Kink the Halls: A Christmas Novella (8 page)

“Oh god, Levi please!” Her words are a plea. I want to laugh, but I won't, because it will only throw her into even more of a spiral. I make my way to the overflowing sink full of dishes and start there. What did I just volunteer myself for?

Fucked that all up

(Paisley)

Dinner is upon us, and the entire family is seated around the giant table. River is as far away as possible. After our morning got off to a rocky start, he bolted. I still don't know where he went since he didn't say more than two words to me before he took off. I would be lying if I said my feelings weren't hurt. I didn't take him for that kind of guy, but then again, I should have come to realize that all men are fucking dogs now.

In between bites of surprisingly good ham, I try not to stare at him. This is becoming a love-hate relationship rather quickly. You would think after all the shit I have been through, I could pull off emotionally void pretty fucking well. Not when it comes to River though. I am surprised no one is asking me why it looks like someone ran my kitten through a meat grinder. Whatever game he’s playing, he’s winning.

I look up again, swinging my eyes in his direction for the millionth time when I realize instead of looking into the side of his head, our gazes lock and he gives me a sly smile. I want to get up and throw my plate on him. How fucking dare you smile at me? No matter how hard I try, I can't pull my eyes away from his though. I hate every second of it. This pull is stupid. Everything about this is fucking foolish. I should have never come back to this shithole town. Rash? Yeah. But I just can't stay here.

I tap on my glass a couple times to gain the attention of the table. Finally pulling my eyes from River, I rise from the chair and start in on my completely unplanned Christmas Eve speech. This will go down in history.

“I want to thank everyone for coming tonight, and my wonderful big sister, Star, for going above and beyond. I am so proud of you.” The table erupts in applause and congratulations for her stellar Christmas accomplishments. “You have been the best sister a girl could ask for, and I will always be grateful for that. The last month has been wonderful, and I appreciate all you have done for me, but...” I fidget with the dress I’m wearing, pulling it down and praying it covers my thick ass. I really should have gotten something more appropriate.

“I am going to be moving on in the New Year. Woodstock is nice, and I’ve loved the time I’ve spent here, especially getting to know my beautiful niece, Magnolia,” I look over and give my little blonde angel a smile. She will probably be the only one I’ll miss. Star is used to me being gone, but it will hurt to leave this little girl behind. I don't want to, but this is what I have to do.

“I got places to go, and people to see. Merry Christmas everyone!” I sit back down in my chair, and once again my eyes fall back to River. Instead of seeing the relief I expected, his face is clearly pained. He is hurt, and I just wish I knew why. I was almost positive this was exactly what he wanted. Either way, I am not sticking around for a guy. No fucking way. I am just not that kind of girl.

“Where are you heading to first?” Seven's voice fills the room. I should have known that Miss Jet Set herself would want to know my plans. Think quick, Paisley.

“I think I’m going to hit up Vegas.” Lies! All lies! Although, I have always wanted to go to Vegas. Maybe I could make some good money at one of those upscale strip clubs. Girls out there make a fuckin' killing.

“I love Vegas.” River chimes in from the other side of the table. What fucking game is he playing? His dark eyes run along my body as I pick up the nearly empty glass of wine in front of me and chug the rest. I smile in his direction, as the entire table watches us in silence.

“That's nice,” I add. I want to punch him. Would it be too much to do it over Christmas Eve dinner, because I am pretty sure it wouldn't be a Bloom family Christmas without some kind of fucked up drama.

His chair pushes back, scraping loudly against the hardwood floor and he turns for the kitchen, but not before he stares straight through me, “A word, Paisley?”

Everyone turns to me waiting for my reply. It would be fun to push his buttons and ignore him, but I have a feeling it would cause more drama than I want to deal with from everyone watching me at this moment. Fuck, I hate being the center of attention! I push my chair back in a huff and reluctantly make my way to the kitchen. I don't want to do this.

“What the fuck, Paisley?” River starts on me the second I round the corner. I should be asking him the same thing. He runs his fingers through his hair and turns away. It looks like he wants to punch something. He continues pacing back and forth across the messy kitchen. What does he want me to say?

“What, River? What the fuck do you want from me?” He’s driving me crazy. Without even realizing it, I yell at him. I’m sure my voice is carrying throughout the entire house, but I don't know what else to do. I don't know how to handle myself, which is why I’m never good at this type of shit.

Before I see him coming, he is across the kitchen and I’m pressed up against the wall. His lips crash against mine. He takes me off guard, and I don't know what else to do but kiss him back, and I do; with everything I fucking have. I pour out all the betrayal I felt today into the single kiss. His lips pull away, and his breathing is labored. His green eyes memorize me.

“Why, Paisley?” I don't understand his question. Why what? There are so many whys.

“Why what, River? We share a night together, and you ignore me all day. Act like I don't fucking exist. What do you want from me?” All I wanted to do was give him what he wanted, uncomplicated. I silently plead with him internally, please just let me go.

“Fuck! Paisley, I disappeared because shit...” there goes his hands into his hair again. Fuck, he is sexy when he does that. “I wanted to get you something, I fucking went out shopping at the motherfucking mall on Christmas Eve because I didn't want to let you down.” I blow out the breath I didn't know I was holding as he grabs my hand and pulls me against his body. His arm wraps tightly against me.

“I don't want you to go anywhere, Paisley. Ever.” His thumb rubs along my bottom lip, and my body quivers under his touch. He slowly pulls away from me, and digs in his pocket, pulling out a set of keys with a heart shaped keychain. Certainly not what I was expecting. What exactly was I expecting?

“You are going to have to wait till the morning for your real present, so don't pout.” He laughs, and I smile. Not realizing my face had shown whatever upset look I just plastered on it without thought. “This, is a key to my house. It is a little sudden, but I was thinking maybe you would want to move in with me. No pressure. It’s up to you.” Move in with him? I’ve never lived with a guy before. I mean, yeah, I’ve done a lot of sleepovers, but I’ve always had my own space to go back to. Is that something I really wanted to give up? Then again, this house isn't my space. Star owns it. This is her place, that she shares with her child. Am I just imposing?

“I'm going to have to think about it,” I’m honest, even though I’m tempted to jump in and say yes. It would be too much, too soon. Damn we just fucked last night. What is next? A trip down the aisle? Why is this on fast forward?

“But, River, I want to spend time with you, I want this. I want us.” It’s the truth. “We just need time, I won't leave. I promise.” His face morphs into the biggest smile I’ve ever seen plastered to his face. I lean my face closer to his, and press my lips to his. Our mouths meet in a mixture of promise and lust. I want to drag him back up to my bedroom and share a repeat of last night, Christmas Vacation and all. That is when I realize it’s nights like this that I can share with him forever. No question in my mind.

Behind us, someone clears their throat. More like an entire table full of coughs, sputters, and backhanded comments. Like we should expect anything different from our families? His fingers lace between mine as we turn to face our audience.

“Hey Ryker, you think we can trade chairs?” The gruff biker eyes him before he grunts like a caveman and moves to where River was sitting before our kitchen discussion.

“So my house just got even more cramped huh?” Chrome's voice crosses the table, and I instantly feel bad for telling River I will move in. I didn't even realize that he lived with Chrome. I am sure in passing conversation it has been discussed, but the past month has been a pretty big blur.

“I'm sorry, I can just stay here.” I interrupt. I feel my face turning crimson as Chrome starts laughing. Star joins him and soon most of the table is laughing. I am not really sure what is so funny though.

“Honey, Merry Christmas. The house is both of yours. Scarlett and I are moving in here with Star and Magnolia.” Star smiles like a love struck fool, and I know exactly how she feels because I’m wearing the same expression.

Both Magnolia and Scarlett screech like only tween girls can, jumping up and down, high fiving each other before flinging themselves into each other’s arms. “YAAAHHHHHHH!”

'Twas the Night Before Christmas and I'm hungry as Fuck

(Seven)

If I didn't know any better, I would think this small child is eating me from the inside out. I stuffed my face three hours ago. Star was putting food away, and I was picking at every plate as it went into the fucking fridge. Now here I am, plundering the fucking cabinets like a pirate. I am sure my ass will be the size of a house by the time I shit this kid out.

A pan slams to the floor and I jolt. Turning around I see Levi standing behind me with an amused look on his face. Everyone had gone to bed almost two hours ago, including the both of us. I just couldn't sleep through the hunger pains. Damn it.

“Hungry again?” he laughs, because this has become a common occurrence in the middle of the night. It always ensures something nice and fresh for me to barf up first thing in the morning. Oh the fucking joys.

“Not just for some leftover ham either,” I wink as him because we all know I’m just one horny ball of pregnant. I.Can't.Get.Enough.Dick.

“Come on, get your food, and come back to bed. I'll take care of you babe,” he turns for the guest bedroom, but I grab his hand. I have another idea. I shove the cold piece of ham in my mouth savoring the sweet glaze and moaning in enjoyment. Levi's eyebrow raises while he watches the way I savor the cold leftovers. What? It's fucking good!

“I’ve got another idea,” I mumble with a half chewed mouth of food. I'm going for sexy tonight. Ha! I reach my arm out for him and pull him close to my body, pressing my tits to his chest through the thin t-shirt fabric separating us. He tries to pull me back down the hallway to the bedroom. All I can think of is sneaking across the kitchen and planting my fat pregnant ass right down in front of the fireplace, which is still giving off warmth.

Nothing beats a good fireplace, seriously. Even in the city, it has been a must for me. The red brick accents are perfect for the rustic feel of Star's house. All of the handmade stockings Miss Domestic Goddess made hang with pride, and a homey touch. I have to admit a hint of jealousy. Who wouldn't? Everything is beautiful, I never thought Star would ever become such a well put together woman. My heart is so full of pride. But seriously, enough of this sappy bullshit, I gotta get laid.

“Seven, the house is packed,” Levi laughs in a whisper as I pull him down onto the sprawling soft rug that lays center in front of the fireplace. To our right are the stairs leading to where most of the house is asleep. The left is a wall of windows, set behind the nearly nine foot Christmas tree decorated to a tee. Cranberries and popcorn strung, tinsel all over the damn place, and ornaments I never thought I would see again in my life.

“When has that ever stopped us, come on, Levi. Pppppleaseeeee,” he can't resist when I beg. I know that. I will use every last weakness of his. I will totally bring out the big guns if he doesn't cave. He gets up, taking a few steps to the couch and tosses a couple accent pillows onto the floor before grabbing the huge blanket off the back of the couch. Something about fucking with a Santa Claus blanket seems so naughty. Right up my damn alley!