Page 10 of Horns for the Holidays

He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “Nothing. It’s just... nice to see you relaxed.”

I sat back, mulling over his words. Had I really been that tense?

Before I could find the appropriate denials, a shadow fell over our skiff. I glanced up, surprised at the arch of stone looming over the water. We sailed into a hidden lagoon dripping with vegetation and framed by sheer cliffs. A waterfall tumbled from the rocks above, adding to the spray as the skiff slipped deeper into a cavern.

“Are these ruins?” I asked, blinking to adjust to the dimmer light.

But as we drew closer, my amusement faded.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered.

The cave walls, once adorned with scenes from Greek mythology, had been... updated. Tinsel and twinkling lights framed the carvings. A rather risqué depiction of Zeus had been given a Santa hat. And was that... Rudolph replacing Pegasus?

Kotos raised a thick eyebrow. “Not a fan of holiday cheer, Ms. Scanlon?”

I sighed, suddenly exhausted. “Let’s just say Christmas and I aren’t on speaking terms.”

The only illumination now came from the tacky decorations. Soft holiday music drifted from hidden speakers, and I had to resist the urge to cover my ears.

He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “Bad memories?”

I hesitated, weighing how much to reveal. Fuck it. Maybe if I explained, he’d give me cover to avoid Andreas’ demanding hospitality.

“My ex-fiancé proposed on Christmas Eve last year,” I said, keeping my eyes fixed on the passing rock formations. “I caught him cheating with the ‘don’t worry, we’re just friends’ coworker on New Year’s.”

Kotos winced. “Shit.”

“Yeah.” I forced a laugh, but it came out bitter. “So, forgive me if I’m not feeling particularly festive this year.”

He was quiet for a moment. Then, so softly I almost missed it: “I’m sorry. He is an absolute fool.”

The skiff emerged from the cave, sunlight washing over us in a golden flood. I blinked rapidly, telling myself it was just the brightness making my eyes water. Nothing to do with Kotos’ unexpected kindness or the memories his words had stirred. Nope. Just the sun.

A flash of red in the water caught my eye. The redheaded nymph who’d invited us to swim darted past, grin visible just beneath the surface. Before I could even open my mouth to point her out to Kotos, the skiff lurched as if struck from below.

I yelped, losing my balance.

Suddenly, Kotos’ large hands were on my waist. Warm fingers grazed the bare skin of my abdomen. His grip tightened, steadying me. My heart hammered wildly against my ribs. I took a shaky breath and forced myself to lift my eyes.

His face was mere inches from mine. I could see flecks of gold in his dark eyes, count each individual eyelash. His breath fanned warm across my cheeks, smelling faintly of cinnamon.

I needed to step back. Needed to thank him for catching me and put miles of distance between us. I needed to remember he was my fuckingboss,and this was wildly inappropriate.

I did none of those things.

Instead, Kotos’ grip tightened. One large hand slid up my back to cut the nape of my neck. My eyes fluttered closed as he leaned in.

The first brush of his lips against mine was surprisingly gentle. Hesitant, even. Like he was giving me a chance to pull away.

Fat chance of that.

I surged forward, deepening the kiss. Kotos growled—actuallygrowled—and suddenly there was nothing gentle about it. His tongue swept into my mouth, claiming and demanding. I met him stroke for stroke, my fingers tangling in his damp curls.

He tasted like salt and sunlight and something wild I couldn’t quite name. I pressed closer, desperate for more. One of Kotos’ hands slid lower, cupping my ass and grinding me against him.

I gasped at the feeling of his hardness pressed against my stomach. Holy shit, he washuge. A jolt of arousal shot through me, and I couldn’t stop the needy whimper that escaped my throat.

He groaned, his calloused palms skimming over my ribs. I arched into his touch, silently begging for more.

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