I get asked who I picture when I see Elliot. Thoren Bradley from Tiktok... you know the mountain man who cuts up logs with the fade haircut and tattoos? Yea... him. Yum.

Anastasia

Today we're getting out of dance lessons, but it's cake-tasting day. I tried to get out of it, but Mia demanded that Kate and I both be there along with both sets of parents, José, and both her brothers. I'm not sure the cake maker was too happy to hear how many people she intended on bringing, but considering the price of the cakes, I'm sure they can suck it up.

I stayed at Elliot's last night along with Christian and trying to get ready with no hair supplies except for a blow dryer and some gel really sucks. Not sure why I didn't think about grabbing a straightener or curling iron, but I was upset and didn't care at the time. So, I'm stuck with my hair up in a bun and had to use some sticky thick hair gel to keep my flyaways at bay. I'm hoping that it isn't a fancy affair because I'm in jean shorts and a pink glittery tank top. I grabbed a pant set for work tomorrow but it feels too formal for eating cake.

Christian is wearing a black button up with his sleeves rolled up and dark washed jeans. Elliot it wearing his normal t-shirt with light washed jeans. I look down and see his paint-splattered boots.

"Mia will throw a fit."

He looks down and sighs. "But they're comfortable."

"Mia doesn't care about that." I cock an eyebrow at him.

"Ugh, fine." He smacks his thighs. "I'll change into my black riding boots."

"Ooh, are we taking the bike?" My ears perk up.

"No." Christian mouths sternly at me. I pout. "None of that. We'll drive together today."

I take a step towards him and wrap my arms around him. "You're lucky you're so handsome."

Smiling, he ducks down to kiss me. "I love you, Sugar."

"I love you. Thank you for dealing with me this weekend. I'm struggling, I know."

He shakes his head. "Don't worry about it. We'll get through this."

"Christian's right." I turn my head to look at my other handsome man and slip out of Christian's arms to hug Elliot. "We aren't going to let your relationship with your father turn to shit because of this. It might take a bit, but you two will be okay." Elliot leans and presses a kiss to my mouth. "These shoes better?"

I take a step back and look down, seeing his black boots shiny and clean. "Yes, much. You look so good." I step back up to Elliot and lean up on my toes to kiss him. "I'm the luckiest girl to have the two sexiest men in the world with me. If we don't leave now, I'm just going to tear your clothes off and we won't make it at all. Let's go."

I step away from him and see him pout. "But I like that idea."

"Later. And you need to be nice. I'm really sore still." I grab my handbag and overnight bag since we'll be staying at Christian's tonight. It's much closer to work for all of us, so it was a unanimous decision to stay there and sleep in a little longer. Before I can lift my overnight bag Christian grabs my wrist, causing me to drop it and he yanks me toward him.

"You're sore? Baby, why didn't you tell us?" The worry on his face is so sweet.

"Relax, Christian. That's just part of this. You two are gigantic. It'll ease."

He releases my wrist and yanks at his hair. "Damn it, Anastasia! We aren't leaving until you take some ibuprofen."

"Christian... easy. I'm okay." I reach up and pull his hand off of his head before fixing his hair for him with my fingers.

"I'll get you some." Christian makes his way towards the kitchen and I cock an eyebrow at Elliot, who is chewing the side of his lip. I want him to help make his brother realize he's being overprotective, but he looks regretful and it breaks my heart.

"Elliot, not you, too." I make my way towards him and hug him. "I'm fine. I'll tell you when I hit my limit. Please trust me enough for that." I look up at him, my chin resting on his t-shirt.

He gives me a nod. "Yea, okay. I can do that. If you're honest."

"I promise."

"Here, take these." Christian is back and holds out two pills and a bottle of water for me. I take them quickly so we can head towards the garage.

We slip into Elliot's truck with me in the middle and before I can get my seatbelt buckled, both of their hands are on my bare thighs, making me giggle. "Getting fresh already." I admonish lightly while I secure my seatbelt. I honestly don't mind their hands on me. I crave their affection and I love that they feel the need to touch me so frequently. It makes me feel more secure in the relationship.

"You're sexy as sin. You can't expect us to keep our hands off of you when you're showing these delicious thighs." Elliot grips my thigh tighter and I find my center clenching along with his hand.

"I like your hands on me." I admit.

"You're ours, Sugar. We'll claim these thighs... or any part of you any time we feel fit. You understand that, don't you?" Christian's hand runs down to my knee and back up again, where the tips of his fingers slip under the bottom hem of my shorts. My thighs are covered in bites and bruises, but there is nothing I can do to hide them today.

When his pinky manages to pull and snap the edge of my panties by my thigh, my breath hitches. "Yes, sir. I understand."

Giving me a pleased smile, he leans in and pecks my lips. "Good girl. Now give Elliot a kiss so we can go."

I find myself turning my head and lifting my chin so I can meet Elliot's lips without a second thought. I love having my bossy businessman and my laidback big lug flanking me and keeping me in place. I've never felt so calm and loved in all of my life. I don't mind submitting a little bit to the powerhouses on each side of me. I know they'll never take advantage of it.

Elliot hums when we pull away from the kiss. "He's a bossy bastard, but every once in awhile I find myself benefiting from it." He gives me a wink as he turns the truck on and hits the garage door button. I relax in my seat and wrap an arm around each of theirs when Elliot's hand finds my thigh again. I could definitely get used to this. Maybe I could convince them to do a road trip sometime.

It takes almost a half an hour to get to the bakery and I'm so comfy between them that I find myself pouting when Elliot pulls into a spot and they slip out of the truck. I slide across the seat and hop down after Christian and he gives me a right-sided smirk while I look up at him.

"What?" I suck in my lip that I can feel is stuck out.

His grin widens and his hands find my waist. "So beautiful." His eyes search my face.

My eyebrows knit together, but before I can think of anything to say I'm being ripped off the ground and flung around. I squeal in surprise while my heart feels like it's going to come up my throat.

"Elliot!"

Chuckling, he flings me around in a circle while he holds me off the ground.

"Gimme kiss."

"No." I wrinkle my nose at him.

"Why not?"

"You're mean. You scared me."

"Aw." He tries to frown, but can't keep the smile off his face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

I narrow my eyes at him. "You're a liar, too."

"Gimme kiss."

"I said no."

"I didn't ask."

"I'm denying your demand."

His head falls back in a laugh. "What if I said please?" He sets me back on my feet, but his hands keep firmly on my hips.

I shrug. "Maybe."

He leans down to my ear. "What if I promise to use my lips on your other ones later."

I gasp and laugh. "You've got a deal."

He hums and nibbles on my earlobe. "Now gimme."

I giggle into his kiss when his arms wrap around me and he picks me up again so we can move toward the doors.

I hear Christian greet his parents and I pull away from Elliot's kiss and smack at his chest, trying to get him to let me go. "Put me down, brute!"

He gives a grunt of disapproval, but places me back on my feet. I hurry to yank down my shorts that have ridden up and fluff my shirt that is sticking to me before greeting their parents.

"Good to see you, Ana!" Grace smiles at me and opens her arms so I can hug her. "I'm so happy for you and Elliot."

"Thank you. I'm sorry you had to find out that way. We'll talk more about it later." I need to tell her about Christian, but this isn't the place or time.

Carrick chuckles and pulls me into a hug. "I know how Ray is. No need to apologize. I understand why you didn't want to tell him." He pulls away from the hug, but keeps me close. "Sneaking my son into your room was probably not the best way to announce it, though."

I wince. "Yea, that didn't go as planned. I hate that he took it out on you though."

He waves a hand dismissively. "I know I raised my children right. I cut his bellowing short and assured him that Elliot isn't the predator he claims he is. Even made myself seem a little offended so he calmed his ass down. He'll cool off soon."

Gosh, I hope so. I have more to tell him and I can't have him going into cardiac arrest over it.

I find myself seated between my men and I get a little nervous about it, considering I've never sat between them around their family before. Hopefully no one will wonder why Christian opted to sit next to me rather than his brother. I also worry that Mia will ask questions, but she seems so tickled over all the decorating choices that she doesn't pay much attention to anyone but Ethan and their parents flanking each of them. Kate ended up stuck sitting between her mother and Elliot and she looks rather uncomfortable. I don't think she's completely gotten over the crush she had on him and him knowing about it probably doesn't make her any more comfortable with her position.

Elliot has his arm thrown over the back of my chair and while Christian sits there stone-faced and looking a little pissed off.

"Someone is pouting over the fact that he can't touch his girl." Elliot's voice is low and quiet in my ear, but he's definitely amused. When I look up at him, he's smirking and gives me a wink. "Guess you're all mine for now." Leaning in, he presses his lips to mine while I supress a giggle. These men.

"What...? Uh... Wha...Ana?" Mia sounds super confused, her tone accusatory. "What the fuck is going on?"

"Um..." I clear my throat. "You mean... your father... they didn't tell you?" She doesn't know!

"No! You and Elliot?! Really? He's a decade older than you!"

"Mia... just listen. It's new. Nothing happened until this summer. We thought you knew. I wouldn't have- we wouldn't have... if we would have known..." What the fuck am I trying to say?!

Mia's eyes well with tears and it breaks my heart. "This was supposed to be my summer, Ana. Why are you doing this? You couldn't let me enjoy my special time?!"

I'm completely confused. I blink a few times at her and sit forward in my chair. "I don't know what you mean. This is your summer! We've been spending every Sunday getting ready for your beautiful wedding. Why would our relationship affect that?" I can feel Elliot's arm slip between my back and the chair as he holds me tighter.

"You're kidding right? Everyone is going to be talking about this!"

I shake my head, perturbed by her logic. Why would this be such big news? Then I blow out a breath. If she thinks that Elliot and I are big news, she's going to kill me when she finds out about Christian, too. I'm sure we will be the talk of the town when that comes to light.

"No one is going to care about us, Mia. Come on, this is your cake tasting day. We're all here for you. I understand if it's surprising, but don't let it ruin your day. We'll talk more later, okay?" I can feel everyone's eyes on me and I wish I could just leave, but that would just make everything worse. My heart actually hurts that she seems so against me being with her brother. Does she not think I'm good enough for him? And if she thinks that, she's really going to think I'm trash when she finds out I'm with both of them.

Mia lets out a frustrated sigh, but nods. "Fine. But for the record, I think it's gross."

Elliot gives a warning grunt at his sister and gives her a scowl, warning her to watch it. I don't think I've ever seen him give Mia such a look. By Mia's reaction to him, I'm not sure he ever has. She quickly rights her look of surprise and clears her throat.

"Right, let's continue." She turns the page of the book in front of her and I feel myself relaxing back in my seat, but Elliot doesn't relax his hold on me.

XxXxXx

"Oh my God. I'm in heaven." I mumble over my mouth full of decadent chocolate cake that is in front of me. We've tried a few choices already, but this one is my favorite.

Christian chuckles beside me. "If you like that one, try this. It has peanut butter mousse in the middle." He holds his fork to my mouth and I swallow my bite so I can quickly take the piece from him. I moan at the peanut butter chocolaty goodness.

"Fuck, Sugar. You're making me hard. I love feeding you." Christian's lips are ghosting the shell of my ear while he whispers to me and it causes my whole body to shiver.

I lick my bottom lip and look at him, giving him a shy smile. I can't believe he had the guts to whisper that in front of all these people. Especially with his father sitting right next to him. He doesn't seem bothered or worried about it at all though. In fact, he's looking over my face so intently that it makes me heart spike. The heat in his eyes is so intense that I have to look down to collect myself. I want my mouth on his, but I can't have that. Not now.

Hyper aware that Dr. and Mr. Grey are so close, I do my best to turn my attention back to the boyfriend they know about and ask him which one he likes the best.

"Whichever one gets you moaning again." He says quietly... but not quietly enough. Kate must hear it because she coughs on the champagne she was taking a sip of.

I gasp and smack his stomach with a laugh. "Elliot! You're insufferable!"

He gives me a wink and takes a drink of his champagne.

XxXxXx

After another bite of a terrible carrot cake with icing that is too sour, I take a big gulp of champagne to wash it down and excuse myself to head to the ladies room. I let out a big sigh, releasing the the tension that has been in my shoulders since Mia voiced her thoughts on our relationship. I wish I would have thought to ask Elliot's parents about her knowing before we broadcasted it with our PDA. Knowing I can't hide in the bathroom all afternoon, I reluctantly get my ass up and wash my hands, smoothing some of the flyaways that have started to wreak havoc again. With one more cleansing breath, I yank open the door and I'm met by Christian, who gives me a grin and yanks me into the corner of the hallway, pinning me against it with his hips, one hand against the wall by my waist while is other arm wraps around me.

"Christian..." I'm breathless from the sudden roughness of it.

"Do you know how fucking difficult it is for me to keep my hands off of you?" The hand on the wall moves to grip my side at my ribs and he nuzzles into my neck. "You belong to me, Sugar." He nibbles lightly on the junction of my neck and shoulder, the spot that always makes me go weak in the knees. I whimper out, but force myself to stay still and in control. I want to grind all over my sexy bossman, but it isn't the time, nor the place.

"Christian... Christian, please..." I push on his chest, but it's a weak attempt to get him to stop.

"Hush, kitten." Fuck, he usually only calls me that when we're in bed alone. The name makes me clench my center and I feel the slickness seep out onto my panties. I whimper. He has more control over me than I'd like to admit right now. I try to remember that we're at his sister's cake tasting for her wedding and that she's already not happy about the thought of Elliot and me, so she will definitely go complete apeshit over me being with both of them. Her reaction makes my heart sting again and I force it away from my thoughts at the moment. I'd rather be wrapped up in Christian than deal with any more pain from the situation that the three of us have put ourselves in.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

Grace's whisper makes Christian release me from the wall and he takes a step back toward his mother.

"Mother-"

"How dare you do this to your brother! How dare you betray him like this! I knew something was going on between the two of you. You made it perfectly clear at the table today! And you, Anastasia! Are you really this type of girl? How long did you think this could go on before he found out? Your father has the gall to call and question my son's motive when his daughter is doing this? It's time I make a phone call and give him a piece of my mind!" Grace looks completely disgusted with us as she whisper yells at both of us. Her face is red and she's pointing her perfectly manicured fingertip at us and I have to swallow back tears. This is a complete clusterfuck and now Grace thinks I'm a whore who's managing to play both of her sons... one that is willing to risk their relationship as brothers over.

Hearing footsteps, Carrick makes his way down the hall looking thoroughly confused as to why half of the table is hiding out in the dim bathroom hallway. His eyes find Grace and his eyebrow lifts.

"Grace, sweetheart, is everything alright?"

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she drops her hand and plasters a small smile on her face. "Yes, of course. I'll be out in a minute. We're just talking about wedding details that the bride and groom can't overhear."

Carrick wets his lips and looks her over. It seems that he knows she's lying, but he also knows to leave it for time being. "Yea, okay. Just hurry. Mia is getting suspicious."

When he turns and disappears back into the main room, she turns back towards us. "Either you tell him or I will!"

Turning on her heel, she runs her palms down her dress, smoothing it, before heading back down the hall.

I look up at Christian and chew my my lip. "I'm sorry."

His eyebrows knit together. "For what? You did nothing wrong."

"If I would have listened to either of you, they would have already known. Now she's angry with you and thinks that you could betray your brother. She thinks you're willing to be with someone she considers a whore now."

He growls and grabs my upper arms. "Don't you dare say that. I don't want that word coming out of your mouth ever again, do you understand me? It's just a miscommunication. She'll understand. Once she knows Elliot it aware, she'll come around."

My eyes are wide as I look up at his angry, stormy gray ones. I just nod. I hope he's right, but I can't imagine anyone taking our news well. It's definitely not normal. So many people won't want to understand. They'll judge us. They'll ostracize us.

"Take an extra minute to compose yourself and come out with a smile. We don't want to ruin today."

"Yes, you're right." I give him another nod and lean up on my toes to give him a chaste kiss. Mia will never get used to the thought of the three of us if we ruin her wedding tasting and make it about the three of us. I don't know if she'll ever get used it it... let alone accept it.

I go back into the restroom and after allowing myself a good few second cry, I wipe my tears and make sure my face looks okay before I return with a smile plastered on my face.

Luckily, the business owner is deep in conversation with Mia and Ethan, so she doesn't notice my quivering chin. Unfortunately, the other half of the table does and gives me a worried look as I sit down. I clench my jaw to keep my chin steady and Elliot immediate throws an arm around the back of my chair and leans in to my ear.

"You okay, babydoll?"

I clear my throat to keep from crying and turn my head so I can whisper into her ear. "No, I'm not. We'll talk soon."

His eyebrow ridge deepens while he searches my face. I know he doesn't like that I can't explain what is going on, but I know I'll burst into tears if I say anymore. I shake my head at him and reach for my champagne, but it's empty.

Always the gentleman, Elliot reaches for the bottle and pours me a deep glass into my flute.

"Thank you, handsome." I give him a soft smile and a peck on the lips before I take a drink. "So, what flavors have we picked?"

"Er... the Italian Creme and one of the chocolates with cherry cream or custard or something." Elliot waves his hand dismissively.

"Cherry curd, Elliot!" Mia remarks, giving him an eyeroll.

"It's all the same."

"It is not! Curd is way different. Do I need to explain the difference, big brother?" Mia teases Elliot, making him laugh. I'm thankful her anger from earlier seems to be forgotten for now. It makes me smile.

Elliot puts his hands up. "No, no! Please don't! I believe you. It's different."

With a giggle, Mia turns her attention back to the binder the owner has and I find myself relaxing in my seat while I sip my champagne. I don't have the guts to make eye contact with their parents, yet, but at least I am not two seconds away from bursting into tears anymore.

XxXxXx

As we're leaving, Mia and Ethan give out hugs and thank you's to everyone and she stops on me and looks at me for a second before pulling me into a hug, but she's stiff. "We'll talk about this later."

I nod and release her.

"Maybe you won't have to." Grace murmurs under her breath before Christian growls out a Mom! and throws an arm around her shoulders to steer her away from us.

"Looks like Mom isn't happy about this either." Mia looks over her shoulder, watching Christian escort their mother to their Porsche.

I ignore her comment and swallow back tears again. I'm back to wanting to burst into tears again.

Calm your shit, Steele!

This is a lot in one day, but I can handle this. I have to. I love both of these men and I'll fight whoever I have to for them... just as long as it doesn't sever their relationship with their loved ones. I can't be the reason for any burned bridges.

You've got this. You can deal with this. I chant it over and over in my head while I give Ethan a quick hug goodbye.

"Everything with be fine, Stasz. I'll talk to her."

The quick hug turns into a lingering one and my shoulders relax and slump against Ethan in relief. "Thank you."

We pull apart and he gives me a wink. "Let me know before you let the next cat out of the bag."

My eyebrow quirks. He knows?

He laughs. "We're twins, Stasz. Of course she told me. The secret is safe. Don't worry."

I shake my head. I should have known. Thank God Kate has a twin with a mouth like a steel trap considering she can't keep her mouth shut around him for more than a minute. I know he won't tell anyone and it's so comforting knowing I have both Kavanagh twins on my side. It makes it easier somehow. "You're the best."

He throws an arm around my shoulder and squeezes me. "I know. Don't forget it either. Have fun tonight." He wiggles his eyebrows and releases me before heading toward his fiance, who's wandered over to Kate and her parents.

"You okay?" Elliot's large, strong hand on my back is comforting and I find myself tearing up.

I sniffle and turn away from the others and head quickly toward the truck to hide a breakdown I know is coming fast.

"Sugar? Ana, baby, wait up!"

Elliot catches up to me effortlessly with his long legs and I yank on the handle and growl out in frustration when it's locked.

"I...I need...please. Door." I point at the handle and start to gasp. "Now."

"I got it, I got it. Here. In you go." He unlocks and opens the door for us, letting me climb in before climbing into the passengers seat behind me. He doesn't even have the door closed before I'm bent over and sobbing into my knees with my hand over my face.

"Shit, babydoll. What happened in there?" He rubs my back and offers me a tissue from the glove box. "Here's a tissue. Take your time."

I take the tissue blindly and blow my nose, forcing myself to take a couple of deep, shuddering breaths. I am ugly crying and being so unladylike, but Elliot doesn't seem to care one bit. I calm the ugly sounds coming out of my throat and try my best to explain what happened with Grace.

"Ch-Ch-Christian stopped me out-outside the bathroom and we-we were in the corner and G-G-" I growl out in frustration over my stuttering and shuddering crying. "Your mom caught us and scolded Ch-Christian about betrayal and-and she said...she said that how dare my D-dad call and complain about you when-when I am playing both of you. She said she was-was going to call him herself." I wipe roughly at my face. "God, Elliot. She was so disgusted with me! Disappointed. It killed me to see her look at me like that. Like she didn't even know me. After all this time. I betrayed her by being with both of you. How could I do that to a woman so wonderful?" I begin to sob all over again and Elliot pulls me into him and I bury my face into his chest while he rocks us.

"Shhh, it'll be okay. It's just a misunderstanding. She'll come around when she knows I'm aware of everything. She just doesn't want me hurt. You didn't betray her, babydoll. Not in the slightest."

The driver's door gets pulled open, startling me, but I hear Christian's voice and I relax.

"I'll drive. You take care of our girl. I had a talk with Ethan. Hopefully it'll help Mia come around."