Page 14 of Horns for the Holidays

“Such as?” One delicate eyebrow lifted in a smooth arch.

“Such as...” I leaned in closer, acutely aware of Andreas watching us with open curiosity. “Is tonight wise?”

The question hung between us, loaded with unspoken meaning. I wasn’t just asking about tangling with Devlin. I was asking about us. About whatever this thing was between us.About going to what was essentially a sex party after that kiss on the skiff.

“None of this is wise,” Laramie snapped, her voice barely above a whisper. “But we’re here to do a job, Mr. Mavridis. I’m willing to forget anything that might... complicate that in order to get this deal done.” Her gaze flickered to my lips for the briefest moment before snapping back to my eyes. “Aren’t you?”

“No.” A growl rumbled in my chest before I could stop it. “I don’t want to forget anything.”

The words hung in the air between us. Vanilla and jasmine andwantfilled the air. It took every ounce of willpower not to bury my face in her neck and just breathe.

A faint blush stained her cheeks, and her slim throat worked with a hard swallow. “Write me a letter of recommendation.”

I blinked, thrown by the sudden change of subject. “What?”

“And then,” she paused, then bravely met my eyes. “And then convince me to stay.”

Without waiting for a reply, she tugged free of my grasp and strode for her seat. My gaze traveled down the length of her body, noting every dip and curve. Every subtle sway of her hips.

I had to find a way to keep her. Not just at MythMatch, but in my life. The way she’d felt in my arms. The spark in her eyes when she stood up to Devlin. I wanted to uncover every brilliant thought and hidden desire. Preferably involving multiple orgasms and long, lazy mornings spent tangled together in bed.

I’d write Laramie the most glowing letter of recommendation anyone had ever seen.

And then I’d move heaven and earth to convince her to stay.

CHAPTER FIVE

KOTOS

The bass thrummed through my bones as Laramie and I stepped off the yacht to the private island Devlin had booked. Neon signs shaped like mistletoe and candy canes cast an eerie glow over the crowd, pulsing in time with the dark, sensual holiday music. The scent of cinnamon and spice hung heavy in the air, a magical aphrodisiac drifting from lanterns scattered throughout the crowd.

“Holy shit,” Laramie breathed beside me, her eyes wide as she took in the spectacle.

I couldn’t blame her. Devlin had outdone herself with this ‘Bad Santa’ event. Everywhere I looked, there were scantily clad elves, seductive Mrs. Clauses, and more than a few Krampuses engaged in activities that would make even the naughtiest blush.

As we pushed through the crowd, I instinctively placed a hand on Laramie’s lower back. She tensed for a moment, then relaxed into my touch. The simple contact sent electricity racing up my arm, and I had to bite back a groan.

It wasn’t fair that she looked so damn good. That dress should be illegal. Hugging her curves in all the right places, a keyhole in the high neckline revealing just enough skin to drive any man wild with desire.

Any man... or minotaur.

We paused at the edge of the pier, taking in the extravagant setup. Laramie’s eyes darted from one attraction to another, her brow furrowed in concentration.

“I wonder about their ROI,” she muttered, more to herself than to me. “You can’t deny the engagement levels. But that VR Santa’s Lap experience? Can’t come cheap.”

I fought back a smirk. “Oh, I suspect it’s a costly release.”

She snorted at my obvious innuendo, but otherwise ignored me. “It’s... thorough. I’ll give them that.”

A group of elves sauntered past, their pointed ears twinkling with jewels and lights. One of them, a busty blonde in a costume that was more lingerie than workshop attire, gave me an appreciative once-over.

“Well, hello there, big guy,” she purred. “Care to stuff my stocking?”

I opened my mouth to politely decline, but Laramie beat me to it.

“Sorry, sugarplum,” she said breezily. “Santa’s workshop is closed for renovations.”

With that, she tucked her hand in the crook of my elbow and pulled me deeper into the crowd. I glanced at her in surprise, but she kept her attention firmly ahead of us.

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