Page 83 of Carnival Mayhem

“Better than we expected, actually,” Nash says, claiming the spot on my other side. His body heat radiates through my blanket. “He understands why we told you.”

“Really?” I look between them, searching their faces for any sign of trouble.

“Really,” Colt confirms, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “He knows you’re part of us now. That means you’re part of everything.”

Nash nods. “Ty gets it.”

The tension drains from my body, and I sink deeper into their embrace. I hadn’t realized how worried I’d been about Ty’s reaction until now.

I curl deeper into the couch between Nash and Colt. “So we have a week off now?”

“That’s right,” Nash confirms, his fingers playing with my hair.

“Yes, a whole week to spend together, all day and all night long,” Colt adds, squeezing my shoulder.

We all groan contentedly at the thought. No training schedule means we can really explore our relationship without interruption. The carnival’s winter break gives us precious time to figure out our unique dynamic.

“And what about Tommy and Jake’s disappearance?” I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, the image of their bodies broken and battered bringing me a sick satisfaction.

Colt shrugs. “What about it?”

My brow furrows. “We killed them. Surely they’ll be reported as missing?”

Nash shakes his head. “Phoenix is covering all bases. I asked him to get onto it. We’ll know if there’s any trouble or whisper of them being reported missing. Tommy and Jake were adults. It will be assumed they’ve just taken off together or something. And after their cell phones landed their location here last, Phoenix changed the cell data to make it look like they left here and went straight to New York.”

A heaviness lifts from my shoulders hearing that. “Wow, you guys think of everything, don’t you?”

Colt smirks. “Of course, we’re professionals, angel.”

Nash moves a little closer to me. “Anyway, enough about those assholes. About the fact we’ve got all week to spend together.” He raises a brow. “How about we get started with a Christmas movie and you naked on my dick?”

I feel an ache ignite deep at the idea, but I shake my head. “While that does sound perfect, first, I need to run to the store for some Christmas shopping.”

Nash and Colt share a look over my head. I know they’re still protective after everything, but I need to buy them presents without them hovering.

“I won’t be gone long,” I promise. “And the store is just in town. I’ll take my phone.”

“We could come with you,” Colt suggests.

I shake my head. “How am I supposed to buy your presents if you’re right there?”

Nash chuckles. “She has a point.”

“Fine,” Colt relents. “But straight there and back.”

“Yes, sir,” I tease, earning another squeeze from both.

I step into the shower, letting the hot water wash over me. After washing my hair and body, I dry off quickly, eager to do my Christmas shopping. The mirror is foggy as I brush my long blonde hair and apply minimal makeup.

Wrapping my threadbare coat around myself, I grimace at how thin it feels. The zipper sticks halfway up, reminding me why I usually layer sweaters underneath it.

“Wait,” Colt calls from the bedroom. “Nash and I were going to save this for Christmas, but...” He disappears into the closet and returns with a large box.

“You need it now,” Nash finishes, standing beside Colt.

Colt holds out the box to me. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, lies the most beautiful winter coat I’ve ever seen. The material is thick and plush, deep purple, with silver buttons down the front.

“It’s perfect,” I breathe, my fingers gliding over the soft fabric.

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