Stepbrother Desires (Billionaire Contemporary Romance) Read online

  Saying it out loud to Manny didn’t make it sound any less ridiculous. How could anyone think it was a good idea? What does my old man even know about relationships, anyway? He was probably already on the lookout for his next ex-wife while he was playing matchmaker with my life. What the fuck?

  “Come on, son.” Manny put his arm around me and walked me to the corner of the gym. “Let’s get some of that frustration out on the speed ball.”

  Chapter 5

  Anna

  It’s been twelve weeks since I started Pole Dance classes and the bruises have become less frequent and post-practice soreness is a thing of the past. I’ve improved beyond my wildest dreams and sometimes really feel like I was meant to be doing this. Reverse Shoulder Spins, Arial Inverts and floorwork — I own them!

  The digital video camera I bought on eBay to record my performances together with some long hours on YouTube in between dance classes and attending college have helped drive me to the next level. I’d long passed the ‘need it’ phase. Now I really wanted this. More than anything. I’d watched myself transform from an unfit, curvy girl, into a shapely, curvaceous dancer and I longed to get in front of a bunch of guys who wouldn’t have looked twice at me a year ago. Let’s see what they think now!

  I’d advanced so quickly with my dancing and fitness that Kandice used me in nearly every class to help demonstrate complex routines, freeing her to walk the floor and give individual attention to the other girls in the class. I couldn’t have been more proud of myself.

  After class the other night, Melissa and I shared a juice from the vending machine as we cooled down. A few months ago, socializing with someone like this would have been sheer torture for me and I would have felt clumsy and socially awkward trying to fumble my way through some kind of lame conversation. Now, I actually enjoyed my little hang outs with Melissa. Wow, maybe I’ve actually made a friend.

  “Hey! Great work tonight, both of you. Very impressive effort,” Kandice said as we hovered by the vending machine.

  “Thanks. I’m having so much fun and meeting some great people,” Melissa responded and gave me a big smile.

  “Me too,” I quickly joined in. “I’m still struggling with getting the sexy feeling going on. I think I’ve been told so often in the past how I’m so not sexy that it’s hard to look it when you don’t feel it,” I continued, regretting straight away that I’d had brought up the past. That’s what happens when you start getting too comfortable with people. You let your guard down.

  “Who on earth told you that?” Kandice stared, open mouthed in amazement.

  Melissa, too, was speechless at the suggestion, shaking her head as she tried to fathom how anyone could say that.

  There was an awkward pause before Kandice continued. “Actually, it’s funny you should say that, because there’s something I’d like to talk to you girls about and it involves helping a special friend of mine, who runs an upmarket ‘Gentlemen’s Club’. He has a very unique problem that you both might help us with. Of course, it goes without saying that a highly lucrative offer is on the cards, too, due to the desperate and time critical nature of the problem.”

  “So, let’s see if I’ve got this straight.” I was still trying to get my head around the offer. “Your friend’s dancers got food poisoning and he’s so desperate to get replacements, he’s offering us $2,000 each for a nights work. Is that it, in a nutshell?”

  “That about sums it up, yeah —”

  “Each!” Melissa squeaked, in a near state of shock. “I thought you meant for both of us.”

  “Try to keep up, Mel,” I rolled my eyes good naturedly.

  “He has a few other dancers,” Kandice went on, “but they’re new to the club and don’t work center stage. That’s what he needs so desperately, center stage girls and I recommended you two.”

  “Why the urgency?” I quizzed, slightly suspicious at the generosity of the offer.

  “Seems some high roller, fresh out of college, trust fund boys have booked a private party at the club as a kind of pre-engagement bachelor party or some such. I think it’s just an excuse for them to go and watch semi-naked girls pole dance, but I’m not one to complain or judge.” She laughed as she rubbed her fingers and thumb together. “So long as they’re parting with the green, they can watch all they like. Am I right, girls?”

  Chapter 6

  Tyler

  As much as I detested the company culture of having to buy drinks for subordinates every Friday night after work and the apparent need to schmooze with clients in bars and clubs, it seemed like it was a necessary part of the business. Maybe it was some bizarre carryover from the early days when roustabouts and roughnecks would toil in the hot sun drilling for oil and needed to let off some steam at the end of the week. Whatever the reason, it really wasn’t my scene, but I had to play along to earn the respect of those further down the food chain. The higher ups in the hierarchy were watching me and I had to do everything I could to make it look like I knew what I was doing and playing the corporate game as best I could.

  Now, don’t get me wrong, I liked a fine single malt whiskey more than most, but the whole bar and club scene wasn’t my style. Not even close, despite the conclusions the rest of the family drew from my wild behavior during college. The things we do to look normal and not stand out too much from the crowd never ceased to amaze me. And yet here I am, all grown up and still doing it.

  This particular Friday started off like any other; tame and subdued, at first, with many a tall story shared with each round of drinks, all paid for by me on the corporate expense account, of course. As the drinks flowed, the stories got taller, as was the way with these guys.

  I’d noticed a few hushed conversations going on among the guys from the office and they tended to banter awkwardly whenever I approached to join in their conversation. Something was up, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. I just hoped it was nothing that was going to reflect badly on me if the board found out about it. Maybe I was being paranoid, but something was definitely off.

  “OK, fellas, it’s time we let the VP in on our little secret,” announced one of the Oil Market Analysts, Jack, as he raised hi glass and aimed it squarely at me.

  “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” I tried to go along with whatever was about to happen, but I really did have a bad feeling about it.

  “Well, your old man … ah … I mean TJ Reynolds Junior,” nervous laughter broke out among the ranks. They wouldn’t dare call him the ‘old man’ to his face, “gave us the go ahead to organize a special all male engagement party for you tonight. So we’re going to Centerfolds, the hottest pole dance club in town!”

  At least I now knew what all the whispers were about. Apparently, it was up in the air as to whether or not it would go ahead, according to Jack, due to some problem with the club. The word was passed around once Jack received a confirmation text from the club owner.

  At college, I had something of a reputation as player. Sure, I had lots of female friends, but everyone automatically assumed I was sleeping with them all, which was far from true. But why let truth get in the way of a good rumor, right? Besides, on some level, I think I enjoyed the kudos of being seen that way, especially among my buddies. Why ruin a good thing by telling the truth.

  For some reason, though, my stepsister had a real issue with it. I never worked out why, but whenever anyone said anything about my latest girlfriend I’d hear her say something under her breath about me being a “man whore”, or something like that. It almost seemed like the more girls I seemed to date, the more pissy she got with me. Women. Go figure.

  It was probably taken for granted that a guy with my reputation would be an old hand at titty bars. The last thing I needed was to lose the respect of the troops by confessing I’d never stepped foot inside a ‘Gentlemen’s Club’ in my life.

  “OK, Tyler, you ready for some action? Jack called out, excitedly.

  Trying not to look too nervous, I walked over to Jack, wr
apped my arm around him, slapped him on the back and gave him my best imitation of a man-hug.

  As much as I hated the idea of actually celebrating my so called engagement to a girl I barely knew, I hated the idea of spending the night at a seedy club with a bunch of spirited, drunk, horny corporate execs, even more.

  There was no way I could let them know that. I had to play along for everyone’s sake. Especially mine. I put on my party face and strode confidently toward the door.

  “I was born ready!”

  The music pumped and cocktails were flowing freely. Although in my case, it was the Scotch Whiskey that flowed. The opulence of the Centerfold club was breathtaking. I’d never seen anything like it. So much for my expectations of a dark, dingy, smelly bar like Bada Bing on The Sopranos. Wow!

  “This is really something,” I held my glass of The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive in a mock toast to Jack. “Absolute perfection. You’ve really outdone yourself.”

  “It was the least I could do for the boss’s son.” Jack returned the toast.

  As I sipped on one of the finest whiskeys I’d tasted in long time, I took in the exotic chandeliers, custom-made, reproduction antique furniture and the lavish cocktail bars strategically placed throughout the venue. Even the artwork decorating the walls was high class, contemporary and above all, they were original works. Now I don’t know shit from clay about art, but I know an expensive piece of it when I see it.

  Chapter 7

  Anna

  I was awestruck when I first saw the inside of the club. Maybe I’d watched too much television because I was expecting the rank odor of stale booze and cigarettes, threadbare carpet and layers of filth on the tables and chairs that would explain the dimmed lighting.

  Was I way off or what? The place was like a palace. Not one of those showboat gin palaces that plied the Mississippi in the 1930’s. No, I mean a real palace, you know, like where European royalty live. It was absolutely amazing.

  Luxurious leather booths lined three adjoining perimeter walls, all with a perfect view of a well-lit stage, upon which were mounted three poles. This is what the working girls always referred to as center stage, not because of its actual position, but in reference to the status bestowed upon those chosen to dance there.

  “Nobody asks to dance center stage, “Kandice explained. “You get chosen and to be chosen requires a lot of hard work, dedication and a special quality the businessmen who can afford to come here have come to expect.

  “The men who come here are here to see and experience something they can’t get anywhere else.”

  “Do we get to keep the tips?” Melissa asked.

  “There aren’t any tips here at Centerfold,” Kandice explained. “It’s a house rule to ensure that both guests and the working girls alike are treated with the utmost respect. The girls are here to provide an unrivalled adult entertainment experience by performing to satisfy the minds and emotions of the high rolling patrons while playing to their more primal desires as tastefully as possible.

  They achieve this by celebrating their sexuality and athleticism while expressing both through their dance.”

  Kandice’s words hung in the air as the two dancers stood silently, in awe of the atmosphere.

  That’s what I want – to celebrate my sexuality and athleticism. This is where I want to be. I thought to myself as Kandice’s words washed over me, casting some kind of spell.

  The chandeliers dimmed, the lights above the stage lit up, illuminating the area around each individual pole, next to which stood Melissa and myself, wearing a white Double Ruffle Charmeuse mini skirt, a matching halter top and finished off with a pair of ultra-sexy black Pleaser Kiss d’Orsay pumps. As the ambient music faded, followed by the unmistakable beat of Madonna’s Human Nature being channeled through the main sound system. The effect of the lighting and the subtle vibration of the music were intoxicating. The room fell silent immediately and all eyes in the room were on me and Melissa.

  I can do this. I can do this. I kept repeating like some kind of mantra. I still couldn’t believe I was doing this. I’d never before imagined myself doing any kind of performance in front of people, never mind pole dancing for a club full of horny guys.

  It was time to work the steel.

  With our backs against the cold steel pole and one arm stretched overhead, we began to sway our hips to the hypnotic beat of the music before seductively sliding down into a squat position. Just like we’d practiced in class, we traced a tantalizing path with our free hand from knee to butt, showing off our silky smooth, toned thighs.

  The crowd erupted with applause, welcoming our act. My heart leapt into my mouth and I almost felt sick with nerves, but, somehow, the applause gave me confidence. I was giving them what they wanted and I was actually being applauded for my performance.

  Now that the ice was broken, I noticed Melissa looking more confident, too and she gave me a quick look which I read as I’m doing fine. No need to worry about me. We got this.

  We continued with our sexiest, virtually perfect performance, using a routine we had practiced in class many times, but had yet to master without error. Until now. Tonight, the energy from the captivated and spellbound onlookers made it all come together and gave us the energy and confidence we needed to perform like we had never performed before. Flawlessly.

  Chapter 8

  Tyler

  I was mesmerized. Or hypnotized. Whatever the fuck it was, it was like it had some weird power over me. I was transfixed on the girl on center stage. Of the two dancers, only one had my undivided attention. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

  The way she looked. The way she moved. Her hair. Her eyes. She was perfect in every way. I’d never seen anyone like her in my life. I’d never seen anyone move so seductively, either. Legs that seemed to go on forever. Toned and lithe. Delicious, full breasts which were the most picture-perfect, natural breasts I’d ever seen.

  And that smile. That was one special smile. I could wake up to that smile and those gorgeous emerald green eyes for the rest of my life and be the happiest man alive.

  What was it about her that took my breath away? I’d seen plenty of hot girls in my time. What was so special about this one? Why did she leave me breathless? Then there was the hollow, empty feeling in my stomach. What was the deal with that?

  Without even hearing her voice, I knew exactly how she would sound. I knew I wanted to hear her voice, wanted to hear what she had to say. She had an aura that I couldn’t quantify, an alluring quality that touched my heart because I knew, I just knew that I was attuned to that quality. Attuned to her.

  There was something special in the way she moved, her self-assured athletic elegance and the way she seemed to be enjoying a complex dance routine she had clearly spent much time and effort conquering. I was beyond fascinated. I’d never felt so drawn to a woman before in my life and the feelings I was experiencing were overwhelming. Now this was a woman I could see myself connecting with. Stunning, motivated, toned and fit. She ticked a lot of boxes.

  That’s when I started to laugh. The strangest thought crossed my mind.

  “Hey Dad,” I imagined myself saying, “The merger and the engagement’s off. I’m marrying that girl I picked up at the strip club. Sorry to disappoint.”

  The look on his face would be priceless. Actually, it would have a price. The billion dollar company I’d no longer take over.

  Watching her dance, it felt like she was dancing for me alone. I tuned out all the other testosterone filled, horny-as-hell guys in the room. There was only me. And her. All I could see was her.

  Chapter 9

  Anna

  As I worked my way through my routine, I paused for a few seconds in my Figurehead pose and my eyes locked on those of a guy in the audience.

  It can’t be him. No way.

  Well-groomed, wearing a stylishly tailored suit that did little to obscure his nicely shaped upper body. No way.

  Jet black hair with soft curls that
begged to have my fingers run through them just to experience what it felt like. Handsome, yet more ruggedly handsome than magazine-cover handsome. And his eyes—even with the stage lighting she could see he had spectacular eyes, piercing blue. He was looking at me. Nobody else. Just me.

  Is it him? Does he recognize me? No, it can’t be …

  I didn’t have time to think about him. I had a routine to perform and I had to do a Side Climb up the pole, a slow and controlled Extended Butterfly Inversion and eventually a Half Attitude spin.

  No time to be checking out the Man Candy, there’s way too much going on right here, girlfriend.

  But as I continued my performance, I couldn’t get him out of my mind.

  Could it really be him? No way he’d be in a place like this. He gets plenty of the real thing. There was never any shortage of tail for my man-whore of a stepbrother.

  Chapter 10

  Tyler

  “Want me to hook you up, Buddy?” I heard a voice behind me and felt a hand slap me good humoredly on the back.

  “Hook me up?” I asked, turning to see Jack behind me with a big shit eating grin on his face.

  “Yeah, I know the owner. I could arrange to hook you up, if you want.”

  “Nah, that’s fine. I just liked how she moved, that’s all. It’s no big deal,” I said, shrugging as if I couldn’t care less.

  “OK then, but if you change your mind, you know where to find me,” he said, removing his hand from my shoulder and returning to a nearby group of corporate lawyers who, thankfully, seemed far more interested in the other girl.

  I couldn’t blame them, either. She was really something. The other one, though, my one, had that extra something. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. She had something that drew me to her. I began to wonder if that’s what people meant when they talked about love at first …