Page 24 of Rules We Break

Alex opens my door, his smile taking over his whole face and holds out his hand to me. He adjusts my beanie on my head, covering my ears. “You look all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.”

I shrug, then take his hand, letting him guide me out. “It’s just so freaking pretty.” I take one step and my Ugg’s slip on the ice-covered ground, sending me backward.

Strong arms grasp me from behind. “Easy there.”

River’s cedar and leather scent fills my nose and I lean into his warmth. “I may be a little clumsy.”

“A little?” Alex laughs. He’s holding several bags, filled with the presents we brought for everyone.

Have I been known to walk into random things, and trip on imaginary objects? Sure. Will I admit that to anyone? Absolutely not. “Yes, justalittle. I’m mostly limber and well balanced.”

“Good, Love. We’ll test you on that later.”

Heat rushes between my thighs, and my knees go weak. River tightens an arm around me to keep me steady. He buries his face in my hair, and growls into my neck. “You may not be clumsy, but you’re definitely dangerous.”

His voice sends a shiver dashing through me that has nothing to do with the cold.

Our attention is pulled away when the front door swings open, revealing Piper and Lucas milliseconds before I decide to say screw it and make up an excuse to go home.

“Too late, Love.” River’s lips graze my skin before he leans away. He guides me toward the house, keeping a firm grip on my arm, just in case I slip again. It feels a little overprotective, but I’m here for it.

It’s not until I get closer to them that I realize Lucas and Piper have matching plaid onesies on and I spiral into giggles.

“Where did you even find one that would fit you, man?” Alex asks Lucas.

“Easy.” Piper answers. “I had them custom made.”

The vibration from River’s laugh travels through my arm, and I give him a little squeeze.

“What are you laughing at?” Lucas demands, then does a spin revealing a little butt flap panel at the back, that’s buttoned in place. “I look good. You on the other hand have a fucking elf on your sweater.”

I shake my head. “It’s not a competition, guys.”

All three men look at me with raised brows.

“Alright…maybe everything is.”

Piper takes pity on me and shoves Lucas aside so we can enter. Their place is stunning, large open windows let the sun fill the space with a warm glow, but it’s the Christmas decorations that have me grinning like a little kid. The entire place is covered with decorations. Garland, ornaments, and lights decorating every surface. I spin and my mouth drops open.

“Holy crap, they have three trees.”

“You okay, Kitten? You look a little…excited.”

I turn wide eyes on him and whisper-yell. “They havethreetrees.”

Alex leans toward me. “Fuck, you’re cute.” then kisses me. It starts soft and simple, but quickly grows heated.

“There will be no kissing between you three until after breakfast. I don’t want to lose my appetite.” Jax’s familiar voice cuts in and I pull away from Alex to smile up at him.

“I’ll remember that.” Alex says, his tone full of amusement and fake anger.

I hear Sidney say, “Move out of the way.” right before I’m wrapped in her arms.

Pulling her close, I hug her tight. “I missed you!”

She looks me over, then grabs my hand and her mouth drops open. “Oh. My. God.”

I chuckle, as everyone around us realizes we have matching bands.

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