‘Merry Christmas,’ I murmur, catching his hand as it strokes my skin.
‘Merry Christmas, gorgeous.’
In one swift cat-like spring he flips me onto my back, hovering inches above me, gazing at me with those intoxicating eyes.
‘Do you want your present?’ Powerful hips nudge against mine, parting my thighs to allow him access.
I grind against him with equal enthusiasm. ‘You bet I do.’
Coquettishly nuzzling my neck, his breath skims my bare flesh, both chilling and heating me to the bone.
Before we get any further, the penthouse bedroom door bursts open hard enough to wake the dead.
‘Merry Christmas!’ Chloe and Victoria shriek in unison, wearing matching reindeer-print pyjamas.
Ryan groans, slumping face down on my breasts. ‘Welcome to the fucking family.’
Yanking the duvet higher to cover my modesty, I reluctantly nudge him towards his own side of the bed. ‘Later, I promise.’
‘I’m holding you to that,’ he growls.
I return my attention to my rapidly approaching sisters, who simultaneously cannonball onto the bed in a childlike fashion.
‘Merry Christmas!’ My excited squeal matches theirs.
‘Have you got any clothes on under there?’ Hazel eyes dart between me and Ryan with a mock horror.
‘Does this count?’ I thrust out the hand the diamond decorates so beautifully.
‘No,’ Chloe and Victoria shout in unison.
‘In that case, no. Give me ten minutes and we’ll meet you by the big Christmas tree in the atrium.’ Traditionally, our parents always left our presents down there. They insisted it was the only time of year we got the castle to ourselves and we should use it rather than confining ourselves to our private living quarters.
Each Christmas, for three days solid we used to run riot through every corner of the castle, sleep in whichever bedroom we chose and pretend we actually were royalty. Somehow, I get the impression this year will be no different, except I already know which room I’m sleeping in.
Chloe wiggles her eyebrows suggestively. ‘Don’t tell meGQ’s previously most eligible bachelor is that quick?’
Ryan snorts, then presses his lips to my forehead in a tender gesture before leaping out of the bed towards the ensuite, his bare backside a glorified piece of art for all to see.
‘Ah, gross man!’ Victoria covers her eyes while Chloe nods and gives me a suitably impressed glance that translates asnot bad.
‘He has a brother, you know…’ I tease.
Huge blue eyes roll skywards. ‘Urgh. Don’t remind me.’
Victoria slips under the covers to my left, while Chloe slides under the right.
‘It’s so good to have you here.’ I rest my head on my middle sister’s shoulder while my youngest sister rests her head on mine in a sideways type of hug.
‘It’s so good to be here.’ Chloe affectionately pats my arm.
‘Do you think they’re looking down on us?’ Victoria’s voice is so low it’s barely audible over the sound of running water where Ryan showers in the next room.
‘I know they are, sweetheart.’ Taking my sister’s hands, I squeeze gently, confident in the knowledge that I’m right. Their presence is everywhere. It doesn’t matter how many changes we make to the decor, or the menu, or the grounds. A part of them will always live on here in this castle, in us.
Forty minutes later, I descend the wide walnut staircase to the atrium. The rich scent of cinnamon and pine filters through the air. Everyone I love waits below, primarily because I got delayed in the shower, receiving my first Christmas present of the day.
The open fire roars welcomingly. The jazz that usually radiates from the castle speakers has been replaced with Christmas party songs.
