Seduced by the Night

Panting, I feel like I'm going to pass out. This heat is no joke. Which is why I'm pissed that I'm out here and not back in my apartment where the air conditioning is currently blasting.

Wiping the sweat from my brow, I apologize to the people I've accidentally bumped into on my way down to the beach.

Bolt, my black and tan German Sheperd is bolting -hence the reason for his name- towards the neon green tennis ball he just saw being thrown into the air.

He's not usually this reactive, but tennis balls have always been his weakness ever since he was a little puppy. Anytime he saw the damn thing he would take off.

I put him in multiple training schools, especially when he was a puppy and not one person managed to shift his focus away from the ball. And it's not just any ball. It's tennis balls he likes. He could care less about any other ball.

"Damn you, Bolt!" I yell, knowing he heard me because he looked back. "Get back here!" He turns his head, still making a run for the ball he saw seconds ago.

I promise I'm a good dog owner. I always keep him on a leash during walks, and I have been working to correct his behavior. Of course, no one knows that. All they see is an owner chasing after their large, unpredictable dog.

Bolt and I were on our way back to my apartment from our afternoon walk when he saw the ball. I didn't have a solid grip on the leash and he took off.

Which is why I'm running. And although I'm in good shape, I didn't prepare myself to run across the beach for my dog in the middle of the hot ass day.

I watch from a distance as Bolt leaps into the air to catch the tennis ball in his mouth. My eyes follow the large fur ball as he runs back over to whoever threw the ball.

I pause, my mouth forming an o shape as I watch Bolt tackle a guy to the ground.

That looked like it hurt.

When I finally reach Bolt, who's licking all over the guy's face, I grab his harness and move to pull him off.

"Sit," I command.

Bolt plops down into a sitting position, his long pink tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. He cocks his head to one side, his slanted ears making it difficult to be upset with the one year old pup.

I turn my attention back to the guy he knocked over. "I am so sorry. He really likes tennis balls. And I know that's not an excuse, but-"

"It's okay," the guy cuts in. Green eyes flicker up to me, his lips curling up into a drop dead gorgeous smile.

I wasn't really looking at him, but I am now. He has waves of thick dark hair that looks like a deep shade of red in the sunlight.

My eyes trail over the tattoos on his arms before focusing on one in particular that peeks out of his salmon pink swim trunks. I'm unable to figure out what it is, but it looks like it may be a part of a much larger tattoo.

Tearing my gaze away from his beautifully sculpted abdomen, I look over just as a miniature black Schnauzer walks over to her owner, her little tail wagging.

The guy stands to his feet and brushes off the sand clinging to his swim trunks. Picking up the saliva covered ball, he gives it back to Bolt.

"Oh, he doesn't-"

"He can have it," he says with a smile. "I don't mind. I have plenty more at home."

"Thank you," I reply, mirroring the smile on his face.

My face heats up when I realize he's now checking me out. I'm not one to get flustered easily, but there was just something about those green eyes. I feel like he could see right through my matching black athletic wear.

His eyes fall to my midriff before quickly meeting my eyes again. The smile on his face stretched when he realized I caught him checking me out.

Ah, so he's one of those.

He's hot. I'll give him that. But he's clearly a man whore. Or he's a pervert. Either way, I refuse to engage a guy like that. The man has commitment issues written all over his handsome, chiseled face.

"So, are you going to tell me your name?"

"No."

The smile on his face vanishes, a frown taking its place. "Why not?"

"Because if I tell you my name, then you're going to want my number."

"And what's wrong with that?" He asks, tilting his head the same way Bolt had done just a moment ago.

"I know guys like you."

I deal with guys like him on a daily basis. They're rich horn balls who only care about one thing. And that's sex.

Unfortunately for them, as an escort I don't provide sexual services. I'll cling to your arm like a married couple in the newlywed stage. And whether it's to wow your parents, or piss off an ex, I'll become whoever you want me to be.

For a hefty fee, of course.

Curiosity sparkles in his eyes. "Enlighten me, darling."

"I'm guessing you grew up in a big house surrounded by loving family members, went to an Ivy League school, and have probably never had an issue when it comes to women. In fact, they flock to you because you're a rich pretty boy."

I recieve no reaction from him. He just stares, patiently waiting for me to finish analyzing him.

"Sure, you have a heart of gold," I continue. "But you often think with your..." I quickly look down, then back up. "You're what? A solid four inches flaccid and about six inches when hard?" He simply raises a brow and I grin. "Anway, you often think with your dick. So I mean this in the most respectful way when I say this, but no I will not tell you my name. And no, I will not give you my number."

"Damn, I'm impressed," he admits, nodding his head in approval. "Though, you're wrong about one thing."

"Really?" I question in surprise, thinking my analysis of him had been spot on. "What did I get wrong?"

"I'm actually six inches flaccid and eight when hard. But you know, A for effort." He smirks. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you, no name." He turns to leave, motioning his dog to follow with a soft whistle and a pat of his thigh.

Hmm... Now that he mentions it, my measurements of his cock size was a little off.

Turning to Bolt, I scratch behind his ears and pat his head. He's looking up at me with those innocent brown eyes of his, as if to say, "you like him, don't you?"

I find myself glancing in the guy's direction before quickly looking away. "Eh, he's alright," I answered, as if Bolt had really asked me a question. "Now come on, let's go finish our walk."

Days go by, and the guy I met at the beach with the pretty green eyes doesn't cross my mind even once.

Well, until now.

I'm sipping on a glass of wine, the scarf my mother has draped around her neck the same shade of green as the beach stranger's eyes.

"Are you even listening to me, Harlynn?"

My mother's voice fills my ears. She's using her motherly voice, which means she's not very happy with me at the moment.

I blink away the images of the green-eyed fuckboy as my mother's rather youthful looking face fades into view.

She and I look so much alike that we are often mistaken for sisters. And it doesn't help that she had me at the age of seventeen and my sister Haley at twenty-two.

Don't even get me started on my father. I've lost count of how many women bit their lip, batted their lashes, or twirled their hair in his presence. They try so hard to be noticed, but my father only has eyes for my mother.

It's sweet, inspiring, and gross at the same time. I often want to hack up a hairball when I catch them kissing, flirting, or even suggesting sex.

I love them, but learning I was conceived in the back alley of a Starbucks was enough. I don't need the visuals as well.

"I'm sorry. What did you say, mom?"

She rolls her brown eyes and huffs. "Have you thought about what you want to do with your life?"

"No," I reply, stabbing my fruit salad with my fork. "I'm quite satisfied with my life."

I hate when my mother brings up my life as a topic of conversation. Both my parents know what I do for a living. And while my father supports my choice in occupation, my mother absolutely abhors it.

She doesn't care that I'm an escort. That's not the issue. It's the fact that I didn't use my business skills elsewhere. Like to run my own business like they do.

"Don't you want to be the boss of your own company, hon? You know, like me and your father?"

"No, I don't. That's your dream. Not mine."

"So you're planning to be an escort your whole life?"

"No, but I wish you would stop pressuring me."

She raises her hands up in defeat. "Okay, I'm sorry. You're right."

"Thank you."

My mother wanted me to go to college and have a career. She wanted me to rule beside her in the business world. But she knows that's not me and it never will be.

Now as for my sister, she chose a different path as well. Although she's currently in her first year of college, she's not a fan of the business world either. Which is why she's majoring in a field of her choice- Neuroscience. And I'd say that's pretty damn good for her.

I wish I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I've always been indecisive. Whether it's making a life changing decision, or simply ordering at a fast food restaurant.

The only reason I'm even working as an escort is because the money is good. Rich men and women are the only people who require my services, so the checks I recieve usually come with a lot of zereos.

"So," my littler sister Haley starts to say, her tone of voice indicating that she wanted to ask our parents something. "There's this party tonight and I was wondering if I could go?"

"Where is it and will there be parental supervision?" Our father asked.

"Parental sup- dad, I'm eighteen years old. I'm not in high school anymore."

"I understand that, honey. But you know the rules."

"Well, what if Harlynn goes with me?" She suggests, looking over at me through her large circular glasses, a hopeful look in her blue eyes and a big grin on her face.

"No."

"Please Harls."

"What's in it for me?"

"Fifty bucks," she offers.

"Make it a hundred and you got yourself a deal."

****

Being at a college party surrounded by a bunch of immature frat boys is the last place I want to be. But I'm willing to endure it if it means I'll be able to keep an eye on my sister.

I hate parties. It doesn't matter if it's a birthday party, or a house party. Any party where I have to socialize with humans is hell on earth.

I've always been a homebody. My idea of fun is delving into a good book, binging one of my favorite shows, or smoking some high quality weed. Which doesn't require the company of anyone but me, myself, and I.

"Want some?" Haley asks, shoving a red solo cup with alcohol in my face.

"No thank you."

She shrugs, takes a sip of the alcoholic beverage, and crinkles her nose in response to the beer's taste.

I should be snatching the cup out of her hand and dumping it out in the sink as she is underage.

But I'm in no mood to play the responsible older sister. Besides, if she wants to get white girl wasted then so be it. Because even if she wakes up with the worse hangover of her life, she's still going to drink.

Now as for me, I hate the taste of beer. And any kind of alcohol for that matter. I'm a lightweight and I hate what I become when I drink.

Let's just say, I've had quite a few one night stands I'm not proud of.

Chugging the last of her beer, Haley tosses the empty cup into a nearby trash can before flipping her long dark hair and swaying to the music playing in the background.

She motions me to dance with her. I shake my head in refusal. She knows I'm not a dancer. She also knows that she isn't one either. But that doesn't stop her from breaking out into the robot.

Horrified of her dancing skills, or lack thereof, I cover my eyes. I occasionally peek through the space in between my fingers to check to see if she's still dancing.

"Are you done yet?"

"Almost," she says, making these weird robotic sounds with her mouth.

People are looking at her, most of them snickering and murmuring amongst one another.

But Haley doesn't care. Which is exactly what I taught her. She should never be afraid to be herself.

"Is that your sister?" A girl who approached me asked, looking my sister up and down.

"Is that your boyfriend making out with your best friend?" I question, mimicking her whiny, spoiled rich girl voice.

"Oh. My. God!" She cries, storming out into the backyard of the frat house where her boyfriend is currently locking lips with her supposed best friend in the pool.

Having heard the exchange between me and the whiny sorority sister, Haley stops dancing. "How did you know that was her boyfriend and best friend?"

"I'm very observant," I reply, which was the honest truth.

When you're in the escort business it's not only your job to accompany your client to whatever social event they choose, but to be aware of the people and its surroundings.

You don't want to accidently bump into another client while you are escorting another. You want that client to feel special, like they are the only one that matters. Because it's your job to not just make them look good but feel good too.

"No, I think you have too much time on your hands. When was the last time you had sex?" I glare at her. "It's a serious question, Harls."

"Last week."

"Well clearly it wasn't good if you're standing here watching everybody else have fun."

She's right. It wasn't good. I didn't come once. I would have faked it, but that would have been too much work. And besides, he needed to know he wasn't doing shit.

Fuck his pride and his feelings. I mean, what about me? I'm the one who is suffering. I haven't had good dick in well... ever!

I don't even know why I still give them the time of day. There are plenty of women out there who could have me orgasming back to back by the time a man finds my clit.

I rolled my eyes, no longer interested in this party and in this conversation. "Can we go now?"

"We just got here." She hooked her arm around mine, tugging me outdoors to play beer pong. "If you win, then we can go home. But if I win, you have to dance with me."

"Whatever. Prepare to lose, Hales."

"Oh you're so on, big sis."

Mason's POV

"I'm sorry Mason, but I can't."

"Come on, Corinne. I need you."

She stood up to tug her panties back on before turning around to face me. "And I need you. That's why we're having sex." She gave me a peck on the lips and motioned me to grab her bra.

I reached behind me to pick up the bubblegum pink bra I tore off her body a moment ago. Handing it to her, I watched her continue to get dressed.

"You were willing to go a few months ago when I first asked, so what changed?"

Something unreadable flashed in her eyes, disappearing as soon as it appeared. "I don't really want to talk about it now." She turned her back to me. "Can you zip me up?"

"Yeah."

Shifting to the edge of the bed, I reached up to move her blonde tresses out of the way and zip her back up.

Looking over her shoulder, she smiled. "There are plenty of women who would love to be your date."

"But I wanted you to be my date."

I dropped my hands just as she turned to look at me. "You just want me to be your date because out of all the women you fuck, I'm the one your parents tolerate the most."

I nodded. "Exactly. And if I bring any of the other girls, my mom will be pissed. And if my mom's pissed, then so is my dad."

She sighed. "I'm sorry Mason." Slipping on her black pumps, she started for the exit. She paused, her hand on the door knob. "Good luck," she said with a small smile before leaving.

Damn it!

The wedding is in less than a week and my date just bailed on me. If I can't find the perfect woman to bring to my brother's wedding, then I'm screwed.

I can't show up alone, because then my mother will try to set me up with a woman of her choice. And I can't have that.

All the women she's tried to set me up with don't have the capacity to handle someone like me. They want love, romance, and a monogamous relationship. And that's just not me.

But if I bring a woman my parents hate to the wedding, then my mother's going to be on my ass. She's going to chew me out during the entire ceremony and reception.

Sighing heavily, I get out of bed to put back on my boxers and shorts. Walking out into the hallway, I'm met with an incessant barking sound that drives me crazy.

Opening the door to Lady's room, my miniature Schnauzer comes bounding out of the room barking and growling.

"She's gone, Lady."

She stops barking, but continues to growl lowly. Looking up at me, she wags her tail once she realizes that Corinne is finally gone.

Lady is a jealous pup. She hates when any other female besides her and the ones in my family go anywhere near me. She especially hates Corinne. Which is why I keep her locked away in her bedroom whenever Corinne's around.

And since I always hate leaving my little lady locked up and all alone, I make sure she gets a treat afterwards. "Come on, Lady. Let's go get you a treat."

Her ears perk up at hearing me say 'treat' and she races to the kitchen. Following her, she waits in front of the pantry where I keep her treats.

Quickly grabbing her a bacon flavored bite, I commanded her to sit before tossing the treat up into the air. She catches it in her mouth effortlessly before scampering off to go roll around in my clothes.

The doorbell to apartment rings, Lady running back out to angrily bark at the door. She doesn't usually bark this much unless Corinne or any of the other girls I'm sleeping with are around.

"Stop barking," I snap at Lady.

She closes her mouth, waiting for me to open the door so she can see if Corinne has returned.

Opening the door, I am greeted by my older brother and his two kids. Riley throws her arms around me and I comb my finger through her dark curls.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked, eyeing my sleeping nephew. I just saw him a few

days ago and yet he seems to have grown quite a bit since the last time I saw him.

He'll be five months old in a few weeks, which honestly scares me. He's growing up so fast. Both him and Riley are. I wish they could stay small for just a little longer.

Picking up Riley, I stepped out of the way. Declan walked in and sat down on the couch. Lifting Kaden up and out of his car seat, his eyes flutter open, exposing a set of green eyes.

"Aya's spending time with Joy and Adrianna, so I thought I would bring the kids over here to say hi."

Feeling Riley wiggle in my arms, I set her down so she could play with Lady. Sitting down on the couch beside Declan, I happily took my nephew from his arms.

"Hi, bud." He smiled, before slobbering over the hand he just shoved into his mouth. "So Aya's got you on kid duty, huh?"

He chuckled, occasionally glancing over at Riley who was following Lady everywhere she went. "Yeah, but I don't mind. Between the wedding and the kids, she could use a night out."

Bouncing Kaden on my knee, I nodded in agreement. Aya and Declan have been planning this wedding before and after she gave birth to their son. I don't see how she's juggling a toddler, an infant, and planning a wedding.

"So I hear you're bringing Corinne to the wedding. Does mom know?"

"No, she doesn't. And it's not like it matters now since she backed out."

"What, why?"

"I don't know. She wouldn't tell me."

"What are you going to do now? The wedding is in five days."

It's not like I need a date. I could very well just attend the wedding alone. But then that would give my mother the opportunity to shove a bunch of single women looking to date and possibly even marry in my face. And I refuse to let that happen.

I sighed, handing Kaden back to his father. "I don't know, to be honest."

"Well unless you want mom playing matchmaker, then I suggest you use that pretty boy charm and find yourself a date as soon as possible."

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered. "I'll figure something out."