Page 92 of Naughty Santa Daddy

Massimo cracks an easy smile at that, his ice-cold blue eyes softening slightly. “Try me,” he challenges while raising an eyebrow.

I can't help but match his playful dare. “Alright then! What do you call a horse who lives next door?”

The stony man’s grin gives way to puzzlement mixed with a dash of amusement. He turns to Amos, who’s peering up at him with so much excitement on his little face. “A horse who lives next door? I have no idea,” he admits, his attention flicking back to me with intrigue.

I flash them a triumphant grin. “Aneigh-bor!”

Amos bursts into a fresh fit of giggles, his laughter carrying through the room once again. Massimo shakes his head at the silliness of the joke, trying to hide his smile. I feel like I won the lottery, making Massimo smile so freely.

“Okay, you’ve got me, Hadley,” he admits, wearing a smirk full of amusement. “That was pretty good.”

The Christmas lights wrapping around the staircase create a cozy atmosphere, and from the kitchen, we can still watch them through the large opening. Even Massimo, known for his seriousness, can't help but lighten up at the infectious joy spilling through the room. At this moment, everything seemsperfect, soserene.

Amos giggles again as he hops down from the chair he was sitting on, and I finally feel at peace once more where he’s concerned.Now, maybe I can go a little longer without telling Massimo all about my past. I still have some time, I silently tellmyself while fighting down the pit of anxiety curling in my gut. This isn’t the moment to tarnish with grim truths.

I take Amos's hand, his joy still bubbling up around us. “Alright, buddy, let's go find your favorite Christmas book,” I say, turning towards the staircase.

As we venture up, I glance back at Massimo, who’s stayed behind, wearing a slight smirk as he shakes his head. His stare is warm and amused, and there's a gentleness about him that I haven't witnessed before. It makes him less intimidating and, oddly, more attractive.

I'm determined to have fun tonight and push away any sad thoughts.

I'll save my secrets for another time.

Chapter 15

Sienna Snow

Sienna Snow

Massimo

Hadley and I sit in front of a crackling fire with Amos, listening to her read a holiday story about gingerbread men and sledding. When the fuck did my life turn into some made-for-television Christmas special? This is not who I am. I kill, maim, torture, and I damn well enjoy doing it. Men tremble at the mere mention of my name.

Yet here I am, playing happy family with Amos and Hadley. Surprisingly, I don't hate it. Then again, only a heartless bastard would reject their own kid when he asks you to spend time with him. It's a welcome break from the stress of dealing with Hadley's traumatic past and the ongoing issues with the trafficking ring.

At some point, we will have to have that conversation—the one where we talk about her childhood abuse and how it has shaped her into the strong woman she is today. It won't be an easy discussion, but I'll do everything I can to protect her and ensure justice is served against those who have wronged her.

No one hurts my woman and gets away with it.

My woman. I like the sound of that.

My blood boils with rage and a burning desire for revenge at the mere thought of what she went through. I imagine tearing them apart with my bare hands and bathing in their blood. Unfortunately, most of them died before giving me a chance to get to them. Colton Bernard still lives on, even if he is in prison. If Hadley had the stomach for it, I would bring him to her feet for retribution. First, we need to tie up loose ends—which means taking care of the assholes who deserve to suffer an excruciating death.

I vow to protect Hadley just as fiercely as I do for Amos. Anyone who disagrees or gets in my way will face deadly consequences.

In the meantime, my priority is making sure Amos goes to bed and then losing myself in Hadley's body. She may still believe I'll kill her someday, but I intend to make it clear that she's staying with me whether she likes it or not. No one will ever harm her again while I'm around. If I happen to knock her up, it will make things a hell of a lot easier.

She looks up from the book as if she can read my thoughts, narrows her gaze, and raises an eyebrow.

I quickly interject before she can say anything, “Time for bed, Amos. Make sure you say goodnight to Hadley.”

Hadley

As Massimo pushes me into the bedroom, I can smell the faint hint of whiskey on his breath and feel the strength of his hand against my back. He kicks the door shut, and I catch a glimpse of determination in his eyes before it disappears.

“You’re so obvious,” I tease as he guides me onto the bed. “He’s going to figure out your ulterior motives when you end story time barely a second after reading the last line.”

Massimo leans down to kiss my neck, his fingers tracing patterns along my skin. “He’s six and was half-asleep anyway,” he murmurs against my throat.

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