“I really like you too,” she panted.

18

EPILOGUE

MADDIE

“Merry Christmas!” I greeted Elizabeth and Vincenzo as we entered their lobby.

“Merry Christmasss,” she sang, giving James a hug, then gave me one.

The mansion was loud, with family and friends mingling. It was the annual celebration Vincenzo normally hosted, however this yr, they had been internet hosting it collectively. Christmas music performed all through. An infinite Christmas tree with white lights was within the nook of the lobby in entrance of a window.

That they had sixteen Christmas timber across the dwelling, every with a special theme. Lights, garlands, and bows wrapped across the banister within the lobby, lining the grand staircase. However tonight, with the aroma of cookies, fireplaces, and cinnamon wafting by the home, we’d stepped right into a wonderland.

Vincenzo unexpectedly tugged me into his facet, wrapping his arm round me. I peered up into his darkish eyes, smiling awkwardly. What the hell?

He smirked, however there was one thing sinister in his gaze tonight. “Merry Christmas.”

I squinted. “I don’t assume I’ll ever be totally snug with you.”

He rolled his tongue over his enamel, sucking in a breath. “I’m one of many nicest guys ever.”

“Says the crime boss,” I snickered, glancing again on the entrance door. “You actually have armed guards patrolling the property.”

Earlier than he might reply, somebody referred to as his consideration away from the archway main into the lounge. “See you guys in a bit.”

“It’s so bizarre seeing him in a pink sweater with a snowman on it.” I giggled. “Albeit a snowman sporting a pinstriped go well with and holding a gun.”

Elizabeth laughed. “He was about to put on a go well with and I begged him for matching sweaters.” She peeked again over her shoulder, then cupped a hand round her mouth. “He loves Christmas.” She glanced down at her smartwatch. “You guys make yourselves at dwelling, after all. I’ve to go examine on a number of the meals.”

“Why didn’t you cater?” I requested.

“I did! However I made a ton of cookies.” She disappeared into the hallway.

James snaked his arm round me, kissing my cheek, then put his lips to my ear. “Go away your coat on and include me.”

My mouth fell agape with a large, naughty grin.

“Child woman,” he chuckled, “I fucked you 4 instances earlier than we lastly obtained within the automotive to return over and as soon as across the nook from the home.” Rolling his eyes, he laced his fingers with mine, escorting me by the mansion to the again.

“I can’t assist it if my man is scorching as fuck,” I joked, maintaining his tempo.

He laughed once more, pushing open the door into the chilly night time. Three hearth pits had been blazing, the pool was lined, and the walkways had been cleared of the 9 inches of snow that had fallen since yesterday. It glittered beneath the nice and cozy glow of the Edison bulbs strung up by the timber and packed porch.

Visitors gathered across the warmth lamps and the 2 hearth pits closest to the home. He led me over to the remoted one. I stretched my palms towards the heat, letting out a foggy breath.

“I really like snow a lot.” I leaned into his facet, hooking my hand within the criminal of his arm.

His beige, wool coat and scarf had been pulled tight towards him, his palms nestled in his coat pockets. He was further quiet tonight. I used to be beginning to surprise if he was having flashbacks of final Christmas.

“I do know you do,” he lastly commented.

Withdrawing my hand, I pivoted to him. “Okay, you’re being bizarre. Are you okay? Did I do one thing?”

“Sure,” he mumbled, turning to me. “You probably did.”

I jerked my head again. “I—”

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