Page 104 of Bought By Santa

After I fucked her the second or third time, I finally got around to explaining that Arthur was the one who set the deadline for the conception, and that whether I contacted him or not, he’d probably stop by for an update.

“Right, right. I forgot,” she mumbles, her hands shaking slightly.

I get up and stride over to Carolina, positioning myself at her back with one hand on her shoulder. “It’ll be fine,” I say reassuringly. “It’s just a formality.”

Feet scuffle along the floor at the elevator entry as Marco lets Arthur in, and then the door opens to reveal the King, his imposing frame filling the doorway. His piercing blue eyes scanning the room—assessing, always assessing.

“Arthur.” My voice is steady, masking the undercurrent of tension that prickles at the back of my neck. “Good to see you.”

“Nicklas,” he greets, stepping inside with a nod. His gaze lands on Carolina, dipping to where her hands are steepled together around her stomach. “Carolina.” He inclines his head with a respect that’s hard won in our world.

“Good evening, Arthur,” she replies, her tone matching his formality.

I offer him a glass of whiskey, which he happily accepts. “We have news,” I say when I’m back behind my kitten.

“Well?”

“Carolina’s pregnant,” I announce, my chest swelling with pride even as I watch for his reaction.

“Indeed?” Arthur’s eyebrow arches slightly. He sips the whiskey, his gaze never leaving mine. “Congratulations are in order, then. To both of you.”

“Thank you,” Carolina murmurs, clutching the fabric of her sweater.

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect,” Arthur continues, setting down his glass with deliberate care, “especially now that Knights seem to be dropping like flies.” He winks playfully at Carolina.

“Yes, what a shame,” she deadpans.

I wasn’t sure how Arthur was going to react to the news of Dad’s death, but he couldn’t seem less interested if he tried. “Well, thanks for the update, Nicklas,” Arthur says. “We’ll talk again I’m sure. But seeing as you have things under control on your side of the pond, I don’t see any reason to stay longer.”

“Great,” I confirm, watching as he drinks the last of the whiskey.

“You have my permission and approval to marry Carolina.” He throws it out so casually I’m not sure I heard him correctly.

“I passed the test,” she says, straightening her back. “Are you now saying that didn’t mean anything?”

Arthur smirks. “Not at all. When I arrived in late November, I couldn’t care less who my cousin ended up with, if any. But you’ve impressed me, which is why you get my approval. Do with it what you please.”

With those words, he spins on his heel, heading toward the door.

He pauses briefly, looking at me over his shoulder. “Don’t forget about the Hunter.”

“How could I forget,” I grunt, not too happy about the deal Arthur apparently has with the nameless killer for hire.

Arthur chuckles. “Just don’t get in his way. He has free access to New York City in February.”

Then the King leaves the same way he came in.

My hellcat looks up at me, confusion written all over her features. “Was the test for nothing or not?” she asks, annoyance creeping into her tone.

I bend down and place a kiss on her cheek. “Not at all. The test technically just gave you permission, but not his… approval.” That word sounds all wrong because, honestly, who cares? “But since he’s the King, his approval is supposed to carry some weight.”

Snorting, she gets out of the chair. “He might be our King,” she says, winding her arms around my neck. “But you’re my dark Knight. Now and forevermore.”

Epilogue

Ruby

The chapel is colder than I expected, the chill creeping into my bones as I stand in the shadows, hidden behind a marble column. The scent of old wood and faded incense lingers in the air, mixing with the soft murmur of guests gathered for the ceremony.

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