Page 48 of Unwrapping Ember
“Let her. If we’re protecting her, that’s what matters. At least we’ll know he can’t hurt anyone again.”
“Alright, we’ll tell her,” I concede reluctantly, still uncertain about her reaction. “But how do we exact our revenge?”
An idea sparks in my mind as I look at him, hopeful that it’s clever enough to work. “There are plenty of guys from the club who would do just about anything, Ev. Why not utilize that?”
“Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?” I nod, aware of how twisted my plan sounds but desperate for it to succeed.
“He won’t see it coming,” Ev grins slyly.
I nod, a sense of satisfaction washing over me at the thought of finally getting payback on Shawn.
Footsteps approach, halting our conversation about revenge. I look up to see Ember entering the living room with Baine behind her, both beaming with joy.
She strides right over and hugs Ev, planting a kiss on the tip of his nose. “Merry Christmas, Ev.”
“Merry Christmas, my little vixen."
She turns to me, settling on my lap, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Merry Christmas, Koda.”
“Merry Christmas, my little Ember.” I cup her cheek in my hand and pull her closer, our lips meeting instinctively.
“Mmm.” She sighs softly as we part, enveloped in the festive atmosphere.
Surrounded by the tree, I gesture to Baine to retrieve the gifts we bought her, my face lighting up with anticipation. “We got you something.”
“You shouldn’t have, Koda.”
“Oh, you’re going to love what we found. They’re not just for you—they’re for us, too.”
“Okay, now you have my attention,” she laughs, her excitement radiating from her beautiful features. “I got you something as well, but I’ll give itto you later.” A hint of sadness lingers in her tone, but I brush it aside.
“Open your presents, baby.” I whisper, teasingly flicking her earlobe with my tongue, eliciting a shiver from her.
“Okay, okay,” Ember giggles, reaching for the gifts, her excitement palpable. “Which one should I open first?”
Ember
As I sit in the center of the living room floor, I feel a flutter of nerves with everyone's gaze fixed upon me. Before me lie three beautifully wrapped gifts, and my mind races with curiosity about their contents. Yet, knowing the thoughtfulness of their givers, I realize it might be a mystery I can't solve.
“Don’t be nervous, my little Ember,” Koda encourages, a warm smile on his face.
“Alright, alright. Which one should I open first?” I ask, glancing at the enticing packages.
“Choose whichever you like,” he replies with a playful wink.
After pondering for a moment, I reach for Baine's gift, captivated by the vibrant green wrapping adorned with a shiny red bow.
“Open it, doll,” he urges.
With a smile of anticipation, I eagerly unwrap the gift. As the paper falls away, my jaw drops at the sight of the red leather cuffs I pull from the box, dangling them between my fingers.
“Handcuffs?” I exclaim, bewildered yet intrigued.
“Yeah, they’re a perfect match for your other gifts…” Baine says, his eyes sparkling mischievously.
“They're sexy, Baine. Thank you,” I respond softly, running my fingers over the smooth leather.
A shiver dances up my spine, igniting a warmth that pools at my core as vivid images of us using them flash through my mind.