Page 71 of Subbing For Santa

“Agatha, get dressed and meet me inside. We need to have a chat.”

Fucking hell.

Aggie stiffens at my dad’s words while he walks off, giving us his back, and I desperately wish we were back at Redfield Lake playing subbing for Santa in our own little world where no one else fucking existed.

“It’s ok, little elf. I’ll come with you.” I tell her when I see the fear in her eyes.

She glances up at me with so much concern that I just want to sweep her up in my arms and run away with her. I can’t though. If she’s to be part of my world, then she’ll have to get used to my dad, even though I’d rather keep him away from her.

He can be a fucking prick. Totally ruthless at times which is why he holds so much power, but at the end of the day, I am his son, and I know he loves me. Just like Fallon, he’ll be trying to make sure my little elf can hack this lifestyle.

Fallon was meant to join us on the boat today, but after her brief but brutal ‘chat’ with our dad this morning, she stormed out and sped off in her car. Apparently, dad demoted her to baby-sitting duties of some of our special guests in the city that get the type of hospitality that involves pulling out fingernails and waterboarding.

It’s a notable hit to her position within the family business, and our crew will know immediately that she’s being punished.

I feel fucking bad for Fal. I love my sister, I really do, but she was out of line yesterday. I wish our dad hadn’t intervened, though. I never wanted such a punishment for her.

Aggie hasn’t asked again about her, so until she does, I’ll keep this information to myself. Aggie has a big heart, and even though Fallon threatened her, she will feel to blame for what’s happened.

“Just picture him naked.” I tug Aggie to my chest, sweeping her wet golden blonde tendrils off her cheek. “He has a beer belly and all. Surely that’s not scary.”

My words have the desired effect, and Aggie laughs.

“There it is. That perfect smile.” I cup her cheek and she relaxes into my hand like she never wants to move away.

I help Aggie dry off, mostly because I can’t seem to handle not having my hands on her every fucking second, and I deliberately stall, taking longer than needed as I try to avoid the inevitable of my woman having to deal with my dad.

Leading her below deck, I take her to my designated bedroom with its own private bathroom, where we shower together. There’s no sex involved in this shower, but I hold her close as we remain quiet, helping to wash the salt water out of her hair.

After we dry off again, my eyes remain on Aggie as I dress, watching her slip back into her dress before she gives her hair a quick comb. I love the domestic-ness of this situation. I can imagine watching her do this in thirty years’ time and loving the look of her just as much as I do now.

With reluctance, once we are dressed and can no longer avoid my father, I take Aggie’s delicate hand in mine and lead her to my father's office. Stopping in front of the door, I turn to face her, my eyes remaining on her caramel gaze as I tap on the door.

“Enter.” My dad barks, his tone gruff, and I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes at his intimidation tactics.

Aggie isn’t the threat here. I wish he’d give it a rest.

“Remember beautiful. He’s naked with a big old round belly.” I smirk at my woman and her pretty pink lips quirk up in one corner.

Then I open the door.

Chapter twenty

Threats

Agatha

EwanMarxissittingbehind a small desk, focused on writing something before looking up to see us enter.

“Thanks, Griff. She’ll be out in a few minutes.” He grunts sternly, and I stiffen.

“I think I’ll stay.” Griffin advises his dad, who simply dismisses his statement.

“Nope. Out.”

“But—”

“Out Griffin!” Ewan bellows and I flinch, my heart just about leaping out of my throat at the menacing yell of Griffin’s dad in the small space.

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