Page 51 of The Naughty Or Nice Clause

“Come with me,” she said, lifting his hand to her lips. She tried to lead him from the room, but he didn’t budge.

“Where are we going? I’m in no mood to run from wolves,” he joked.

“Was that a joke?” she demanded, and he offered her a crooked smile. “Come on, I’m not going to bite.”

She pulled him again, and this time he followed her out of the office without protest. Once they reached her bedroom, Lyla climbed under the covers, and Mason hesitated before removing his jumper. With no T-shirt beneath, the sight of him did nothing to ease the warm sensation in her belly, but she forced herself to ignore it.

Without a word, he climbed in after her. His body cocooned hers and she snuggled closer, losing herself in him.

Chapter Twenty

MRS KLAUS FOUND Lyla making breakfast for the family – or attempting to. She’d opted for fruit, without the strawberries, and pancakes. She didn’t think she could mess it up too badly, and she’d been up early enough to hide the burnt and yet somehow undercooked attempts in the bin. Now they were golden, fluffy, and delicious.

“Morning, love. I wanted to let you know I have an email from a Samuel, in case you want to reply sooner rather than later. I didn’t click in, don’t worry,” she said, and Lyla didn’t doubt her.

The email. She had forgotten about the email and the share transfer.

“Are you alright? You’ve gone frightfully pale!” Mrs Klaus took the spatula from her hand.

“Just the aftereffects of Lou’s eggnog,” said Lyla. “Thank you for telling me. I’d forgotten all about it.” She took her apron off and headed for the office.

The laptop was already on and waiting for her. Sam had followed her instructions, and the email was pleasant, wishing her a happy Christmas. However, when she clicked on the attached file, she found Sam’s real message, along with the document she’d asked for.

Lyla, dearest!

Where the hell are you?! I called and called. I was about to call the police when I got your email. New year and new CEO– what are you scheming at? A new year without the grouch is enough to make me cheer on your espionage.

Attached are the documents you requested. Wherever you are, I hope you return a free woman.

Looking forward to working for the new CEO. Also, Jamie says he is devastated you couldn’t join us for a vegan Christmas dinner. He really wanted you to taste his watermelon turkey. However, corporate espionage must come first.

Happy scheming, or Christmas!

Your humble servant…

Lyla’s stomach sank as she read the private message again. She cursed herself for being so impulsive and asking for the documents. She couldn’t believe she’d thought she could use Mason’s grief and his family to get him to stay here and give her the company.

But how are we supposed to work together now after everything that’s happened? Could we run the company and be a couple? Our disagreements would kill us. We wouldn’t last as partners, let alone a couple.She didn’t want to regret the night before. She wanted to go back to bed and pretend she had never opened the email which had shocked her back to reality.

Company or not, whether he wants to stay in Yule or Dublin, I won’t force him.She deleted the email without a second thought. Once it was gone, she went to trash and emptied it, leaving no trace behind. She couldn’t bring herself to turn on him, not when he had shared so much.His future is up to him, and I’m not going to threaten him with his identity.

As relieved as she was to end her scheming, she was even more relieved not to taste a watermelon turkey. Not having to suffer that would be worth handing over her shares in total.

“Lyla?” Mason called, popping his head into the office. She jumped and slammed the laptop shut, and his frown spoke of his suspicion.

“Sorry– just a message from Dad. I didn’t want him to worry in case he tried to reach me.” She hated the lies falling so easily from her lips. But she couldn’t tell him the truth, not now, not when she could lose him.

“How is he enjoying his Christmas? I’m sure his new wife is keeping him busy,” Mason said, and there was a lightness to his expression which eased her worry for him. Last night had broken down his walls and let him feel the pain without it consuming him.

“Enjoying the sun,” she said hurriedly, pushing aside the laptop as though it would burn her fingers. She went to him, and he hesitated before kissing her, which only made her smile. Whatever they were, whatever they were doing, it was obvious they both wanted it to continue.

“Breakfast is ready,” he said, leading her down the hall.

“Smells great,” she said, and he paused. “What?” she asked, sensing there was something else.

“For the gala tonight… Lou asked if you wouldn’t mind doing her hair and make-up. Trust me when I say it’s a cold day in hell when she asks for help.”

“I’d love to help her!” Lyla was happy that Lou had some faith in her, and it would be nice to spend some time with her. Lou worked so hard; she deserved to get dolled up. “But I don’t have a dress! We can’t find one now; I can stay home. I think it would be better to put some distance between me and the villagers,” she added quietly.

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