Page 91 of Carnival Mayhem

My hands work on autopilot, measuring the grounds into the filter. The familiar scent fills our small kitchen as it begins to percolate. Behind me, the sizzle of bacon and quiet domestic sounds of my men moving around the cramped space make my chest tight with emotion.

The coffee maker gurgles its last drops as I pour cream into Nash’s mug. It seems like a simple task, but it means everything. These aren’t cruel masters I’m serving out of fear—they’re my partners, my protectors, my loves. I drop two sugar cubes into Colt’s cup, watching them dissolve in the dark liquid.

Steam rises from the mugs, and I can’t help but smile at how even a simple domestic act brings such joy; who knew? Who would have thought I’d find such peace in a carnival trailer between two men who most people consider dangerous? But they’ve never been gentle with me, even when I ask them not to be.

40

FLORA

Isit between Aurora and Nash, still playing with the three interlocked circles at my throat. The main tent has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights strung across the ceiling and garland wrapped around the support poles. The long table stretches before us, laden with more food than I’ve ever seen.

“Stop messing with your necklace and eat something,” Nash murmurs, placing a roll on my plate.

Aurora leans over, admiring the silver circles. “That’s gorgeous. Christmas gift?”

I nod, unable to contain my smile. “From my boys.”

“Boys?” Alice calls from across the table, practically sitting in Lars’s lap. “More like possessive giants.”

Lars tugs her closer. “You’re one to talk, princess. No one beats me when it comes to being possessive.”

“I think it’s sweet,” Lily chimes in beside Cade. “They take good care of you.”

“Unlike some people,” Tilly teases, elbowing Phoenix. “All I got was a new gaming console.”

“Which you love,” Phoenix protests, but a smile plays at his lips.

Sofia, elegant as always, raises her glass. “To found families and unconventional love.”

“Here, here,” Ty agrees, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Gage remains silent beside Aurora, but I catch the way his hand squeezes hers under the table. She beams at him.

“Pass the potatoes,” Remy calls from the end of the table. “Some of us are starving here.”

Colt reaches across Nash to squeeze my thigh. “Eat up, angel. You’ll need your strength later.”

“Gross,” Alice declares. “Some of us are trying to enjoy our dinner.”

“You’re being a prude, Alice. I’m sure you’ll need your strength later, too. I’ve got lots of plans to make you sweat,” Lars says, making me almost choke on my roll.

Alice’s cheeks flush pink as she squirms beside him. I hide my smile behind my glass, grateful the attention has shifted away from us. But then Cade pipes up, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“Will Nash need his strength too, Colt?”

The table goes quiet. I feel Nash and Colt stiffen beside me, their bodies radiating tension. My heart pounds as I wait for their response. We’ve never openly acknowledged this aspect of our relationship publicly.

Colt’s jaw clenches, and he meets Cade’s gaze with determination. “Yes, he will.” His voice carries across the sudden silence. “And if anyone has a problem with Nash and me being intimate, speak up now. It won’t change anything, but you may as well get it done with.”

I hold my breath, my fingers instinctively finding Nash’s hand under the table. His grip is tight, betraying his anxiety despite his calm exterior.

Cade’s face splits into that unnerving grin that makes my skin crawl. His eyes dance with a manic light as he leans forward, still keeping Lily tucked possessively against his side.

“Hey, if you two like dick as much as pussy, have at it. More power to you.” He licks his lips, that predatory gleam intensifying. “Though I gotta say, watching you two perform has a new meaning. All that... gripping and holding.”

Nash’s hand tightens around mine under the table. I feel Colt’s entire body go rigid beside me.

“Careful,” Nash warns, his voice carrying that dangerous edge I rarely hear.

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