Page 64 of A Twisted Gift

Just then, Erik pushes through the door, a tray in his hands. It’s filled with food, a few mugs, and a vase with a single white rose.

“You’re awake,” he says, and his smile has warmth cascading through me. “Merry Christmas, Raina.”

“Merry Christmas.” My heart leaps as he sets the tray over my lap. “Breakfast in bed?”

“I thought it’d be nice. What do you think?”

“It’s perfect.” I stare down at the array of food in front of me. Eggs, toast, cinnamon rolls, fruit, and there’s even a candy cane sticking out of one of the mugs. “Did you make all of this?”

“Mmhmm. I do my best to make sure my staff has off around the holidays. I don’t mind fending for myself for a few days, especially now.” After carefully crawling into bed next to me, Erik kisses my cheek.

“This one is mine?” I ask, pointing to the mug with the candy cane and what looks like hot chocolate.

“Yeah. Unless you like coffee? I wasn’t sure.”

“I do, but this is wonderful.” Picking up my mug, I inhale deeply. It smells chocolatey and delicious with a hint of peppermint. “Thank you.”

He plucks a grape from the tray and pops it into his mouth, grinning down at me. With him here, the fireplace burning, and this beautiful tray of food in front of us, my heart is full. No one has ever done something like this for me before.

“Did I miss the plane?” I ask as I pick up a piece of toast.

“You did. I’m sorry I didn’t wake you up. We can fly together sometime soon.”

“I’d like that.”

My stomach flips at the thought. Almost overnight, my life has changed drastically. I can go wherever I’d like to now. Do whatever I’d like. The possibilities seem endless, and it’s made even better by the fact that I know Erik will always be with me.

Between the two of us, we finish all the food on the tray. It tastes as delicious as it looks, and I wonder if Erik would be willing to teach me how to cook and bake. I’ve wanted to learn since I was little, but I wasn’t allowed.

“If you’re ready, I have something waiting for you downstairs,” Erik says.

“You do?”

“I promised you I’d do everything I could to make today a happy day, didn’t I?”

“It already is,” I whisper, caressing his face.

“Well, it’s about to get better.” Erik crawls off the bed, taking the tray with him. “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without presents.”

Oh.I’d forgotten about all the gifts he got for me.

Slipping out of bed, I stretch and let out a yawn. There’s a glass of water on the nightstand, and I take a sip. When I set it back down, I notice a clear cube sitting right next to the clock. Inside is a yellowed, wilted rose.

“Erik.”

“Yes, little rose?”

“Is this…” My mouth goes dry as I pick it up.

“I told you I kept it.” He nudges my face with his nose, his lips soft against my jawbone. “Had it preserved in resin so I’d have a piece of you with me forever.”

Of course he did.

“And now you have me forever,” I murmur.

“Mmm. That I do.” He kisses me. “Come downstairs whenever you’re ready. There are a few changes of clothes for you on top of the dresser. Pick whatever you’d like. Oh, and there’s a toothbrush for you in the bathroom, as well.”

Once he leaves, I rush to get ready. Within twenty minutes, I’m clean, lotioned, and dressed in a gray sweater dress. It’s as soft and cozy as it looks, and it feels like I’m wrapped up in a hug.

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