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We don’t stop until we are at a building on the far end of the property. It’s like a garage had a baby with a barn. It’s modern and fits in with all the other structures on the property.

I haven’t been inside it because the guys told me this is their space, and out of respect I never pried.

It probably just has more of their big fancy toys in it.

“Sit here,” he instructs, pointing to a decorative rock

Curious but also entertained by his infectious enthusiasm over whatever reason he’s bringing me here for, I do as he’s asked me and sit on the rock.

“You gonna tell me what’s going on?” I ask the guys who come to stand by me. Maverick’s hands are shoved into the pockets of his jeans while Saint has his arms crossed, eyes on where his brother just disappeared into the barn.

“It’s a surprise,” Maverick grunts.

“Sure doesn’t seem like you’re happy about whatever this surprise is. Should I be worried?” I raise a brow, then shift my attention to the barn.

Shepherd comes out a moment later with something in his hand.

My brows furrow. “Is that a cooler?” I ask.

“Sure is.” He grins from ear to ear, holding it up like it’s some kind of prized trophy.

“Okay...” I say slowly. “Is my gift some kind of food or something?” I ask, looking between the three of them.

“God no,” Shepherd snorts. “Not unless you’re a cannibal. But if you were to eat anyone’s dick, it would have to be mine. I love you enough to sacrifice mine if I had to. After you’ve eaten Maverick’s and Saint’s first, of course.”

I just blink at him, not even sure I can try to process what he’s saying.

“Did he take drugs?” I turn to the other two.

“We ask ourselves that every day. Unfortunately, that's just how he is. I swear he was dropped on his head as a baby,” Saint sighs.

“Fuck off. I’ll drop you on your head as a baby!”

“That doesn’t even make any fucking sense,” Saint snarls.

“Enough,” Maverick scolds. “Shepherd, give me the fucking cooler.”

“No way. You’re not getting credit for this.” Shepherd holds it to his chest in a protective manner.

“I’m starting to second-guess if I want this gift,” I comment warily. “You’re all acting weird.” At least Maverick and Saint are. They almost looked worried about whatever they’re going to be giving me.

And if they’re worried, then should I be?

Shepherd seems stoked, but that boy is not all there.

“You’re going to love it. I promise.” Shepherd places the cooler on the ground in front of me.

“Maybe we should rethink this,” Maverick grumbles.

“You’re freaking me out.” A feeling of unease trickles down my spine. “It’s not like you have a heart in there or something,” I joke with an awkward giggle. I wait for them to deny it, but they don’t, and I just stare at them, blinking in disbelief. “Right?” I question, my internal alarm going off.

“No,” Shepherd chuckles, crouching down in front of me and opening the cooler. “Not a heart.”

My eyes dart down to see what’s inside. It’s three boxes sitting on ice.

“We put a lot of thought into this,” Shepherd says. “I hope you like it.”

“Okay.” I swallow hard, knowing damn well that whatever is in those boxes isn’t gonna be good.