Page 226 of Blood & Betrayals

“Wait. What kind of research?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow.

“I’ve kind of… caught on that you like that sort of stuff, so I looked into it.” His blush creeps down his neck.

“You did?”

Connor nods. “And there were things I wanted to try.”

“Like what?”

“Like… tying you up. Spanking. Hair pulling,” Connor says, pulling me in closer.

I stare up at him. Does he really enjoy the things I do, or is he just doing this for me?

“I was imagining us doing it, and well, I had to take care of myself,” Connor continues.

“You fucked your fist imagining me tied up for you?” I ask.

Even Connor’s ears turn red.

“It turns me on, Con. Knowing you did that.”

“Yeah?”

I move closer, bringing my knee to his hip and placing my hand on his chest. “So fucking much.”

Connor leans in and presses his lips to mine, and we lose ourselves in pleasure once again.

Connor hums as we get dressed, and I smile as I pull my tights on. “You excited, big guy?”

Connor smiles at me, buttoning his pants. “I love Christmas.”

I pull on a maroon wrap dress and tie it at the waist. “I know you do.”

“Alice!” Connor calls, banging his fist on the wall. “Get dressed for Christmas!”

I laugh as I push my feet into my boots and bend to zip them.

Alice opens the door without knocking. “I am not worshiping some weirdo felon who enjoys breaking, entering, and theft.”

I sigh. “It’s also Yule, Alice.” I look at myself in the mirror, touching up my lipstick. “Besides, you won’t get your gifts if you don’t get dressed.”

Alice sighs heavily and stomps back into her room reluctantly. Though I can tell, there is a sprig of excitement about presents.

Connor holds out his hands to me. When I walk into his arms, he pulls me against him and dips me dramatically. He kisses me passionately and then pulls back to gaze down at me. The love in his eyes is humbling. “Merry Christmas, Summer.”

I smile up at him, and Connor straightens, steadying me on my feet. I reach up and wipe the lipstick from his lips.

“Not my shade?” he asks.

I laugh. “Not really.”

Connor wraps his arms around me again, his hands resting on my ass. “Man, I missed you.”

I cup his cheek. “I missed you too, big guy. How’s your mom and dad?”

“They have gifts for you and Alice,” Connor says, smiling brightly.

“I have gifts for them, too! I’m happy they’re coming,” I say, kissing him again.

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