Page 72 of Ho Ho Oh No

“Me?” I quirk my head to the side. “I thought you were upset. I was about to comfort you.”

Her nose scrunches like the thought alone smells rancid. “I was about to comfort you,” she parrots, throwing her voice to be whiny and nasally.

My fingertips dig into her waist, giving her a sharp pulse. A silent warning. She busts out a surprisingly girlie giggle. Right in my face.

I attempt to be insulted, but it only lasts about three seconds before I join her. Even if she’s mocking me, I’m still a sucker for her when she smiles and laughs like that. Be it at my expense or because I’m a funny fucker. I’ll take it either way.

Laughing with her is almost as satisfying as when I make her come.

Aaandnow my balls are aching again.

A quick scan of the room shows this place is crawling with Redleg guards. Maybe we can sneak away for a few minutes.

I pump my brows. “Let’s find a shady spot.”

She dabs her tongue along her lip, leaving it glistening. “Why would we need shade? It isn’t sunny in here.”

“Very funny. I meant we should find a secluded place to finish what we started in my office.”

“Shep, I already finished. Or have you forgotten?”

“Oh, I haven’t forgotten. But I want more.”

She pats her palms against my pecs. “You’re greedy.”

“When it comes to you, I’ll never get enough. This isn’t new information.” I dip my gaze, leaning forward to peek down her top. The white feathery ruffle along the neckline blocks my view. “And can you blame me when this is the first time I’ve seen you in a skirt?”

“It’s a dress, actually. If you don’t know what to call it, you can’t handle what’s inside it.”

My nostrils flare with a sharp inhale. “What’s the difference?”

“A skirt is just a bottom, whereas a dress is one piece.”

I bite my lip, intentionally drawing her attention to my mouth. I’m playing dirty with no regrets.

Her eyes land exactly where I want them, and her breasts rise and fall with a labored breath.

“Is this your gift for me, Kri?”

“What are you referring to, Shepherd?”

I sweep my gaze around the room. No one is paying us any attention, so I swipe my thumb over her lower lip. “This sassy mouth, baby girl. Is it my gift? You know how much I love it when you act like a brat.”

Her eyes scorch into mine, and our staring contest begins anew.

In my periphery, I notice Val and Junior returning into the lobby.Maybe they’ll distract Kri, and I’ll secure the victory.

“Ugh. They’re doing couple stuff again. Gross,” she whines.

“Get a room, you two,” Junior goads us.

Stubbornly ignoring them, Kri holds my stare. “I didn’t get you a gift. Why would I?”

I don’t answer with words, letting my darkening expression do the talking for me.

“Shep, you poor sap. I already gave you a gift when I accepted your proposal.” Upping her flirting to get me to fold, she licksher lips again; this time, rolling her tongue in a circle. “The way I see it, I’m off the gift-giving hook for at least a year. Maybe two.”

Tossing her bullshit right back at her, I feign disappointment. “How insulting. After I spent weeks selecting the perfect gift for you.”