Chapter 45

Mark

Grumbling, I wake up to the sound of birdsong coming from outside and find an unnatural weight on my arm. When I glance to my right, my heart swells at the sight.

Winnie is wedged between Jake and me. She is a small little thing but surprisingly strong. Her hand is gripping my forearm with such force I feel bad about removing her fingers.

“I’m sorry, Princess, but I’m a morning person,” I tell her and stifle a laugh when Winnie cuddles with Jake instead. They are both heavy sleepers and would probably sleep through an earthquake.

I smile at that thought and slide out of bed. I pick up my clothes and head for the kitchen. Someone needs to make breakfast. I’m not

the best chef in the house-that position

belongs to Jake.

He is interested in baking and cooking, whereas I only do what is necessary. Photography and modeling are my hobbies. and also side hustles. Not that I need more money since I’m playing in the NHL, but… I don’t plan on playing hockey forever.

I shove that thought away for now and find bacon, bread, and eggs inside the fridge. I’m making food for all three of us. The kitchen smells like breakfast, and the hospital calls

while I cook the bacon.

With the phone tucked between my neck and ear, I’m relieved to hear my mom is stable. I

make the decision to take Jake and Winnie to

the hospital after we have eaten.

It’s when I’m plating that I hear footsteps enter the kitchen. Judging from the slight

tremors, it’s probably Jake.

“Hey…”

I glance over my shoulder. “You didn’t wake up Winnie?”

“No…” he scratches his neck. We both have the same kind of hair that never seems to

stop growing. “I actually wanted to talk to you about something…”

“Hmm?”

Jake pulls out a chair, grimacing. Whatever it is must be important. We might be twins, but Jake is the silent type. He isn’t

extroverted and flirtatious like me and

usually has trouble expressing himself.

I curiously watch Jake’s face as he folds his

table. He looks concentrated and conflicted. It sets my twin senses in full motion, and I

tell me what is wrong.”

lifts his eyes, laughing. “How the fuck do you just know when something is

creepy.”

shrug. “I’m your big brother,

know.”

one minute

me.”

grin. “It still counts, baby brother.” I emphasize the word “baby” and try not to laugh too hard when Jake glares

lucky that you’re

personality to make other people feel better. Jake is smiling

you.”

like an achievement. Making other people smile is a huge part of who I am. I’ve always seen myself as the ” middle” child in the family despite Jake being my twin, and I’ve heard the child in the middle

wanted to talk about…”

throat and gazes up into

threesome was

I ask. “Go

than sex for

had a huge crush on Winnie, but his words. imply that

I may seem.

thinks I agreed

not as serious

thinks the threesome was a simple fantasy of mine,

too, but Jake,

in a girl before. Not like this.

with any girl. He usually grunts and grumbles when they declare their

him.

since I know you don’t like her,” Jake continues talking. “Can I ask you to lay off? Sorry if it’s a lot, but… I’m serious

her, even though it might be a bad

brother’s low self-confidence. “And why the fuck would it be a bad idea to

stares down at the table

“But she isn’t into me,” a bitter laugh leaves his lips. “I’ve liked her

but life is fucking cruel. First,

Tobias when we were kids. We watched a Disney movie, Sleeping Beauty, and she tried to make Tobias kiss her by pretending to be sleeping on the couch.”

I remember that! Winnie

She followed Tobias like a

devastated

told her he was too

he focuses on

it

isn’t

anyone…

at me, and the words are painful to say. “Winnie asks for a threesome

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