Page 7 of Painfully Merry

Chaos lies on his back, staring at the ceiling, holding up his hand and counting his fingers. “Honestly, I lost count after the sixth shot of tequila. I recall you sayingfuck this, ho, let's get ripped. And ripped you got. I had to carry you in bridal style.”

“Oh, fuck. I didn’t want to get jacked out of my mind. I’m too old for this shit. It’s gonna take me all day to recover.”

“Yeah, but it’ll be worth it. Come on. I’ll make you some waffles. I’m fit as a fiddle.”

I watch him roll out of bed and onto the floor. Not sure how anyone would find him scary, odd—yes, hands down, for sure. But that’s what makes him so unique.

“Chaos. Normal waffles.”

His head pops up over the mattress, hair a mess. “What other way is there?”

I raise a brow, and he nods.

“Normal for a normal ass. You don’t deserve chocolate chips, anyway.” He sticks his tongue out.

After breakfast, we loaded up the van. The bag that Chaos packed turns out to be three hockey bags full of items he refuses to tell. The grin that spreads on his face is like a child getting ready to hit up a theme park.

Sneaking into her place should’ve been planned out more, and breaking in during the day probably isn’t the smartest move. I hope Chaos knows what he’s doing because I fuckin’ don’t. I’m out of my element here. He’s the pro, and I’m the sidekick.

“Tell me, Park. What do you plan on doing after you tie her up?” He turns down her street, parking ways down.

“I haven’t thought of that yet. Would leaving her tied up for a few days be cruel?”

“And miss Christmas?” He looks at me with wide eyes.

I shot him a narrowed look. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. Santa comes soon, and I promised him I would be a good boy. I’m not fucking that up for you and your dick.”

I go to speak but shake it off. I pinch the bridge of my nose, breathing deeply. “Chaos, you’re right. How dare I think about missing Christmas.”

“Thanks, Parky. Now, you won’t get coal in your stocking.” He taps the steering wheel three times. “Do you know anything about her schedule?”

I try to think, but it’s been over a month since I’ve been in the office. Anything could’ve changed. There’s only one thing that comes to mind that happens every year at that company. I’ve only been to two parties.

“The Christmas party is tonight. Did you wanna come back later?”

He stares out the window. “Yeah, let’s make it for nine.”

He spins the van around, and he heads back home. Now, I’ll have hours of dreaming of what I’ll be doing to her. The thought of her lying around the house in her underwear when we strike makes it even better. She’ll have no idea that we’ll be right below her for hours while she sleeps like the rich bitch she is.

It’s going to be a long night waiting to strike, but once I do, it’ll be heaven.

4

Sabrina

Christmas vacation is finally starting, and my house will be empty later today. The staff is busy cleaning the house and stocking the kitchen like I’m a useless sack of shit and can’t figure out how to grocery shop without them. Once upon a time, I did things by myself. I know I shouldn’t be complaining. I don’t have time after work to rush to the store and find food I will never eat. Besides, it’s nice having the staff here with me; they’ve been working for the family for as long as I can remember. They wouldn’t have it any other way when I told them they could leave after Grandpa passed.

I owe it to them.

“Miss Black? Would you like anything else done?” Marcy asks as I enter the kitchen.

“No, you do too much as it is. Are you excited to visit your son?”

She sets a grilled cheese sandwich down on the island for me. “Oh dear, there are no words. I think I’m more excited to see my grandbabies.”

“How many is that now? Six?” I pull my sandwich apart, getting to the gooey centre.

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