Page 58 of Stealing His Christmas Present

“I need to take care of something,” Claudia’s father said. “And then I’ll be back to join you.”

“Me too,” Lorenzo said, and Dante nodded.

“Where are you going?” Claudia asked.

“Just need to destroy those filthy traffickers,” Lorenzo said. “We had to hold back because we didn’t know where you and the twins were, but now... Now they’re all dead.”

“Let’s not talk about death. It’s Christmas Eve,” Claudia’s mother said. “We should get inside. It’s cold out here.”

Claudia didn’t let go of my arm as we headed inside. A huge Christmas tree was in the foyer, adorned with golden ornaments. The air was so warm.

Colorful lights were everywhere.

The house looked like it had been turned into a children’s Christmas playground. Plush deer, snowmen, Santa Clauses, and even plush gingerbread people were everywhere.

Lying in the fake snow was a fawn made out of white lights. Ornaments cut out of paper were hanging all over the ceiling.

It was a fucking nightmare.

Claudia’s face lit up as she looked around. “Oh, my god! You guys, it’s perfect!”

Okay, it wasn’t a nightmare.

Claudia was smiling and happy. That was worth something, at least.

“There’s so much we want to talk to you about,” Claudia’s mother said.

I leaned closer to Claudia so I could whisper into her ear. “I should go.”

I didn’t belong here. I wasn’t family.

Claudia made a face as she met my gaze. “And go back to your Dracula castle?”

“Dracula? What?” I raised an eyebrow at her.

“The only thing you’re missing there are dead bodies on spikes. It’s cold and lonely, and you don’t have any Christmas stuff. Unless you have a different home somewhere else?”

“It’s not...” Oh yes, it was.

It absolutely was cold and lonely.

But I was okay with it, wasn’t I?

“Mom!” Claudia said. “Do we have a guest room ready for Pablo?”

“Yes, of course, honey.”

“See? You’re staying.” Claudia grinned at me. “There’s no way I’ll let you be alone on Christmas.”

“Why?” I asked softly as I stared into her eyes, looking for the answer.

She only smiled at me.

I placed my hand on her cheek and pulled her to me, crashing my lips against hers.

Did I even care?

This was a Christmas miracle after all.

I got to enjoy Claudia for a bit longer.

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