Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
"He figured it out on day one," I admit. I haven't told her because I didn't want her to worry, but we're a little past that now. "But, um, I don't think he's going to tell anyone."
"Oh my gosh!" she squeals, and then quickly slaps a hand over her mouth. "You're going to the party with him, aren't you?"
"Maybe."
She squeaks wordlessly, dancing in her seat. "I am so waiting up for you tonight. And you are so telling me every detail!"
"Deal," I say, smiling.
Chapter Six
Alaric
"Jesus," I breathe, staring in awe as December steps out of the changing rooms with a sweet smile. I cross to her in three steps, my fucking heart in my throat. "You look ravishing, angel."
She looks like a Goddess. Her hair hangs in soft waves around her face. Her eye makeup is dark and smoky. The top of her black dress shimmers under the lights. It dips between her breasts, showing a hint of cleavage that's going to drive me crazy all night. The A-line bottom ends at mid-thigh, leaving her long legs on display.
Every motherfucker at the party will wish they were me. Too bad for all of them. This sweet angel is mine. I decided that four days ago. Spending the morning with her today only confirmed it. She's mine.
All I want for Christmas is her under my tree, wrapped in a bow and nothing else.
"Thank you." Her blush deepens, spreading down her chest. "Um, this is not the dress I asked my sister to bring. I think it's too short."
It's definitely too short to be worn anywhere except my bedroom, but I'll be damned if I tell her she looks anything less than perfect.
"It's perfect. You're perfect." I take her hand, helping her do a spin as my dick imprints itself against my zipper. Fuck me. It's going to be a long night. "Every man out there will envy me, sweet December."
"Alaric."
"I brought you something."
"You didn't have to do that."
"I know." I grin, reaching into my pocket to retrieve the small blue jewelry box I sent Ruby to pick up this afternoon. "Turn around."
December eyes me curiously before slowly obeying my command. The metal teeth of my zipper dig into my cock, leaving impressions. Goddamn. I want to bury my face between her cheeks and stay there permanently. Her round ass is a work of art.
Instead, I slip the silver angel pendant from the box and brush her hair to the side. Her scent wafts toward me, clouding my mind with lust. I grit my teeth, press a kiss to the side of her neck, and quickly place the necklace around her delicate throat before clasping it.
"Alaric," she gasps, lifting the tiny silver and diamond angel to look at it. "It's beautiful."
"Now you have a guardian angel, too, sweet girl," I murmur.
She turns those guileless eyes on me. Jesus, I've never wanted to drown as badly as I want to drown in her eyes. "Your mom?"
"You." I smile, reaching out to touch her cheek. I can't help it. I want to touch this girl every minute of the day. "For six years, you've been my light, December. Thinking about you comforted me."
"Alaric," she whispers, her expression softening.
"It's true. Maybe it shouldn't be, but it is."
A sweet smile lights her up until she glows brighter than the Christmas star. "I don't have a gift for you."
"You're going to the party with me. That's gift enough."
Her teeth sink into her bottom lip, her gaze darting over my shoulder as if to ensure we're alone. "Maybe I do have one thing," she whispers, her gaze coming back to me.
"Yeah?" I grin, amused by how fucking cute she is, like a little girl with her hand in the cookie jar. I guess she doesn't realize that I make the fucking rules around here. No one will say a word about the two of us. Perhaps they should. I'm the boss. She's an intern. There's a blatant power imbalance. I don't fucking know. That's a discussion for another day. But she's mine, and I'm claiming her.
She places one hand on my chest and the other on my shoulder, rising on her toes. I hook an arm around her waist, anchoring her to me. Her lips touch mine in a featherlight kiss.
It's not nearly enough for me. Not when I want every piece of this girl. So I take more like the greedy bastard I am.
My tongue flicks out, touching her bottom lip. She tastes like sugar.
I groan, pulling her closer.
She doesn't tell me no. Her small hand slides up my chest, wrapping around my shoulder. A soft moan whispers from her lips.
That sounds—so fucking sweet, so fucking innocent—breaks me. I spear my hand into her hair and drink from her lips like she's oxygen. Electricity surges between us, catching and consuming us both.