Page 17 of Gemini Christmas
Our headmaster’s thoughtful whiskey gaze shifts to Neo. “Indeed, Neo’s knowledge of the lore surrounding this property appears to be accurate. So far, this house has sheltered, warmed, and nourished us. Hardly sinister behavior.”
“And let’s not forget about those Christmas wishes it’s gonna grant.” Ash leans down to kiss my cheek with a whiff of ocean scent, winks at Neo (which makes him blush), then collects a pile of pie plates for the kitchen.
Ronin scrambles up to help Ash in an easy way I appreciate. Those two didn’t always get along, but these days they’re fuck buddies and sparring partners. I don’t know if they’re in love the way I am with both of them, but they like each other. They get along.
And they’re hella hot when they fuck.
Mordred (who gets along with everyone in the harem these days, now we’re all used to his big personality) manifests a few tentacles and springs into duty, making the cleanup extra quick.
Meanwhile, I lever myself and my full tummy outta my chair and wander over to the Christmas tree. The red velvet blanket underneath is empty, except for a sprinkle of glitter that’s fallen from the frosted boughs. Too bad my Secret Santa gifts for all the guys (because no way was I ever gonna limit myself to justone) got left behind in the SUV.
I’m massaging my lower back and leaning in to admire the exquisite Victorian ornaments dangling from the gently swaying branches.
That’s when my snake slithers up behind me.
“Does your back ache, darling?” Vasili murmurs in my ear softly, so we don’t worry the others.
“Yeah, a little. Guess we all got a jolt when the car went into the ditch,” I say wryly, but also softly, not to disturb the conga line of warlocks ferrying dishes into the kitchen.
V’s slim hands close around the base of my spine. Then he starts massaging my lower back in a way that makes me moan.
Zephyr has slipped upstairs again, in a stealthy way I definitely noticed. While Ash is coaxing Neo (who already looks and feels a lot better) to sip another cup of his special Seelie tea.
Max and Lucius are coming and going from the kitchen. But they’re both keeping an eye on me, in their protective alpha ways.
Still, for the moment, V and I are relatively private.
“That was a major overture from Zephyr before dinner,” I point out softly, during this opportune moment while no one else is listening.
“Was it?” V says idly. “I hardly noticed.”
I snort out a chuckle. “Nice try, bad boy. You noticed. You’re crazy in love with him, just like I am. But your pride keepsgetting in the way. So you have to be the boss of him, and that’s bruisinghispride. Because he’s been, like, ruling the Dark Fae in Avalon his whole radiant life.”
V’s thumbs dig into the knotted muscles along my spine, easing the ache and making me groan with pleasure.
“I don’t disagree,” he says at last, “with your assessment. His Radiance and I each have our share of pride.”
That’s about as encouraging and non-snakelike as V ever gets.
I sigh and melt into his touch. “You wanna know my Christmas wish?”
The whole house seems to hold its breath. The walls lean close to hear. Even the fire’s crackle seems to fall silent.
“Do tell, little queen,” V whispers, cool lips brushing my warm ear to make me shiver. “I’m listening.”
I turn my head to graze the sharp edge of his jaw in a kiss. “Don’t let his overture go to waste. Be good for me tonight, Goblin King.”
His long body undulates against my back like a sidewinder. “I can’t be good. It’s against the rules.”
An ember of heat kindles deep in my core. Fuck, he knows how to turn me on. Plus he knows all these hormones are making me extra horny.
“What rules?” I almost moan. “We make the rules, Goblin King. It’s literally part of the job description for royals.”
The corner of his sexy mouth curls in an evil grin. “I’m Krampus. You said it yourself.”
Oh, now he’s fucking with me, for real.
And he’s gonna give me a Krampus fetish (which I’ve never had before) if he keeps it up.
