Page 29 of Such a Naughty Girl

Through foggy eyes, I tried to focus, pulling myself upright in Emmett’s bed.

I’d fallen asleep wrapped in the safety of his arms, but the bed beside me lay barren.

‘Emmett,’I murmured, rubbing my eyes to clear the crispy sleep from their corners.

I saw him sitting on the sofa, next to the log burner, and couldn’t help but laugh. Enormous green branches jutted from the corner of the room, a far too large pine tree taking up a goodproportionof the space. Colourful lights twinkled from between the spiked green boughs, sending bolts of joy through me.

Christmas.

Even without my family, Emmett had made it special.

My feet hit the floor in seconds. Crossing the room, I skimmed my fingers over a branch, the forestry scent filling my nostrils. ‘When did you do this?’

‘You crashed out last night and I couldn’t sleep.’

‘You did it for me?’

Emmett brushed a hand through his hair, his cheeks deepening in colour. Was heblushing?

‘Sorry there ain’t any baubles.’

‘It’s perfect. I love it. Thank you.’He pulled me onto his lap, his fingers grazing my spine in the most delicious way.

‘Merry Christmas, Princess.’

Merry Christmas, Daddy.’ I adored the way his pupils grew whenever I called him daddy, a hunger filling his eyes.

‘How are you feeling?’He asked, his fingers moving up to the back of my neck and sinking into my hair.

‘A little sore. You know, down there.’

‘Mmm. You took it all soverywell, though. Daddy can always kiss it better later.’

‘Or now…’I said, my thighs clenching at the thought of hisexperiencedtongue driving me back into oblivion.

‘Breakfast first. Brunch, I guess, you’ve slept the morning away.’

‘What’s under the tree?’A newspaper-wrapped box stuck out from beneath the floor-scraping branches.

‘A little something for you.’

A grin spread over my face. ‘For me? But I don’t have anything to give you.’

‘Princess, I took my gift last night. I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t help myself. After seeing you almost hurt, I had to feel you against me. Had to be as close as I could get. Even so, it’s not the way you shoulda lost it.’

‘I didn’t lose anything,’I murmured, kissing the edge of his lips. ‘I loved it. It was raw. Real.’

Our lips met in a slow clash, a dance of longing andacceptance. Thetendernesswas almost too much to bear from the big, rugged man.

Pushing one hand into his salt and peppered hair, I deepened the kiss, taking what I needed. Finally, giving in to my desires.

Our mouths slid in tandem, tongues warring for dominance. I turned in his grip, grinding myself against his solid centre,desperationgrowing by the second. An almighty growl broke through our passion. My stomachoverrulingmy nether regions.

‘Ignore it,’I panted, craving his rough intimacy far more than breakfast.

Emmett picked me up and dumped me onto the couch, laughing when I pouted.

‘All in good time, Princess. I’ve gotta get the sausages out of the oven before they burn. Open your gift. And open Chunk’s for him too.’