an issue with being attracted to each other.

“I love you, Kennedy,” I say in between kisses.

I leave suddenly, chuckling my way to the door. When I turn around, she’s standing there with a glazed look, so I do what any self-respecting boyfriend of a high powered attorney does and show her my dick before leaving.

The thump I hear against her door after I shut it must’ve been her shoe flying at my head.

I wink at Sara as I take my exit and watch her bolt to Kennedy’s office. I don’t even care if they’re talking about me.

“Dammit, Jennifer,” I hiss, slamming down the phone. I can’t help but worry about her. She’s never not called me back before.

Picking up the phone, I call her parents. I don’t care if it’s late; I have to know what they’re doing to find her. “Hello?” her mother answers, her voice thick with sleep.

“I’m so sorry for calling you this late, but I’m Kennedy Vaughn, one of Jennifer’s friends from school. I’m not sure if you remember me or not.”

“Yes, I remember. Jennifer told me you’re helping with her divorce. How are you?”

“Not good. I’m trying to get in touch with her and she’s not answering. Do you know where she is?”

“Oh, honey, she’s out of town. She called me a couple days ago and told me she had to get away.” She sighs heavily. “This divorce is taking a toll on her.”

Why would she leave and not tell me?

“Do you know where she went?” I ask desperately.

“She didn’t say. Is something wrong?”

Closing my eyes, I pray the sinking feeling in my stomach goes away. “I hope not. Will you let me know if she calls you?”

“Of course.” I give her all my phone numbers and we say our good-byes.

A knock sounds on my door and Chris walks in, his expression worried when he sees my face. We’ve all been working so hard even he looks worse for wear with his white shirt unbuttoned and wrinkled. “Everything okay?”

Shaking my head, I glance down at my phone. “Jennifer’s missing. Her parents say she’s out of town, but I know she wouldn’t do that without telling me.” Chris sits down across from my desk and I look over at him.

“Why don’t you call the detective? It doesn’t hurt to voice your suspicions.”

I shrug. “The police won’t do anything if there’s no reason to suspect she’s missing. She obviously called her parents to tell them she’s leaving town.” It all makes no sense.

Sighing, Chris stands and loosens his tie. “Doesn’t hurt to make the call. Detective Van Bryant is a friend of your parents. He’ll listen to you.” He starts for the door. “I’m heading out for the night. You okay here by yourself?”

I wave him off. “I’ll be fine. I’m not far from leaving.”

He walks slowly out of my office and I can tell he’s tired. Hell, we all are. Chris waves at me as he passes my office and I hear the front office door shut. All I have left to do is pack up my briefcase and I’m ready to go. I just wish I could get rid of this feeling in my gut. It’s like watching a scary movie and knowing something bad is about to happen.

Before leaving, I call Van Bryant; he answers on the second ring. “Van Bryant,” he says.

“Van, it’s me, Kennedy. I needed to talk to you about Jennifer Bates.”

“Okay, what is it?”

“I think she’s in trouble. It’s not like her to not call me back.”

He blows out a breath. “Maybe she doesn’t feel like talking.”

“That’s not it at all. I think something’s wrong. Her parents said she called them and told them she’s going out of town for a while. That’s not like her.”

“Kennedy, you know there’s nothing I can do if she’s not reported missing.”

The desperation inside of me grows worse. If I have to find her myself, I will. “I’m not asking you as the police to investigate, but I’m asking as a favor to a family friend. Something’s not right. Is there any way you can stop by her house to check it out? Maybe see if anything’s amiss?”

The line grows quiet and then he huffs. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

“Thank you, Van. I’ll make sure my dad gets you into that golf tournament you love so much.”

He chuckles. “I’m going to hold you to that.”

We hang up and I close my briefcase. Hunter’s going to be blowing up my phone soon if I don’t get home. The lights flicker out in the hall and my head jerks up. My skin breaks out in chills and the hair on the back of my neck stands at attention. They flicker again and I freeze. I’ve been in my office for years and the lights have never done that. Maybe I’m just being paranoid, but something tells me I’m not. If Chad has the gall to mess with me, he’s going to regret it.

I pull out my phone and text Hunter, making sure to turn it on silent.

Me: I don’t think I’m alone.

His reply is instant.

Hunter: What? Are you still at the office?

Me: Yes. Something’s not right.

Hunter: I’m on my way.

The lights don’t flicker again, but I’m not about to wait around for something to happen. I grab my letter opener, clenching it tight in my hand before walking out of my office. There’s no one around, but I can feel eyes watching me. Hurrying to the door, I open it and lock it behind me. If anyone’s in there, they’ll have to bust their way out.

It’s times like these I want to kick myself in the ass for leaving so late when no one is around. It’s dark, and once out in the parking lot there’s a ton of darkened corners someone can hide behind. With my letter opener in hand, I can see my car in the distance. Why did I have to park so far away?

I glance behind me and there’s no one there, no footsteps to be heard anywhere. I’m almost past the last darkened corner when I run straight into the wall … only it’s not a wall; it’s a man dressed all in black. I react instantly and stab him in the shoulder with the blunt blade. Growling in pain, he jerks the letter opener out, tossing it down the alley before slapping me hard across the face. I fall to the ground. The pain makes my head ring and all I can see is spots.

“You stupid, fucking cunt,” he hisses. I can’t see his face, but I recognize his voice. Chad.

He grabs me by the shoulders and hauls me back to my feet, slamming my body against the brick wall so hard I’m surprised my bones didn’t break.

The air whooshes out of my lungs and I gasp, but I can’t get a breath in. His gloves are cold against my skin. “If you make one more sound, I’ll cut your fucking throat.” I look up at the top corner of my building, hoping to see the red light of the security camera, only to find it smashed. The only thing I can see of Chad is his cold, dark eyes and the knife he pulls out of his back pocket. Dread settles into the pit of my stomach. He moves closer, shoving his body against mine. “Don’t worry, cunt. No one’s going to hear you scream. It’s time you learn from your mistakes.”

He slaps me across the cheek and my head snaps to the side. It stuns me and everything moves in slow motion as he pushes me to the ground, the concrete rough against my bare legs and palms. Tears fall down my cheeks but not out of fear, out of anger. I want to fight him off so bad, and I can’t; he’s too strong.

“Help me!” I scream.

Grabbing my hair, he jerks my head back, digging the knife into my neck. “As much as I want to hear you scream while I’m fucking you, looks like I’ll have to miss out.” He slams a piece of tape over my mouth and I panic, thrashing around as much as I can. I’ll fight to death before I let anyone violate me. He jerks my arms behind my back, and suddenly I feel of cable ties slicing into my wrists.

“You should’ve seen Jennifer’s face when she showed up at home with me waiting for her. I showed her how much I missed her. I’m going to enjoy telling her what I did to you before I kill her.” Thoughts of him hurting Jennifer tear me apart. I can only imagine the things he did to her and will still do.

My face is on the concrete, the small rocks slicing away at my skin as he puts all his weight on me. The second I hear him unzipping his jeans, I fight with every ounce of energy I have. My cries are barely audible, but I keep screaming to no avail. I know he’s going to try to kill me once he’s done with me.

“Fuck, you’re a pistol,” he chuckles, trying his best to keep me still. I clench my legs together as tight as they can go as he tries to pry them apart. My muscles shake and I’m losing the battle. No!

It’s then I hear Hunter’s voice screaming my name. I was so afraid he wouldn’t make it in time. “Kennedy!”

Everything happens in slow motion. The weight is lifted off my back and I roll around to see what’s happening. If Hunter’s broken ribs are bothering him, he doesn’t show it. He has Chad around the throat, slamming his head against the brick wall. “You’re so fucking dead,” he shouts.

The sound of it makes me sick and what’s worse is seeing the blood on the wall. It’s almost like Hunter’s a different person. I’ve never seen him so angry and full of outright rage. If I don’t stop him, he’ll kill him. Chad’s knife is on the ground so I pick up the knife and angle it as best as I can behind my back.

I’m screaming for Hunter to stop, but he can’t hear me, not until I rip off the tape. The knife is sharp and slices my skin as I saw against the cable ties. Once they’re gone, I pull the tape off my lips, my eyes burning with the pain.

“Hunter, stop!” I scream. Breathing hard, he drops Chad’s limp body to the ground and turns his attention to me. His body is tense and the animalistic look in his eyes give me pause, but I slowly get to my feet. “I’m okay,” I cry. There’s blood all over his hands and I’m too afraid to look at Chad for fear of what I’ll see. I just pray to God he’s not dead; he has to pay for what he’s done.

Hunter hurries over to me and scoops me into his arms, his grip so tight I can barely breathe. I feel safe in his arms. “What if I was too late?” he chokes, his voice breaking. He lets me down and holds my face in his hands. There are tears in his eyes and I can see the pain; it breaks my heart. If he were too late, I wouldn’t be standing there talking to him.

“You weren’t,” I murmur. “You saved me.”

Shaking his head, he lightly brushes a thumb across my lips, his angry gaze surveying my wounds. There’s blood on my face from being slapped and pushed down on the ground, and my wrists are raw and torn; my whole body aches.

“He hurt you, Kennedy. If I didn’t hear your growls, I never would’ve known you were down here. Just seeing him on top of you, about to …” He chokes up and his whole body shakes with rage as he looks down at Chad. His eyes are closed, and it’s so dark I can’t tell if he’s breathing.

A part of me wishes he was dead, but the other can’t wait to face him in prison when he’s rotting for the rest of his life. I’m going to take everything away from him.

Grabbing his cheek, I turn his focus back to me. “He didn’t, Hunter. That’s all that matters. It’s over now. We need to call the police.”

He pulls me back into his arms. “And you need to go to the hospital.”

I shake my head. “Not until Jennifer’s safe.” Eyes burning, I can’t stop the tears from flowing hot down my cheeks. “I know he hurt her, Hunter. I need to be there for her.”

“You will, baby. We’ll find her.”

The white sterile hallway gets on my nerves with each pass I make in front of Kennedy’s door. The staff kicked me out, not giving a shit about how I was feeling. Not caring about the fact that I witnessed a man attacking the woman I love, almost raping her. He would’ve too if I hadn’t gotten there. But the fucker tipped his hand and for that I want to thank him. If he hadn’t fucked with her lights, much like he did in the bondage room, she would have never texted me.

Kennedy was already late leaving the office so I was getting antsy. I thought about texting her, but didn’t want to seem needy. Well fuck needy. Anytime she’s late I’m going to be on the phone asking her where the fuck she is. Some of these people she has to deal with, and subsequently me, have some major issues, which is why they’re going through a divorce. For Chad Bates, she uncovered his dirty little habit that destroyed his family, the club, and will be his end all. I hope he likes getting it up the ass because once he gets to jail, he’ll be bending over and grabbing his ankles.

When I was in the hospital, Kennedy was able to see me with no questions asked. I kept asking for her even if they couldn’t call her. But now that she’s in, I’m regulated to the outside, watching as people move in and out of rooms, listening to the sounds of people talking or crying, and the machines beeping; catching glimpses of people holding each other, consoling one another while they grieve or pray for their loved one. No one is doing any of that for me.

Her parents are in there with her right now. I called them because they needed to know. Luckily for them, they were still here and were able to rush right over. They know I’m her boyfriend and they know we live together, yet here I am walking around in circles, waiting to go.

In fact, I called everyone that we work with—aside from my classmates—and even asked Chris to call her ex because I thought he would want to know that she’s okay. I can’t imagine what he would be thinking if he saw her office on the news and a woman being taken away by ambulance.

I want to sit down and rest, but the plastic chairs do nothing to alleviate the pain I’m in. Picking Chad up and throwing him against the wall took more effort that I can admit right now. My ribs are screaming in pain, tender and sore, and honestly I would be surprised if they aren’t fractured again. It’s only been a few weeks since the bombing and that shit takes time to heal. Although, I’m certain if I had followed directions and refrained from strenuous activities I’d be on my path to healing.

Except the second I saw that man on top of her I went into robot mode. The only focus I had was causing him enough harm that he’d be out of commission. If Kennedy hadn’t stopped me, if she hadn’t had the wits about her to pick up the knife and cut her ties, I would’ve killed him. As much as I saved her tonight, she saved me in the long run. The last thing I want is to take another man’s life, even if he does deserve it.

According to Van Bryant, he’s stable, but has a lot of damage to his skull. I don’t know if he told me this to reassure me or if he thought I’d care. It’s certainly not the latter because I’d like to see the fucker rot in hell. However, I am fearful that he’ll press charges against me for what I’ve done. Even with Kennedy being a lawyer, her focus is on family law, and I don’t think she’d be able to keep me from getting arrested. And once that happens, my job at the club will be public and I’ll be kicked out of the law program.

But it’ll be worth it knowing that I saved Kennedy from being raped, and hopefully we’ve saved Jennifer, although we’re still waiting for Van to give an update.

Kennedy’s mother walks out, dabbing her eyes. I can’t imagine what it must be like for her to get a call from a man she barely knows. She stops and when I look at her, she’s staring over my shoulder. My head turns slowly and the man I remember meeting at Kennedy’s is walking down the hall. It’s her ex. I know I’m the reason he was called, but I didn’t think he’d show up so fast.

They hug and I instantly feel like I’m the third wheel on a date. I’m only the man who has been with her for the past few months, making her laugh and smile. Being the one to bring her out of her shell. I’m the one who makes her scream out in ecstasy at night. They don’t know that though.

Her ex notices me, but doesn’t say anything. He keeps his attention on his former mother-in-law who seems very happy to see him while I stand here, keeping the wall upright. As soon as her father walks out, he’s going right to the family reunion and I use this opportunity to go into the room. I know they like me, but Aaron has a history with them that I don't.

“Kennedy.” My voice is soft, afraid to bother her.

“Hunter, where have you been?” She reaches for me and I go to her, taking her hand in mine. I’m careful not to hurt her when I kiss her. That fucker hit her in the face, damaging the perfection that is my girlfriend. Not being able to kiss her is going to fucking kill me.

“I’m been out in the hall.”

“I’ve been asking for you, but—”

“It’s okay,” I say, smoothing her hair away from her bandage. “I’m here now, right?” She nods and turns her head toward me.

“Did they find Jennifer?”

I shake my head. “Not yet. She wasn’t at her house and the police really don’t have any leads on where she might be. The last Van told me was that they’re going through the GPS on Chad’s car to see if they can track him that way.”

“Is he alive?”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t worry, Hunter, it was self-defense.”

I nod and kiss the top of her hand. Her wrists are bandaged from where she cut herself and where the ties dug into her skin. She’ll have scars there, reminding her every single day that she was attacked. There’s a bandage wrapped around her head, compressing the wound from when she hit the ground. And stitches in her cheek from when her face was jabbed into the broken tar of the parking lot. Her wounds may be superficial and will heal, but the trauma she experienced tonight will live with her forever.

“You have a waiting room full of people.”

“Who?”

She smiles and I can’t tell if it’s forced or not.

“Chris, Elaine, and Sara are here, but also your ex.”

“Aaron?” She tries to sit up, but falls back down on her mattress quickly.

“Yeah, I asked Chris to call. I didn’t want him to see what happened on the news and panic. He’s with your parents right now.”

“That was nice of you.”

I’m glad she thinks so because right now I’m questioning my actions. I don’t want to be that guy, though—the jealous one who is constantly worried about her ex. I know he couldn’t make her feel the way I do, but what if that’s not enough? What if what she truly wants is a career-minded man who has his shit together? Right now I’m a fucking intern screwing the boss with no other job prospects.

“What’s wrong, Hunter?”

I shake my head and avoid looking at her. “Just worried that’s all.” She doesn’t need to know that I’m second-guessing everything right now. She doesn’t need to know that I fear I’m not the man she needs once she realizes sex isn’t everything.

Kennedy looks at me warily, but before I can try to diffuse the situation the door bursts open and Van Bryant is standing at the foot of her bed. She tries to sit up and this time I help her. When she winces out in pain, I want to kick my ass for helping her move.

“Did you find Jennifer?”

“We did, in a remote cabin out past Mt. Hood.”

“How is she?”

He glances from me to her and at the floor before sighing. “It’s not good, Kennedy. She’s in surgery now, but she’s lost a lot of blood.” Van runs his hand through his hair and lets out a long puff of air. “On a personal note, I have no doubt that you were next, Kennedy. Your pictures were all over his wall. If you hadn’t stepped in,” he nods toward me, “you wouldn’t be here.”

“I told you he set the bomb at the club,” I say, angrily.

“I know, but we didn’t have any evidence and he had an air tight alibi.”

“Well clearly they all lied.”

He nods, accepting that the shoddy detective work has put us in this situation.

“Is Jennifer going to be okay?”

He shakes his head. “If she survives she’ll need years of therapy. He did a number on her. I believe that it was his intent to dump her in the woods. She’s unrecognizable. He shaved her hair, removed all her teeth, and sanded the skin off her fingers and toes to make her prints untraceable. There are cuts all over her face; some of them go straight through to her mouth. Her body …” Van stops and covers in his mouth. Bile rises in my stomach and I close my eyes to fight it from expelling onto the floor. Kennedy cries out and I jerk suddenly to help her as pain rips through my mid-section.

Van leaves us on that note—a somber one, and one that increases every emotion in my body. The images from earlier replay in my mind. What if I hadn’t gotten there in time? The bastard would've probably done the same shit to Kennedy.

“What if I didn’t get there in time?” The tubes in her arms prevent the grip I’m used to from her, but she holds me as tight as she can. “I love you so much, Kennedy. I can’t even …”

“Shh, Hunter. I’m fine. You came when I needed you.”

“But what if—”

“There is no what if, Hunter. None. Do you understand me? I texted you and you came. You saved me. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here right now.”

I continue to hold her and fight through the pain of bending at the waist. I hate that I’m crying in front of her, but I can’t help it. The fear in my life is real.

I help Kennedy lie back down just as her parents come in. Her mom moves to her side and picks up her hand. “Visiting hours are almost over, Kennedy. Your father and I are going to stay in town for a few more days.”

She smiles softly at her mom. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

Her mother looks at me with tears in her eyes. "Thank you for being there for her, Hunter. We owe you so much."

I shake my head. "Knowing she's safe is all that matters. I'd do anything for her."

She walks over to me and crushes me in her arms. My ribs are on fire but I suck back the pain. "I know you will. Keep her safe for us."

"Always."

When they leave finally leave, the room goes quiet.

“When were you going to tell me that you’re in pain?”

I shrug, brushing it off. She beckons for me, patting the side of her bed. I nestle into her side and wince.

“Hunter,” she says, warning me.

“I’ll be fine, babe.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

I’ve never been surer about anything, even when the fear of us ending seems to be staring me down. I’ll fight for her, though. I'll fight with everything I have to make sure I’m everything she needs.

A month has flown by and things are starting to get back to normal. My parents have sent me care packages in the mail and even flew up for a couple of days. They’ve been really good to Hunter as well. Even though it hasn’t been discussed yet, I know he’s my forever. I can’t imagine a life without him.

The TV is on in my bedroom, and even though I say I’m not going to watch the news, I can’t help it. The majority of the people are shocked that a prestigious man like Chad Bates could do such horrific things. None of them know the half of it.

The media has been at my office non-stop trying to get an interview with me, but luckily for me, I’ve avoided them. I don’t want to be put on display. I’ll save my time in front of the camera when we all go to court.

“Babe, you about ready?” Hunter calls out.

I look at myself in the mirror, at the wounds that have already fully healed on my face. There’s only a slight scar where the wounds went deep. If only Jennifer was able to get away unscathed. Over the past month, she’s had surgeries left and right to restore her face and body by the top plastic surgeons in town. I can only imagine what that bastard did to her.

I never saw what she looked like before the surgeries. Makes me sick to think of the horror she went through. I’ve seen her a few times over the month, but I haven’t been able to talk to her until now. With her not having teeth and the damage to her jaw, it made it difficult for her to speak, but the best dentist in the area fixed that by giving her implants. It’ll be nice to actually hear her voice.

Her parents said she’s been asking for me so we can talk about the case against Chad. Personally, I think it’s too soon, but I don’t know what’s going through her head. I walk down the stairs and Hunter’s waiting for me by the door, his expression torn. He knows how hard it’s going to be for me to talk about the case with Jennifer.

“You sure you’re ready to do this?”

I nod. “It’s going to happen eventually. Besides, I need to see Jennifer and actually talk to her. I need to know how she feels so I can prepare her as much as possible for what’s ahead.”

We walk outside and he opens the passenger side door to his car. I still have headaches from the attack, but I was told they’d lessen over time. After what Hunter did to Chad, I hope he lives with a constant headache for the rest of his life. The bastard suffered a cracked skull and several broken ribs, but he’s pretty much fully recovered, spending his precious time in jail while he awaits trial. I’m a full believer that karma’s a bitch. He’ll get what he deserves. No amount of money is going to get him out of prison.

Hunter cranks his car and we start on our way to the hospital. The wind whips through my hair and I breathe it in, lowering the window further so I can feel more of it. “How’s the new case Chris put you on?” I ask, trying my best to think of something else for the time being.

Reaching over, he clasps my hand. “It’s going well. He says he doesn’t know what he’s done without me all these years.”

I roll my eyes and laugh. “If you were gay, he’d be all over you.”

Chuckling, he squeezes my hand. “You have nothing to worry about.”

My phone rings and I sigh, dreading the thought of answering it. I’ve had to relive that night with Chad over and over by answering questions about it. I just want it to be over. I pull out my phone and when I see it’s Van, I answer it immediately.

“Hey,” I say.

“How are you?” he asks.

“Nervous. I’m on my way to see Jennifer.”

The line goes silent but then I hear him breathe out. “I was just there. She’s looking good.”

“Why did you see her? Did something else happen?”

“Yes, which is why I’m calling. We found out where Mr. Bates got the bomb from. His cousin, Ray Tanner, made it. He’s being charged with murder and attempted murder along with Mr. Bates. We’re also charging the two women who gave him the alibis.”

I put him on speakerphone so Hunter can listen. “That’s crazy. Do you know how he was able to get the bomb past Christy?”

He releases a heavy sigh. “Apparently, he was sleeping with her. According to Tanner, Christy knew what was going on. Of course, she didn’t expect to be killed in the process.”

Hunter clenches the steering wheel and huffs. “What the fuck?” he hisses low. It has to be hard for him knowing a woman he worked with for so long was part of a plan to have him killed. I’d be livid if someone I trusted betrayed me like that.

“Is there anything else you found out?” I ask.

“Not at the moment. I just thought I’d give you all the information I had. When you go back to the office, I’ll bring copies of all the reports. It’s not like you’ll really need them to make a case against Mr. Bates, but I know it’ll be good to have.”

“Thanks, Van. I’m ready for all this to end.” We hang up just as Hunter pulls us into the hospital parking lot.

He shuts off his car and runs a hand through his hair. “I can’t believe this shit. We knew she let the fuckhead in without checking his belongings, but damn. I never expected her to want to fucking kill me.”

“Karma definitely paid her an overdue visit. At least she was the only one who got killed.”

“Thank God for that.” I’m surprised there weren’t any more major casualties, but it’s a good thing everyone else was on the other side of the club. Sighing, Hunter nods toward the hospital. “Ready to go in there?”

Yes and no. I open my door and we walk hand in hand inside the hospital. The flowers in the gift shop catch my attention so I buy her a bouquet of sunflowers. Not because she’s in the hospital, but because she’s about to be let out into the world after her tragedy. For the first time since the incident, she’ll come face-to-face with the media.

We ride the elevator up to her floor and when I get to her room, I stop outside. Hunter gently grabs my elbow and turns me to face him. “You can do this. Remember, it’s not your fault. You did everything you could to help her. Nobody knew her bastard of a husband was going to try to kill her.”

But we all knew what he was capable of. After the explosion at the club, I should’ve made her leave town or get the detective to put her in protective custody. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t have been possible because no one believed us when we said it was Chad who planted the bomb.

Hunter kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll be in the waiting room, okay?”

I nod and whisper, “Okay.”

He walks down the hall and I watch him disappear inside the waiting room. Taking a deep breath, I open the door slowly and peek inside. The TV is on and there’s light filtering in through the open windows. There’s a curtain blocking her from view but when I step around it, that’s when I get a good look at her. I can see part of her scalp that’s slowly growing in more hair, but the majority of her face is covered in white gauze. What really catches me by surprise are her eyes; she’s looking straight at me, her gaze full of fire.

“Kennedy,” she whispers. As I set her sunflowers down, she smiles. “They’re beautiful.”

She holds out her hand and I grasp it before sitting in the chair beside her. “How are you holding up?” I ask.

Tears fill her eyes and she sucks in a breath. “I’m getting there. Detective Bryant came by today. He told me about the girl at the club. I swear, I’m starting to wonder if there’s a woman in this city Chad hasn’t screwed. I hope his dick rots off in jail. Sometimes I wish Hunter would’ve just killed him.” Me too, but it would’ve devastated his career. “But every day is another step ahead. Plus, I’m trying to get used to my new teeth. It feels strange having them.”

“They look great, though,” I say, looking at her brand new mouth.

Moving closer, I wipe the wetness from my cheeks. “You have no idea how worried I’ve been. After what you’ve been through, I never …”

“Shh, it’s okay. I’m here and I’m ready to fight. You’ve spent the last month apologizing to me and none of it’s been your fault. I’m the one who married a monster.” She averts her gaze, lips trembling. “It’s my fault he attacked you. I would never wish what he did to me on anyone.”

“Are you still seeing your therapist?” I ask.

She nods. “A couple times a week. She’s been a big help. But I know what’s going to be the turning point.”

“And what is that?”

She sits up in bed and stares straight at me with nothing but determination in her eyes. “When I face Chad in the courtroom fully intact. I want him to see he didn’t break me. I may not ever be fully ready, but I’m going in there with my head held high. We both will.”

I hug her tight. “Yes, we will. It’s going to be hard at first with the media stalking your every move, but it’ll pass. Hunter and I will be with you every step of the way.”

“I know,” she murmurs, letting me go. “You haven’t let me down yet.”

I say my good-byes and find Hunter in the waiting room. His eyes widen when he sees me. “Well … how did it go?”

“Pretty good, actually. She’s in good spirits, which is kind of shocking since she just found out about Christy. She’s fully ready to go after Chad.”

Lifting his fingers to my face, he brushes a strand of my hair behind my ear. “What about you? Are you ready?”

I lean into his touch. “More than ready.” Now that I know Jennifer’s prepared, it gives me the hope I need. We’re going to make Chad suffer like he’s never suffered before. Looking into his eyes, I bite my lip and smile. “But first, there’s something I want more.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?” he teases.

“Take me home and you’ll find out.”

To say the past few months have been a cakewalk would be the biggest lie I’ve ever told in my life and I don’t like lying. Omitting the truth to my grandma about my past career is saving her from the heart attack she’d surely have. Besides, telling my grandmother, the woman who raised me, that in order to secure my future I shook my dick in women’s faces for money would not go over very well. She’d have me in confessional and doused with holy water.

But it wasn’t for nothing.

Today, I’m graduating with honors. When I started interning at Vaughn & Marshall I was at the top of my class. However, after the accident I missed a few classes and I easily slipped to second. No one knows, not even Kennedy. I keep telling myself that it isn’t a big deal, and it shouldn’t be, but deep down it is. Graduating number one opens doors. Number two will as well, but having the title of first in class is something I’ve strived for, for years. Chad Bates fucked up my academic records when stripping couldn’t even do that. I never missed a class, an assignment, or was late until that piece of shit came into my life.

I’m going to put that all behind me and walk across the stage and collect my diploma. My grandmother, Kennedy, and Chris will all be sitting out in the audience, cheering for me as I graduate. Maybe even Sara and Elaine as well. They’ve all been invited.

My classmates linger around me, all of us dressed in black, and the only difference is some of us wear gold sashes. Everyone is taking selfies, exchanging phone numbers, and talking about what the future holds. I know what my future is: junior associate at Vaughn & Marshall and it wasn’t my girlfriend who offered me the job, but Chris.

Three weeks ago, he sat me down to go over a letter of recommendation I asked him to write. I knew I could call in the contract with Kennedy and demand she give me a job, but that’s not how I wanted to do things. I wanted to earn my job, my pay. The last thing I wanted was the handout and I knew that is what would happen if Kennedy were the one to give me the job.

I never told her that I was sending out applications. I didn’t want to upset her, or make her act on our deal. The reason being, I wanted to be able to achieve a position on my own. I wanted her to be proud of me.

And honestly, I thought that working with her day in and day out would damage our relationship if she were my boss. Now, I’ll report to Chris. Very rarely do they have clients that overlap so it’ll be odd for Kennedy and I to work together on any given day. Unless we’re at home and giving the bed, counters, sofa, desk, and whatever other surfaces we can find to fuck on a workout.

The administration team tells us to line-up. We’re in alphabetical order and even as adults we’re saying it silently in our heads to find out who we line up after. Being an M, I’m usually smack dab in the middle and that is where I stand, answering repeatedly what my last name is. We practiced once and they expect us to nail it. Clearly their expectations that we’re overachievers are lacking. It’s taken some of us to get through grad school ten years. I, however, am not one of them. Thank you, Society X.

Once the music begins, we start into the auditorium. Multiple classes are graduating right now, but in different locations. Each discipline has its own, with my class being approximately two hundred students. Doesn’t seem like a lot until you get us all together in one cramped room.

Instead of looking forward, my eyes scan the crowd for my family. I’ve taken to calling Kennedy family because short of getting married, she is. I don’t see myself with anyone else. Even with the age difference, she’s the woman for me. I knew it the night in the club when I first spoke to her.

Kennedy is easy to spot with her red hair. I stare in her direction until she looks my way. There’s something about Kennedy that I can’t get enough of. I don’t know if it’s the way she responds to my touch or the fact that she’s so expressive when we’re together. I can read her body before she even knows what’s happening to her. And watching this woman come … it’s like fucking unwrapping all your Christmas presents over and over again.

We file into our seats and the staff members start in on their spiels. Five professors talk and all five make me yawn. It’s easy to keep eye contact with Kennedy, and if it weren’t for my grandmother sitting next to her, I’d be making some lewd gestures at her. Chris doesn’t care. In fact, he thinks it’s funny and has asked my advice when it comes to his boyfriend, Logan.

Logan and I met sophomore year in college. We hung out a few times, hit a few frat parties, but he couldn’t afford tuition so he had to drop out. By chance I ran into him a few months ago and told him where I was interning and suggested he stop by for lunch someday. He did and took one look at Chris and asked me to hook them up. He’s the shit and has turned out to be one of my best friends. Where Chris and Kennedy are close, Logan and I are buds, often sitting on the couch drinking beer and watching the game.

As the names start to get called, I grow nervous. Each goal in life that I have set has been met, except for one. Tonight, after my graduation party is over I plan to take Kennedy for a walk. It’s been a while since we’ve gone on a date between Jennifer’s divorce trial, our depositions for Chad’s murder trial, and studying for finals; we’re rarely free of any duties. It’s during our walk that I plan to propose. I know it’s damn early in our relationship, but I don’t want anyone else. Thing is, when you know, you know and you shouldn’t second-guess yourself. I’m scared fucking shitless, though, because she hasn’t been divorced a year yet and I can imagine she’s in no hurry to rush down the aisle again.

My name is called and my little cheering section stands up. Because my graduating class is so small, the administrators opted for a traditional graduation instead of introducing us all at once. It’s nice and personal this way.

Once my diploma is in my hand—well, the piece of paper saying they’ll mail me one in three to six weeks—I let out a sigh of relief. At any given time someone could’ve outed me about being a stripper, ending my academic run and ruining my career. I imagined the scenario so many times that I’ve scared myself.

When news broke about the club bombing, my name wasn’t mentioned because I never gave the police the okay to release it. At best I could’ve played it off that I was there partaking in some extracurricular activities, but I wasn’t wearing a shirt and even my sexual exploration of the club would seem questionable to the admins. Of course, the fear was never far from my mind each time I got on stage or did a lap dance. Any one of those women could’ve been a student and I would’ve been fucked.

After everyone has had their chance to go across the stage, music is played and we’re dismissed. In the hall, bodies linger, cameras flash, and everyone squeals in delight because school is over. Some start jobs on Monday, while others are still looking. Thankfully, I’m one of the lucky ones.

Kennedy is by my side in a flash, kissing me full on the lips. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you,” I murmur against her lips.

She lets go when my gram meanders her way to me. I hug her tight and my eyes burn. I quickly push my thumbs into my eyes to stop the tears. She doesn’t need to see me cry even though she knows what the tears are for.

“Oh, Hunter, I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Gram.

“Your mom and dad would be beside themselves right now.” And that’s why I’m upset. They’re not here. Not that they have been at my previous graduations, but it doesn’t make the sting any less.

“Come, son,” she says, pulling me along. “We have a party to attend.”

I take Kennedy by the hand and pull her behind my gram and I. Chris and Logan are waiting by the door.

“Congrats,” they both say and I give Chris a knowing look. He shakes his head, confirming that he hasn’t told Kennedy that he’s hired me yet. I don’t know how the conversation is going to go, but I’m hoping she won’t be pissed.

Chris and Logan drive my gram home, while Kennedy and I drive her car. I’m behind the driver's seat, with my hand between her legs. Of course, my pinky is inching closer and closer to her promise land.

“Hunter,” she warns, making me laugh.

“You know,” I say as we come to a stoplight, “you could easily give me a blow job right now and no one would know.” I thrust my hips even though she can’t see it much due to the black robe.

“I know you want one.”

“Hell yeah,” is all I can say.

She rolls her eyes and tells me to drive, but I’m not a block away when I feel her hand brush over my dick. She palms me, causing me to hiss.

“Kennedy.” She laughs and tries to get my zipper down with her fingers. It doesn’t quite work so I help her the first chance I can. Her hand wraps around my dick and she starts stroking. “Fuck that feels good.”

I pull off, down a side street that I know leads to a dead end that abuts an open field. Once I have the car parked, I push my seat back and pull the robe up. My girl doesn’t fucking hesitate and wraps her luscious lips around my cock.

“Your fucking mouth,” I tell her. Kennedy can make my dick throb in no time flat by the way she sucks and strokes me at the same time.

I keep my hands on the steering wheel so people won’t assume anything is amiss. My eyes roll back in my head as my release gets closer.

“Fuck, baby, I need to be inside you right now,” I tell her, reaching for her, but she’s sitting so the only thing I can do is grab her tit. “Kennedy, I’m going to come in that pretty mouth if you don’t stop.”

She sits up and continues to jack me off instead. Within seconds I’m releasing over her hand and probably down the front of my fucking pants. At this point, I don’t even care.

I’m panting heavily as she cleans up. She’s laughing and for the life of me I can’t figure out why.

“What’s so funny?”

She shakes head. “I had this big, dramatic speech planned for you and instead we’re here, who knows where, and I’m giving you a blow job.”

“Speech about what?” I don’t care that my dick is hanging out of my pants; I grab the back of her head and press my lips to hers. When she doesn’t answer, I furrow my brows. “Babe,” I run my fingers up and down her arm, trying to get her to talk, “what’s up?”

She takes a few deep breaths and turns her head. When she finally looks at me, there are tears in her eyes. “I thought I could handle this without crying, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to be possible.”

“Are you okay?” I ask, concern etched in my voice.

“It depends on you.” We stare at each other for a few minutes but then she rests a hand over her stomach. Time stands still as I wait for her to tell me what I already know. “I’m pregnant,” she whispers.

Stunned into silence, my mouth opens but closes quickly. I have no clue what to say.

“Hunter?”

“Um … wow, this is … um.”

“Look, I can do it by myself. You don’t have to stick around if you don’t want.”

I can see her mouth moving, but the words make no sense. Closing my eyes, I shake the fogginess that’s starting to creep in. My emotions are running high and I have no clue what I’m supposed to do.

“Pregnant?” I ask, making sure I heard her right. Maybe it’s all a dream?

She nods, confirming it once and for all.

“How?” She blanches and averts her gaze before I can continue. Grabbing her chin, I turn her toward me, refusing to let her go. “What I mean is, I thought you were on the pill.”

“I am, but I think the prescriptions I was taking to counter any infections may have worked against the pill.”

“Oh. And we had sex a lot.”

She rolls her eyes. “We did it at least three times a day, Hunter, and relied only on the pill.”

“I know because wearing a condom with you would suck.” I throw that out for good measure. “A baby, huh?”

She nods again, wiping her tears. I pull her into my arms and kiss every part of her face that I can. “I hope it’s a monkey.”

“What?” She sits back in her seat.

“Fuck, Kennedy. If we have a girl, she’s never leaving the house, and a boy … what am I going to teach him? How to stroke his dick for money?” Her eyes go wide. “See, a monkey would be much better.”

“Stop, Hunter,” she says, crawling into my lap. “You’re going to teach them how to love, how to respect, and how to be a decent human. The rest, we’ll do together, minus the stroking of dicks. You save that for me.” She winks before kissing me. We break apart and I know it's the perfect time to ask her the one question I've been dying to ask.

"Kennedy," I whisper, trying stealthily to pull her ring out of my pocket. Her eyes widen and there's something about the expression on her face that tells me I should wait, but I can't. "I know it might seem sudden, but I've never been so sure about anything in my life." Her breath hitches and my heart is beating so hard I can barely breathe. The words are out before I can show her the ring. "Will you marry me?"

Frozen in place, she stares at me for I don't know how long. It feels like an eternity until she finally sits back before moving over to the passenger seat.

“Hunter,” she cries, hiding her face. When she lifts her gaze to mine, I can see her answer. "I'm sorry, but I can't."

Hunter looks at me as if I slapped him in the face. The words were instant, on the tip of my tongue, and there’s nothing I can do to take them back. I just told him I couldn’t marry him. It breaks my heart, but there’s no other choice right now.

“You can’t? What do you mean you can’t?” he asks, pain written all over his face.

My eyes burn. “Just what I said, I can’t.”

The car feels like it’s gotten smaller by the minute. Not to mention I’m nauseous as hell. I’m surprised I didn’t gag the entire time I went down on him. Everything makes me want to vomit these days. Guess I can blame it on all the morning sickness. Or in my case, the all-day sickness. It’s been hard as hell keeping it from him the past few weeks. I wanted to make sure I was past the risk zone before I told him.

Grabbing my chin, he tries to turn me toward him but I move away. I feel like I’m going to be sick. Opening the door, I get out and fall to my knees. Hunter’s by my side in an instant, holding me.

“I don’t understand. Why won’t you marry me?”

My lips tremble. “Because I don’t want it to be because of the baby. I’ve already had one failed marriage. I can’t go through that again. I’ve seen numerous relationships fail because of this.”

He lifts my chin in his strong grasp, refusing to let me look at anything but him. “That’s not going to happen, Kennedy. I love you and I want you to marry me.” Keeping his gaze on mine, he reaches into his pocket and pulls something out, only I can’t see it. “If you’d just given me a couple extra minutes, I was going to ask you to marry me anyway. The baby has nothing to do with it.”

I glance down at the diamond ring and gasp. “Hunter.”

Mouth gaping, I stare at the ring, frozen. For the first time in my life, I don’t know what to do. I love him more than life itself, but I’m afraid. So many things are going to change in the next few months.

He holds the ring in his palm, not even attempting to put it on my finger. “I don’t know what you’re thinking or how you feel, but know this: I’m not going to run away. I may be young and say stupid things, but I know what I want.” His lips brush mine softly. “I want you, Kennedy. For the rest of my life, I want to be the man you lean on, the man to make you happy. If you think I’m going to run when things get hard, you’re going to be in for one hell of a surprise.”

The thought makes me smile. “I know you won’t run away when things get hard,” I tease. All I want is to get the forlorn expression off his face. I hate I put it there.

He huffs and rolls his eyes. “I’m being serious, Kennedy. I’m not going anywhere. Even if you don’t say yes today, I’ll wait for you. All I ask is that you accept my ring. I won’t take it as a yes or a no. Hell, you don’t even have to wear it. I just want to know you’re mine for however long you give me.”

My hand shakes but I hold it out, letting him slide it on my finger; it fits perfectly. Tears stream down my cheeks. “I’m scared.”

Taking my face in his hands, he looks straight into my eyes. “You don’t have to be,” he murmurs. “I’m going to be right beside you the whole way.”

“Promise?”

A small smile spreads across his face. “I promise.” He helps me to my feet and then gets on his knees, brushing his lips across my belly. “I’m gonna make you a promise, too,” he whispers, talking to our little peanut. “I may not know what I’m doing, but I promise to be the best damn dad I can be. I won’t let you down either.”

With tears in his eyes, he kisses my belly again and gets to his feet. I wrap my arms around his neck and hold him as tight as I can. I don’t ever want to let go. “I love you so much, Hunter. All I ask for is time. Our lives are about to change. There’s no telling what’ll happen.”

He squeezes me back. “All that’s going to happen is me falling in love with you more.”

I know exactly how he feels.

Seven Months Later

So much has happened over the last few months, it’s been hard to keep up. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been on my game since I’ve been pregnant. I never realized how tired it made you. You hear all the stories, but I always thought I’d be able to handle it better. All I want to do is sleep. Unfortunately, I’m overdue a week and feeling more miserable by the day.

My phone beeps and it takes all my effort to bend over and pick it up off the coffee table. I smile when I see who it is.

Jennifer: How ya feeling?

Me: Tired. Ready for this baby to come out.

Jennifer: LOL … it’ll happen. He/she’s just being stubborn like their momma.

Don’t I know it. Ever since the trial ended and Chad was put away for life, Jennifer turned into a completely different person. She even looks like a different person after all the surgeries, but she’s still the same Jennifer I grew up with. It’s because of her I had designer maternity clothes and a room full of baby furniture. I know she feels responsible for Chad attacking me and is trying to make it up any way she can. Her being alive is enough for me.

I text her back.

Me: HA-HA. Hopefully, the baby will come soon.

Jennifer: Hope so. Auntie Jen’s ready to meet him/her. I really wish I knew what you were having.

Me: We’ll find out soon!

And we will. I’m starting to regret not knowing what Hunter and I are having. I’m carrying high, which some say is how you are when you’re having a girl, but yet others say it’s a boy because of the slower heart rate. Who knows? We’re going to find out when I go into labor.

“Babe, you want some ice cream?” Hunter calls out from the kitchen.

Pursing my lips, I glare at him over my shoulder. I can barely get off the couch because my belly is so big. “Does it look like I need ice cream?”

His smile makes everything inside of me tighten. Even though my stomach is larger than two watermelons, he’s never failed on making me feel sexy.

Hunter grabs a bottle of water from the refrigerator and then joins me on the couch. “You’re hot when you eat ice cream,” he teases. “I love the way you lick the spoon.”

I roll my eyes. “I swear, I think you’ve gotten even hornier with me being pregnant.”

He waggles his brows. “The doctor did say that sex will help you along.”

I laugh. “We’ve done it every day this week. It’s not working.” Not that I’m complaining, the sex is always amazing, but I’m ready to be done.

Taking my hand, Hunter places it on his groin. He’s hard and ready to go. “Maybe this time will be different.”

Shaking my head, I smile and unzip his jeans. “Hope you’re right.”

He starts to lower my sweat pants when something pops. We both freeze and I hold my breath. “What was that?” he asks.

As soon as I move my legs, that’s when I get my answer. “I think my water just broke.”

Eyes wide, he jumps to his feet and zips his pants. “Seriously?” He glances down at my soaked pants and sucks in a breath. “Holy shit, you’re right.”

He helps me to our room and I change my pants while he grabs my suitcase with all my toiletries and clothes along with boys and girls’ clothes for the baby. I’ve had the bag packed and ready to go for the past month.

Once we get to the hospital, that’s when the contractions start. By the time I’m registered and into a birthing room, the pain gets worse. It’s all happening so fast, I can’t believe the time has actually come. Tears stream down my cheeks and it takes all I have to get in a good breath. It feels like my whole body is being torn apart.

Hunter stays by my bed, rubbing my head as I suffer through the contractions. “I’m right here, Kennedy,” he murmurs.

“I know.” For the past seven months, he’s never left my side like he promised. I look down at my engagement ring, twinkling under the lights. I still haven’t given him an answer and never once has he asked since that night on the side of the road. “Hunter, I—”

Another contraction rips through my body and I clench my teeth, trying my best not to scream. Nurses come in and out of the room to check my vitals and I breathe a sigh of relief when I see Doctor Sells walk through the door. She’s my age with really short, blonde hair and has been my doctor ever since I turned eighteen.

“Are you ready yet?” she asks, sliding on a pair of gloves.

The contraction subsides and I can breathe. “More than ready.”

She checks to see how much I’ve dilated and looks at me with a smile. “I do believe it’s time.”

While she gets prepared, more nurses file into the room. I can’t believe I’m about to see my child for the first time. I glance over at Hunter and he has tears in his eyes. I regret not giving him the answer he wanted all those months ago. I know never to make that mistake again.

“I love you,” I whisper.

He kisses me gently. “I love you, too.”

I bring my hand up to his face. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it, baby?”

Another contraction tears through me and I cry out. The doctor gets into place and it’s like everything moves in slow motion. The pain is excruciating and I’m ready for it to end, but I keep pushing through. I squeeze Hunter’s hand and even though I know I’m doing it as hard as I can, it doesn’t seem to faze him. His eyes are on the little bundle of joy in the doctor’s arms.

Doctor Sells holds the baby up and I burst into tears; it’s a beautiful, baby girl with a wisp of red hair. “Congratulations,” she says happily, gently lying the precious bundle onto my chest. “Would you like to cut the cord?” She looks straight at Hunter, and his hand slightly shakes when he takes the scissors from the nurse. He carefully cuts the cord and breathes a sigh of relief when he’s done. By the expression on his face, I can tell he was worried he would hurt the baby.

Her fingers and toes are so tiny, but they’re all there. Hunter touches her little hand and wipes away his tears. “She’s perfect. Another girl to get me wrapped around her finger.” I laugh and cry at the same time.

“What are you going to name her?” the doctor asks.

Hunter and I hadn’t agreed to any specific names, but I say the first thing that leaves my lips. “Madelyn Louise.”

His mouth gapes and he stares at me. “You want to name her after my mother?”

I nod. “It’s a beautiful name.”

He looks down at our little girl with so much love it makes my heart swell. “Yes, it is. We can call her Maddy.” His hand brushes my cheek and he leans over to kiss me.

“There’s something else I want to tell you.” When his eyes meet mine, I can see my future. I’ve seen it all along, I was just too scared to grasp it.

“What is it?” he asks softly.

I glance down at the ring on my finger and he takes my hand. “My answer’s yes.”

His head jerks up. “Are we thinking about the same thing?”

I can’t help but laugh. “I hope so.”

Grabbing my face, he kisses me again and then rests his forehead to mine. “Then tell me. I want to hear you say it.”

“I want to be your wife, Hunter,” I murmur. “I’ve wanted it for so long, but I was afraid. I don’t feel that way anymore. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, with Madelyn, and however many kids we decide to have. I love you so much.”

He breathes a sigh of relief. “And I love you. You’ve honest to God made me the happiest man on Earth today. You’ve given me a daughter and said you’d be my wife. There’s nothing more in this world I want.”

The nurses clean up Maddy and bundle her up in a blanket before handing her over to Hunter. I can’t take my eyes off of them as he holds her close, whispering sweet words to her. “There’s nothing more I want either.”

~Stay tuned for the next installment in the Society X series . . . PLAY ROOM. ~

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, and their newest addition of a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can't forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.

Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written countless novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

THE BEAUMONT SERIES

Forever My Girl

My Everything

My Unexpected Forever

Finding My Forever

Finding My Way

12 Days of Forever

My Kind of Forever

THE ARCHER BROTHERS

Here with Me

Choose Me

Save Me

THE BOYS OF SUMMER

Third Base

Home Run

Pinch Hit

VIRTUOUS PARADOX

Blow – November 2016

STANDALONE TITLES

The Reeducation of Savannah McGuire

Lost in You / Lost in Us

Blind Reality/Twisted Reality

FOREVER FAE SERIES

Forever Fae

Betrayals of Spring

Summer of Frost

Reign of Ice

SECOND CHANCES SERIES

Love’s Second Chance

Trusting You

Meant for Me

Fighting for Me

Intercepting Love

Catching Summer

Defending Hayden

Last Chance

Intended for Bristol (December 2016)

GLOVES OFF SERIES

A Fighter’s Desire: Part One

A Fighter’s Desier: Part Two

Tyler’s Undoing

Ryley’s Revenge

Winter Kiss: Ryley & Ashley (A Gloves Off Novella)

Paxton’s Promise

Camden’s Redemption

Kyle’s Return

ARMED & DANGEROUS SERIES

No Limit

Roped In

High-Sided (October 2016)

ROYAL SHIFTERS SERIES

Turn of the Moon

Resisting the Moon

BREAKAWAY SERIES

Hard Stick

STANDALONE TITLE

Love, Lies, and Deception

Read on for a sneak peek at Forever my Girl by Heidi McLaughlin and Last Chance by L.P. Dover.

A light snore reminds me that I’m not alone. The heaviness of a body sprawled out, sets me off immediately. The stale smell of day old perfume lingers in the air and on my sheets.

The curtains are pulled back, the sun shining through the large window, which affords me the best view and privacy.

Rolling over, there’s a face I don’t remember. A face that holds no name in my recollection or any vivid memory of how she ended up in my hotel room let alone my bed.

The bed part I can probably figure out.

The blonde hair tells me that I didn’t bother to get her name or ask her what her favorite drink was. Guaranteed our conversation was eyes, hands and lips only. There is one hair color that can make my heart beat and blonde isn’t it.

Neither is red.

Eyes too.

Never blue.

They have to be brown or green, never blue.

This isn’t a downward spiral or some drug induced moment. I don’t do drugs, never have, but I may drink excessively on occasions like last night. This is me coping with my mistakes and failures. I may be successful when I’m on stage, but at night I’m alone.

And so freaking scared of dying alone.

I reach for my phone to check the time. Instead I pull up the gallery that holds her image, my thumb hovering over her face. I’ll see her when I go home and I don’t know what I’ll say.

I know she hates me.

I hate me.

I ruined her life. That is what her voice message said. The one I’ve saved for the past ten years. The one I’ve transferred from phone to phone just so I could hear her voice when I’m at my lowest. I can recite every hateful word she said to me when I was too busy to answer and never found the time to call her back.

Never found one second to call and explain to her what I had done to us. She was my best friend and I let her slip through my fingers just to save myself from the heartache of hearing she didn’t want me anymore.

I had dreams too.

And my dreams included her, but she would never have gone for it. I’m not living her American Dream. I’m living my own.

My decision destroyed everything.

My nameless bed cohabitant reaches out and strokes my arm. I move away quickly. Now that I’m sober, I have no desire to be anything to this person.

“Liam,” she says through her seductive tone that sounds like a baby. It makes my skin crawl when women talk like this. Don’t they see that it makes them sound ridiculous? No man worth his nuts likes this sort of thing. It’s not sexy.

Wrapping the sheet around my waist I sit up and swing my legs over the edge, away from her and her wandering hand. My back tenses when I feel the bed shift. Standing, I pull the sheet tighter to keep myself somewhat covered. I shouldn’t care, but

I do. She’s seen me in the dark, but I’m not affording her or her camera another look.

“I’m busy.” My voice is strict, a well-practiced monotone. “Jorge, the concierge, will make sure you get a cab home.”

I sleep purposefully facing the bathroom so I never have to look at them when I tell them to leave. It’s easier that way, no emotions. I don’t have to look at their faces and see the hope fade. Each one hopes they will be the one to tame me, to make me commit.

I haven’t had a steady girlfriend since I entered the industry and a one night stand isn’t about to change that. These girls don’t mean anything and never will. I could change. I could settle down and marry.

Have a kid or two. But why?My manager, Sam, would love it, especially if it was her. She’s my only repeat lay. The first time was an error in judgment, a lonely night on the road mistake. Now she wants more. I don’t.

When she told me she was pregnant I wanted to jump off a cliff. I didn’t want kids, at least not with her. When I think about having a wife, she’s tall and brunette. She’s toned from years of cheerleading and her daily five-mile run. She’s not a power hungry executive in the music industry who spoke of hiring nannies before a doctor could confirm her pregnancy.

She suggested marriage; I freaked and flew to Australia to learn to surf.

She miscarried two months in. I made a vow that we’d keep things professional from that point on and that is when I started my one night stand routine. Despite everything, she still loves me, and is waiting for me to change my mind.

“You know,” the barfly from last night starts to say in between shuffling and her huffed breathing as she puts on her clothes. “I heard you were a dick, but I didn’t believe it. I thought we had something special.”

I laugh and shake my head. I’ve heard it all, each one thinks we have something special because of the most amazing night they’ve ever had.

“I didn’t pick you for your brains.” I walk into the bathroom and shut the door, locking it for good measure.

Leaning against the door I bang my head against the solid wood. Each time I tell myself I’m going to stop, and I think I have until something makes me want to forget. My hands rake over my face in pure frustration.

I’m not looking forward to going home.

The reason for returning is staring at me from my bathroom counter. The page-long article of the guy I used to call my best friend. Picking up the paper, I read over the words that I have memorized.

Mason Powell, father of two, was killed tragically when the car he was driving was rear-ended by an eighteen wheeler.

Dead.

Gone.

And I wasn’t there.

I left like a coward when I didn’t say goodbye.

I changed my cell phone number because she wouldn’t stop calling. I had to make a clean break and Mason was part of that. She and Katelyn were best friends and he’d tell her where I was and what I was doing. It was better this way.

I was only meant to be gone a year. I told myself I’d return home after twelve months, make everything right and show her that I wasn’t the same person she fell in love with. She’d see that and thank me, move on and marry a yuppie businessman, one who wakes up every day and puts on a crisp dress shirt and pleated slacks that she’d iron in their Leave it to Beaver household.

I squeeze the paper in my hands and think about everything I’ve missed. I don’t regret it, I can’t. I did this for me and did it the only way I knew how. I just didn’t think I’d care so much about missing everything.

I missed the day he asked Katelyn to marry him. Something I knew he wanted to do since we were sixteen.

I missed his wedding and the birth of his twins. He was a father and a husband. He had three people who depended on him and now he’s gone. He’ll never see his children grow up and do the things that we did when we were younger. All the things we said our kids would do together. I missed this because I had something to prove to myself. I gave up on their dream and the life we had all planned out.

And now I’m heading home to face the music.

Read other books by Heidi McLaughlin

Read on for a sneak peek at LAST CHANCE: A Second Chances novel by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, L.P. Dover.

“Crank, you stupid piece of donkey shit. Just two more miles, that’s it. I promise to never starve you again!” I yelled, slamming my hands against the steering wheel. I turned the key one last time, but the damn thing just sputtered. Groaning, I closed my eyes and rested my head against the wheel.

My sister was busy working at the restaurant we owned, and my best friend was most likely busy with her new, dreamy, football-playing husband. I had no one to call. When had I become such a loser?

Huffing, I pulled a pair of shorts and a tank top out of my bag and stripped down. If I was going to walk two miles in the blistering heat, I wasn’t going to do it wearing a blouse and pants. Already drenched in sweat, I got out of the car and winced as the sun beat down on my skin. There wasn’t a single cloud to hide the unforgiving sun. Summer was brutal in North Carolina.

“This has to be payback for something,” I whined, trekking alongside the road. It was two o’clock in the afternoon, the worst time of day. Either everyone was at work, or at home, relaxing by their pools. I was never going to let my car get below a quarter of a tank again. Ever.

A couple of people honked their horns, but no one stopped. What ever happened to southern hospitality?

A rumble came up from behind and a muffled shout called out, “Lara!”

Jerking to a stop, my breath caught in my lungs. I was surprised he would even take the time to pull over for someone in need. Luke Collins was all about getting pussy, twenty-four-seven. And I hated the fact I’d ever had a crush on him. Granted, he had gotten much worse since losing Kate to Cooper, but he was just such a douchebag. I guess putting his dick in whatever skank he could find was his way of dealing with a broken heart.

“Lara?” he shouted again.

Placing my hands on my hips, I turned, the light breeze from cars driving by blew my blonde hair into my face. He shut off his bike and slid off his helmet, his hair drenched in sweat. He gave me a smile that made me shiver. Damn him. “What do you want, Luke?”

“I saw your car down the road and figured you needed help.” He paused and raked his gaze down my body. “Unless you’ve got a new job I don’t know about. You are looking pretty hot in those shorts.”

I scoffed and muttered, “I guess I should’ve expected that, having a vagina and all.”

He squinted and leaned forward. “What?”

“It was good of you to notice,” I said loudly. “But I don’t think many men will want me after I’ve been out here, sweating my ass off.”

His gaze lowered to my hips. “We don’t want that, now do we, cupcake? I like it the way it is. Where are you going?”

Rolling my eyes, I took a step back and continued walking backward, refusing to give him another chance to check out my ass. “To the gas station. My car ran out of gas.”

Grinning from ear to ear, he started his bike and slowly trailed me.“I see. Then it looks like I get to rescue you.”

“More like patronize me. Why are you even here? Don’t you have some groupies waiting for you somewhere?”

He chuckled and nodded toward something behind me. “Head’s up.”

Gasping, I turned around and almost walked headfirst into a road sign. I dodged it and turned right back around, giving him my front once again.

“I know my face is gorgeous and you can’t get enough, but maybe you should turn around and watch where you’re walking.”

“As if.” I huffed. “I don’t want you staring at my ass. I know how you are.”

“Then get on my bike. I’ll take you to get some gas.”

“No thanks. I’ll do it on my own.”

He revved his engine, his smile fading. “No, you’re not, Lara. Now get on the damn bike.” Turning around, he unhooked the extra helmet from the back and held it out to me. “It’s a hundred degrees out here, you’re being ridiculous.”

I huffed and continued walking. “I’ll be fine.”

Slamming on the brakes, he got off his bike and stalked toward me. “You don’t have any water, and I don’t see anyone else stopping to give you a hand. Now stop being a silly woman, and get on the fucking bike.”

“What, are you going to make me? Get over yourself. I’ll be fine.”

He cracked his knuckles. “I’ll chase you down. You can’t outrun me, cupcake. I wouldn’t even try.”

He was right, and it drove me crazy. I didn’t want to be indebted to him under any circumstances, but would I really cut my nose off to spite my face? It was scorching out, and I didn’t need to get heatstroke over this. “Fine, I’ll come with you,” I said, giving in.

A triumphant smile splayed across his face and I wanted to smack it off. He held the helmet out to me and I put it on, not having any idea how to work the straps.

Grabbing my waist, he pulled me toward him. “Here, let me fix it.” His fingers brushed against my neck as he tightened the straps. After he was done, he stared at me with his sea-green eyes. “Feel okay?”

I nodded, though my patience was shot. “Peachy.”

He got on his bike first and held out his hand. “Have you ever ridden before?”

“No.” My stomach turned in knots.

He smirked. “You’ll be okay, I promise. We don’t have to go far. All you need to do is reach around my waist and hold on tight. It’ll be over before you know it.”

Taking my hand, he held it while I straddled his bike. It wasn’t one of those big Harley ones either; it was a sleek, black sport bike. I reached around his waist to hold on, and my body was flush with his. After he put on his helmet, his hand landed on my thigh and my body tightened.

“You ready?”

“I think so.”

He patted my leg and I sucked in a deep breath. Here we go.

Read other books by L.P. Dover