Page 29 of 12 Days of F*ckmas
A low groan escaped me.
Someone knocked.
Pissed, I left her mouth. “What?”
Dog spoke on the other side, “The tree is here. Where do you want it?”
“Put it in the living room.”
Mariah raised her eyebrows. “Tree?”
“I met you decorating a Christmas tree in the brothel. I assumed you were into that sort of thing.”
Her expression brightened. “Totally. I love the Christmas season. I’m the sort of person that puts up a tree in October.”
I shook my head.
“I can’t help it. It’s the one season where everyone tries to be decent. Plus, it is all about fun, giving, and spending time with family and friends.”
I grumbled.
“Are you a scrooge type?”
“Christmas is just another day for me. My father never put up a tree or celebrated it. I carried on that tradition.”
“Your mother didn’t like Christmas either?”
I tensed. “She died on Christmas Eve.”
“Oh my God.”
“I was four. My father and her had gone to this party hosted by the family. Assassins shot the place up. A bullet hit my dad in the leg. Another got her in the head.”
Mariah tightened her hold on me. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. I barely remember her.”
“It’s still so sad. That’s probably why your father never celebrates.”
“Maybe.” Shrugging, I left her hold and sat up. “Let’s talk about happier things.”
She gave me a sad smile. “Okay.”
I grabbed the present on the nightstand. “However, before we decorate this stupid tree, you must open your present.”
“For someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas, you sure have an amazingly gift-giving spirit.”
“Perhaps, I simply like spoiling you.” I handed her the gift. It was wrapped in purple glittery paper with a gold bow on the top.
Smiling, she held it. “Thank you, Gabriel. No one has ever given me so many presents.”
I frowned. “Men don’t usually spoil you?”
“I don’t really make time for men.”
“Youwillmake time for me.”
She widened her eyes. “Well. . .these twelve days have been amazing. I could give you. . .more time.”
