Page 2 of Eternal Pieces (The Violet Delights Duet #2)

VIOLET

W atching Maddox and Max demolish their pancakes and bacon reminds me of our breakfasts back when we were in high school. They ate enough for Max’s entire baseball team back then, and now it’s like feeding an army.

It’s nice, though, since I’ve never had to feel self-conscious about what I eat in front of them.

Being a bigger girl has always made it difficult for me to eat in public.

It’s like people think that because I’m fat, I don’t deserve to eat.

That I should sit there and starve. Fuck that.

My two guys and I love my curves. If I ever skipped a meal, I’m pretty sure they’d pin me down and feed me.

That actually sounds pretty hot. Maybe I’ll try it out.

Another day, though. These pancakes are way too good to skip.

I add an extra one to my plate before Maddox has a chance to inhale the rest of them.

In the seat next to me, Max watches me out of the corner of his eye and transfers the remaining bacon from his plate to mine. When I raise a brow at him, he simply says, “You might be eating for two.”

Maddox’s face lights up. It does every time a baby is mentioned. “I can’t believe there might actually be a little Ostaire in you. Do you feel any different? Are your boobs sore?” He reaches out to grab them, and I jab the back of his hand with my fork.

“Ouch.” He rubs the pronged flesh tenderly. I roll my eyes. It wasn’t even that hard.

“If they were sore, then I definitely wouldn’t want you manhandling them. And no, I feel the same.”

Max takes his plate to the sink and makes another pot of coffee. “We should switch to decaf,” he says as he examines the packet of coffee beans.

“No way! I need my coffee,” Maddox says through a mouthful of pancake. “I’ll be grumpier than you without it.”

I giggle, and Max narrows his eyes at me. “I’m not grumpy .”

Maddox scoffs. “Sure, I can see the rainbows and sprinkles shooting out your ass from here. I’d hate to see you actually mad. Oh, wait, I did when you smashed my car up. Naked, might I add. I’m still haunted by your pasty white cheeks shining at me in the moonlight.”

Max’s grip on the coffee tightens, and some beans spill onto the floor.

Seemingly oblivious to his brother’s mood or perhaps not caring, Maddox blurts out, “Wait, you can’t have fish either, can you?”

“That’s only raw fish or too much tuna,” Max says deadpan as he sweeps the floor. His anger is lessening thanks to his new grounding techniques from therapy.

“So I don’t have to quit fishing?” Maddox sighs with relief. I’m still surprised about the recent revelation that he knows how to fish. Since moving into the cabin with them, I’ve discovered how outdoorsy they are. I never got to see that side of them before.

“Remember that time Dad undercooked his catch and we were sick for days after?”

Max’s brow furrows as he tries to remember. “I’m pretty sure that was because he let you grill it. That was also the weekend when it rained nonstop and the tent ripped because your lure caught on it.” A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

Their reminiscing has me eager to get out into nature myself. “Do we need to talk about our plans for the day, or are you two good with me heading out first and you following after?”

Maddox reaches across the table for my hand and weaves his fingers through mine.

“I can’t believe you want to do primal play.

I mean, I should have known since you got off so much on us stalking you around your campus.

If you want to try anything else, I have an entire list of things.

Like pet play! We could dress you up as a puppy and have you lick peanut butter off our?—”

“Mad. Quit it already, you’re freaking her out.”

“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 such a 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.”

Wow, they’ve really committed to this. My heart thumps loudly, and I try not to cry. How did I get so lucky to have not one but two men willing to take such good care of me?

Not only do they both dote on me here at home, but they’ve made sure I’ve not missed college. They’ve given me time to study when all they want to do is fuck. Cooked all the meals when tests popped up. Now they’re going out of their way to make our engagement special.

Max makes sure my coat is zipped up all the way and my boots are on tight enough, then he grips my shoulders and steers me out the door.

“You’re eager to get rid of me,” I huff playfully.

“We’re definitely eager for something, baby.” Maddox follows us out and cups the back of my head, pulling me in for a long kiss that heats my core. When he pulls away, I lean toward Max, and he gives me the same treatment, fueling the fire inside me that will keep me warm while I’m out in the cold.

“Better get running, little whore, you have no clue what you’re in for this time.”

With an eager inhale of air, I turn on my heel and rush down the steps.

“Sweetheart,” Max calls to me. “You’re going to want to head toward the lake. The view when the sun hits the ice is really something.”

I savor a final glance at my two big men dressed in matching black winter gear. Huh. It’s not that often they dress identically anymore.

Max has his hands thrust into the pockets of his pants, his face stern, but with a softness only I can spot. His eyes hold a darkness that hides so many lust-filled promises and makes my blood sing for him.

Maddox grins and runs his tongue along his top teeth like he’s imagining tasting me. He leans casually against the doorframe, not a care in the world, but the tension in his pose tells me he’s ready to pounce.

I run, knowing I have the safety of them right on my heels and the certainty of more taboo desires coming to life when they catch me.