Page 38 of Dirty Little Christmas

"You love Ramen, and our apartment," I remind her.

"Semantics."

I laugh quietly, glancing over my shoulder at the building. "I better get back in there."

"Go. Shoo," she says. "And don't worry about anything, December. Dad has some boring business dinner tonight. He doesn't have a clue that you're the one interning in my place."

"Alaric does," I whisper.

Jillian scrapes her glasses down her face, staring at me in wide-eyed shock. "He knows?"

"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 crazyall 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 isnotthe 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 herneck, 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."