Page 12 of I Saw Krampus Kissing Ms Claus

When I turn back to him, there’s a mischievous smile on his face. “You don’t have to help me anymore.”

“I think I do. We have a deal, don’t we? We shook on it.”

“Fine, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I chew the inside of my lip. “Meet me in my office tomorrow morning, bright and early.”

“Whatever you say, boss.” He smirks, watching me as I step past him through the warehouse door and into the empty office.

“Hold on.” He grabs my hand and tugs me back to him.

“What?” I ask impatiently.

“There’s something in your hair.” His hand reaches up to comb back my fly away bangs, his fingertips grazing across my ear. I wait for him to pull back, but he stays where he is, staring at me with a wild grin in his eyes.

“There’s nothing in my hair.” I accuse.

“Just my fingers.” He steps me back to meet the doorframe.

“What are you up to?” I ask.

“I want a do over.” Krampus declares, his hands gently stroking through my hair. The light touch chases a tingle into my chest and then down lower.

“What?”

“A do over!” He gestures up and sure enough, there’s a spring of mistletoe taped to the doorway above us.

“Did you steal that from the inventory pile?” I scowl.

He leans over to whisper in my ear. “I don’t like bad people. But I love doing bad things.”

He braces one hand on the door frame above me. My heart beats heavy in my chest, the smell of him invading my nostrils. I’ve never been quite so conscious of my hands. They feel so awkward and useless. What do I normally do with them? I glance down lacing my fingers together in front of my dress.

His knuckle catches under my chin, drawing my face up to look at him. His bright yellow eyes sparkling, his wide dangerous smile that could have any woman melting at his feet.

“There you are. My nice girl. My little Saint Nik.” His voice is very quiet. “This is the way you used to look at me.”

“I’m not your girl.” But I don’t put any conviction in the words.

His thumb grazes along my cheek. “If it’s not lust you are feeling, what is it?” He asks.

I shake my head. How do I answer that? Excitement? Nervousness? Eagerness? I can’t say the true emotion I’m experiencing the most. The single syllable one that I can barely admit to myself. Finally, I choke out some words. “You’ve seen the look before, I’m sure.”

“No one has ever looked at me the way you do.” He says softly.

I roll my eyes and he catches me in a kiss before I can complete it. His lips meet mine. Lightly at first, and then again, more firmly this time, then again and again. It’s more than I could have hoped for. His mouth is burning hot on mine. His fingers card deeply into my hair, holding me firmly. I feel so secure in his arms that a muscle in the center of my chest, that I didn’t realize was tense, relaxes. His forked tongue sneaks between my lips. It’s rough and talented. He uses the barbs along the surface to taunt and the forked tip to tease, and in a few moments he has me panting against him. I drag my hands eagerly up his strong arms and marvel at the beautiful contrast of the thick muscles underneath the soft fur. Finally letting myself indulge in stroking the broad shoulders I’ve been admiring all day long.

His hand sneaks across my hip, the fingers grazing up, teasing across the sides of my breasts, spreading heat through my whole body with only a few light touches.

“Do you forgive me for being an idiot so many years ago?” He asks as his mouth gently moves across my chin.

“Almost.” I say.

“Give me a chance to make it up to you.” His tongue whispers across my pulse point. “Let me walk you home.”

“I can’t.” I mutter.

He pulls back a little, but I hang onto his waist.

“I mean, we shouldn’t. He can’t know about this.” The negatives of living with your brother really hitting me full force. He would never let me live it down if I brought home his best friend. But it’s also a reminder of what a terrible idea it is to fuck Krampus. All the history, all the baggage, all the complicated feelings compounded over the years.

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