The Companion Love Trap: A Fake Dating Vacation Rom-Com

Chapter 22

My mother’seyes narrowed as she glared at me like she thought I’d intentionally planned this to ruin something for her. She’d zoomed in on me and Kieran, and I knew her first attack would be to undermine me. I glanced at my father, who gave me a weak nod. While my father had been kinder to me growing up—an occasional comfort in the harshness of my mother—he never stood up to her, and eventually, I saw him for the weak-willed man he was.

Jace’s hand fell to my thigh under the table, beckoning me to look at him. I gave him a quick smile, trying to convey with my eyes that I was okay.

“I have to say, Beverly. It’s a surprise seeing you here. Last I heard, you were copulating your way through downtown. I do suppose the men there are more willing to sleep with someone of your size.”

Wow, okay, so Mom wasn’t playing today and going straight for the attack right out of the gate.

I snorted, grabbed the bread, and spread a significant portion of butter before taking a bite, moaning around the fluffy goodness. My mother’s hadn’t been touched, nor would it be. Briony Carlisle didn’t let carbs touch her precious lips. I wiped my mouth once I was done, making a dramatic display as she huffed at me when I didn’t respond how she wanted.

“I’m sorry, was there a question disguised in your thinly veiled insult? So I’m a fat slut.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Get over it. I’m not sure how my waistline or bed partners are any of your business. Besides, haven’t you heard it’s the curvy girl voyage era?”

“Beverly!” she hissed, sitting forward in her seat like she couldn’t quite believe I’d spoken back to her.

It’s been years, Mom. You have no power over me, nor do I care what you think.

“It’s Everly, the B’s silent. Maybe you should be, too,” Jace said, catching me off guard. I smiled at him, shocked and forgiving him for his earlier transgression.

“How dare you?!” my mother shrieked, apparently not understanding Jace’s role in the business.

“Briony,” Mrs. Woodward started, trying to stop her friend. But my mother was too far gone at this point, stuck in her hatred of me and how disappointing I was to her.

“I think the one who should question herself is you, Mrs. Carlisle,” Kieran said. “You’re here as a guest of the Woodwards, whereas Everly, Jace, and Cruz are mine. They’re my family, my lovers, and my world. Disrespect them, and you’re disrespecting me, and I have no interest in entertaining someone who can’t understand that.”

My mother’s face turned the color of a bruised grape; her cheeks puffed up like she might blow any second. My father tried to distract her, but she shooed him away, too stuck in her own righteousness to listen to anyone else. As my mother’s embarrassment morphed into anger, she turned from the men who’d spoken up for me and glared her daggers right at me. I sighed, squaring my shoulders as I prepared for her verbal attack.

“I’m not sure what she promised you, but she has no money. She foolishly bequeathed her trust fund to Voices in Motion and has been taken out of our wills. She won’t inherit a dime. She’s homeless and can’t keep a job to save her life. She’s nothing, and you’ll soon realize that once the appeal of her novelty wears off,” she paused, lifting her nose at me. “But I’m sure she’s willing to do anything in order to entice a man.”

I stood and started a slow clap. She had no clue about the hornet’s nest she’d just stepped into. The tempers of the three men I cared about had just about boiled over. If she wasn’t careful, it would be her body that went overboard, and I wouldn’t even stop them.

Did that make me a petty bitch? Maybe.

Did I care? Nope.

You couldn’t miss something you never had, and my mother had never been a maternal figure, just a drill sergeant.

“Bravo, Briony. I didn’t think you had it in you, but you’ve proved beyond a doubt that you’ll never change. These eight years haven’t done a thing to you, but they’ve made me stronger, bolder, and more confident. Out of your reach, I flourished. I might not have a permanent address or a career to call my own. But I have a home. I have a purpose. And most of all, I have three boyfriends who see me for the woman I am.”

My mother pretended to act like the injured party, clasping her chest like me standing and clapping was the most outrageous thing she’d ever witnessed.

Buckle up, Mother. The show’s just getting started.

“You know, I’ve lived the past eight years doing what I want, when I want. And let me tell you, it’s fantastic. I’ve met so many unique people, had some of the craziest jobs a person could ever have, and experienced so many different cultures. Yes, there were times I didn’t know where I would sleep or get my next meal, but it never mattered because the kindness of people is a magical thing. It turns out, when you’re nice to people, they remember that.”

I took a breath, glancing at the three guys who had stood up with me, melting my heart. The waitpersons, servers, and a few nearby tables had also stopped to listen. Dane, our waiter, saw me and gave me a soft smile and a nod to continue.

“You made me feel worthless, Mom. Nothing I did was ever good enough. It didn’t matter that I’d mastered the piano and the violin, winning countless awards; you still pointed out the things I could’ve done better. I got straight A’s but wasn’t top of my class, so I was stupid in your eyes. I wasn’t as skinny as the other girls in dance, so you put me on a diet at twelve. At twelve!” I took a deep breath, my voice rising, and I didn’t want to be accused of being overly emotional.

“You took everything I loved and made me hate it because it was never good enough for you. You made me feel like a burden and like I couldn’t trust people because they’d only want something from me. So yes, I left and gave my trust fund to people who deserved it more than I did for nothing more than being born into our horrible family. Plus, I figured no one could take advantage of me if I didn’t have anything. Thanks for nailing that one with the boyfriend you paid to spy on me. It took me years to find myself and love the things I was good at again, but I did. And it turns out, most people only want kindness.”

My mother started to interrupt, but my father stopped her. It was the first time I’d ever seen him do it.

“Let her finish, Briony. We owe her that.”

“I wish you would’ve taught me love isn’t conditional, and my worth isn’t measured by what I look like or what I do. I learned my value first but struggled to truly let people in. I’ve kept everyone at arm’s length for years, worried I’d be a burden to them. I honestly thought I’d never be able to love someone because if my own mother didn’t love me, why would anyone else? But I was wrong.”

I glanced at the three guys who only had eyes for me and the emotion swirling in them. I sucked in a breath, tears gathering at the corners as I accepted I wasn’t alone in this. It was time for the last rule.

Companion Rule #12—don’t be stupid. True love’s never fake.

“My home? It’s with them—three men who love me and who I love in return. People might not understand us, but I don’t care. We’re happy, and I know no matter what, they’ll always support me and want the best for me. That’s something you were never capable of, so yeah, I don’t really give a fuck what you think. I might not have the power to remove you from this ship, but I don’t have to sit here and let you continue to spew hate over everything. It’s my 30th birthday, so I’m going to do what I want.”

I turned to my sweet Meerk, the man whose heart brought music back to mine. I reached out my hand to him.

“Kier, feel like playing with me in the club?”

“I’d love nothing more.”

He took my hand and kissed it. Then glanced around, swallowing. I knew he didn’t like to be put on the spot, and I felt terrible for putting him in that position.

“Anyone who wants to come and celebrate this beautiful woman’s birthday is welcome to join us. Drinks and admission on us.”

“You won’t want to miss their performance. It’s magical,” Jace shouted, pushing Kieran and me forward.

The people around us clapped as we stepped through the tables, some wishing me happy birthday and others squeezing my hand in support. I even caught sight of the three women I’d met the day before. Beth stood and gave me a hug before patting me on the butt and telling me to go have fun.

It only proved my point that the kindness of strangers was a powerful thing. I didn’t look back at the table; there was nothing left for me there. Nothing I said would change how she felt, but it had changed me. The last of the doubt and fear I’d held onto was now squashed beneath the weight of my love for these three men.

Cruz ledus to the club and rushed us backstage, making me wonder if this had been part of their plan all along for my birthday. It didn’t matter if it was because I couldn’t wait to play. My fingers actually itched with the need to pour my emotions into music. Jace handed me a violin and bow, his eyes shining bright as he stared at me.

“I knew you were meant for us, Firecracker. But I had no idea how amazing you’d make our lives. I love you too, for what it’s worth.” He kissed my cheek and stepped over to Kieran to say something before walking back out to the front of the club.

“Don’t think he’s the first one to say it back. I’ve been saying it for months, Meu Tudo. You just didn’t know it,” Cruz said, pulling my body to him. The violin and bow hung down at my sides, reminding me of Howlers and how much this man had done for me just by being present.

“I think I did, but I was too scared to acknowledge it. What does that mean, Cruz? Will you tell me now?”

He kissed me and nodded. “Meu Tudo means my everything because you are Everly.”

Tears welled again, and I nodded as I reached up to kiss him. “Thank you for loving me, Cruz. Even if it was a little stalkerish, you never stopped chasing me.”

“Little? Nothing I do is little, Meu Tudo.” He smirked and kissed me again before he walked off. I glanced at Kieran and walked over to sit beside him.

“You okay? Sorry if I ruined things.”

“You’re asking if I’m okay and apologizing for their awful behavior?” He shook his head. “Lass, you have nothing to apologize for. I don’t want to do business with people like them. In fact, Jace and I had already discussed getting rid of most of the investors and board. I don’t need them.”

“But your products are more important—” I started but was cut off when he placed a finger over my lips.

“I’m still able to make them. Turns out Cruz is a bored billionaire. Howlers is just one of his operations. With his investment, I can cut out all the people who were only here to make themselves rich.”

My mouth dropped open in shock. What the actual fuck?

“Yeah, I know.” Kieran laughed. “He’s richer than me and Jace combined. I was going to suggest we all move into our apartment, but Cruz apparently has a house and an entire apartment building for us to choose from.”

“You want to live together?” I asked, my eyes wide. Kieran’s face softened, and he cupped my cheek.

“If I never spend another day without you again, it still won’t be enough. I want to start all my mornings with you and end all my nights next to you. Is ceol mo chroí thú, Mo Chuisle.”

My eyes fluttered close as I leaned against him. “I want that too. It scares me, but I do want it,” I whispered, lifting my head. “What does that mean?”

Kieran’s cheeks tinted. “You are the music of my heart. And Mo Chuisle means my pulse literally, but it can also mean sweetheart. I think they both fit.” He shrugged one shoulder and dropped his eyes.

“I love that.” I cupped his cheek and pressed a kiss to his lips.

“I can’t believe you donated your entire trust fund to Voices In Motion. Why?”

I smiled. “When I researched them all, it was the one that seemed to help people the most without an alternative agenda. I’ve been volunteering there for years.”

Kieran stared at me awestruck, and I couldn’t hold in the giggle.

“What do you want to play?” I asked and stood so I could make sure the violin was tuned. I played a few chords to get the feel of the instrument. It was different from my own, but it played nice.

“How about ‘Someone to You’ first and then ‘Begin Again’?” he asked.

“Perfect. I think I’d also like to play ‘A Million Different Dreams.’”

We both warmed up, the music growing between us, and I felt the passion simmering beneath the surface. And when the curtain rose later, it felt like a different world awaited us as we played together.

Now that there were no barriers between us, the music flowed even freer. The crowd disappeared, and it was just Kieran and me as we played to one another, sharing the songs of hearts. It was the kind of magic I had as a child when I first fell in love with music.

Dancing around the stage with the violin, I let everything pour out of me.

Walls I’d built in fear and doubt fell to the ground.

Feelings of never measuring up floated away.

Thoughts that I’d always fail at anything I tried withered.

As I played ‘A Million Different Dreams,’ I couldn’t help but imagine my own. And when the music ended, I stood with my bow lifted as I took in lungfuls of air, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do. What maybe I’d always wanted but had been too scared to try. But thanks to Kieran, it didn’t seem so out of reach any longer.

Everly Carlisle wasn’t scared anymore, and I knew my next big adventure was just right around the corner.

“That was amazing, you two,” Jace gushed as he embraced us. “Seriously. If either of you had an inkling of performing, I’d so manage the shit out of you.”

“You’re not trying to steal my best performers, are you, Meu Dengo?”

Jace rolled his eyes and turned, placing his hands on his hips. “If you ever want to top me again, you’ll tell me what that means now, Gato!”

Cruz smirked, his eyes heating. I shifted my legs, liking the chemistry too much between them. The tension around them was off the charts.

“If it weren’t Everly’s birthday, I’d show you right here what you could do with your smart mouth.”

I raised my hand. “Don’t let me stop you. Am I right, Meerk?” He snorted, but nodded in agreement. “See. We’re cool. Show him, Cruz. Teach Jace a lesson.”

Jace narrowed his eyes at me, promising me retribution. It only excited me more. He really wasn’t as good a brat tamer as Cruz.

“The birthday girl wants to watch you suck my cock, Meu Dengo. Get down on your knees and show me you know what to do with your mouth, and I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

“Fine. But Everly has to suck Kieran at the same time. I want a race to see who makes the other blow first.”

Cruz lifted his eyes to me, and I shrugged. I positioned Kieran next to Cruz and dropped to my knees, not waiting for Jace. I unhooked Kieran’s belt and had his cock out before Jace had kneeled.

Taking Kieran’s tip into my mouth, I swirled my tongue around him and then sucked him down my throat, swallowing when I felt the tip hit the back. I cupped his balls with one hand as I drew back, licking around his length. Reaching down between my legs, I pulled up my dress and plunged two fingers into my pussy as my arousal built.

Stroking Kieran, I continued my routine as I fingered myself. I got lost in the moment as my whole body vibrated with pleasure. I felt Kieran’s legs tighten a moment before he gripped my hair and held me to him as he came down my throat. Flicking my clit, I clenched around my fingers as a mini orgasm rolled through me. Licking Kieran clean, I smiled as I turned my head to Jace to see if I’d won.

I didn’t get to watch for long before Kieran yanked me up, placed me on top of the piano, and yanked my panties down. “I’ve dreamed about this for so long.”

His mouth landed on my clit, and a second later, my back was bucking up as I tried to find something to grip. I could hear the crowd just beyond the curtain and knew anyone could walk back here at any second, making me wetter. My exhibition kink was getting the full workout this week as each of these men kept taking me out in public.

It didn’t take long as my body built back up to the level it had already been at and shook as I tried to muffle my scream of pleasure. Again, I didn’t have time to enjoy it as I was pulled off the piano, and Cruz’s cock slid into me.

“Caralho! Your pussy is so wet for me, Meu tud?o. Now, watch while I show you what you do to me.”

He turned my head to see Kieran bent over the keys as Jace fucked him from behind, his head thrown back as he took his best friend. Kieran had a look of pure bliss as he relaxed into Jace’s touch. It was sexy and hot to see them together, their love for one another shining through.

Cruz bit my shoulder as he pinched my clit, sending me tits over ass into an orgasm that had my legs shaking and my body trembling so hard I worried I wouldn’t be able to walk for days. Cruz’s hands tightened as he came, his head falling to my back as he held us both up.

“Now do I get to know?” Jace asked, his voice practically a whine

I couldn’t help it, and a giggle escaped. Cruz joined in as we lost it, pressed against the piano, half naked with Cruz’s studded cock still in my pussy. Kieran joined in as he zipped up his pants and fixed his clothes. Jace pouted as we all laughed, crossing his arms as he stood glaring at the three of us.

“Fine. I’m going to hang out with Buns, the only member of this family I want to be around right now.” He started to stalk off, but Cruz reached out and grabbed him. He held him close to my side, so I wrapped my arm around Jace and nuzzled my head into his chest.

“I love you, Trash Panda. Cruz, tell him. He’s earned it.”

Cruz shifted slightly to cup Jace’s cheek, his thumb grazing over it.

“It’s an older word that means my caress. Most people use it for affection, love, and charm. Three things you are, Meu Dengo. But it can also be used for a mischievous child who’s seeking attention.” Cruz lifted his brow. “Somehow, you embody the word like it was created just for you.”

Jace licked his lips, his eyes wide. “Oh. Wow. Okay.” He nodded in a daze.

His reaction made me snort, and I pressed a kiss to his other cheek. I reached out to Kieran and pulled him into our huddle. I sighed as I relaxed with them all around me.

“Even with my parents hijacking dinner, this was still the best birthday I’ve ever had. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. You still have your presents to open, too,” Jace teased.

“Presents! There are presents?!”

The three of them laughed, placing kisses where they could reach.

“There’s one more thing I want to tell you guys,” I said, clearing my throat.

“You’re not sleeping on stranger’s couches anymore, Ev. I’ll throw you over my shoulder and handcuff you to a bed if I have to,” Jace grunted.

“No. I mean. I already agreed to live with you when Kieran told me.”

“Oh. What is it then?”

“I know what I want to do with my life, and I have you three to thank for it.”

“What is it?” Kieran asked, his hand stroking my arm.

“I want to be a music teacher.”

The three of them smiled and kissed me. “I think that sounds perfect, Meu tud?o.”

“Let’s go open presents. Was there any cake left? If not, we can steal some from the kitchens,” Jace said, pulling away.

“Is there cake left?” I laughed. “Do you even know me? Of course, there’s not. I ate the rest of it for breakfast. But before we go, maybe Cruz should pull his cock out of me? It might be a little difficult to walk back otherwise. But I’m all for trying sex-Lego if that’s your new thing.”

Cruz smacked my butt and then carefully pulled out of me. I hated to admit I felt empty without them, but one could not simply walk around with a cock in her vagina all the damn time. It just didn’t make practical sense even if it sounded fun to test the limits. Sex-Lego could be my next venture.

Tomorrow might be our last day on this ship, ending my contract and fulfilling my role as a fake companion. I thought I’d leave this job with a few fun memories, a good tan, and a killer wardrobe. But it turned out I’d walk off this ship as a whole new person with three boyfriends, a cute dog, and a new career to start. The trip might be over, but my life was just getting started.

It was funny to think that even with all my rules, I still walked right into their love trap. But I couldn’t deny it was one I’d willingly walk into over and over again.