Page 34 of Happy Krampus Xmas & the Meet Not Cute
“Everything, right,” Gabe mutters.
“I put that bloody microchip behind my ear for you, didn’t I?” I touch the bump under the skin. It felt weird at first. But I forget about it most of the time.
Gabe’s hand curls around my nape as he lifts my head up. “You did it because I threatened to tranquilize you and put it there myself.”
“Fear of having a permanent scar near my pretty face was an essential factor in my decision-making, yes. The need to get my beauty sleep another.”
“Lori. I think it’s time we talk about rules.”
“Rules? No, no rules. I vote we chuck the rules.”
“You can’t. That’s against the rules.”
“What rules?”
“The rules we need to talk about.”
This could go on for hours, which we don’t have. “Ugh, you are lucky I love you, or…” I start.
“Or what?” Bez growls. “You will never leave us, Little Wasp.”
I look upward, asking the whole chorus of angels to give me strength. “Open your hairy ears because this is the last time I say it. I will never leave you. Either of you. Ever!” I spell out.
“I told you.” Gabe sounds a smidge smug.
“Shut it!” is Bez’s annoyed reply.
My phone buzzes, and I turn a glance to see Petunia texted me. Since that night two weeks ago, we’ve been chatting over thephone, and she even helped me buy some presents—Krampus slippers included. She’s fun to be with, and I think I will use her driving, stalking services again in the future.
My eyes focus on the time displayed on my phone, and I scramble into a sitting position.
“Bugger! We’re going to be late.”
“When we come back it’s rule time.” I roll my eyes at his persistence.
An hour later, we are entering Rami and Hunter’s home when a cacophony of kabooms, fizzes, and swooshes fills the air.
“Gabriz is here!” Rami cheers—his ship name for Gabe, Bez, and me.
“Merry Christmas and congrats on your initiation!” Michael yells with Sari, followed by the less enthusiastic rest of the sausage fest with the triplets and Opal. Wow, everybody is here, except Linda. She decided to stay at the hospital with Meg.
We'll go see them later.
I pat Gabe’s chest, silently telling him to let me go. He wrapped me in his arms and shielded me as soon as the firecracker noises started. I feel so fucking cherished and, at the same time, bloody irritated by his overprotectiveness. Nevertheless, I remind myself this is a difficult time for all of us, with Meg still in the hospital with no signs of getting better. So, I let it slide.
“Cheers, mates. I’m touched.” I smile at everybody. The room is filled with Christmas decorations. A tall, trimmed tree is looming over the room far away from the fireplace—good call—and the table is dressed with food and drinks. Rami is quite the cook. I’m looking forward to eating.
“Happy Krampus Day!”
“Are you still going with that?” Ren clicks his disdainful tongue at me. But I don’t care. I’m free of my curse, and my tushy is delightfully stingy. I’m utterly satisfied…until tonight.A boy’s gotta keep eating.
“You owe me,” Ash feels the need to remind me every time I see him. He’s referring to the old tattoo gun he gave me, but he hasn’t asked me for anything in return yet. Brat. I’m dreading that day.
I wave at Opal and Hunter talking in the kitchen, then I’m suddenly enveloped by a huge, hard body.
“Hugs are painkillers,” Rami whispers too close to my ear.
“This is overmedication,” I mutter. “Are you asking for my boot in your arse?”
