Page 25 of Stranded
I stretch my arms over my head, feeling excited for the first time about Christmas since I was a kid. Because I get to spend it with someone who doesn’t want to control me.
I slip into a robe and go to the kitchen, the tantalizing scent of French toast and cinnamon filling the air.
Maddox stands by the stove, where a goose roasts in the oven. He’s no longer wearing the mask. The cooking smells divine. I glance around the room, taking in the flickering candles and small pile of gifts beneath the trees. My stomach churns as I had no chance to get him anything.
I sit at the table, my fingers tracing the outlines of five different masks before me, including the ghost one.
Maddox brings the French toast to the table and sits opposite me, smirking. “I thought you’d like a selection of masks today.”
“I see that,” I retort playfully, picking one up to inspect it. “Is this part of the fun you mentioned?”
Maddox chuckles, “You could say that.”
I grab a few pieces of French toast and nibble on them. It’s delicious, but my mind is elsewhere when I’m with Maddox. Namely, on him fucking me. It’s maddening.
“So, angel,” he breaks the silence. “Tell me what you draw in that book of yours.”
I choke on the piece of French toast I was munching on, stunned by his question. Does he know about my sketchbook?
“Uhm, I... well,” I stammer, trying to regain my poise. “I draw clothes.”
“Clothes?” Maddox raises an eyebrow, appearing genuinely intrigued. “That’s interesting. Why clothes?”
“Because I love fashion,” I answer, my voice barely more than a whisper. “It’s what I dreamed I’d do all my life, fashion design.”
Maddox’s eyes light up. “Angel, if it’s what you want, you should go for it.”
“But what if I fail?” My voice trembles, the fear of failure choking me. I blame my parents as success has always been the only important thing in our family.
Maddox takes my hand. “Then you try again. You never let anyone else dictate your life, not even the fear of failure.” His voice is firm and resolute, and I see a spark of determination in his eyes. He smiles, making my heart race. “Your passion for fashion is beautiful, Ivy. You should pursue it.”
I’ve never had anyone believe in me like this. “Thank you, Maddox.”
He grins, his gaze dropping to the masks on the table. “Now, how about we have a holly, jolly maskmas?” He suggests.
I chuckle at the pun, looking at him and noticing the flash of desire in his eyes. “Does a holly jolly maskmas involve you wearing these all day?” I smirk. “Even while fucking me?”
“Is that what you want for Christmas, Ivy?” he asks a hint of amusement in his voice.
I nod, my gaze steady. Yes, that’s exactly what I want, and I’m not afraid to ask for it with him. I know he won't judge me for it.
He leans in, “Then my naughty little whore is going to get exactly what she wants.”
That word should be degrading, but I like it when he says it. I’mhiswhore. This morning is like Christmas when I was a kid, eager to unwrap my presents. Only this time, my present is a huge, muscular fugitive who loves wearing masks. And I can’t wait to unwrap him.
“Before we get into the festivities,” Maddox says. "I have a few gifts for you.” His words send my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The thought of gifts makes me nervous because I haven’t gotten him anything. His eyes twinkle with amusement as he leads me to the tree, where a few neatly wrapped presents lie.
“But I didn’t get anything for you,” I admit, feeling guilty.
“Don’t worry about it,” Maddox assures me, “It’s not like you could’ve gone to the store anyway. We’re snowed in, remember?”
I shake my head. “We were never snowed in it turns out.” I glare at him. “You lied.”
“I did, but it’s the truth now. I checked the pass this morning. It’s not driveable.”
I sigh. “How did you manage to get all these gifts?” I question, my curiosity piqued.
He shrugs casually, a boyish grin on his face.“I bought a few things before you arrived,” he confesses, “Trust me, as I told you, I’ve been obsessed with you since you booked five months ago. I knew I would want to spoil you.”