Page 10 of Once Upon a Frosty Winter

I narrow my eyes at him. “You can’t handle me.”

“I sure as fuck would give it my best. I want nothing more than to have you bent over in your precious orchard. I won’t stop until you’re whimpering and coming so hard you’ll feel the aftereffects for days.”

I’d settle for an earth-shattering orgasm. It’s been forever since I’ve had one that didn’t come from a battery-operated toy. However, I need to remember who he is and what he means to Eira. Why this fucker is here in the first place.

I lean in like I’m about to kiss him. “I’m not interested in an STD. You and I both know that’s the only thing you could give me that would have lastingaftereffects.”

I take a step to the side and continue walking down the street. His eyes are burning into my back, and I hope he’s enjoying the view.I add a little extra sway to my hips.

Tonight is the lantern lighting at Queen’s Orchard. No doubt Jax and Eira will be in attendance. My staff are hanging up mistletoes everywhere—the perfect excuse to kiss Jax in front of her. I can already hear her heart breaking as the man she thinks she loves kisses me. She wanted an evil stepmother, and soon she’ll have one.

Hopefully, she’ll see what a weasel he is and leave himandmy orchard alone. They’ll both make a hasty and angry exit, and I’ll be left alone in peace.

ChapterSix

Frost

My mind has been drumming up all kinds of delicious fantasies about Hilda Queen. She’s the most delightful person I’ve ever met. Gorgeous. Quick wit. A tongue that could slice me in two. I’d commit some horrible crimes for just a chance to learn what else she could do with that tongue.

There’s an electric current that runs between us. I’ve not changed my mind about not wanting a serious relationship. I’m still not getting married, and I don’t want to commit to anyone—but, there’s something about Hilda. I keep thinking about things I shouldn’t.

What would it be like to wake up to someone that beautiful every day?No. That’s absurd. I don’t do sleepovers.What would it be like to have her reveal her tender side?I know she has one. There was a flicker of it when she spoke about her mother. She’s also proving it with Eira. Hilda could’ve easily let someone else raise Eira. There’s plenty of family. She also kept up the holiday dinners. I believe she’s shown she cares in the ways she knows how. It has to be a struggle with thembothbeing young and close in age.

Does she want a partner in life?I shouldn’t care. Dammit, I shouldn’t even be curious. She’s been alone for so long. This extraordinary and stunning woman. The orchard was but planted apple seeds when she first began it. Now look. She did that. Planted the seeds and nurtured it into the little empire it is today.

I’d like to plant my seed in her…

Fuck. I need to leave Mistletoe Creek.

* * *

Since I’m a complete dumbass, I’m here at the lantern release in Queen’s Orchard. If I’m not mistaken, I believe there are even more elaborate decorations and ice sculptures. The scents of apples and spices fill the air. Snow covers the crowd, but it’s not freezing outside. Happy, upbeat music is coming through the sound system. Families are laughing together. Lovers are strolling hand in hand. It’s the ideal Christmas event. There’s only one person who is alone.

Hilda.

The queen of the event.

“Merry Christmas,” she coolly greets people as she walks past them. The woman doesn’t look like she enjoys the holidays, but she has to, right? Why go through all this effort otherwise? Unless it’s the same reason I do—profit. The place is packed for all the holiday extravaganza. Old Man Winter’s Diner and baked goods do bring in the most during the holidays.

“Merry Christmas to you,” I call out to her. The snow crunches beneath my boots as I make my way to the vision in red. Her ebony hair is piled on top of her hair in an elegant updo. She’s wearing a deep red velvet suit with a glittery white undershirt peeking through. Her lips are blood red. I don’t need any Christmas presents this year. This vision will forever be burned into my mind and will assist in my showers.

The low Christmas music playing over the speakers quiets, and she holds up a finger. “Excuse me, that’s my cue. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Dismissed. I’ve been dismissed. I suck in my bottom lip as I watch her walk away from me, probably to make some speech or announce it’s time to release the lanterns.

Eira’s voice in my ear startles me. I didn’t even hear her approach. “Why were you talking to her again?”

“Jealousy isn’t a very attractive quality.” My voice is full of boredom.

“Neither is stupidity. I warned you about her. She used to poison me. She killed my father.”

I rest my hands on my hips and turn my body toward her. “What proof do you have that she was responsible for his death?”

“You don’t find it suspicious? After she got her precious orchard going, he died.”

“I know it hurts, but Eira, she wasn’t anywhere around. It was an accident.”

Her blue eyes search mine, but she won’t find any answers. I don’t have any to give—only mild comfort. The whole thing is beginning to make me nauseous. I take a step back and shove my hands into my pants pockets. I say a silent thank-you to God as we walk in a much-needed silence.

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