Page 60 of Candy Cane Chains

He captures my mouth in a searing kiss, backing me against the shower wall. The cool marble contrasts with his burning touch as his hands map every inch of my skin. Water streams down between us, making everything slick and heated.

"Mine." He breaks away just enough to strip off his soaked jacket, letting it fall to the floor with a heavy thud. His dress shirt follows, revealing the map of scars across his torso that I've memorized with my fingers.

I run my hands over his chest, feeling his heart thundering beneath my palm. "Yours."

His belt clinks as he works it free, movements precise despite the hunger in his eyes. The rest of his clothes join the pile on the floor until there's nothing between us but steam and wanting.

Julian lifts me effortlessly, pressing me back against the wall. Hot water sluices over his shoulders as he captures my mouth again, kissing me like a man starved. My fingers tangle in his wet hair, holding on as everything else falls away except the feel of him against me.

"I love you." He breathes the words against my skin between kisses. "Every stubborn, beautiful part of you."

And then he shows me just how much. All night long.

It’s the best Christmas Eve I’ve ever had.

32

IVY

Idrift awake to the feeling of Julian's arm locked around my waist, his broad chest pressed against my back. Sunlight filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting golden streaks across the twisted sheets. Every muscle in my body holds a delicious ache that brings memories of last night flooding back - his hands, his mouth, the way he claimed every inch of me over and over.

His breath fans against my neck, steady and deep. I try to shift but his grip only tightens, pulling me closer against the solid wall of his body. The heat of his skin bleeds into mine where we're touching.

"Going somewhere?" His voice comes out gravelly with sleep, lips brushing the sensitive spot behind my ear.

"Just stretching." I wince slightly as I move my legs. The pleasant soreness between my thighs reminds me of how thoroughly he reminded me who I belong to.

His hand splays across my stomach, fingertips tracing idle patterns on my skin. "Sore?"

"In the best way." I let my head fall back against his shoulder. His other arm slides under me, wrapping around my ribs until I'm completely caged in his embrace.

"What time is it?" I try to peek over at the clock but he distracts me by pressing open-mouthed kisses along my shoulder.

"Early." His stubble scrapes deliciously against my skin. "Christmas morning. And you're not leaving this bed anytime soon."

The possessive growl in his voice sends shivers down my spine. My body responds instantly, arching back against him despite the lingering ache. His grip tightens further, one hand sliding up to rest against my throat - not squeezing, just holding. Claiming.

"But Julian," I whine. "I love Christmas morning."

He sighs dramatically, and I look over at him with a teasing smile. Julian shifts behind me, reluctantly loosening his hold. "Stay here." His warmth disappears as he leaves the bed.

I watch him cross the room, admiring how the muscles in his back flex as he retrieves something from his suit jacket. When he returns, he places a small black velvet box on my bare stomach.

"Open it." His voice holds that commanding edge that makes my pulse race.

With trembling fingers, I lift the lid. Nestled in black silk is a platinum ring - delicate yet substantial, with an intricate pattern of interwoven bands studded with tiny diamonds. It's beautiful…and I think it's an engagement ring.

"This isn't..." I trace the metalwork with my fingertip.

"It is." He takes the ring from the box. "I want you to be mine in every way." His ice-blue eyes lock onto mine. "Give me your left hand."

I extend my hand, breath catching as he slides the ring onto my ring finger. The metal is cool against my skin, a perfect fit.

"Perfect," he murmurs, staring down at it.

"It is," I answer. I don't mind that he didn't ask me. I love the ring, I love him, and I want to marry him. I'll take it any way he gives it to me.

"Now your gift." My voice comes out barely above a whisper. I sit up, letting the sheets pool around my waist. "I give you everything. I don't want to go anywhere else." I lift my chin, baring my throat in submission. "I'm yours, Julian. Entirely yours. Even after the holidays. Even when other people try to get between us. I want you to know that I'll always give everything to you." I hold up my hand. "I think this is the perfect start to proving it."

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