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When she stepped back to take in the full effect, she had to bite back a smile. The woman in the mirror was sexy, confident, and ready to live a little.

Her phone buzzed.

Brooks:I’m outside.

She grabbed her purse, heart racing. No turning back now. And she didn’t want to. She knew she was about to cross lines—and she welcomed it.

She took a breath, then whispered a quick prayer.

“Lord, you know I need this night. And I probably ain’t got no business asking, but... can you please keep me and Brooks safe? And let us both have a good time tonight in each other’s company. I promise I’ll never go again, maybe. Amen”

The moment she stepped outside, she spotted Brooks leaning against his black two-seater finishing his smoke session. They were finna act bad tonight, the whole vibe needed to say that. He saw her and instantly put it out. He pushed off the car and stood straight as he eyed her, hands now in his pockets.

“This was a bad idea,” she mumbled, catching the way he drank her in, slow and savoring.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Brooks said looking like money and danger mixed with street elegance himself. The black jeans, coupled with a white tee, white and black jacket, and matching sneakers. He looked so good. He kept it minimal on the jewelry, only wearing his watch and diamond chain. What he had onsaid enough. Plus, the night was about her. But it always was when she was with him.

Everything about him had her cup running over. From the way he stood finishing his blunt to how his tattoos peeked out from under his sleeves. Fresh fade. Skin on glow. He looked good, and he damn sure knew it.

His eyes traveled over her deliberately, taking in every inch. “You wow me each time you step out that door.”

“You think so?” She asked fishing for another compliment.

“I know so. You ready for the best night of your life?” He probed.

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

Chapter 11

The club was nothing as she expected, crystal chandeliers instead of neon lights, marble countertops instead of sticky floors. Everything screamed luxury. A live DJ spun tracks that made her body want to move. Something she’d never heard before but that wasn’t new. She was living out her fantasies, and Brooks was the one making them happen.

She clung to Brooks, though she didn’t need to. The way people parted for him reminded her once again who’s company she was in. She was protected with him. Bouncers straightened their backs at his approach, bartenders nodded their heads, and beautiful women sent smiles their way.

She didn’t need to be territorial, the steady weight of Brooks’ palm on her lower back told her she had nothing to worry about. He was already claiming her in a way that made those same women quickly avert their gaze.

“Relax,” Brooks murmured, tickling her ear and guiding her to a private section overlooking the main floor. Taylor let the ambiance wash over. She exhaled as she sank into a plush crushed velvet lounge chair. Moments later, Brooks ordered the staff to give her the whole experience.

“I have never seen anything like this. It’s giving Casino.”

“That’s downstairs. You good though?” he asked, watching her closely. He wanted her to have the full experience tonight—no stress, no second-guessing. Just vibes.

“Better than good,” she grinned, eyes lit with excitement as the celebration unfolded around her. Sparklers, dancing girls, and a glowing board that readTurn Up, Milk Marie. It was a full-on spectacle. And she loved every second of it—loved being in his world. Even more? She felt blessed that he didn’t mind sharing it with her.

“Milk Marie?” she asked, eyebrows raised with a laugh.

Brooks leaned in, voice low, playful.

“She got a thang for me, I got a thang for her

Never ever let her get away from me,”he sang, and the way he looked at her while doing it? Sent a shiver right down her spine.

She met his eyes through sultry lashes, he stared back at her. His mind hadn’t changed.

Then the beat flipped—City Girls' “Act Up” came through the speakers, and the vibe shifted fast.

“Go,” he said with a grin. They were in the strip club, he wasn’t supposed to be on the verge of whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

What started as a little shoulder bounce turned into the dancers pulling her into their circle. Taylor didn’t hesitate. She dropped it low, rolled her hips, and threw her hands up. The stage belonged to her tonight.