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“You bought her a bunny tail butt plug. A puppy tail is hardly any different.”

They both look at me, and I have no idea what my face is doing, but my brain is very confused as it tries to conjure up what Maddox is talking about.

“Pet play I can figure out, but primal play?” I ask, feeling more than a little embarrassed.

Maddox downs the remainder of his coffee and tells me, “It’s basically what you suggested for today. You run and we chase you with the intention to hunt you down with our basic primal instincts.”

Oh right.Primal. I guess that makes sense. I’m definitely not searching it up on the computer, especially not if Maddox’s search history is still on there.

While I finish eating, I watch as they tidy the kitchen. They move in sync with each other without needing to even try. I’m sure they’d hate me pointing out how similar they look right now. It’s more than them being identical twins. They have sucha strong bond that they often don’t need words to make things work. It comes in very handy in the bedroom.

Max pulls his brother in close, and they start speaking in hushed tones.What are they up to now?

After a few minutes, they both look at me. The heat in their gazes makes my stomach flutter. Whatever they’re up to definitely involves me.

Max cocks his head and stares at me intently, while Maddox grins like he’s won the lottery.

“Care to tell me what you’re whispering about?” I ask.

“Nah, it’s nothing. I’m gonna go get changed out of my sweats and into something more weather-appropriate.” Maddox shoots me a wink as he saunters past me, and I eye him suspiciously.

“Max?”

He comes over and plants a kiss on the top of my head. “Take your time with breakfast, sweetheart. We’ll be ready for the hike when you are.” Without a second glance, he follows after his brother.

“Hmm.” I’m sure whatever plan they’re cooking up involves them somehow cheating at our game later. I’ll still be winning no matter who the victor is. But why would they team up when they’re pitted against each other for my hand in marriage?

“Have either of you seen my hiking boots?” I call out into the hall as I search through the mess of shoes by the front door. Neither of the guys answers, and I huff in irritation. I’m eager to get going so the real fun can begin.

After breakfast, I layered up in all my thermals and put on my thickest coat. It makes me resemble a light pink marshmallow, but it’ll keep me protected from the icy chill the snow’s brought down. All I’m missing are my damned boots. I could wear a different, less-safe pair, but Max would definitely disapprove, and I don’t want to risk breaking something if I come across some ice.

Just when I’m about to give up, the front door opens, bringing in a blast of cold air and two red-cheeked men.

“You were outside this whole time?” I stand up with my hands on my hips, eyeing the light dusting of snow in their blond hair.

“Just making sure we still remember where all the good hiding spots are,” Maddox grins.

“I’m not sure how, but you’re cheating, I know that look, Maddox.” I point my finger at him, then at his brother. “And, Max, you’re meant to be the responsible one.”

“It’s Christmas. The time for joy and being reckless.” Max smirks at me and raises a smug brow as he nods to my feet. “Lost your boots?”

“I could have sworn they were here.” Annoyed, I gesture vaguely to the floor.

“Gimme a boost,” Max says.

Maddox bends down and cups his hands, giving Max a foothold to reach one of the wooden beams above us. He pulls down my missing boots and dangles them in front of me.

“You hid them?” I gasp.

“Couldn’t have you ruining the surprise by being ready before us.” He winks.

I’m more than a little suspicious, but I also want whatever they’re planning to remain a secret, so I don’t push for more information. After all, our forbidden romance has taught us that keeping things secret can be a lot of fun.

I sit down on the small bench by the wall to pull my boots on, and when I stand back up, a backpack is thrust my way.

“What’s this for?” I start to unzip it, but Maddox stops me and helps me to put it on instead.

“Some provisions for the day.”