Page 27 of The Naughty Or Nice Clause

“There’s a fine line between love and hate,” someone commented, but she wasn’t sure who because she was still staring at Mason.

“You can say that again,” Lyla replied, chuckling. Mason gripped her hand and she silenced herself, not wanting to reveal how surprised and confused she was by his words.

“We realise our questioning might seem extreme, but we are incredibly protective of our little community. If anyone chooses to betray its existence to the outside world or threaten us in any way, we take it very seriously. We give all outsiders who plan to join us one chance to leave. We will wipe your memory with a tonic, and you can return to your life without the weight of our secret,” Frederick offered.

The offer made her wonder if someone was pouring doubts about their relationship into the council’s ears, but Lyla considered it for a split second. Although the idea had terrified her since Mason had mentioned it, she realised that it might actually solve her problems.I’d no longer be stuck in this strange place, and I wouldn’t have Mason interfering with my personal life.However, if her memory was wiped then she wouldn’t know what the consequences for Mason would be. Would she remember him at all?He may not be my favourite person in the world, but he’s shown me magic exists… and brought me closer to the season my mother loved. I don’t want to lose that.

“Excuse me, but Lyla’s the last person who would betray Yule. She loves the season and the meaning behind it more than any other rational human being I’ve known. She’ll stay in Yule for as long as she’ll have me,” Mason said.

“No need for that tone. I’ve known you since you were a baby, but to return after years and with an outsider – you can understand why the council must be on alert,” Frederick argued.

“I understand, but the season is ours to manage. Lyla is merely our guest, and as a Klaus you should treat her with respect!” Mason snapped.

The council went silent.

“Lyla, thank you for putting up with us today.” Una was the first to speak, and Lyla was grateful for the understanding. “I’m sure you can understand our trepidation. We are without a Klaus so close to Christmas; tensions are running a little high.”

“Speaking of Klaus, when are we to expect an answer from you? The position has to be filled, and not just for this year,” Frederick said, clearly eager for an immediate answer.

Mason visibly stiffened. “Soon.”

“By the Gala you must make the announcement, as tradition dictates,” Frederick ordered. Mason nodded in acknowledgment, and they were waved from the room.

“Why do I feel like we were chastised by the headmaster?” Mason said once they exited the town hall. Thankfully, the steps outside the hall were empty, so they could talk freely.

“Your uncle is a real peach. Felt like they were going to bring out a guillotine at any moment,” Lyla said, relieved to escape with her neck and head still attached.

“They’re angry at me, not you. They want an answer that I’m not ready to give, and you’re an easy target. Frederick and my mum have been sharing this season’s duties, and I’m not sure he wants to give up his temporary position.”

“If he finds out we’re lying, won’t he take the choice from you?”

“It would be up to the council to decide. He’s only one member,” Mason said.

“Is this your plan? To be discovered and thrown out? You can’t make the decision, so you want them to make it for you?” She didn’t want to be used as a pawn in anyone’s game.

He stared at her and scoffed. “Is that how little you think of me? That I would use you to ruin my chances of taking my father’s position? I knew your opinion of me was low, but I‘ve always done what was necessary. I’ve made the hard choices. Leaving here was one of them, but it was the right decision, just as returning was the right thing to do,” he said, raking his hands through his hair. Frustration emanated from him in waves.

“It’s not that I think little of you. It’s that I don’t think you understand how your decisions are affecting me. You left of your own free will, and yes, you returned for the right reasons, but you brought me with you!” She didn’t want to have this fight in front of the hall, but her emotions were getting the better of her.

“I told you I couldn’t come back alone. I wanted you here, but not to use you.” His pained expression told her he wanted to say more, but he didn’t.

“But how can we keep lying like this? And to those who care about you so much? You’ve broken their trust and made me the face of such a deception. You might be cast out, but I’ll be the one physically altered,” she said, exasperated by the cold and the fragility of their situation. It was one thing to take a memory tonic by choice, but quite another to be forced to have it against her will.

“Please. We can’t do this here,” he pleaded.

Lyla made to reply but was silenced as Mason pulled her flush against him, his hand gripping the back of her neck. Then his lips were on hers, and she was too surprised to think.

He didn’t move; the light touch of his lips begged for her consent. She thought about pushing him away, but found her lower lip brushing his, inviting him in. His lips were all warmth and welcome – everything he wasn’t. He deepened the kiss, and the sensation made her stomach swoop. His hands gripped her waist beneath her coat, his strength causing her to gasp. She had never known a kiss to feel so right and wrong before.

Suddenly, Mason pulled away and Lyla was snapped back to the cold light of day. She stared at him in confusion, but he only sighed, his gaze fixed over her shoulder. She tried to compose herself. Nothing as simple as a kiss should have possibly felt so exhilarating.

“Sorry. I should have asked you first, but my uncle and the council were coming out and I couldn’t have them see us arguing,” he explained, sounding breathless at the thought of being caught mid-argument.

Lyla’s humiliation swelled as she realised she had kissed him back, and fury filled her when she caught him watching her, trying to gauge her reaction. The worst part was that she had enjoyed the kiss.

You don’t want to kiss him; he surprised you, and you’re human. Who doesn’t like being kissed? Even if it is by a Scrooge who brought you here against your will, and it was only to shut you up.She stared at Mason as he acknowledged the passing council.Did he want to kiss me? Was it an excuse?

When his attention returned to her, she couldn’t find the words to speak. Rather than say something she’d regret,she forced herself to smile sweetly in case anyone was watching. A fight in the town square was exactly what the council would need to doubt them.

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