Club Thrive: Predator

by Alison Mello

  I notice the doors to the club have opened and people are starting to fill in, and that’s when I see Miranda coming over. “Hey, look Miranda’s here.” I point as she approaches our section.

  “Did they make you wait at the door?” Sky looks pissed.

  “Nah, I just got here and figured since the club was open, I would go through the front. I was let right in.”

  “Good, I thought I was going to have to kick some ass.” We all burst into laughter.

  We all hug and take our seats. “How’s Miss Charlotte?” Sadie asks her.

  “She’s good.” She shakes her head. “Getting too big too quick.”

  “Yeah, it goes by fast.” I pout. I have to admit there are times that I’m sad Ryker is already five and starting kindergarten. I wish time would slow down, but it won’t.

  “Are you going to talk babies all night or are we going to dance?” Kara huffs from the entrance of our section. We were so wrapped up with our kids we didn’t even see her come in. “It’s my night off and I’m in the club where I work. I’m hoping to have some fun.”

  We all burst into laughter. “Let’s dance!” I shout, jumping up from my seat.

  We make a circle on the dance floor, dancing to Drake. The place is filling up and I can’t help my nerves. I’m not used to being around so many people, and my sister isn’t here yet. It makes me wonder what’s keeping her. “What’s wrong?” Sky shouts over the music.

  “I noticed my sister isn’t here yet.” Sky looks around, realizing she’s not in our VIP section.

  “If she’s not here soon, I’ll check with the bouncers. It looks like they’ve slowed down on letting people in.” She explains that as the club fills up that’s what happens…a line ends up forming and they aren’t so quick on letting people in. This place filled up rather quickly. We’ve only been on the dance floor a short time and the place is jamming.

  Sky finally walks off to one of the bouncers. She takes his earwig and starts to speak. I can’t tell what she’s saying, but I can see her mouth moving. She gives the earwig back and takes my hand. “Come with me.” She pulls us from the dance floor and straight out the front door of the club. I don’t know the bouncers who are out there, but they clearly know her.

  “Good evening, Mrs. Michaels.” They nod as she walks past them, dragging me along. She looks mad.

  “Sky, what’s going on?”

  “They sent your sister to the line because she wasn’t part of our normal clique. The same thing happened to Katie when she first started hanging out. I’m going to kick someone’s ass.”

  We’re walking up the street when I spot them. “There they are. Brea!” I call out to my sister, who nods and jumps out of line holding Eric’s hand. “Brea, this is the owner’s wife and my friend, Sky.” I turn to Sky. “Sky, this is my sister and her boyfriend, Eric.”

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m so sorry the bouncers sent you to the back of the line. We had the same issue with the same bouncer a while back when my friend Katie first started hanging with us. Clearly he hasn’t learned.”

  “No big deal.” Brea tries to make Sky feel better, but she’s pissed.

  “Thank you, but to me it is. This is my husband’s club, and when I tell someone they are to be let in as a VIP, I expect that they call into the club to confirm.”

  The four of us make our way back to the front of the club. Sky is livid, and when she approaches the dumb ass who wouldn’t let my sister in, she lays into him. “So apparently you didn’t learn your lesson when you didn’t let Katie into the club, now you’re rejecting others. Is your earwig broken?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  “So can you explain to me why you didn’t call into the club to find out if this fine couple was in our group?”

  He sighs. “No, ma’am, I can’t.”

  Sky nods. “Here’s what I’m going to tell you. That is strike two. Mess with my friends again and you’re gone. You are here to keep this club safe and make my guests feel welcome. Am I clear?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m very sorry.” I can tell he feels bad, but he’s also pissed about being berated in front of guests.

  Sky shakes her head and storms off into the club. We go straight to the VIP section and order a round of drinks. Sky tells Shauna that this round is on her, and that’s when Logan and Mikey come over. “Baby, what just happened? I saw you storm out of the club dragging Shelly behind you.”

  “That asshole bouncer of yours wouldn’t let Brea and Eric into the club. This is twice now we’ve tried to welcome new guests and he sends them to the back of the line.” Logan’s brows shoot up in shock. “I took Shelly outside to get them, and then I chewed him a new asshole. I told him that if he does that again, he’s fired. He’s here to not only keep the club safe, but to make our guests feel welcome, not reject them.”

  “Well, I guess I don’t have to worry about talking to him because my sassy ass wife can handle the guys up in this place.” Logan takes a seat and puts his arm around her. She starts to laugh and slaps him playfully.

  “Stop.” She shakes her head.

  Mikey says hello to Brea and Eric, and then introduces them to everyone for me. He takes a seat next to me and we enjoy a round of drinks while everyone gets to know one another. It’s so nice to see everyone getting along. Eric, Mikey, and Logan are all talking about random stuff like work and sports while we girls chat about everything from my schooling to kids and fashion—very typical girl talk. I’m having a blast and it makes me see how lucky I am to have met Mikey and Logan. They really are an amazing group of people.

  “Who’s ready to dance?” Kara encourages. Clearly she’s the youngest of our group, but we all agree to join her on the dance floor. We once again make our own little circle, dancing next to the bouncer in our section. The dance floor is packed, and there really isn’t much room, but we’re having fun anyway. I can feel eyes on me so the first place I look is at our VIP section and of course Logan, Mikey, and Eric are all standing there watching us dance. I tap Brea and nod over in their direction. Using her index finger, she points to Eric and then calls him onto the dance floor. He laughs, shaking his head no. She nods, trying to encourage him but he gives her an exaggerated no. The guys start laughing at Eric and then drag him onto the dance floor with them. I can see the panic in his face. We’ve never tried to go out dancing with him, but I assume from the look on his face that he’s not much of a dancer.

  Mikey comes up behind me, placing his hands on my hips. He joins me, swaying to the beat of the music. He’s so sexy in his fitted jeans and his tight V-neck t-shirt. His eyes are a brilliant blue that melts my panties when he looks into my eyes. I spin around, grabbing his ass, I give it a gentle squeeze pressing his hips to mine. His lips lower to my ear. “If you don’t watch yourself, I’m going to have to take you out back.”

  I throw my head back in laughter. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.” I can feel his cock starting to thicken between us. He gently runs his lips down the vein in my neck, it’s such a turn on that suddenly the room becomes empty. It’s only the two of us on the dance floor as my hands glide up his muscular back and into his thick dark hair. I grind my hips to the beat of the music while he nibbles at my ear. We’re in our own little world when suddenly we’re bumped from behind and I practically fall. Luckily Mikey catches me.

  “You wanna watch it, buddy?” Mikey growls at the guy who bumped us.

  “My bad,” he mumbles before walking away.

  “What the hell was that all about?” I hold onto him.

  “Some guy not paying attention.”

  Mikey and I realize that everyone else left us on the dance floor. We both laugh as we make our way back to our section. The DJ makes the last call announcement and Shawna is there to get us our drinks. It’s been a fun night, but I’m beat, and we have to pick up Ryker in the morning, plus I have to work tomorrow night. “Are you ready?” I call to Mikey.

  “If you are.” I nod, telling Shawna that w
e’ll pass.

  When I hug my sister goodbye, she tells me she’s staying at Eric’s, but will be home for Ryker tomorrow. I thank her and we head home to continue the party there. I’m turned on from our dance and I want nothing more than for my man to make me scream.

  Mikey pulls away from the club, and I can’t help but notice he’s not heading toward my apartment. “Mikey, my place is the other way.”

  “You’re right, it is, but we’re going to my place. It’s closer and I need to be inside you.” My eyes go wide.

  “But I have no clothes or anything. What about breakfast at Logan’s tomorrow?” He glances over at me, showing his amazing smile. He has the straightest, whitest teeth I’ve ever seen. “What?” I’m totally confused by the look on his face.

  “You’ll see.” He pulls up to a huge building a few minutes later, parking in a numbered spot.

  “This is my place. That spot right there is mine, and where you’ll park when you come over.” He climbs out of the car and opens my door. “There’s always a doorman on staff.” He takes my hand and escorts me to the door. “Charlie, this is my girlfriend, Shelly. Please be sure she’s let up without issue.”

  “Yes, sir, Mr. Scott.” He nods at us and bids us a goodnight.

  Mikey leads me to the elevator. “I live on the fourteenth floor. It’s the only apartment up there and I have three bedrooms,” he tells me as we step into the elevator.

  “I’m surprised. Why do you have such a big place when it’s just you?”

  “I grew up poor, I’ll never forget where I came from, but I don’t want to live that life. I wanted a place that would be big enough for a family when I was ready to have one and know that I could keep them safe.” I smile, impressed that he’s thought about the future. I feel like most bachelors live in the moment.

  The elevator opens to a beautiful private entryway. Mikey pulls out his key, unlocking the door to his spacious apartment. I’m dying to look around, but he gives me no time. He pulls me to him, his lips crash down on mine, and his hands go to my hair. He kisses me hard and then pulls away panting. “I want to show you around, but it’ll have to wait.” He pulls me to his room, closing the door behind us. A devilish smile lights up his beautiful face. I can’t help but stare into his eyes, neither of us making a move. I can see he wants to say something, but he looks unsure. Reading my mind, he presses a gentle kiss to my lips and then says, “I think I’ve fallen for you already, please tell me I can take care of you.”

  “That’s good, because I’m definitely falling for you.”

  I didn’t think his smile could get any bigger, but it does. “Good, then I hope you won’t be mad when you see what I did.” He pulls me to his closet to show me it’s full of women’s clothes. My eyes go wide. “I had my personal shopper deliver some things for you. I have stuff for Ryker too.”

  “I don’t know what to say…”

  “You don’t need to say anything. Eventually I want you and Ryker to live here with me.” He pulls my chin, forcing me to look into his bright blue eyes. “I love you, Shelly. I think I’ve loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you. Please let me take care of you and Ryker.”

  The tears I’m fighting betray me, running down my cheek. I lick my lips. “I love you too, but I’m scared. I’m not known for making good decisions when it comes to men. How do I know I’m not rushing this?”

  He shrugs. “You have to trust your gut.”

  I press my lips to his. “My gut tells me to love you.”

  He peels my shirt over my head and undoes the clip of my bra, dropping them to the floor, and then he picks me up and carries me to bed. “Good, then let me show you just how much I love you.” I kick off my shoes while he toes off his and peels his shirt over his head revealing his muscular chest. God, is he sexy. He makes quick work of my jeggings and panties before dropping his own jeans to the floor. I sit up and slip his boxer briefs down his leg.

  “I need to feel you deep inside of me.” I pepper kisses across his chest.

  His fingers slip between my legs and through my folds. He growls, “God, woman, you’re soaking wet.”

  “I need you,” I moan.

  He opens the drawer, grabs a condom, and slips it on. “Lay back down.” He climbs on top of me, lining himself up. I lift my hips, trying to take more of him. “Don’t rush it, baby.” He pulls out slightly, but then feeds me more. He continues this torture until he’s finally seated balls deep inside of me.

  “Mikey, please,” I beg as he finally start to move his hips. I’m panting as he thrusts his hips, giving me all he has. My eyes close and I bite my lip to stifle the moans that are fighting to escape.

  “Open those beautiful eyes and come for me, baby.” He continues his punishing rhythm when my pussy clamps down on his cock. “Yes, baby,” he growls, seating himself as deep as he can.

  His lips slam down on mine. He pulls away and looks into my eyes. “God, you’re amazing.”

  A smile spreads across my swollen lips. “You’re pretty special yourself.”

  He rubs his nose along mine. “I meant what I said. I love you, Shelly.”

  “I love you too.”

  He kisses me again and then climbs out of bed. “I’ll be right back.” He grabs a nightshirt from a drawer and tosses it to me before he strolls off to the bathroom. When he gets back, he slips on his boxer briefs and climbs in behind me. “Let’s get some sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow.” He shuts the light and we pass out tangled in each other's arms.

  Chapter 7

  Mikey

  I’m lying in my bed watching my beautiful woman sleep. Her light brown hair fans out across her pillow and the small smile on her face makes me wonder if she’s dreaming. I can’t believe in all the time we’ve been together this is the first time I’m having her over. Not that I haven’t wanted to have her over, but it’s been hard with her having a son. Plus, with her classes, it’s easier for me to stay at her place than it is for her to come here. I’m hoping despite her classes she’ll start spending more time here, but I’m not going to rush her. She starts to stir, her chocolate brown eyes flutter open and she greets me with the most beautiful smile. “Good morning, baby.”

  “Good morning. What time is it?”

  “Eight-thirty. We’re going to have to get up and get in the shower soon or we’ll be late to Logan’s.” She stretches and curls into my side. She kisses my pec and smiles up at me. “What?”

  “I have a question for you.” She has this silly grin on her face. My brows shoot up, waiting. “How did you know what size clothes to get me?”

  “I asked your sister. She gave me Ryker’s sizes too.” I kiss her on the nose.

  Her eyes go wide. “My sister knows that you did all of this?”

  I chuckle. “She does, and she thought it was a great idea. She said it was about time someone stepped up and took care of you two.” I couldn’t wait to call Brea to discuss this with her. I know what it’s like to not only grow up with very little, but to grow up without a father, and it sucks. My mother did what she could, but she was a single mother who worked two jobs just to keep up with the rent and keep food on the table. I never realized it as a kid, but as an adult, I feel bad that my mom never got the chance to find a good man, someone to take care of her the way I want to take care of Shelly. “Come, I’ll show you his room.” I climb out of bed, throw on some gym shorts, and then pull her up with me. I take her down the hall to Ryker’s room. It has a full size bed that I had my housekeeper Zoe do up in a cool Lego set for him. A huge smile spreads across her face.

  “I can’t believe you did all this. When?” she asks in shock.

  “Well, I have to admit I had the help of my housekeeper, Zoe. I ordered the set, she cleaned it and set it up.” She opens his closet to find khakis, jeans, polos, sneakers, and dress shoes.

  “Mikey, I don’t even know what to say.” She looks so torn. Her smile says she’s thrilled but her eyes tell me she’s concerned.

  “T
his is something my mother never had, and I didn’t realize what it would have meant for her to have a man in her life until I was a grown man and she was gone.” I step up to her and lift her chin, forcing her to look me in the eye. “I mean it when I say I want to take care of you. I love you both and I want to give you the world…please let me.” She throws her arms around my neck and wraps me in a huge hug. It’ makes me laugh, but when I pull away, I see tears running down her face. “Don’t cry, baby.”

  “We’re so lucky to have met you.”

  I wipe away her tears. “I’d like to have the both of you over this weekend. I want to show him his room. We’ve been seeing each other for over two months now, and we’ve spent a lot of time together around him. I think he’ll be excited to see I’ve set this up for him.”

  She nods her agreement, making me so happy that I pick her up and spin her around. “You make me so happy. I love you so much.” She giggles with excitement.

  “Come on, let’s go get showered so we can give Ryker the news and see what he thinks.”

  We pull up to Logan and Sky’s house two hours later, and Shelly is so excited she can barely contain herself. As soon as I stop the SUV, she jumps out and stands there waiting for me, impatiently shifting her weight from one foot to the other. When I see her, I chuckle, take her hand, and walk up the porch. I press the doorbell and suddenly we hear squealing coming from the other side of the door. Logan opens it and there are two little boys.