Page 107 of Filthy Lovin Heroes

“Where’d she get that damn red dress? It’s causing a scandal.” I snarled.

The dress I had ordered for her was not red but black, with long sleeves and a fucking back. What she was wearing instead looked more like a red holiday cocktail napkin. My fists clenched at my sides.

“It’s one of mine.” My mother said happily.

I choked. “You’re joking. I’ve never seen you wear a dress like that.”

“It’s been a while. I wasn’t always just your mother, you know. And your father bought it for me before he proposed.” My mother surveyed the ballroom. “It fits Holly perfectly. And it’s not red, the color is ‘claret.’ Do be precise.”

“I suppose you loaned her the jewelry too?” I grabbed a wineglass from a passing tray. The only thing that could help tonight was more alcohol.

How soon could I send everyone home? Before midnight? Probably not.

My mother looked smug. “I loaned her a few strategic pieces. Nothing to overwhelm or detract. You are a grump. The party is going very well. I thought you’d be pleased.”

“I’m thrilled. Can’t you tell?” I stalked to join the circle of admirers thronging around Holly.

Leon Foscomb, an annoying hedge of a man but who made money with ease that astounded anyone with a brain, stopped my progress.

His eyes were squinty behind his glasses, but when you were one of the world’s richest men, that didn’t matter. “Good evening, Malcolm. Holly has been sharing war stories about your time in New York.”

I glanced at Holly.

“Excuse us.” I placed my hand at the small of Holly’s back. “A guest has a medical emergency and I need to consult Dr. Ives.” I moved her out of Foscomb’s ogling orbit. I loved how she shivered at my touch.

Holly waved a hasty “goodbye” as she picked up her gown. She frowned at me. “What’s going on?”

“I told you, a medical issue has come up.” I removed her drink from her hand and set it on the tray of a passing server.

“Medical issue, my ass.” She breathed while I steered her away from the ballroom.

“You had more than one drink.”

“It’s Christmas Eve!” She glanced around in the dark hallway where we’d stopped. “This is awfully dark for a medical discussion.”

“You should be in bed.”

“Are you offering to tuck me in?” Holly swayed as she giggled. “Daddy.”

I grabbed her by the elbows, staring down at her sternly.

“By the way, Mr. Grump, I had plenty of offers tonight to show me around your village.”

“To hell you will.” I felt like my world was crashing down. Her dark hair, her fair skin, and her red lips made her the most beautiful woman in the world.

My hands wandered down her breasts and her nipples hardened under my touch. My exploration drifted further down her body with my hands sliding under her dress where the backless style ended right above her ass. I felt the globes of her ass, her crack, and nothing else. “Holy fuck. You’re not wearing panties?”

“I thought that was what you wanted.” Her cheeks blushed in the dim hall light before glancing away.

I hauled her against me hard and crushed my lips to her. She gave a squeak of a surprise, but her lips parted beneath mine. I stroked my tongue against her lush lower lip as she moaned. My cock was stiff with need, and I flexed into her.

I pulled back, breathing hard. It was painful to be parted from her once I had her in my arms. “I’m not going to fuck you in the hallway.” The wall of dark windows behind us faced the rose garden, which was wrapped in burlap and twine under the deep snow.

“Why not? I’m game if you are.” Her hand tightened on the lapels of my kilt jacket, pulling me back to her. I had the oddest feeling we were being watched, but no one was in the garden this time of year.

Oh hell. Who was I kidding? I was intoxicated with her. It was easy to back her against the wall in this dim hallway. Her pupils were dilated, and her lips swollen from my kisses. My heart thumped in my chest like I’d run a marathon.

“I’m not going to fuck you here because I’m taking you to my bed where I’m going to make you come so hard, and so many times, you won’t remember your name.”

---