He frowns. “I’m not a cupid, Candy. I don’t think that way. I thought I could avoid you and forget.”
“Did you? Forget?”
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
“But what does that mean, Mortem? I’m not going to let you blind me with your charm and stature at an event, only to leave broken-hearted, again.”
“I’m still not sure I should be here.”
He’s like a ping-pong ball, bouncing between his feelings and how he should act. Frankly, it’s exhausting.
What would Ladybird do?
I grab his suit jacket and shove it into his chest. Then I straighten my spine.
“I’m a prize. I deserve someone who is all in, so if you can’t be that, I suggest you go back to your realm. My heart is not a toy,” I say.
His face is stoic for a long moment as he glances at me while gripping his jacket tightly. I take a few steps back from him, and he doesn’t move.
It feels like my heart sinks to my ass, but I have to protect myself. I can’t go through another half-year of pining. I need to set everything straight now.
Mortem goes to open his mouth and say something as a massive snowball hits the side of his face.
My mouth parts in surprise as a giggle slips out, and I cover my mouth, even though I can’t hold back the laughter.
Mortem and I both turn to see who threw the bright pink snowball, there he is—Krampus, his horns covered in tinsel and he has a wide grin plastered on his face. His dirty blonde hair falls loose around his face as he packs another snowball.
“Should I hit him with one more, Candy darling?”
I cross my arms. “I’m mad at you too!” I shout across the field.
“Yes, but I’m all in. I’m here to win your heart,” he says, winding up the snowball, intending to hit Mortem, who moves out of the way at the last minute.
Krampus’ smile is wide as he adjusts his jacket.
The outfit is slightly hideous while also being endearing at the same time? It’s green velvet with black filigree over the design. He’s even taller than Mortem with his horns.
Mortem looks pissed as he cleans all the snow off of him while Krampus approaches.
“Couldn’t help but overhear the entirety of your conversation.”
“So then you know she’s equally as pissed at you too, goat boy.”
“First and foremost, that’s goat man to you, and second, I didn’t reach out because I had no way to and I didn’t see how this could work with the realm I live and work in. However, my circumstances have changed. I’m fully ready to commit. That’s if you’ll have me, Candy darling,” he says with a grin.
I’m sure my expression is confused. Part of me wants to grab his horns and kiss his face, the other part wants him to work for it.
Instead, I smile at both of the men.
“Actions speak louder than words, gentlemen. Merry Christmas,” I say.
I may or may not walk away with more hip swing than necessary. I don’t turn around as I re-enter the party and find Gloom, Ladybird, and Cupio hanging out at the tables. I plop down in my seat, and all of them look at me expectantly.
“How did it go?” Gloom asks excitedly.
“I told them actions speak louder than words, wished them a Merry Christmas, and walked away.”
Gloom looks confused while Ladybird beams like a proud mother.
