“You got one, too?”
“Chase handed them out to everyone. Anyway, saw you headed this way and figured I could steal a kiss.” He winked.
She fought for each breath, and he drew her against him.
Melting against him felt natural. Without any hesitation, this was where she ought to be… by Gunn’s side. His lips found her neck, and his kisses glided to her earlobe. He flicked his tongue out and pulled it into his mouth, sucking.
Fire hit her core so fast, it rocked her.
“You’re mine, baby girl, and I adore you.” He clasped her wrist, placing her palm above his heart.
Her fingers crawled beneath his red top, skimming across his hot skin, loving the way his muscles flexed under her touch.
In two seconds flat, he plucked the shirt over his head. His jeans hung low on his hips, emphasizing the V of his torso and the faint line of hair diving south. The urge to rip off his pants had her fingers tingling. She chewed her cheek at the idea of him taking her up against the wall.
But instead, he dragged on his black top featuring Santa riding a unicorn. She burst out laughing and it was amazing to let out her anxiety. “That’s worse than mine.”
Gunn stuck out his chest and patted his long-sleeved T-shirt. “Well, unicorns deserve love, too. Not just the reindeers.”
“Ha. You’re hilarious.” Plastered against him, she lifted herself up, feeling shorter next to Gunn without her boots. “Tell me you’ll stay here all day.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” His admission had her heart racing. “I have something for you though.” He reached into his back pocket and revealed a purple velvet pouch. “Merry Christmas, baby girl.” He set it on her palm.
“When did you get me a gift? I haven’t got you anything and—”
“I already have you. That’s everything I want. Now open your gift.”
She pulled open the strings and took out a silver chain necklace with a quartz crystal pendant. A gasp fell from her throat. “Oh my god. This is gorgeous.”
“Well, I lost the crystal you gave me. But actually, I had bought this for you two weeks ago, determined to break the ice between us. The jeweler told me it was white gold.”
Her chest tightened. “Wow. I love it so much, Gunn. It’s beautiful.” Cyra pressed against him, kissing his mouth, chin, cheeks. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you. Now let’s put it on.” He clasped the chain around her neck and at once, the crystal touched her skin and warmed her, like a connection between them.
“It’s perfect.”
His smile left her giddy. And then there was the way he stared at her as if he’d devour her any second. “Shall we join the party before they send a search party for us?”
“Yep.” The idea of spending time with her grandma got her legs moving. Maybe they’d play board games and watch a movie. She opened the door, and with Gunn at her back, they emerged into the main room, where all eyes landed on her. Four hunters, including Chase, plus her grandma, lingered in the kitchen. Normally, she’d rush in there and toss out jokes at the guys like they were grenades, but today she couldn’t think straight.
Her attention focused on Chase, who studied her with a narrowed gaze. She loved how much he cared for her, but he had to allow her the freedom to make decisions for herself. In the kitchen, strong hunters towered over her, and while other people might get intimidated, she wasn’t. Each one of them had hearts of gold and were her family, so, if she was going to have this conversation, it might as well be in front of them. Some of them might even weigh in on her side.
“If I were half my age,” Grandma started, “I’d be in heaven right now with all these lovely men in the same room.” She laughed.
Saxon, who now wore a red T-shirt with a reindeer head on it along with the words “Let’s Get Blitzened,” sidled up to her grandma. “I bet you had men eating out of your hands.”
She patted his bicep, which he flexed on cue, and she said, “Well, I could tell you some stories.”
“Grandma!” Chase hissed. Everyone else chuckled.
But the moment Gunn stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, her insides froze. She chewed on the inside of her cheek as everyone’s attention fell on them once again. Yep, this was the right approach. She wasn’t backing away.
Chase turned toward them and his smile fell, but it was her grandmother whose mouth fell open. She hobbled near. “Cyra, who is this young gentleman? You haven’t introduced us.”
Her throat dried. “This is Gunn. He’s amazing, and we’ve just started dating this past week.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Gunn said before he let go of her to hug her grandma.
Cyra glanced at her brother, who wore a stiff expression.
Silence permeated the awkwardness unfolding before them. But she remembered Gunn’s words about staying by her side, not going anywhere, and no matter what, Chase had to accept her decisions.
“All I ask,” Grandma said, “is that you take care of Cyra like she’s the last person left in the world.”
“Ma’am, I give you my word.” Gunn turned to Chase, but it was her grandma who ended the standoff.
“Chase, why didn’t you tell me Cyra found such a nice boy?”
Her brother rubbed his mouth and squared his shoulders. He stepped closer. God, he wouldn’t do something stupid, not in front of everyone? She’d once seen him punch a guy at school for picking on her. She got that Chase had taken over the father-figure role ever since they’d lost their father and grandfather, but he had to trust her decision now.
Cyra blocked her brother’s path. “This is my choice, Chase. Gunn is an incredible guy, and nothing you will say will break us apart. Be happy for us, for me.” She swallowed hard, shivering worse than when she’d faced the demon.
With a loud huff, he reached
