Primary Seduction, page 1
part #2 of Crush Series
Primary Seduction
Crush, Book 2
Elouise East
Copyright © 2019 Elouise East
PRIMARY SEDUCTION (CRUSH SERIES, BOOK 2)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, Elouise East. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the internet or by any other means, electronic or print, without premising from Elouise East.
The unauthorised reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Please purchase only authorised electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights and livelihood is appreciated.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All products and/or brand names mentioned are registered trademarks of their respective holders/companies.
Publisher: Elouise East
Cover Design: Maria Vickers
Editor: Elouise East
Beta Readers: Courtney Green, Emma Brown, Wendy Stone, DeAnne Taylor
Contents
List of characters (alphabetical order)
Five years ago
Three years ago
One year ago
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Eleven weeks later
Five months later
Four months later
Bonus chapter
Deep Down Teaser
Books by Elouise East
About Elouise East
Primary Seduction
Trent has had his fair share of bad luck – the least of which was his marriage – but he has two children who mean the world to him. Seeing his friends finding love makes his heart ache, but he doesn’t want to make mistakes again. A match flickers to life inside him when Max kisses him, but Trent pushes him away, confused by his emotions.
Max felt the pull towards Trent from the moment they met, but he shoved it aside until his body took over from him. Kissing Trent was a mistake, especially as he knew the man was straight. He throws himself into work, wondering if he’d blown any chance of friendship with the man who wouldn’t leave his thoughts.
When Max calls him for help, Trent surprises him, and they grow closer despite their lifestyle differences, mainly Max’s love for domination. As their relationship continues, Max slowly introduces Trent to the clubs he frequents. But soon, trouble comes calling, and it throws their lives into disarray.
Grab your copy to find out how they support each other through the trials and tribulations of not only a new, unexpected relationship but also family and lifestyle differences.
Author note
If you would like to see any potential triggers for this book and any other books I’ve written, please go to this link on my website: https://elouiseeast.com/triggers
Dedication
To my family,
who have put up with my long hours and constant talking about this book over the past couple of months
To Courtney,
Always willing to lend an ear and put me back on track, whether emotionally or book-related
Acknowledgments
Emma Brown
Wendy Stone
Courtney Green
for all your help, this book wouldn’t be the same without you
To my readers
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a chance on reading my books
Thank you x
List of characters (alphabetical order)
Analise, Bartender at Crush, Friends with Crush group
Asher, Childminder, Sean’s boyfriend (Instant Desire)
Ava, Police officer, Trent’s sister
Carter, Trent’s brother
Catherine, Trent’s mother
Charles, Trent’s father
Charlie, Bartender at Crush, Josh’s boyfriend (First Kiss)
Charlotte, Max’s sister
Dane, Zak’s son
Eric, Actor, Ethan’s brother, Friends with Crush group
Ethan, Architect student, Eric’s brother, Friends with Crush group
Frederick, Dom, Max’s friend
Gemma, server at Crush
Ginny, Tom’s girlfriend, Friends with Crush group
Harper, Trent’s youngest daughter
Janie, Asher’s niece
Jocelyn, Trent’s eldest daughter
Josh, Charlie’s boyfriend (First Kiss)
Karen, art gallery curator, Max’s friend
Kieren, Dom, Max’s friend
Logan, Detective Sergeant, Friends with Crush group
Mavis, Max’s neighbour
Max, Interior designer, Siblings: Charlotte and Olivia (Livvy)
Olivia (Livvy), Max’s sister
Owen, Gardener, Sean’s friend
Rosalia, server at Romano’s
Samuel, Lawyer, Trent’s brother
Sean, Architect, Asher’s boyfriend (Instant Desire)
Tom, Owner of Crush, Ginny’s boyfriend
Trent, Teacher, Children: Jocelyn and Harper, Ex-wife: Trish, Siblings: Samuel, Carter, Luke and Ava, Parents: Charles and Catherine
Trish, Trent’s ex-wife
Zak, Woodworker, Friends with Crush group
Five years ago
Trent
Trent coughed into his hand as he parked his car on the driveway. He felt awful, which was why the school had sent him home early. He shouldn’t have gone this morning to be honest, but he had arranged for the class to have a special visitor today and hadn’t wanted to leave it in the hands of someone else. His class had enjoyed every minute of the firefighters’ visit, but once they had gone, his teaching assistant had appeared with the principal. Adele—Mrs Barton—had taken one look at him and sent him packing, taking over his class herself.
He was so glad she had. He was getting worse by the minute; his throat felt like there was broken glass embedded in it, and his head pounded. All he needed was some paracetamol and his bed, in that order.
Trent climbed out of the car, remembering to take his bag with him, and weaved across the driveway to the front door. He knew Trish was at work and the kids were at school, so he didn’t yell out that he was there. Dropping his bag to the floor, he stalked to the kitchen where they kept the medicine and filled a glass with water, popping two tablets and drinking the whole glass down. He rinsed the glass and set it on the draining board, frowning when he noticed two unclean mugs next to the sink; he didn’t remember them from this morning, but then his memory today was not to be trusted.
He trudged up the stairs, sniffing and coughing along the way. As he reached the bedroom door, he heard noises inside and stopped. His heartbeat ratcheted up; it had never crossed his mind someone might be in the house. He opened the door, expecting to see Trish; maybe she was ill too.
Trent stalked towards the bathroom when he realised the room was empty, distantly noting the spray of clothes across the room. Upon entering, he spied a scene he probably should have been more annoyed by. Trish was in the shower, her back pressed against the tiles, legs wrapped around the waist of a naked guy as he pumped into her. They hadn’t noticed Trent standing there.
He blew out a breath and retraced his steps, reaching into the wardrobe for a suitcase. Laying it on the rumpled bed, he turned to the dresser and emptied the contents into the case to the background noise of moans and groans. He rolled his eyes at the crescendo and continued to transfer his belongings. When the case was full, he reached for the empty backpack, placing the items from his bedside table: his charger, book and the photograph of Jocelyn and Harper from when they were on holiday in Spain two years ago.
He heard the shower turn off and conversation start up, but he didn’t quicken his movements. His wife wandered into the bedroom just as he zipped up the main part of the bag. She stopped, eyes widening upon seeing Trent stood at the side of the bed.
“Trent, I…” Trish began then stopped when Trent held up his hand.
“No need for explanations, Trish. I’ll be out of your hair in a few minutes. I just need a few things from the bathroom before I go.” He coughed again, the pain making him wince.
Trish didn’t reply as Trent brushed past her, seemingly frozen in place. He entered the bathroom to see the guy—whose face seemed familiar—wrapped in a towel and sat on the toilet seat. Trent glanced at him with his eyebrows raised, then picked up his toiletries before walking back into the bedroom. Packing those items in the side pockets, he placed the backpack on his shoulders and picked up the case, walking around Trish who was now in the process of getting dressed.
“Trent, wait…”
“What do you mean, wait? How many chan
He walked down the steps and deposited his bags by the front door near his school bag, coughing and sweating with the exertion. He stomped towards the study, grabbing a carrier bag to fill with his school documents. By the time he had finished that, Trish stood by the front door, hands on hips, lips pursed in what Trent knew was annoyance.
“You’re overreacting, Trent,” she said, dispassionately. “There’s no reason for you to leave.”
Trent stopped next to her. He cocked his head to the side as his gaze roamed her face. “Yes, there is. The kids are older now and don’t need me around as much. You obviously don’t need me, and probably never have. Your parents were the ones who wanted us married, remember. If it hadn’t been for Jocelyn, you’d have probably been with Tom Clayford now.” Tom Clayford was the son of her parents’ friends, another wealthy family hoping to keep their status by marrying into good families. Trent had never lived up to her parents’ expectations because he came from a lower-class area. They were more than happy to have him marry her when she got pregnant though—to save face with society. He picked up his bags and opened the front door. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Trent, don’t be stupid. You’re taking this too far yet again. You always do this when something doesn’t go your way.” She stomped her foot. “You’re being an idiot. You don’t have anywhere to go anyway.”
Trent was used to Trish’s tirades and turned away, ignoring her words. He did have somewhere to go, at least for now.
****
Trent knocked at the door, case at his feet and hoped his appearance didn’t disturb Logan’s sleep; he wasn’t sure what shift he was on.
Logan’s tousled demeanour made Trent apologise instantly. “I’m so sorry, man. I didn’t want to wake you.”
Logan’s gaze dropped to the bags at his feet, then back to his face before he opened the door further, allowing Trent access. “I hope this means you’ve finally come to your senses?” His usually gravelly voice sounded even rougher from his sleep.
“Yeah.” Trent hacked up a lung as he brought the bags into the hallway. Once he’d finished and had gotten his breath back, he turned to find Logan stood with a mug outstretched. Trent took it with a nod of thanks and drank deeply, feeling the soothing flavours of honey and lemon in warm water. Although his throat still felt like it was on fire, it wasn’t as agony-ridden as before. “Thanks,” he rasped.
“Guest room is already set up with clean sheets. Help yourself. Stay as long as you want.” Logan yawned and clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m heading back to bed. I gotta be up in…” he checked the clock on the wall, “…three hours.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” Logan left him to it once he’d helped Trent to put his bags in the guest room and told him where the medicine cabinet was.
Trent stared around the room as he sat on the bed. This was his world for the next few days.
****
Trent had just moved into his newly rented apartment when Trish dropped by with the kids. Now he had a place of his own, the kids were able to stay overnight, and tonight was the first time they’d seen the place. It was also Jocelyn’s fifteenth birthday and Trent had a surprise for them.
“This place is awesome, Dad!” Harper shouted as soon as she’d set her bag on the floor. She went walking through the place, looking at everything as she went before disappearing down the hall.
The apartment wasn’t huge and came unfurnished, but it had two bedrooms and an open plan kitchen, dining room and living room. It was all he needed although he was sure the kids wouldn’t approve of having to share a bedroom. He came up with a contingency plan of a sofa bed for the living area so he could sleep there if they really did kick up a fuss. He’d managed to get some furniture from friends and some from charity shops so at least he had the basics.
“Have you come to your senses yet, Trent?” Trish’s disdain about her surroundings was evident on her face. “There is no need to take it this far.” Trish didn’t keep her voice low, yet again making it clear that his opinion wasn’t valued, and she didn’t care who knew it.
Trent had told the kids that their relationship wasn’t working, and they had decided they would be better off apart. Trish hadn’t acknowledged the separation at all to the kids, still talking as if Trent was just at work or away for a holiday. She didn’t seem to understand that he wasn’t going back. So Trent kept talking to the kids, reminding them that they loved them, and it wasn’t their fault. Harper had taken it well so far; Jocelyn was a little more reticent about it all.
Trent answered her question quietly. “Trish, enough now, okay. I’m not coming back. You need to get over it.” He’d been gone for two weeks, and he was finally finding his way back to being himself. He hadn’t realised how much he’d been putting up with from Trish until she wasn’t there every day. Now, he could think and figure out what his own thoughts were saying instead of having them interrupted by her voicing her own demands—which he usually caved to.
“You’re making a big mistake.” Trish pinned him with her gaze, and he saw fury blazing. She turned without a goodbye to the kids and slammed the door behind her, rattling the shelves next to it.
Trent blew out a breath and shook his head, catching Jocelyn looking in the direction of the door.
“Shall I show you around, kiddo?” He purposefully called her that, so she’d focus on that rather than her mother leaving.
“I’m not a kid, Dad,” she said in exasperation. “Where’s my room?”
Trent braced himself for the onslaught. “This way.” He took her through to their bedroom and, as he expected, when they realised, their voices rose dramatically.
“No way am I sharing with her!”
“Not a chance!”
“Let’s go for some dinner, shall we? Romano’s?” He said the magic word. They loved that place and didn’t go very often because Trish hated it. He had organised a small cake for Jocelyn too. Hopefully that will delay the arguments until they got home later. “Come on.”
As they left the apartment, Trent looked back surveying what he’d thought was an empty life until he saw Harper’s bag, and then a smile grew across his face. He had done it. He was free.
****
Three years ago
Max
Max scrolled through the search engine results, seeing nothing new. He rolled his head back on his shoulders, staring at the ceiling for a moment. He was fed up with the same places and people all the time. There had to be something new, somewhere new. There had to be. He had visited so many BDSM clubs in the last six months, nothing clicked with him. Nothing felt right.
He stared at the screen, deciding to change his search terms one more time. He blew out a breath, readying to scroll through the same websites and links as before. He got halfway down the first page when an advert on the right-hand side caught his eye.
A white ‘A’ and a red ‘N’ on a black filigree background stood out from the usual. There was nothing else there except that: no name, no description, nothing. He clicked it hoping it wasn’t a virus, but he was at his wits end, there had to be something out there.
The logo expanded to fill his screen before fading into the top right corner, leaving behind a black background and the word ‘Anonymity’. As he waited, a white button appeared beneath the word telling him to ‘click for membership details.’ He wasn’t one hundred percent sure what this was and considered exiting, but something held him back.
He stared at it for a moment longer, then clicked. As he read the terms and conditions, he became more and more excited about it. He had to wait for his checks to come back, which they had warned could take several weeks, but everything seemed right. He completed the application form, paid the membership fee and submitted his details. Now all he had to do was wait.
Seven weeks later, he received his confirmation email containing his login details. He didn’t postpone it, just logged in right there and then.
