Page 98 of The Very Naughty List

Only temporary.

The words stick in my throat a little as I say them, echoing in my head like a clock chiming down the hours.

I keep trying desperately to remember that this is just a bit of temporary fun, nothing more.

The only problem is that every time I tell myself that, it feels less and less true. Now, not only do I feel like I’m lying to everyone else, but I also feel like I’m starting to lie to myself as well.

“All right.” My dad’s deep voice interrupts our conversation as he makes his way back over to us. “Who’s up for some food? Should we all go grab something?”

I see Reid and Sebastian shoot me a look, and I can practically feel the tension crackling between us. Honestly, ever since Sebastian said that he couldn’t wait to get me back home, I’ve been dying to be alone with these men, to finish what Nick and I started on the float.

“Um…” I swallow, turning to my dad. “Well, I guess we could?—”

“You must be pretty wiped out after riding in the parade, Hailey,” my sister interjects, giving me a pointed look. “I bet youand the guys are pretty cold too. It must’ve been a bit windy up there on the float, and you’re probably anxious to get out of those costumes. So if you’re not up for going out for food, we totally understand. We wouldn’t want you getting sick right before the holidays.”

“Oh, yes.” My mom, who’s rejoined us as well, nods. “We definitely don’t want you getting sick. You four should go warm up and get changed.”

A burst of love for Pippa swells in my chest. She knewexactlywhat to say to get us out of having to join everyone for food, appealing to my mother’s protective instincts and constant worry about any of her children catching a cold.

She’s being my wing-woman, and I fucking love her for that.

“Yeah,” I say, latching on to the opening that Pippa has given me. “We should probably just head home today. But I’ll see you guys again really soon—I’ll pop over to the house or come by the diner.”

“Okay, sweetie.” My mother gives me a hug. “That sounds good.”

Lucas, my parents, and Pippa head out a few minutes later, and the Cooper brothers and I finally get out of our silly parade costumes and head home. The car is quiet on the drive, and the air seems to thicken with each passing moment. I don’t know about the three men, but I’m definitely replaying every single second of the parade.

As soon as we get back to their place, Sebastian holds the door for me as we pile out of the car. Reid walks into the house first, with Sebastian and Nick behind him and me bringing up the rear.

I close the door behind me and move to follow them into the living room, but stop short when I realize that all three of them are standing shoulder to shoulder, gazing at me with ravenous, expectant expressions.

“What?” I whisper.

Reid doesn’t smile, but a spark of amusement flashes in his eyes. “I told you that we’d have to punish you for being such a bad girl on the float. Did you think I was kidding?”

My thighs clench, anticipation twisting in my stomach. “No.”

“Good.” He lifts his chin, gesturing to me. “Then strip off everything except your panties.”

33

HAILEY

Goosebumps raceacross my skin at Reid’s order. I strip everything but my panties off quickly and stand there nearly naked for a second, reveling in the way three pairs of eyes rake me like a pride of lions waiting to pounce.

“Look down, trouble,” Reid tells me, his voice still low and commanding.

I do what he says without question, and my eyes widen at the sight of a pair of gorgeous Louboutin heels set beside the door. I’ve never seen them before in my life, and it strikes me in a rush that the guys must’ve bought them—for me.

“Put them on,” Sebastian says, arching a brow.

Biting my lip and resting a hand against the wall to steady myself, I slip one foot and then the other into the beautiful stilettos, amazed at how perfectly they hug my feet. The men got the exact right size.

“Good. Now get on your knees,” Reid says firmly, and although my breath hitches, I’m not about to disobey. I sink down to them slowly, and he smiles at me when I’m done. “Good girl. Now crawl to us.”

Again, my skin surges to life with a tingling heat. I gingerly put both hands on the floor, then move one in front of the other, crawling across the living room toward the three of them.

“Stop,” Reid barks, and I obey instantly. “Eyes up here. Unless I tell you otherwise.”

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