The kiss exploded between us like a star going supernova. One moment, hesitant contact, the next, consuming fire. His arms tightened around me, lifting me slightly so our mouths aligned perfectly. I gasped at the intensity, and he took immediate advantage, his tongue sweeping into my mouth to tangle with mine. His claws tangled in my curls, tilting my head to deepen the kiss further. The slight sting against my scalp sent another wave of heat between my legs, a pleasure-pain that made me moan against his mouth. The sound seemed to ignite something in him, a growl rumbled from his chest, vibrating against my breasts where they pressed against him. My back hit the counter as he crowded closer, his massive body caging mine against the solid surface. The edge dug into my spine, but I barely noticed, too consumed by the sensation of his mouth devouring mine, his hands now roaming down my sides to grip my hips.
"Krampus," I gasped when he finally released my mouth to trail hot kisses down my neck.
"Say my name again," he commanded against my throat, his fangs scraping gently over my pulse point.
"Krampus," I repeated.
His hands slid lower, gathering the fabric of my dress, bunching it at my hips. The cool air against my suddenly exposed thighs made me shiver, or maybe it was anticipation as his clawed fingers traced patterns on my sensitive skin, moving higher with torturous slowness.
I should have been embarrassed by how eagerly my legs parted for him, by the dampness I knew he would find if his exploration continued. Instead, I felt only hunger, a desperate need for more, for everything he could give me. My hands clutched at his shoulders, fingers digging into the fabric of hisvest as if I could somehow pull him closer, merge our bodies through sheer force of will.
His mouth returned to mine, the kiss deeper now, hungrier. His tongue did wicked things that made me wonder what it would feel like elsewhere on my body. Between my legs, his fingers found the edge of my underwear, teasing along the lace trim without quite giving me the touch I craved.
"Please," I whispered against his lips, shameless in my need.
He smiled, the expression visible even in the dim light. "Please what, little star? Tell me what you want. Be selfish. Ask for it."
I opened my mouth, ready to beg for things I'd never admitted wanting, when the sharp jingle of the café's front door cut through our heated bubble like a knife.
"Yo! Anyone still here? We need emergency bacon scones, man!"
Three enormous, very stoned werewolves stumbled through the door in a cloud of pungent smoke and snowflakes. Their eyes glowed slightly in the dim café lighting, pupils blown wide from whatever herbal concoction they'd been partaking in. They hadn't seen us yet, too busy shaking snow from their fur and arguing about who was fastest.
I jerked away from Krampus, mortification burning across my skin. My dress was bunched indecently around my thighs, lips swollen from kisses, my curls a tangled mess where his claws had gripped them. I looked thoroughly debauched and felt it too, my body still humming with unfulfilled desire. Krampus, by contrast, stepped back with casual grace, seeming entirely unruffled by the interruption. The only evidence of our passionate encounter was a smear of pink lip gloss at the corner of his mouth, which he slowly licked away while maintaining eye contact.
The gesture sent another pulse of heat between my legs, making me clench my thighs together as I hurriedly smoothed my dress.
"We're closed," I called to the werewolves, proud that my voice emerged relatively steady despite the chaos inside me.
"Awww, come on!" The largest wolf whined, his eyes finally focusing on me behind the counter. "We just need some bacon scones and those explosive cocoa things. Promised the pack we'd bring snacks for movie night."
I opened my mouth to refuse again when Krampus's hand settled at the small of my back, his heat seeping through my dress. He leaned down, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered words meant for me alone.
"Find me in my office once they're gone. Top of the stairs, end of the hall." His voice was pure sin wrapped in velvet. "I'm not finished teaching you to be selfish yet."
A shiver raced down my spine, equal parts anticipation and nervous thrill. He straightened, nodded slightly to the confused werewolves, and moved toward the hidden staircase that led to the owner's private quarters. His hooves clicked softly against the wooden floor, shadows clinging to his massive frame as he disappeared through the door without a backward glance.
I stood frozen, torn between chasing after him and dealing with the intoxicated werewolves who were now clumsily arranging themselves at the nearest table, clearly expecting service despite my protest.
"Please, Ms. Parker?" The youngest wolf gave me puppy eyes that would have been more effective if they weren't bloodshot from whatever they'd been smoking. "We're starving. Like, supernaturally starving. Like our stomachs might start eating our spines."
I sighed, customer service instincts kicking in despite my frustration. "Fine. Three bacon scones. No cocoa bombs, they take too long to make. And then you're leaving."
As I retrieved the day-old scones Silas had set aside for tomorrow's savory bread pudding, my mind raced ahead to what awaited me upstairs. Krampus's office. The end of the hall. For once in my life, I was going to be selfish. I was going to take what I wanted without worrying about consequences or responsibilities or what anyone else would think.
The thought was terrifying. Thrilling. Freeing.
My body tingled with anticipation as I served the werewolves, counting the minutes until I could climb those stairs and discover exactly what happened when good girls decided to be naughty.
The staircase beyond the hidden door was darker than I expected, lit only by wall sconces that flickered with actual flame rather than electricity. Each step creaked beneath my feet, announcing my ascent to whatever waited above. My heart pounded so violently I could feel it in my throat, my fingertips, my wrists. The werewolves had departed with their scones, leaving me alone with my decision. Climb these stairs or lock the café and go home to my empty apartment, my judgmental fern, my safe, lonely life. I'd chosen the stairs. Chosen risk. Chosen, for once, to be selfish. I'd never been to the upper floor in all my time at The Hearth. This was Krampus's domain, hisprivate territory. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, both thrilling and terrifying.
My skin felt electric, lips still tingling from our earlier kisses. Inside my head, a jumble of emotions competed for dominance, confusion, thrill, hunger, need. What was I doing? Going to my boss's office after hours for what would clearly not be a professional meeting. Yet beneath the anxiety swirled anticipation so intense it made my knees weak. I wanted this, wanted him, with a desperation that frightened me with its intensity.
The hallway at the top stretched before me, wood-paneled and lined with ancient-looking tapestries depicting winter forests and shadowy horned figures. At the end, a door stood slightly ajar, golden light spilling through the crack like an invitation.
I paused outside, smoothing my rumpled dress with trembling hands, attempting to tame my kiss-tangled curls. Ridiculous, really, given what I was here for. But some habits were hard to break.
"Enter." His voice came through the door before I could knock, low and commanding.
