Page 52 of Eternal Pieces

“The only way this is coming off is when I tear it off you later.” He nibbles at my neck.

I turn in his arms away from my reflection. “Stop,” I giggle. “There are people around.” Most of the other students are too busy fixing themselves up or finding their caps and gowns to notice, but I hear a few murmurs of people talking about us. I ignore them like usual.

“Let them hear how beautiful you are. They’re only jealous.”

Blushing, I move the attention away from me. “Have Max and your dad found their seats?”

Maddox checks his phone while I look for my gown on the rack. “Yeah.” There’s something off about his tone.

“What’s wrong?”

“Your mom’s not here yet.”

“Oh.” I try not to let it get to me. Maybe she’s just running late, or she got the address wrong. Even though I triple-checked the text I sent her with all the information in. Perhaps it’s a good thing she’s not here. Especially after all those awful things she said. I’m sure the guys are pleased. I know they hate her.

“Forget about her, baby.” Maddox helps me into my gown and puts my cap on for me. “Don’t let her ruin your good mood. We’re all so proud of you.” He tilts my chin up and kisses me gently. My gloss coats his lips, and he licks them, making me want another taste.

“There you are! We need to go.” Sarah rushes in and tugs at my arm.

“Wish me luck!” I call out to Maddox as she drags me away.

“You’ve never needed luck, baby.”

I try to look behind me to find where my family is sitting. I’m also hoping to see if my mom’s here yet, but there are too many people in the way for me to pick them out, and the sun is blazing over the quad, making it even harder to see. Sarah squeezes my hand and gives me an understanding smile.

After Mom turned up at the house, I told Sarah what happened. She has a similarly toxic relationship with her mom, so she understands why I’m feeling so torn about wanting to see her again.

I should never have expected anything from her in the first place. This is so typical of her, and it’s my fault for wanting more.

Soon enough, it’s my turn to head on stage. I’m not used to being the center of attention in front of so many people, and my nerves are getting the best of me. I’m sure Max is losing his mind watching my heart rate go manic on his phone. That makes me feel a little better as I take the steps up. I have nothing to worry about when they’re around. And they arealwaysaround.

I shake the hand of the dean and accept my diploma. With a proud smile on my face, I turn to try and catch a glimpse of my guys when someone shouts out, “Slut!”

My stomach drops.

“Slut! Slut! Slut!” More people join in. The chanting seems to be never-ending.

What the hell?

The dean murmurs quietly in my ear for me to leave the stage, but I can’t move. All I can do is keep looking for Max and Maddox. In my search, I spot Aaron and his friends at the back of the quad.

Of course, it’s him.

Does he really have nothing better to do?

Everyone starts to whisper among themselves. I finally find Max and Maddox thanks to the sun shining off their blond hair. They’re coming toward the stage. No doubt planning on carrying me out of here and making a massive display of the whole thing. I shake my head at them, and they freeze by the steps leading off the stage.

I can handle this myself.

The babies start kicking up a fuss in my stomach. Reminding me that those harsh words don’t matter. So what if they think I’m a slut? I’m a slut who’s in love with two men and about to have their babies and live the life of my dreams. There’s nothing wrong with that. It sounds pretty perfect to me.

My smile comes back easily, and with it plastered on my face, I walk to the front of the stage. The chanting quiets down as I stand there with one hand on my hip. Once it stops completely, I open the front of my gown and smooth my hand over my stomach, showing off my huge pregnant belly. I blow two kisses to Max and Maddox.

Someone hollers.Is that Sarah?She starts clapping, and I spot Reginald standing up on the other side of the quad, clapping and smiling. A few others awkwardly join in. Most of the crowd is either confused or turning their nose up at the scene. I flip the tassel on my cap and keep my head held high as I walk off the stage, taking the hands of Max and Maddox as I descend the steps.

“I’m going to fucking kill him!” Maddox snarls.

“Not here.” Max gives him a look that I know spells danger.

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