Page 21 of Daddy Christmas

"I'm trying," I murmured. "I'm trying to be better."

Nicholas's hand moved to caress my ass, easing the lingering sting. "And that effort matters," he said. "You're doing so well, Gemma."

I closed my eyes, letting his words wash over me. The room felt charged with possibility, like something fundamental had shifted inside me.

I took a deep breath, feeling a newfound courage well up inside me. "I'm not a bad person," I said, my voice stronger now. "I deserve good things."

"Exactly," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "I'm so proud of you, Gemma."

My heart swelled at his words. I'd never had anyone be proud of me before. It felt . . . incredible.

"You can sit up now, little one," Nicholas said softly.

I pushed myself up slowly, my body tingling all over. Nicholas gently helped me readjust, then wrapped his arms around me in a comforting embrace. I leaned into him, breathing in his scent - pine and cinnamon and something uniquely him.

"You've carried these false beliefs for too long," he murmured, his breath tickling my ear. "But they don't define you. You're strong, kind, and worthy of all the joy life has to offer."

I felt my breath catch in my throat. His words seemed to fill empty spaces inside me I hadn't even known were there.

"Do you really believe that?" I whispered, hardly daring to hope.

Nicholas pulled back slightly, his green eyes meeting mine. "With all my heart," he said firmly.

I saw nothing but sincerity in his gaze. For the first time in my life, I started to believe it too.

Overwhelmed by emotions I couldn't even name, I stared into Nicholas's eyes. They were so green, so kind. Without thinking, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his.

The kiss was soft at first, hesitant. But as Nicholas responded, matching my pace, it deepened. Years of loneliness and longing poured out of me. I felt a spark ignite between us, warm and bright as the fairy lights surrounding us.

Nicholas's hand came up to cradle my cheek. His touch was so gentle, like he thought I might break. Maybe I would. I'd never felt anything like this before.

"Is this okay?" he murmured against my lips.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. It was more than okay. It was everything.

The world seemed to fade away as we kissed. There was only Nicholas, his warmth, his scent, the softness of his lips on mine. I felt safe. Cherished.

As our kiss deepened, I felt a tingling sensation start at the base of my spine and radiate outwards like a wave. It was as if every cell in my body was singing a song of happiness and contentment. I knew this feeling was new to me, but it felt so familiar, like a memory buried deep within me had finally surfaced.

Nicholas's hand moved from my cheek to my waist, guiding me closer to him. My fingers traced the contours of his strong back through his festive attire, and I marveled at how well he fit against me, how perfectly our bodies seemed to fit together.

He broke the kiss for a moment, his eyes searching mine as if making sure I was still with him on this journey. His lips curved into a warm smile when he saw the desire in me.

"Are you ready for your special treat, Gemma?" he asked softly, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

I nodded, unable to find words. The anticipation was almost unbearable - but in the best possible way. It felt like I was on the precipice of something incredible, something that would forever change me.

He smiled, and I could see the promise in his eyes. With a gentle hand, he guided me to lie down on a soft couch nearby. As I settled, he spread a large, cozy blanket over us, creating a cocoon of warmth and comfort.

His eyes never left mine as he slowly parted my legs, revealing the most intimate parts of myself to him. There was no shame, only a profound sense of trust and vulnerability that seemed to infuse everything between us.

Nicholas's gaze never wavered as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin. "Are you ready for your gift?" he whispered, his voice like velvet.

I swallowed hard, unable to speak from the swell of emotion that welled within me. I knew what this moment meant - it was a declaration of something deeper than words could ever express.

Finally, I found my voice. "Y-yes, I'm ready," I croaked out, my voice barely a whisper.

A gentle smile curved his lips, and he rewarded me with a sweet, reassuring kiss on my forehead. Then, to my surprise, he started at my toes, kissing his way up my legs, sending shivers of delight coursing through me. His lips left a molten trail in their wake, and each kiss seemed to brand me as his own.

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