Page 25 of I Saw Krampus Kissing Ms Claus

“What are we going to do about the missing Cheer?” I blurt out.

“Oh, I’ll just put it back.”

“Put it back? Where did you hide it?”

“It’s in one of my magic sacks, obviously.” Santa shakes his head. “It’s in the present pile in the workshop.”

“This whole time?!” I yell.

“This ho-ho-whole time.” Santa laughs.

“You are such an ashpile.” I mutter.

“But look what came of it! Look where you are! In love!” Santa smiles.

There’s a long moment of silence. “Love?” I suck in a breath but I don’t deny it.

Krampus doesn’t either. He stands still in his spot in the doorway. I try to keep my back to him, but he must see my stiff shoulders because his tail wraps around my ankle and tugs me backward. I turn to him, there’s a darkness in his eyes. He urges me toward him until I am close enough to put a hand on his chest.

“There is still the matter of our deal.” He says. “You said I could have the soul of whoever did this.”

“You obviously can’t have Santa’s soul.” I roll my eyes.

“Then, Saint Nik, do you remember what our alternative agreement was?” His eyebrow goes up. I feel a heat touch my cheeks.

“I suppose. I had better be going.” Santa says as he slides past us to leave his office. “Got a lot of work to do. Tonight is the big ride after all.”

“It’s going to be the ride of your life.” Krampus is only looking at me. I roll my eyes but Krampus catches my chin between his long claws. “You will take his place? Let me punish you the way I see fit?”

My breath catches in my chest. I want to deny him, but everything inside me heats at the idea. I manage to nod in agreement, feeling the little twinge of magic in the bond that ties us together.

“Good.” Krampus grins, showing me his fangs. “I will see you when I get back. I want you waiting in my playroom. Wrapped up for me like a Christmas present.”

“A Christmas present?” I ask.

“Ribbons. Bows. The works. Deal? Saint Nik?” He growls.

“Deal.” I say.

“I have a lot of prep-work to finish before I go out tonight. Be good while I am gone.” His tail trails along my leg before he presses a kiss to my forehead and leaves.

I have a lot of preparation to do myself.

ChapterTen

KRAMPUS APPEARS IN HIS PLAY room in a sudden whirl of warm smoke. His eyes dart around the room frantically until they land on me.

“You’re here.” His face lights up. My heart squeezes.

“Is this not what you wanted?”

“It’s exactly what I wanted.” He grumbles, stalking towards me.

I shrug, leaning back on the bed to let him see me. My heart pounds in my chest as his gaze travels up my body. Past the thigh-high stockings. The red mini skirt. The thick red ribbon I wrapped around my chest until it covered my nipples. I did not tell the elves why I needed so much of it.

Krampus doesn’t say anything while he examines me. I can only hope that he likes it.

“Did you have a nice trip?” I ask softly.

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