Page 5 of HoHoHo for You

He gave me a pointed look for a second, then leaned in and kissed me—whichwasn’thelping with the no-sex directive—then straightened and disappeared down the hallway.

I heard a small thump at one point. Rustling paper. And a muttered curse.

By that time I was curious enough about what he was doing to be distracted from my funk. So when I heard his footsteps down the hall, I sat up straighter… and blinked when Sam appeared in the open archway between the hallway and living room, leaning on the wall and smiling at me like an evil fucker.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

He wore long, loose, velvet pants with a black belt and white fur at the hem, but instead of the bright red of Christmas, they were black. He had a matching jacket too—complete with a wide loose hood, and sleeves, both lined in that white fur again. And also black. But he’d left it open, revealing his abs and pecs that were framed so beautifully, my mouth went dry.

Sam had one arm hiked up because he had a big, black, fabric bag full of strangely shaped lumps thrown over his shoulders.

He looked hot, and silly, and… a little bit dangerous.

Perfect.

“Sam, what the fuck are you doing? Are you…darkSanta? You do realize—”

“Tsk tsk. I’m not Santa. I’m Krampus, theanti-Santa.”

I snorted. “Krampus?”

“The Anti-Santa, yes.”

“Sam—”

“I said,Krampus. Look, I used to be one of Santa's helpers, but I hate that bastard.” He pushed off the wall and strode across the room to stand over me, his eyes locked on mine and that smile so handsome, and somenacing,the hair on my arms stood up. “So while that fat fucker is giving presents to the good kids, I’ve taken it upon myself to reward all the naughty girls… So, tell me, Bridget. Have you been naughty, or nice?”

I tried not to smile, but I failed. “Definitely naughty,” I said, spluttering a laugh.

“That’s right. I’m glad you didn’t try to lie because I already knowallthe ways you’re naughty, Bridget,” he purred as he put his bag down on the floor and leaned over me while I fought not to laugh. “In fact, you’re my naughtiest girl of all. Well done, beautiful. It’s my job to reward you for your resistance to the jolly old man.”

“Rewardme? How?”

His gaze went hot and dropped to my lips. Those goosebumps that had started on my arms tripped down my spine. Sam had always been able to take my breath away, but when he leaned right into my ear, his stubbled cheek brushing against mine, I shivered.

Then he whispered in that rough, deepvoice, “Ho… ho…ho.”

I burst out laughing and Sam straightened, mock scowling at me.

“Oh my god, that was socheesy!”I gasped.

“Hush,” he muttered. “I’m distracting you.”

“Well, that’s certainly true.”

“Bridget—”

“No seriously, Sam—you should film this. Tiktok would goinsane—”I cut off with a gasp because Sam snapped forward, planted one hand on the back of the couch, grabbed my hair with the other and twisted it around his fist, then yanked my head back, his mouth open and lips almost brushing mine as he stared right into my eyes.

“I said,hush,”he growled.

Hush I did. Very quickly. Eyes wide and heart pounding in all therightways.

“Good girl,” he purred and my belly fluttered again. “Now, listen carefully: I haveseveralpresents for you, because you, Bridget Priestley, have been a very,verynaughty girl.”

I gaped at him because I couldn’t lift my head and his mouth wasjustout of reach. I licked my lips and his eyes dropped. I smiled.

“Will any of my presents be… toys?” I whispered.

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