Page 149 of Addicted
The next couple of days pass in blissful indulgence, Jude making all sorts of delicious treats as we spend a lot of time just snuggling together. We visit the stables, the surrounding fields covered in crisp snow that sparkles in the winter sunshine. It’s like the world is giving us a fresh start, and Aeron once again takes me for a ride on Sampson, the snow kicking up behind us as we gallop through the land that they own. This time he doesn’t kick me off his horse, ordering me to run while they hunt me down. I’m not sure if I’m disappointed or relieved.
The news reaches us that Heather will be home for Christmas, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen them so excited before. Even Aeron, the grumpy fucker who is stoic at the best of times, has a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face as we go about all those last-minute tasks that need to be done before thebig day. Well, according to my guys, they need to be done as I’ve never celebrated the holiday before.
I wake up early on Christmas Day, and like an overexcited child, I bounce around in our vast bed.
“Merry Christmas, Devil Man!” I practically yell, and he can’t stop the twitch of a smile as he pulls me to him, pressing our naked bodies together.
“Merry Christmas, Dove.” He presses our lips together in a sweet kiss, full of tenderness before I tear myself away and wiggle until he relents with a huff of laughter and gets up.
Rushing down the stairs, it’s no surprise to find Jude already there, cooking up a breakfast feast and wearing only a Santa hat and an apron that says ‘Kiss the Grinch.’
“For fuck’s sake, Jude. Can you not put some fucking clothes on?” Aeron moans as Knox and Tarl come down the stairs.
“Merry Christmas!” I squeal, ignoring Mr. Grumpy Pants and hurrying over to give each of them a kiss.
“Merry Christmas, Little Bird,” Knox greets, a smile of indulgence on his lips as I bounce away from him to Tarl.
“Merry Christmas,Aziz-e delam,” Tarl adds, cupping my face in both palms and kissing me deeply, leaving me breathless.
“Where’s my sugar?” Jude pouts as I end the kiss, and I skip up to him, planting a wet kiss on his luscious lips. “Merry Christmas, Nightingale.”
I catch sight of the Christmas tree, and with a squeak, I run over to it.There are presents!Lots of presents which weren’t there last night, and a quick scan tells me that most of them have my name on them. A single butterfly flutters in my stomach when I think about what I got them in return.
Warm arms wrap around me from behind and I sink into Tarl’s spicy fragrance.
“We wanted to give you the full experience of waking up on Christmas morning to find presents under the tree,” he whispersin my ear, and I have to blink back the moisture that tries to gather there at the sweet gesture.
“But you’ll have to wait like a good girl to open them after lunch,” Knox interjects, and I give him a pout which he only laughs at as he settles at the kitchen island as is our habit for breakfast.
“Let’s eat,Azizam,” Tarl suggests, placing a kiss on my temple before stepping away, taking hold of my hand, and leading me to the island.
After we’ve eaten as much of the feast as we can manage, we get ready and pack up one of the big trucks with all the gifts to head to the Taylor family home where Adam, Heather, and Rook are waiting.
We pull up outside the mansion, which gleams and sparkles in the snow, the entire front decorated with greenery and twinkling fairy lights. It’s positively magical.
“Lark!” Rook cries out as he comes barreling down the steps and wraps me up in a tight bear hug. “Can you fucking believe this?”
I laugh as he spins me around, clearly as excited as I am for our very first proper Christmas. As he sets me down, I take him in, seeing the way his face is completely relaxed, his blue eyes shining and all the lines of worry gone. He’s even wearing a festive sweater, the blue background making his eyes pop even more than they usually do. The only good thing our sperm donor ever gave me was Rook.
“It’s the best,” I grin, giving him a squeeze and then letting him go to greet Adam who’s descended the steps and is hugging the guys.
“Merry Christmas, Lark,” he welcomes, his voice deep and full of happiness.
“Merry Christmas, Pops.” I step into his open arms, and he squeezes me tightly, pulling back a little to look into my eyes.
“I’m so glad you’re here with us,” he tells me, his throat bobbing. “And with my Heather home too, it’s set to be the best Christmas yet.”
“Is she inside?” I ask eagerly as he releases me. He takes my hand and tucks it into the crook of his elbow, leading us both up the steps.
“Yes, and she’s cross at me for not letting her come out to greet you too, so we best hurry or she’ll have my ass.” He chuckles as we step into the foyer and delicious warmth engulfs us. I gape at the gigantic tree we pass, covered in gold decorations.
The guys are chatting with Rook behind us as Adam leads us to the sitting room where I discovered the sad history of our families' generations-long feud. Unlike that night, the room is bright with a cheerful fire in the marble fireplace and another immense tree in the corner, presents piled under it. I watch, excitement leaving me giddy as Knox and Tarl take all of our gifts to place with the others, and I spot the red bag that contains all my gifts to the guys, my heart beating a little faster at the sight.
“Lark, dear,” a feminine voice calls from one couch, and I let go of Adam to rush over to Heather, letting her wrap me up in a tight hug.
“Merry Christmas, Heather.”
“Merry Christmas, my darling. It’s so wonderful to see you and Rook here.” Her voice is the strongest I’ve ever heard it, and I can’t stop the pressure of the tears that want to fall at her kindness and immediate acceptance of us.
