I inch closer and then he does until we’re so close, his chest touches mine. He cups the side of my neck, tilting my head back. My body warms, flutters rippling all over, and my heart thunders in my ears.
“Yeah. I do.”
He stares at me so endearingly, sohis. “I know it’s probably fast, but I don’t want to wait forthemoment that should define when the time is right for us to be together. This moment, you being here, feels right, too right, Anna. I want you.” He drags his thumb over my jaw, repeatedly, gently. “What do you say?”
I suck in a breath, my hands going to the lapels on his tuxedo jacket. “I say this moment feels right.”
“Yeah?” he asks, his voice lowering.
“Yeah.” I’m smiling so big my cheeks start to ache.
He kisses me. “Remember when you told me to fuck off?”
I laugh as he pulls away and threads his thick fingers through mine, guiding me to his living room.
“Yeah, and I still don’t regret it,” I state proudly, feeling so giddy I’m practically bouncing as we walk, but I stop when I notice the bare enormous Christmas tree. “What’s with the tree and…” My voice wavers when I notice the many bags filled with what look like decorations spilling out of them.
“I want you to have a good Christmas.”
“B-but,” I blubber. “You don’t like this stuff and?—”
“But you do. I didn’t put anything up but the tree because I figured we could do it together,” he sheepishly says, cheeks staining red.Is he blushing? Is he nervous?“I know Christmas is about to be over, but I don’t mind keeping them up for a while. For as long as you want. I know this isn’t anything like you spending Christmas with your family, but we can try.”
My eyes prick and the bridge of my nose stings. “No, it’s not, but I don’t want that. I just want whatever we do. This is all I care about.”
Yeah, it sucks that I haven’t spoken to my parents since the last time I talked to Mom. I saw the pictures Maya posted on her socials with our parents and the entire family spending Christmas Eve together, partying and having a good time without me. It hurt but then I forgot about the ache when Sylas picked me up earlier. It didn’t matter what we did or who was around. I was happy knowing I was going to be with him.
His cheeks burn brighter, and his dimples deepen. “I hope you like what I bought.”
“It could’ve been just the tree and that would’ve been enough.” I clear my throat, hiding the emotions thickening it. “Thank you.” I spin, standing on my tiptoes, wrapping my arms around his neck as he circles his around me. I hear the sound of his rapidly beating heart, and I inhale his cologne. “This is the best Christmas ever.”
“Yeah?” There’s no arrogance in the tone of his voice. He just sounds proud and elated.
“Yes,” I breathe, brushing my lips against his. “Wait.” I jerk back. “I still haven’t baked something for you.”
He laughs, tugging me back to his chest. “We have all the time in the world for you to do that whenever you want. Do you want to put up the decorations now, or tomorrow?”
“Now!” I reply a little too quickly, too ecstatically. “If you’re not tired. We can def?—”
“No, let’s do it now.” He squeezes me tight, whispering against my ear, “I’m happy you told me to fuck off.”
I laugh, my chest vibrating against his. “I’ll do it again.”
He takes my hand in his, guiding me toward the stairs. “Yeah, how about you do that while I help you out of this dress. It’d give me a reason to test the ball gag.”
The pulse between my thighs picks up, and my body buzzes with anticipation.
“Merry Christmas, Anna.” He smirks.
I roll my eyes, but I can’t look annoyed because I’m too happy. “Merry Christmas, Sylas.”
27
ANNA
Four Years Later, December
I rock back and forth,careful not to wake her as I lean over the railing of her crib to lay her down.
