4. Mistletoe Mayhem
four
Mistletoe Mayhem
Ember
A s I wake up, there's a brief moment of disorientation—I've forgotten where I am. But the familiar sound of my stepbrother's voice drifting from downstairs quickly brings me back to reality. I sit up in bed, peering out the window to behold thick flakes of snow tumbling softly from the sky. Clearly, the snow has no plans to relent, which means I’m in for a long day cooped up with Koda and his friends.
How bad can it be?
The mouthwatering aroma of bacon seeps under the bedroom door, making my stomach grumble impatiently, as if it needs to be fed immediately.
Ugh, I suppose it’s time to face them... once again.
I slide my feet into my slippers and wrap my robe around me, tying the string around my waist, instantly chilled as I step out of the comfort of my warm bed. My eyes scan the mess of my room, landing on my empty suitcase by the door—still untouched since my hasty departure attempt yesterday.
I shuffle into the adjoining bathroom, run a brush through my hair, and quickly brush my teeth, despite knowing I’ll be eating soon. Staring into the mirror, I lose myself in my own reflection, noticing the shadows of pain lurking behind my brown eyes. I force a smile, but it feels hollow. After attempting a few more forced smiles, I eventually resign myself to the fact that Koda probably won’t buy the facade I’m trying to project. He knows me too well; he must already sense that something's weighing on me. But I’m not here to bare my soul for pity. I’ve already managed for months on my own.
As I head back into my room, I find Koda perched on the edge of my bed, waiting for me. Concern flickers in his eyes when he meets mine, but I deftly steer the conversation towards lighthearted banter. Yet, I still can’t shake the feeling that he sees right through me.
“Morning, Em. I was afraid you might be avoiding us,” he jokes, raising an eyebrow playfully.
“No, I was just about to come down and join you guys. I just woke up,” I say half-heartedly, fully aware that I lingered longer than necessary.
“How’d you sleep?” he asks, that charming smile lighting up his face.
“Pretty good, actually,” I lie, leaving out the fact that I spent most of the night held captive by my usual nightmares even after the three of them came to check on me the first time.
His eyes search mine—searching for the truth behind my words—but I blink and direct my gaze out the window, hoping to divert his attention. “So, it’s still snowing, huh?”
Following my line of sight, he stands up and gazes at the heavy snowfall, a slight smile on his face.
Finally breaking the silence, he asks, “What’s really going on with you? I can tell something’s eating you up inside.” His voice is soft and steady, trying to draw me in, but I resist the urge to be swept away.
“It’s nothing, Koda. Just drop it." I snap, not meaning for my words to come out with a bite.
He shakes his head and continues to glance out the window, exhaling deeply. “It’s still snowing like crazy,” he remarks, finally shifting the conversation. “But we’re going to make the best of it.” He nudges my shoulder playfully. “You’re down for some fun, right, Ember?”
His look sends heat surging through me, igniting a warmth that creeps up my neck. I nibble my lip nervously, nodding my head, smiling through the undeniable tension.
“I’m always up for some fun, Koda,” I flirt back, unable to suppress the blush blooming across my cheeks.
Koda’s smile broadens as he steps closer. “Good to know,” he murmurs, his voice dipping low. “I have a few ideas for how we can enjoy this snowy day.”
As my heart races, I scramble for a response, but before I can articulate my thoughts, Koda leans in and kisses me, and all rational thought evaporates. The snow continues to swirl outside as we lose ourselves in the moment, but he pulls away quickly, as if he wanted only a brief taste of the forbidden fruit.
“Sorry, mistletoe ,” he grins, revealing the small sprig he hid behind his back.
“Slick,” I laugh, pretending to be nonchalant while battling the urge to touch my tingling lips.
After a brief conversation, he convinces me to join him and the others for breakfast and coffee. The fresh air and change of scenery might do me some good, he promises. So, with a hint of reluctance, I agree, and together we make our way to the kitchen. My lips still tingle from Koda’s kiss, but we avoid the subject as we walk. I can feel his gaze on me, but I resist the urge to look back, not wanting him to see the conflicted emotions dancing in my eyes.
“Morning, Ember,” Everest calls out as I step into the kitchen, claiming an open seat at the table.
“Morning, Ev! Everything smells amazing,” I reply, taking in the scene around me .
When Baine settles into the seat across from me, his feet brushing against mine under the table, I can’t help but smile back at him, raising an eyebrow.
“Morning, Baine.”
“Morning, Ember. You look... well-rested,” he comments, and I feel a wave of warmth washing over me.
“Thanks,” I respond, slightly flustered by the compliment.
Koda sits next to me, and I do my best to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the electric charge that lingers in the air between us. As Everest serves breakfast, the conversation flows effortlessly around the table. However, I can’t resist stealing glances at Koda, trying to decipher the emotions swirling behind his eyes.
With each bite, I feel the tension between Koda and me intensifying, and I realize I can’t continue ignoring what happened between us. I need to know—why did he kiss me again? Mistletoe is an excellent excuse, but it feels like there’s more at play.
I keep thinking of the kiss last night on the ice, and the area between my thighs begins to heat up, making sitting here slightly uncomfortable as I squirm anxiously in my seat.
“So, what do you want to do today?” Everest asks, shoving a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
All three guys turn their attention to me, awaiting my answer.
I shrug, admittedly clueless. “I have no idea. What is there to do in the middle of a blizzard?”
They raise their brows, grinning mischievously. Their eyes gleam with amusement.
“Oh, I can think of a few things,” Baine says with a grin, taking a bite of bacon.
“Like what?” My curiosity piques, and I can’t help but ask.
They laugh, the teasing smiles still plastered on their faces. “Are you sure you want to know? ”
“Yeah, Ember, what do you think? Are you really up for some fun?” They join in, their eyes playfully assessing the blush creeping up my cheeks.
“Of course I am,” I reply coyly, a rush of excitement flooding through me at the idea of spending the day with the three men I was never allowed to be alone with, still for reasons I don’t know to this day. “So, what do you have in mind?”
Exchanging quick looks between them, Everest leans in and whispers, “How about we spend some time in the hot tub with mimosas?”
I laugh, pleasantly surprised by the suggestion. “That actually sounds relaxing. I’m in.” I finish the last of my food, feeling full and lazy more than anything.
“Fuck yeah. We’ll finally get to see you in a bikini, right?” Everest flashes a cheeky smile, his gaze sliding down before returning to mine.
“Calm down there, killer,” Koda interjects, his voice carrying an edge of possessiveness. “That’s my baby sister you’re talking about; show some fucking respect.”
“Easy there, Koda. We’re just having fun.” Everest winks, and I feel a mix of flattery and confusion rise within me, igniting the blush that’s still spreading across my cheeks.
Baine stands and starts clearing the table, stopping beside me with a teasing look in his eye.
“What?” I ask, feeling a bit nervous under his watchful gaze.
“Nothing,” he replies, mischief dancing in his lustful eyes.
Suddenly, he leans down and captures my lips with a sweet and sensual kiss. I’m taken by surprise, yet I find myself kissing him back, stunned when we part.
"Wh...what was that for?” I ask, utterly flabbergasted, my heart racing.
He chuckles softly, raising an arm to reveal what’s in his hand. “ Mistletoe .” He winks, reminding me of Koda's earlier antics.
“Wow, I didn't even notice that,” I admit, blushing once more .
“Subtle,” Koda mutters, rolling his eyes, a flash of jealousy evident in his gaze. Yet he manages a grin at me while I wipe my lips and stand from the table.
As I turn to leave, Everest wraps an arm around my waist, dangling the mistletoe above our heads. “Since it’s technically supposed to be hanging... kiss me, Ember,” he commands softly, his voice swelling with seduction and sending a delightful shiver down my spine.
Having kissed both Baine and Koda, I decide to lean into the playful atmosphere and rise on my toes to claim Everest’s lips. His kiss is hungry and fervent, his tongue dominating as it explores my mouth, leaving me breathless. Pulling away, I’m left speechless as I lick my lips, the tingling remnants of each kiss mixing in a haze of sensation.
“Well, that was... something ,” I manage to say, backing away slightly, eager to collect myself under their intensity.
“Something indeed,” Koda quips with a playful smirk. “I think you’ve certainly made the nice list this year.” Everest chuckles and winks at me, while Baine shakes his head in amusement.
More like naughty... I think to myself, shocked that I so willingly kissed all three of them within twenty-four hours of being here.
As I navigate away from the mistletoe, I can’t help but feel the electric buzz between us. Taking a deep breath, I gather my composure, a newfound confidence coursing through me. With a mischievous grin, I turn back to the group and ask, “What’s next?”
Koda
I can't help but chuckle at Ember's infectious enthusiasm as I step closer to her. Twirling a lock of her lavender hair around my finger, I lower my gaze until it meets hers, flashing a grin that ignites a fire in her eyes. "So, what’s next?" I ask, echoing her earlier question.
She nods as if her words have suddenly fled her.
"Well, what’s next is you heading up to your room to put a bikini on for us... that is, if you want to ," I reply, my tone firm yet playful, assuring her that this is all in good fun among consenting adults.
Everest and Baine stand beside me, and together we await her response. The air is charged with anticipation as Ember glances between us before finally nodding, a shy smile spreading across her face.
"Okay, I'll be right back," she murmurs, her voice soft and uncertain.
As she rushes off, Baine lets out a low whistle, casting me a knowing look. "You've really got her wrapped around your finger, don't you?" He teases, a smirk playing on his lips.
Everest chuckles and nudges me playfully. "Looks like we're in for a good time," he adds, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"She seems to be in a much better mood this morning," I remark.
"Well, wouldn’t you be if you woke up to three girls kissing you?" Baine laughs, shaking his head, his gaze still glued to the stairs, even though Ember is nowhere in sight.
"I guess you’re right." I pat him on the back as I make my way upstairs, eager to see Ember in a bikini.
Temptation hangs in the air, and today I might just give in. After all, I’ve already kissed her—what else might she be open to?
As I reach the top of the stairs, I spot Ember standing just outside her room, fiddling nervously with the straps of her bathing suit. When our eyes meet, her nervousness melts away, replaced by an excited glimmer.
"Hey," she greets softly.
For a moment, I’m rendered speechless, my eyes widening in awe, until a playful slap on the back of the head from Everest jolts me back to reality.
"Wow, Ember... you look..." My words falter as I shamelessly admire her, drinking in the sight of her perfect figure, curvaceous in all the right places. My gaze finally settles on her face, where I catch the nervous smile curling on her glossed lips. "You look fucking amazing."
"Thanks, Koda... Are you guys ready to get in?"
"We need to change first, but we’ll meet you in there if you want to head ahead," I reply.
She nods, beaming as I twirl her hair gently, inhaling the warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon that envelop her. As she bites her bottom lip and steps back, Everest and I stand in awe, practically drooling at her stunning beauty. Baine approaches, pausing to absorb the sight of her, just as captivated as we are.
"Alright, I’ll see you guys in the hot tub. Don’t forget the mimosas!" She winks, her energy infectious as she walks away, each step accentuating the playful jiggle of her ass snuggled in her bikini.
"Wow, we might need to clean out the hot tub by the time we’re done in there today," Everest laughs, adjusting the obvious erection that Ember had given him .
"Why bother cleaning it if it’s just going to get dirtier?" I smirk, heading to my room, my eagerness to change coursing through me like never before.
As I enter my room, the light filtering through the window casts a soft glow over everything. Grinning like a fool, I toss my clothes aside, grabbing a fresh towel and my favorite swim trunks. Thoughts of Ember in that bikini swirl in my mind, filling me with a mix of anticipation and excitement.
A nervous energy thrums through me as I pull the trunks on, quickly taking a moment to check my reflection in the mirror. The casual confidence I try to portray feels a bit shaky, but I push it aside—today is about fun and letting loose.
Once I'm dressed, I grab a bottle of champagne and some flutes—Baine promised to bring mimosas, but I figured a little bubbly would set the tone. I’m halfway down the hall when I hear laughter echoing from the patio, drawing me like a moth to a flame.
Fuck, this shit is so hard.
Ember
Soaking in the hot tub on the back porch, I watch as thick, beautiful flakes of snow gracefully descend from the overcast sky, forming mounds of glistening white all around me. The warmth of the bubbling water envelops me, creating a tranquil atmosphere that momentarily eases the weight of my worries.
With a contented sigh, I lean my head back against the plush pillow in the corner of the tub, my thoughts drifting to the tender kisses I shared with each of the guys. A gentle tingle in my toes and a fluttering sensitivity spiraling through me cause my eyelids to flutter shut as I imagine those moments evolving beyond the innocent pecks. It's a guilty pleasure, but I can't help it.
As the snow continues its delicate dance, I attempt to push the tantalizing, forbidden thoughts aside. Shifting in the hot tub, I feel the warm water swirl around me, the rhythmic sound of the bubbling liquid blending harmoniously with the crisp winter air that fills my lungs. I close my eyes and strive to focus on the serene moment, releasing the guilt with each deep breath and letting calm wash over me. Suddenly, I hear footsteps approaching on the porch. I open my eyes to see Koda and Everest making their way towards me, expressions filled with mischief and excitement.
"You good?" Koda asks as he steps into the swirling water.
I nod, managing a small smile. “I’m great.”
He takes a seat across from me, and we sit in comfortable silence, letting the snowflakes fall like confetti around us as Everest settles in beside us.
"Baine's bringing drinks, and then the party can really begin." Their laughter pulls me in, and I can’t help but join them, feeling more at ease in my own skin than I have in a while .
“So, Ember, you're single, right ?” Everest asks playfully.
“Yeah, Ev, I’m single,” I reply, taken aback when he exchanges a sly smirk with Koda.
“Get your little ass over here, Ember. Sit on my lap,” Koda commands, a devilish grin curving his lips.
To my surprise, I find myself complying without resistance. As I settle onto his lap, I immediately feel his solid cock beneath me. Koda wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me back against his tattooed chest with a gentle yet possessive tug.
He has changed so much since he left home—no longer the scrawny troublemaker, but a man sculpted with muscles and adorned with colorful ink that seems to tell stories of their own. The piercings in his nipples graze against my back, stirring something deep within me, while the one in his tongue clicks idly against his teeth, sending shivers coursing down my spine.
My heart races as I grapple to maintain my composure. Koda’s presence is intoxicating—a magnetism I can’t deny, despite the tangled history we share. Just as I gather my thoughts, he leans closer, his warm breath brushing my ear, sending delightful shivers through me.
“You always had a thing for bad boys, Ember,” he murmurs, a teasing glint in his eye.
Steeling myself against memories of our stormy past, I prepare to speak, but the door swings open to reveal Baine, his face alight with excitement as he strides over with our drinks.
“What’s going on here?” He asks, amusement mixed with desire sparkling in his gaze as he takes in the scene.
Before I can respond, Koda pulls me closer, possessively resting his hand upon my thigh.
“Just get in the water and see for yourself.” He grins, his tone leaving no room for argument.
As the four of us sit in thick silence, I’m struck by the unpredictable energy that crackles among us. Even amid the storm of emotion inside me, one truth stands clear—being around Koda, especially, feels like dancing on the edge of a cliff, thrilling and dangerous all at once.
As we sip our drinks, the tension in my shoulders begins to fade, particularly as Koda starts to massage the knots away. I catch Baine and Everest eyeing me with eager expressions, and feeling bold, I flash them a playful wink.
“Why don’t you give Koda’s lap a break and come sit on mine?” Everest asks, his tone flirtatious and inviting.
“Sure thing, Ev,” I flirt back, ready to shift my position.
However, Koda tugs me back onto his lap, capturing my chin and turning my face toward him.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asks, gliding his thumb along my lower lip.
“To Ev,” I respond, my heart racing.
“ But you’re forgetting something, Ember ,” he whispers softly in my ear. “ You’re mine .”
And then his lips crash against mine, more demanding than before, as his fingers trail down my neck to wrap around my throat, holding me steady. He tugs on my bottom lip with his, and as I pull away breathless, I crave more of his taste. Heat floods my body, desire swirling within me like a tempest. The hunger mirrored in Koda's eyes entices me to yield entirely.
But Baine’s playful interruption jolts me back to reality. “Come on, Koda, don’t hog her all to yourself. Let her come this way.”
My skin flushes, caught between desire and confusion. While Koda calls to me, Baine’s challenge ignites another type of fire deep within me.
Everest shrugs, a smirk dancing on his lips. “Sharing is caring, right?”
As anticipation thickens in the air, I take a deep breath and grin. “Who said I have to choose?” I reply, catching them off guard as I lean back against Koda, Baine, and Everest, welcoming the thrill of their combined touch .
The three of them shift to one side of the tub, and as I settle onto Everest’s lap, Baine lifts my legs to rest across him and Koda.
“Are you going to let me kiss you again, Ember?” Everest asks, his voice low and inviting.
“Kiss me, Ev,” I reply, and he claims my lips, our tongues dancing together with a heat and passion that ignites something potent within me.
I feel Baine's hands sliding along my thighs, dangerously close to where I ache for their touch. Koda, too, glides his hand up my leg, giving a gentle squeeze above my knee that makes me squirm in delight.
“Why don’t we take this inside?” I suggest reluctantly breaking free from Everest's kiss. “It’s getting wicked cold out here.”
Koda and Baine exchange teasing glances, their eyes glimmering with hunger and anticipation.
“You promised me some fun while I was here... so show me ,” I tease, not recognizing myself.
They each take one of my hands, leading me out of the tub, water cascading down our half-naked bodies as we step out of the warmth and into the cold of the night. As the icy air hits my skin, a rush of exhilaration courses through me, igniting my senses and heightening the thrill of the moment. Koda and Baine grip my hands tightly, their warmth contrasting sharply with the chilling breeze, creating a delicious tension pull between us.
“Into the house,” Koda declares, pulling me forward as Everest falls in step behind us, his laughter echoing through the winter night. The crunch of snow beneath our feet carries an echo of mischief as we sprint toward the door, giggles bursting forth from our lips as we navigate the path strewn with snowflakes.