Afterglow: A Brother's Best Friend Romance, page 1
Afterglow
Laura John
This is a work of fiction, Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, event or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2023 by Laura John
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.
Independently published.
Cover Designer: Brittany Franks with Chaotic Creatives
Editor: Swish Design and Editing
Sensitivity Reader: Lo Morales
To those who like to get a little freaky between the sheets…
Don't forget your safeword.
Contents
1. Dear Reader,
2. Prologue
3. Chapter 1
4. Chapter 2
5. Chapter 3
6. Chapter 4
7. Chapter 5
8. Chapter 6
9. Chapter 7
10. Chapter 8
11. Chapter 9
12. Chapter 10
13. Chapter 11
14. Chapter 12
15. Chapter 13
16. Chapter 14
17. Chapter 15
18. Chapter 16
19. Chapter 17
20. Chapter 18
21. Chapter 19
22. Chapter 20
23. Chapter 21
24. Chapter 22
25. Chapter 23
26. Chapter 24
27. Chapter 25
28. Chapter 26
29. Chapter 27
30. Chapter 28
31. Chapter 29
32. Chapter 30
33. Epilogue
Acknowledgments
Also By Laura John
About Author
Dear Reader,
This book touches on a few sensitive subjects that could be difficult for some to read. If you think there is a subject that could be a problem for you, please proceed to my website for a complete list of content warnings.
https://www.authorlaurajohn.com/afterglow
Prologue
Izzy
Five years ago
“Happy birthday to you,” everyone sings, causing my heart to swell with happiness as I beam at everyone.
“Happy birthday, baby girl!” My mom places a pink blush cake with roses and butterflies curling up the side in front of me.
I give her a big toothy grin before blowing out fifteen of the sixteen candles, purposefully missing one.
“Ohhh… Izzy’s got a boyfriend,” my best friend, Caidance, teases, making me giggle and glance at Dax, my brother’s twenty-four-year-old best friend.
Of course, he’s not paying me any attention. Instead, he’s whispering something into the ear of the platinum blonde he brought along. If this wasn’t also a Fourth of July party, I might have made a big deal about a bimbo being at my birthday party, but that wouldn’t be very becoming of me. Heaven forbid I be anything but the princess my family treats me as.
“No boyfriends until you’re eighteen,” my father grumbles.
I lean over to kiss his cheek. “Of course, Daddy,” I agree, in a slight baby voice.
I’m obviously Daddy’s little girl, but for once, I would like to be treated my age. I won’t bring that up right now, though. It only results in a fight.
Being the youngest of five and the only girl is definitely stifling at times. No matter how old I am, my family only sees me as the little sister. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be treated like an adult.
I tried secretly dating a guy, but it turned into a fucking shit show. My brothers found out and beat the shit out of him before telling him no one was good enough for me. I was mortified and refused to speak to them for a solid week and went to the extreme of acting like they didn’t exist.
There are pros and cons to having overprotective brothers. Pro, no one fucks with me because they want to keep their face in the order it is. Con, no one dares look at me because, again, they like their face in the order it is.
Maybe that’s why Dax only treats me like a little kid. It didn’t matter when my boobs came in last year because he still didn’t look at me any differently.
I hate having a crush on him, mainly because I know he wouldn’t touch me with a ten-foot pole. It doesn’t stop me from having dreams about him, though. I don’t care that he’s eight years older than me or that he’s my brother’s best friend. But you best believe the rest of my family would have big problems with that.
It’s not like I grew up with him. He’s not another brother to me. I didn’t meet him until I was thirteen, but I’ve had a crush on him ever since.
How can I not be captivated by a man like that? He’s the hottest guy I’ve ever laid eyes on. He’s tall, has a dark complexion, and is extremely good-looking, wrapped up with a dark green bow, the color of his eyes. What I would do for him to look at me with the same heat he has in his eyes for the blonde idiot on his arm.
“Happy birthday, Izzy,” Riley sings, pulling my attention from Dax.
I give my brother a warm smile. “Thanks, Ry,” I state, standing to wrap my arms around him. “What did you get me this year?”
“Well, since it is your sweet sixteen, I figured sweets were in order.” He smirks and tips his head toward the house.
His girlfriend, Rachel, comes out carrying a gift basket filled to the brim with pink items.
“Wow, you outdid yourself this year.”
Peering inside, I squeal when my eyes land on all the candy anyone could want. Next to the sweet treats are other girly things I’ve been showing interest in lately. I love how he actually pays attention to me.
“Rachel might have helped a little,” he confesses. I giggle because I’m sure she helped a lot.
“Thank you both.” I put the basket aside and hug them.
The next bit of the party is filled with me opening my gifts and making a list of who gave me what along the way. Mom has forced me to write thank-you cards after every birthday since I was old enough to write. Unfortunately, I have the world’s worst memory, hence the detailed notes.
The last person to hand me a small gift is Dax. I’m sure I am the shade of a tomato as I accept the present while murmuring a thank you. Dax has brought me a gift for every birthday I’ve known him, and they are always the best. I’m not sure why he does it. It’s not like he’s my friend. I guess he’s just nice. Either way, it’s super sweet of him.
Once the gift is in my hands, he saunters back to the blonde, not bothering to wait for me to open it. My lips turn down a little, and an ache forms in my chest. I stare at him for a beat too long before shaking my head. It’s time to focus on presents, not stupid infatuations.
A giggle bubbles out of me when I read the note attached to the front of an iTunes gift card.
To pay for your Spotify membership so you can continue to listen to BTS nonstop.
I might be slightly obsessed with the Korean boy band, but the fact that Dax noticed says something, doesn’t it?
Ugh, I have to get over this stupid obsession.
“Who’s ready to get the party started?” Marcus, one of my brothers, yells in his obnoxiously loud orange swim trunks before cannonballing into the pool.
Caidance squeals next to me and pulls me to my bedroom so we can get changed into our swim stuff, both of us laughing like lunatics the entire way.
“Damn, you look hot,” she says, taking in my black one-piece swimsuit with a plunging front. “But are you sure your family will let you wear that?” She nibbles on her lower lip, something she does when she’s the tiniest bit nervous.
I blow out a breath and roll my eyes. “It’s a one-piece. What more do they want from me?”
Caidance laughs. “It’s your funeral,” she jokes, tying a wrap around her waist.
Her sandy-blonde hair is pulled on top of her head in a messy bun, and she’s rocking a rainbow bikini. She’s showing way more skin than I am, but she’s right. I’m probably going to face some flack when my family sees what I’ve chosen.
And that’s exactly what happens.
As soon as I step out, I’m already being berated.
“What. Are. You. Wearing?” Riley growls, strutting over to me with fire in his eyes, Mom hot on his heels.
“A bathing suit,” I reply with a cheeky grin, but he narrows his eyes at me, forcing the giddy feeling to vanish.
“Not in a million years,” Mom chastises me next like I’m ten, not sixteen. “Go change, now.” She points toward the house with one hand, the other placed firmly on her hip. She means business, and it’s obvious there will be no arguing with her.
I sigh, slump my shoulders, and shuffle to the house.
“Grab the tubes when you come back,” Caidance requests with bright, cheerful eyes.
I nod again, unable to speak as a ball of emotion forms in my throat. Crap, I’m on the verge of tears. The last thing I want is for everyone to watch me break down over my mom scolding me. They’ll treat me even more like a child after that. All I want is to be treated my age, but I doubt that will happen any time soon.
Rushing into the house, I blink my tears away, refusing to be more embarrassed on my birthday. Once I’m in my room, I grab a T-shirt and pull it over my bathing suit, hoping it will satisfy my modest mother.<
I take a few moments to calm myself before going to the garage to grab the floaties, but they are nowhere to be found.
“Who the heck rearranged this?” I murmur, digging through a tote of deflated floaties.
“Shh,” a deep masculine voice commands, causing me to jump. Footsteps fall on the concrete, alerting me to people entering the garage.
Tipping my head up, I glance around, trying to figure out who it is.
Dad’s stupid car is blocking my view, but I don’t want to stand yet. Curiosity is getting the best of me.
“You know the rules,” the familiar voice states. Oh my goodness, it’s Dax. “What happens when you break the rules?”
“I get punished,” his girlfriend says, using a baby voice.
“That’s right. Now get on your knees and pull out my cock.”
My mouth goes dry. Holy crap.
They have no idea I’m here. I should stand and announce myself. It’s wrong on so many levels to stay here while they fool around. Yet my feet stay firmly planted where they are.
I quietly shimmy along the car, wanting a better view despite knowing I shouldn’t be doing this.
Gah, why can’t I stop myself?
“Such a good girl,” he praises, running a hand through her long blonde hair and thrusting his hips forward, making her gag on his enormous cock, but that doesn’t deter her. She keeps sucking as he thrusts in and out.
Wetness forms between my legs, and heat builds low in my belly. Should I be embarrassed right now? I’ve never even watched porn before. Yet here I am, consuming it in real life, starring the man I’ve crushed on for the last three years.
Dax leans over his girlfriend, forcing his cock deeper into her throat and slapping her ass. The smack rings through the garage. I quickly cover my mouth, forcing myself to swallow the gasp that wants to escape as he spanks her several more times.
He leans back, grabs a fistful of her hair, and says, “This isn’t a punishment for you, is it?” She shakes her head, continuing the blow job. “Well, good thing I have a real punishment in mind.” A devilish grin crosses his face as he pulls his dick out of her mouth, making her pout.
He strokes his cock, and it doesn’t take long before he grunts, and streams of white pour out, covering her face in globs of cum.
“I’ve decided you won’t get to come when we get home either.” He smirks at her and shoves his softening dick into his pants.
I quietly drop down so he won’t see me now that he isn’t preoccupied.
“No, Sir. I promise I’ll be a good girl. Just let me come.”
Dax chuckles. “Always such a turn-on when you’re begging on your knees. Now get cleaned up,” he instructs and struts out of the garage.
Once she follows Dax, I suck in a big breath, the weight on my chest lifting. I’m not sure what I witnessed exactly, but it was hot as sin, making me want to do a lot of research later tonight.
Chapter 1
Izzy
Two and a half years later
Tonight, I’m attending my first mixer at Club Afterglow. I’m beyond excited but also nervous as fuck, resulting in random urges to vomit. I force myself to take a deep inhale and blow it out gradually.
Running my hands through my hair, I check my makeup one last time. Butterflies flutter around in my stomach while I run my finger over the corner of my mouth, fixing my lipstick. I’m still in shock about what I’m about to do.
I had similar symptoms the day I signed up for the Introduction to Kink class they make all newbies take before becoming a club member. While I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, new things have always been a trigger for my anxiety. But I’m willing to fight through it because I’m called to this world in a way I can’t explain.
I spent hours searching sex clubs in my area and was pleasantly surprised to come across Afterglow. They perform background checks and require references from experienced members. That fact alone helped ease some of my nerves. Ultimately, the responsibility to pick the right partner lands on me, but the club helps as much as possible. They also have strict rules and regulations to keep everyone safe while playing, which I love.
I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to play tonight, but I do know I want to meet a Dom. I want someone to take control of my body. I’ve been researching the kink lifestyle since my sixteenth birthday and have become obsessed. It’s fascinating. I’ve never been so turned on in my life.
Tonight is my first step into the lifestyle.
Snatching my bag off my bed, I rush out of my room, praying I don’t run into any of my family members. I’ll have to lie to them, and honestly, I suck at lying. There’s a strong chance they’ll see right through me and pester me with questions I don’t have answers to.
I can’t exactly tell them I’m heading to a sex club. They’d lose their ever-loving minds.
Tiptoeing down the hall, I let out a sigh of relief once I make it to the front door. Thank fuck I didn’t get stopped.
Once I’m in my car, I text my mom, letting her know I’m having a sleepover at Caidance’s, which isn’t a total lie. Caidance is actually coming to the club with me, and afterward, we’re crashing at her place. I’m more than a little jealous that she was able to get her own apartment a few months ago. There is no way in hell my parents would allow that. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy if I live there until I get married.
Cranking the tunes, I let myself get lost in the music while I drive to my best friend’s house, willing the anxious pit in my stomach to go away. The class Caidance and I took at the club was super educational. It helped ease some of my worries, but this is still so new to me. You can just watch, I remind myself and take slow, deep breaths.
“I am so excited,” Caidance says, climbing into my car after I pull up in front of her place.
Her smile is contagious, and it helps melt my anxiety away.
“What are you wearing?” she asks, turning to grab my bag from the back seat, but I slap her hand away.
“Ouch.”
“You’ll find out when we get there.” I laugh, and Caidance sticks her tongue out at me. “Brat,” I mutter under my breath, but her grin never falters.
The drive doesn’t take us long, but the second my foot touches the ground, the anxiety hits me hard again. Why does this always have to happen to me?
To the unknowing eye, this place is another warehouse like all the others around it. The outside is plain, without logos or any markers of what’s on the inside.
“Nervous?” Caidance asks when I don’t move forward.
“I’m afraid that no matter how much research I do, I’ll never be fully prepared.”
She squeezes my hand, offering me strength, and pulls me toward the door.
“Names?” a voice asks over the speaker after we press the buzzer. We call out our names and wait for the door to open.
As we walk in, I take in the space again. The front entrance is classy, with elegant lighting, white tile flooring, and an open, welcoming vibe. Which isn’t what I necessarily expected the first time we came here.
“You’re back,” Nina, a tall, beautiful woman with golden skin, exclaims with a giant smile from behind a table.
Nina taught our introduction class and is also a submissive. Her husband is a Dungeon Master here, and I wonder if he’s also working tonight.
“Yup, our first mixer,” I say.
“Don’t forget what you learned in the class. It’s completely fine to simply watch tonight. Take it all in. But if you get the urge to participate, don’t shy away from that either. If you follow the rules, you’ll be good. Since it’s your first night, I want to remind you the house safeword is artichoke. If anyone yells it for whatever reason, the scene will be cut.”
She explained that to us in the class, but the reminder is comforting. It eases some of the tension from my shoulders. The memory of asking what if someone called the safeword falsely pops into my head. Nina was adamant that has never happened. People in the community understand the importance and value of safewords and treating them with respect.
“Change rooms are down the hall. Let me give you your wristbands for the night, and then you are free to go get changed.”
