Broken Butterfly: MMF Bisexual Romance (Mundane Magic Book 1)

by Maxene Novak

“They went out shopping for a little bit before her meeting.”

  “Ah. What’re you doing?” Max asked. He looked down at the book in Drew’s hands. “What’re you reading?”

  “Something for class. It’s hard to focus, though. Too much on my mind, you know?”

  “I understand that completely. Is everything okay with work?”

  Drew didn’t need to say anything for Max to know the answer. Things clearly weren’t okay at work. “No,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m slowly losing my mind waiting for some kind of response on whose being let go and who isn’t. The waiting is killing me.”

  Max nodded solemnly. “The waiting is the worst part. I’m sorry you’re going through that.”

  “I’ll be alright. Even when things are terrible, I always find a way to make the best of the situation.”

  “How Noble of you,” Max smirked. Drew swatted his ass.

  “Don’t you start with me.”

  “I’m trying to help you destress!” Max said indignantly. Drew raised an eyebrow. “Keep your mind out of the gutters, Drew. I want to help relax you, really.”

  “Why keep my mind out of the gutters when it’s so much fun to play down there?” His fingers danced over the tie holding Max’s robe together. Max watched as he slowly undid the knot. When it came free, he slid the fabric back, revealing the bulge that Max had been hiding away.

  “You really want me to help that way?” Max asked. Drew nodded. “Okay.” Max pushed up on his knees and let his robe slide over his shoulders. Soon, he was only in a tight pair of underwear. He swung one leg over Drew’s waist and straddled him. He put his hands on his chest, exploring the light patch of hair on his abs.

  “I don’t think I’ve told you how sexy you are in a long time.”

  “As much as I love to hear it, you don’t have to tell me,” Max said, his lips inches away from Drew’s. Each word he spoke came out in a hot breath. “I can see it when you look at me in the morning. I can see it when you watch me eat dinner. When we’re watching movies and I feel your hand on my side. You never have to say it because I see it every day.”

  “Fuck, Max,” he laughed, pulling him down for a long, hard kiss. Their tongues worked together in a flurry, Drew’s hands slipping down the back of his underwear. The two of them spent the rest of the morning rolling around in the sheets. By the end of it, Drew had forgotten all about the stress from work.

  Thirteen

  Louisa’s invite to a picnic came out of nowhere. Max hadn’t been expecting to hear back from the woman in a long time, but when he finished getting everything unpacked Sunday night, his phone buzzed with texts informing him that Louisa wanted to talk to him and have a picnic on Monday morning. He wasn’t sure whether he should consider the offer or not.

  On one hand, it would be good to talk to her and clear the air about both of their feelings, but on the other, he was afraid she wouldn’t take too kindly to what he said and they’d end up in a worse spot than they already were. Rather than making his decision right then and there, he told her that he’d let her know tomorrow morning.

  When Monday came around, he got Izzy up and resumed the normal work responsibilities he had. He wanted to treat Izzy for being so well behaved on the trip to Las Vegas, and decided to let her pick what she had for breakfast as long as she promised not to tell Gabby. One more “bad” meal wouldn’t hurt her. Izzy picked her favorite fast food place that had the best breakfast sandwiches. He buckled her up in the car and headed to the drive-thru.

  Izzy ate her food faster than Max had ever seen someone her size do, and he couldn’t hide his surprise. She spotted his look of shock and smiled wide, pleased that he was so impressed. He chuckled and walked her inside the school building just as the Nannies made their way up.

  “Max, it’s good to see you again,” Shelby said, pulling him in for a hug. “I saw that you were posting things about Vegas, I’m so jealous that you went! Did you have a blast?”

  “It was amazing,” he nodded. “It was my first time there, and I lost way more money than I care to admit, but it was still one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time. I can’t wait to go back again!”

  “Oh my god,” Megan exclaimed, “We should totally go to Vegas some time. Maybe during our Christmas vacation time or something? It could be so fun. I’m gonna make a Pinterest board when I get home, I’m so excited.”

  Claudette looked at her skeptically but didn’t speak on that. “Welcome back, Maxwell.”

  “It’s Maxime,” he corrected her. Claudette fought back the urge to roll her eyes. She kept a calm face and nodded once.

  “Welcome back, Maxime. Will I be seeing you at brunch?”

  Louisa glanced at him, her lips pressed together tightly. Max could see that she was waiting with the same anticipation as the other ladies. In a split decision, he said, “Actually, I won’t be able to make it today. Louisa and I are doing something. But I’ll be there tomorrow, I promise.” Some of the women’s shoulders sank while others smiled happily.

  “That’s a shame. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Claudette said. She turned and continued inside, dragging along the other women and their children with her. Louisa remained still, her eyes on Max.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “You don’t have to thank me. It’s what I should’ve said last night. I’ve got to run some errands, but after that, I’ll be free at noon. Same park we always go to, right?”

  Louisa nodded. “You don’t have to bring anything at all, I’ve got it covered. Just stop by.”

  “I’ll see you then.” Max returned to his car and watched Louisa in the rearview mirror. Their conversation had been short and sweet, but it hadn’t been sour. That was something to be happy about. Things weren’t on the best of terms again, but if this was an indication, Max hoped that they might get back to normal soon.

  Max drove around Huntington Beach performing his errands like he’d promised Drew and Gabby. He stopped by the grocery store to pick up food for the week, called to confirm that the check-up Izzy needed was still scheduled for the following weekend, and he even ran into the toy store to pick up something for Izzy after the doctor’s visit. He hid the gift up in his closet and then changed into something more park-appropriate. He hadn’t worn a pair of shorts or some of his tank tops in weeks, and he figured now was as good a time as any.

  At noon, he pulled into the parking lot at the park and climbed out, searching for Louisa. He found her in a yellow dress, her pulled back in a curly ponytail. She looked nice. He approached slowly, waiting until she looked up and noticed him before he walked quicker.

  “Hey, thank you for coming,” she said, jumping up and hugging him. Max hadn’t realized just how much he missed her hugs until now.

  “It’s nothing, really. Thank you for inviting me. You look nice, by the way. What’s the occasion?”

  “Well, I wanted to look nice for when I apologize to you. The past few days, I’ve been slumming it. Wasn’t in the mood to get dressed up and all that. But I’ve really been thinking of what you said. I wanted to say how sorry I am for what I said to you.”

  “Louisa—” he started. She held up a hand and continued.

  “Just let me say this, Max. I was a terrible friend to you. You were looking out for me, and I treated you like you were Claudette or something. Like you were just being nosy and trying to pry into my personal life. But you’re my friend. One of my best friends. I should have treated you with the respect that you treated me. And for that, I’m so incredibly sorry.” When she finished her sentence, her eyes were glossy, just seconds away from crying. She shook her head and wiped at her eyes. “I just feel like such a bitchy friend. I treated you like trash and you were only looking out for me. You forgive me, right?”

  Max couldn’t stop himself. He reached forward and hugged her, his hand rubbing her back soothingly. “Of course I forgive you, Louisa. I know you were going through things that you didn’t want to talk about, but I c
ouldn’t just sit by and not say anything. I’m sorry you’re going through this with Hector.”

  She nodded and took a few deep breaths, calming herself down. She checked her makeup to make sure that her mascara and eyeliner weren’t ruined. Once she was sure she was okay, she laughed at herself for even being concerned with that in the first place. She sniffed and looked up at Max.

  “I don’t know what I would do with you here, Max. I don’t have many male friends. Hell, I don’t have many friends period. You’re one of the best friends I have, and I don’t want to fuck that up by being cold and attacking you. If it ever happens again, please call me out.” The seriousness of Louisa’s words were present on her face, but Max couldn’t help but laugh.

  “I doubt that you’ll even believe me if I tell you that you’re being rude.”

  “I’ll believe you! Just be like, ‘Louisa, you’re being a snarky bitch again, please stop.’ I’ll totally listen to you.” She smiled and began digging in the little wooden basket she’d brought with her. Inside, she’d packed sandwiches and baggies of veggies for them to share.

  “I don’t think I thanked you for setting this whole thing up, by the way,” Max said, looking around at all the food. He unwrapped a sandwich and took a big bite. It was his favorite, ham and pepper jack cheese.

  “It was nothing, really. It was like packing lunches for the kids except I got to put a little extra in the punch.” She uncapped the bottle and took a swing, waggling her eyebrows at him. When Max took a sip, he noticed the slight kick the juice had and realized exactly what she’d meant by ‘a little extra.’

  He tossed a chip into the air and caught it in his mouth while Louisa clapped in approval. When it was her turn, the chip bounced off her nose and landed in the grass. “Damn, wasted a chip,” she sighed. Max opened his mouth to say something when he noticed a man stalking towards the two of them. Louisa crinkled her nose when Max fell silent. She looked back to see the same man walking. She recognized him instantly.

  “Hector,” she said, jumping up from the blanket. “Hey, baby, what are you doing—”

  He cut her off with a quick shove, pushing her to the side. Hector snatched Max up from the ground by the collar. “Whoa,” Max said, shoving the man back. “What the hell is your problem?”

  “What the hell is my problem, bro? This is my fucking girl you’re having lunch with, that’s what the hell my problem is.” He swung faster than Max could react, the punch connecting to his chin with a crack. Max fell backwards, his head spinning. Louisa screamed and ran to help Max. Hector caught her by the arm and brought his hand up as if he were going to smack her.

  Max’s vision cleared long enough for him to see this. He could see himself at fifteen, watching as his mother got tossed around the living room. He could see her crying and comforting him when she’d been the one hit. Something inside of Max bubbled over. He saw Hector swing his hand down across Louisa’s face. He saw red.

  Max threw himself forward and tackled Hector. His fists moved faster than his mind did. He lost all conscious thoughts outside of the ones telling him to hurt Hector. Hurt Hector before he hurt Louisa. Hurt the man before he hurt his mother.

  Hector’s swings connected hard, but Max wouldn’t let up. His fists connected hard and fast, his muscles screaming and his knuckles aching. He only stopped when Hector brought a rock up and slammed it into his head. Max rolled over onto his back, chest heaving. Hector loomed over him, his bloody nose broken at a gnarly angle. He started for Max, but Louisa threw the glass bottle at his head. He stumbled backwards.

  “Get out of here, Hector,” she screamed. She grabbed another bottle and started at him again. He took off, looking back at the two of them one last time before he was gone. Louisa dropped to her knees. “Oh my god, Max. Oh my god, oh my god.”

  Her fingers shook as she added pressure to the cut on the side of his head. The rock had done quite a bit of damage. Max’s eye was already starting to swell up. For all the praise she’d given her makeup before, black tears ran down her face. She shouted for someone to call for an ambulance. It didn’t take long for the paramedics to arrive.

  Max regained consciousness hours later. The rhythmic beeping of the machines surrounding him woke him from his sleep. He blinked twice and tried to sit up. The pain in his head kept him down. “Jesus,” he groaned, his throat hoarse.

  Gabby sat up suddenly, nudging Drew. She rushed to the bed and took his left hand in hers. “Oh, thank God. I was so scared you wouldn’t wake up tonight.”

  “What happened?” he asked. He turned his head to see Izzy and Louisa in the room as well.

  “You got in one hell of a fight, that’s what happened,” Drew said softly. “He reached forward and brushed his fingers through Max’s hair. “Someone named Hector came up and started attacking you and Louisa.” Though he didn’t remember the entire fight, Max was aware enough to see Drew playing innocent. He knew exactly who Hector was, but Louisa didn’t know that he knew.

  “Did I win?” he asked, smiling lazily.

  “You won alright. Big time,” Gabby said. She leaned in and kissed the top of his head.

  “What’s my damage? Am I out for the game?” He couldn’t tell what was wrong just yet, but he knew that his body didn’t feel one hundred percent.

  Drew looked him over once. “The doctor said you had six stitches in your head from the rock Hector hit you with. One black eye. And you have to wear a split on your right hand. You punched him so many times you messed up two of your fingers.”

  “Shit,” Max breathed. In the moment, he hadn’t realized he’d done that much damage. He’d only felt the need to continue hitting Hector. He hit him with anger that started seven years ago, before Hector had even met Louisa.

  “Let’s give Max some time to talk with Louisa,” Gabby said, glancing at the other woman. Drew nodded and motioned for Izzy to come with them. She ran over, looking back as they walked to the door.

  “Feel better, Maxie!”

  “I will, sweetheart,” he said, smiling. Once the door closed, Louisa stood up and walked over to the bed. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy, but she smiled nonetheless.

  “I’m sorry, Max.”

  “You don’t have to apologize.”

  “If it hadn’t been for me, Hector wouldn’t have lost his temper. This is my fault.”

  Max sighed and forced himself to sit up more. “We had this talk already, Louisa. His anger issues have nothing to do with you. You’ve done the best you can to handle being with someone like that.”

  “I know… I just feel guilty. I feel like I need to do something to right this wrong.”

  “You don’t have to do anything,” he promised. “Well, aside from break up with him. You have broken up with him, right? I don’t want to have to press charges on your boyfriend.”

  “He’s not my boyfriend anymore,” she said. Despite everything, her smile grew wider. “I don’t know how long I’ve wanted to say that, but it feels so good. I just hate that you got pulled into the situation in the first place. And there’s no need to press charges.”

  “What if he comes back for you?” Max asked.

  “He won’t. I finally told my family what he did. What he’s done. I thought they’d blame me for what he did. But they didn’t. My brothers said that they’ll handle him, and if I had any kind of sympathy left for Hector, I’d feel sorry for him. He brought that upon himself.”

  Max couldn’t help but enjoy hearing that Louisa’s brothers were going to handle the man. He didn’t know what they would do or how they would do it, but if Louisa believed that they were intimidating enough to keep him away, he trusted her.

  “I just want to say again, thank you so much, Max. You’re a much better person than most. I don’t think you understand just how important you are to me, or how happy I am that I have you in my life,” she said.

  He shook his head. “Nah, I think I have an idea. I feel the same way about you.”

  Fourteen


  Drew and Gabby took Max home from the hospital the following night. Though he’d promised that he was feeling better, the doctor had suggested they let him stay there a night just to make sure he didn’t have a concussion or anything. Max pouted the entire night. The moment they returned to take him home, Max’s face lit up.

  “Hospitals are the worst,” he said to Drew as his wheelchair was pushed down the halls. He still couldn’t believe they were making him ride in this damned thing, but he’d already argued with the nurses. He was ‘supposed’ to leave the hospital this way, whatever that meant.

  Finally Max was back at the Noble house and could let his shoulders relax. As kind as everyone at the hospital had been, he hated being there any longer as he needed. All he wanted to do now was fall into his bed and pass out. He followed the Nobles inside, looking over the splint for his hand. Luckily the sprained fingers hadn’t been bad enough to warrant a cast.

  “Max,” Drew said once they were in his room, “I think you should take the next few days off. I can be a little late to my morning classes and take Izzy to school.”

  “No, no, I’m good to go tomorrow,” he promised.

  “Max, you broke your fingers and you have stitches. You’re not good to go anywhere but down to the bathroom for some medicine.” Drew looked at him sternly. Max started to argue but sighed with defeat.

  “Fine. I’ll suffer at home.”

  “Don’t be a brat,” Drew smiled. He walked to the door and closed it, leaving Max alone in his room. He rolled over onto his side and reached for his phone. Louisa had texted him again to thank him for what he’d done. He chuckled and told her that was more than enough. She didn’t have to thank him for doing the right thing.

  He dialed his mother’s number minutes later to tell her what happened. She was horrified to hear the details, but proud of him for sticking up for Louisa and putting an end to Hector’s abusive ways. He considered apologizing for not stepping in years ago when her boyfriend had done the same as Hector, but he bit his tongue. They both remembered that period of time in vivid detail. Though neither said it, it was on the back of both of their minds.