Page 18 of Starstruck with the Krampus

I glance up at him to find him studying me, waiting for my reaction.

“We did well with that color palette,” I quip.

His lips turn up at the corners, his fangs flashing. “That was all you.”

My heart does a silly little cartwheel. “I’m glad you liked it.”

He carries me to the bed and sets me on it, and I bounce lightly on the mattress. The sheets are made of the softest cotton that feels amazing against my palms. It’s a sensory delight, almost silky to the touch, but warm instead of cool. Dominic stands in front of me, watching me with something like pride glimmering in his expression.

“What is it?”

He takes a step closer. “You look good in my bed, Gianna.”

Oh. The words are simple, but the deep tremor of his voice betrays his emotions, his possessiveness. He stares at me like I’m an offering and he’s a deity who gets to enjoy me.

I love it.

Reaching behind my back, I search for the zip of my dress, but Dominic frowns at me.

“I’ll do that,” he says. “But not yet.”

I raise my eyebrows at him. “No?”

He simply shakes his head. “Get up on the bed,” he commands. “Yes, like that.”

Settling against the plush pillows, I wonder what he has in mind for me. When he climbs on and moves toward me, I reach for him, but he grasps my hand and halts me.

His rumbling growl betrays his need. “Later, you’ll get to touch me any way you want, but I’m too close. I need to make sure you’re ready for me, and I need you to be good for me. Can you do that?”

I nod, and he grabs the string of lights running on top of the headboard. He takes my other hand and ties my wrists together with the lights, taking care to leave enough room so the cord doesn’t pinch me, then ties one end to the wooden slats of the headboard.

“Okay?” he checks in with me.

I draw in a shaky breath. “Yes.”

“If you want me to stop at any point, you only need to say so.” He gazes deep into my eyes, expression serious. “Do you understand?”

In answer, I settle deeper into the pillows. “I understand.”

Whatever he has planned for me, I will return the favor later. If he likes the string lights so much, I can think of several other uses for them that will be just as interesting.

“Gianna!” Dominic’s growl reverberates around the room, and he places his big palm on my knee. “Stop that. I’m barely holding on as it is.”

His claws dig into my skin, a pinprick of pain, and when he removes his hand, five little holes in my stocking testify to the sharpness of his talons.

“Now look at what I’ve done,” he murmurs. He smooths the pad of his thumb over one hole and clicks his tongue. “I will buy you new ones. These stockings are fucking spectacular.” He traces his fingers to the underside of my knee, then slowly inches his palm higher. “When I first saw them at the party, I wanted to bend you over right there and see how far up the line goes.”

I spread my knees wider, making room for him. “I wouldn’t have stopped you,” I confess.

He gazes down at me, expression full of wonder. “I know.” He lowers himself between my legs, his broad shoulders forcing my thighs up. “I can’t believe I finally have you here.”

His fingers reach the edge of my stockings, and the shock of feeling his warm palms on my skin sends a jolt of pleasure through me. Dominic groans and pushes my dress up, past my waist, and uncovers my lacy panties. His rough exhale is such a trip, as is the way he squeezes my ass, his big hands cupping me from below.

“Did you put these on for me?” he asks.

“Yes,” I admit, flushing. “I was hoping tonight would end like this.”

He groans and presses a heated kiss to the inside of my thigh, right above the line of my stocking. I’m still fully dressed, and he’s completely naked, but I feel so exposed—and so fucking sexy. The way Dominic is looking at me has heat growing in my belly, and I squirm under him, wishing for more contact.

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