Page 74 of The Truth of Our Secrets

“You don’t win unless I say you win,” Jayce rumbles as he spins them in a tight circle, making me dizzy. Then he flings Emmet away from him and crouches, so his shoulder hits Emmet’s stomach. He tosses Emmet in the air and throws him over his shoulder with a smack on the ass.

It’s terrifying and sexy as hell. A strangled sound leaves my throat and Jayce frowns.

“Don’t worry, this brat is fine.” He turns so I can see Emmet’s grin as he waves.

“Do it again, J-Bear, do it again,” Emmet chants like a little kid begging.

“Later. Let’s take our girl for a spin.” He sets Emmet down and they skate over, each offering me an arm. I love the thought of being their girl so much that I’m willing to risk bodily harm to skate with them.

Wobbling, I take Jayce’s arm and he pries my other hand off the rail to hold on to Emmet so they’re flanking me.

“Once around and then put on an ice dancing show for me.”

“As you wish,” Jayce says as his voice fades and I giggle.

“What?” Emmet asks.

“Angel’s too young for the classic movie.” Jayce rolls his eyes.

“Them’s fighting words.” Emmet reaches over my head and smacks Jayce’s shoulder, but he’s careful not to let me slip.

“I need to concentrate,” I say because it’s the truth. I also don’t want their fun to turn aggressively competitive. I love their truce.

We’re silent for a minute as they glide, and I try to skate between them.

“You don’t need to pick up your skates. I’ll show you. Jayce, take both her hands.” I swallow hard as they change positions. Emmet’s behind me and he squats down, so he has an ankle in each of his palms.

When I try to lift my feet, he forces them back down. “Lean on Jayce and let me move your legs to get you used to the motion. He’ll keep you upright.”

Following his directions is harder than I thought, but Jayce locks eyes with me, and I trust them not to let me fall. Finally, my feet are in sync with his motion. It’s right, glide, left, glide, and repeat. No choppy steps or visions of face-planting.

“I’m doing it.” I can’t believe I’m skating.

“You’re doing so good.” Jayce’s breath warms my frozen cheek.

“You’ve got this, and we’re almost all the way around.” Emmet’s touch is lighter.

“Don’t let go until we get there.” I breathe out a cloudy puff of air.

“I’ll never let go,” Emmet says so low that I don’t think he meant for me to hear.

“Do you want to try it on your own or go again?” Jayce asks.

“No, I want to see you skate together. Show me your pairs routine.” I laugh, wondering what they’ll do.

“That sounds like a dare,” Emmet says to Jayce.

“We can’t let her down then.” Jayce offers his hand and they skate off at excessive speed.

They link arms, and Emmet gives me an overexaggerated wink. Their size is so similar and they fight for dominance to lead. They come to an agreement when they hold their hands above their heads and spread out like starfish spinning in a circle. I recognize the move from watching ice skating, but I can’t remember what it’s called.

Taking turns of who skates backward, they wrap their arms around each other. I’d really prefer they were naked, but we’re in public and it’s as cold as a polar bear’s bed.

Emmet breaks away and skates half the length of the rink. He flies across the ice and I expect them to meet in a spin move again, but Jayce bounces, bending his knees.

It’s a blur as Jayce lifts Emmet over his head and I assume Emmet should have his arms and legs straight out, but he’s laughing and his limbs dangle ungracefully.

“Your turn, hotshot,” Emmet hollers when Jayce deposits him back on the ice.

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