Kink the Halls: A Christmas Novella (4 page)

But, I don't even know what to say about this Cindy chick. When he gets back in the car I just stare at Levi with my mouth gaping open. I knew there was a lot we don't know about each other, but I never thought there was anything this serious behind the easy going and fun loving man who won me over. I cringe because I hate serious discussions about anything in my personal life. It makes me incredibly fucking uncomfortable.

“I'm sorry, Levi. Really, I’m sorry you had to go through that.” I want to hug him, I want to let him know whatever happens with us, and our baby will be different. But then again, I’m sure that would put him even more on edge. We need to work on finding some kind of kinky happy medium. We are both sexual creatures. We built our relationship solely on a kinky fuck. Where do we go from there without that in our relationship?

“Were do we go from here?” The question lingers between us, and we both look stumped. Neither of us want to put the brakes on our sex life, but I don't want to drive my husband into a fucking nervous breakdown either. I may put on this badass bitch front, but I don't know what I would do if anything happened to him.

“We just need to find a middle ground, Seven.” A middle ground, huh? I guess I could arrange that for another couple months. But as soon as my womb is vacant, it is on like fucking Donkey Kong.

“Levi, we’ll figure it out. And we have a long weekend to start,” I give him a wink and steal a kiss before he pulls back out into traffic, heading for the highway.

I blinked my eyes open, just as we pulled up the long gravel driveway of Star's spacious home; completely thankful I slept the entire drive. I really needed that. I would never let Levi know, but the long hours at work have really been taking their toll on me. A yawn escapes me, and I let out a moan while I stretch.

“You shouldn't be making those noises right now.” Levi growls from the driver’s seat. I can't help it, even after our talk earlier I can't stop thinking about fucking him six ways till Sunday. I don't want to tone it down, even though we will be in a house full of people.

Star comes barreling out of the house, sweatpants, a tight t-shirt and bare feet. The car comes to a stop and I jump out. Maybe I’m starting to get those maternal instincts?

“Get in the damn house! You ain't got no damn shoes on, and there is fucking snow out here!” She jumps up and down with excitement as I climb up the porch steps. The old farm house that was falling apart for years is slowly coming to life with all the small, yet beautifully fitting, changes she has started to make. Even at Thanksgiving, there was so much work to do, but now it looks like it belongs in a Christmas movie.

“Where is my best friend, and what have you done with her?” I look to the right, seeing a giant decorated Christmas tree right on the outdoor porch sitting between two white Adirondack chairs. The railing is lined with bright blue Christmas lights and snowflakes. It really is festive. I have to give her that. I could never pull something like this off, then again, I could never live in a house like this.

“Eh, I just threw this all together. Magnolia helped me, it’s all what she wanted for Christmas.” I can't help but smile at the mention of my niece. The niece I never knew I had. The niece Star stopped at nothing to find, even though she was right under our noses for years. I reach my arms out, and wrap them around my best friend.

“How is Maggie?” I ask, just as the little blonde comes barreling out of the front door. Her long hair is free, hanging down her back and she is wearing a Hello Kitty pull over sweatshirt with black yoga pants. She looks like a carbon copy of Star, even though she decided to dye her hair dark. There is not the slightest hint of my brother in that child. Star's genes definitely overpowered him in every way. Not surprising, dick bag.

“She’s wonderful. Doing awesome in school, we finally finished her bedroom up!” As she said the word bedroom, Maggie was grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the front door.

“Aunt Seven, you have to come see it!” Yes, please. Just don't pull my fucking arm out of the socket, kid. She takes the stairs two at a time, I hold onto the railing for dear life; taking one at a time and, by the time I hit the landing at the top, I am almost completely out of breath. FUCK!

We round the corner, and she pushes the bright pink door open. It looks like Hello Kitty shit all over the place. Her bedding, curtains, everything. I want to be sick, there is so much pink. But then again, what did I expect from the daughter of the woman with a My Little Pony sleeve?

“It’s awesome, Maggie!” I jump on the bed and kick my feet up, sliding my Uggs off and letting them hit the floor. Damn this bed is comfy.

“So when are you and Uncle Levi moving up here?” Out of the mouths of babes. Damn. Is there a polite way to say fucking never to a little girl? Because I sure as shit will not be responsible for corrupting her. I have my own kid who is going to be scarred for life someday.

“Oh honey, we just can't. Our work is in Manhattan.” Work, perfect excuse. I mean, without my parents here in Woodstock, it really isn't that bad. But I’m never going to give up the board room, baby or not. I worked far too hard and too long to give any of it up. No fucking way.

“When I’m on maternity leave, I will come up and stay here for a bit. I promise honey,” I run my fingers through her long blonde hair and pull her in close. We lay in the bed for a couple minutes until Star peeks in the door. A tear streams down her face.

“Look at this,” she says, and joins us on the bed. I can't help but feel my heart swelling. Over the years, all we have been through. The ups and the downs. The betrayal, and the heartbreak. The love, and the unity. I never thought we would have a moment even close to something like this. It’s fucking perfect. This is my family, and no matter how much shit has changed over the last couple months of our lives, I wouldn't have it any other way.

“Come on Seven, let me show you what room you and Levi have. It’s downstairs.” Thank god, I don't think I could deal with the hustle and bustle of the second floor, way too many bedrooms, and people coming and going. It was like she ran a fucking hotel.

Channeling My Inner Martha
(Star)

The house is full, jam packed full of family, and friends. I never thought I would see the day when the Bloom-James, and now Parker, clan actually had a picture perfect Christmas together, but we were getting there. Seven and Levi got here earlier, and she’s in the kitchen trying to bake something, I’m steering clear; if she lights the kitchen on fire, I don't want to be anywhere near when it happens. I placed a fire extinguisher on the counter and decided to hide in my bedroom.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I sit on the computer trolling Pinterest for some last minute recipes. I know there’s probably more than enough food, but I feel like I should be doing shit instead of just sitting around. I look up when Paisley comes barreling into my room and plants her ass on my bed with a dramatic sigh. She has been hot and cold since Seven drove her up on Thanksgiving. Something happened, I just don't know what. I have asked, but I won't pry because I know that isn't what she needs.

“I'm ready.” Paisley lays her head down on my pillow, and grabs the decorative accent pillow, hugging it tight. A month I have waited for her to come to me. I take a couple steps, and plop down on the bed next to her and listen.

“When I was in Florida, I was stripping.” I shouldn't be as surprised as I am. I mean, I did end up in the porn business, which isn't much different. Yup, all those daddy issues really did a number on us. I just wish I’d known, I wish I could have been there for her, to help her, to guide her through it. I feel like I’ve fucking let her down. It isn't the first time either.

“I ended up meeting this guy. You know the typical bad news assholes. Biker, drugs, good sex. Then, he beat the fuck out of me. I thought maybe he was different than all the other guys I’d been with through my travels, and I was wrong. Again.” I can see the tear forming in the corner of her eye, and I pull her into my arms across the bed. She rests on my shoulder, and continues speaking.

“I ran. After he put me in the hospital, I ran. I’m sure they are still looking for me. He was in some biker gang, and I think I may need Chrome's help if he finds me. I want to move on. I want to be done with it all. I want to fucking do something with my life.” I want the same for her, and I’m sure Chrome would do anything to help her.

“If it comes to that, Paisley, we will protect you. No doubt about it. You stay here as long as you need to. I will help you get on your feet. Anything you want, Paisley, it is yours.” It is the least I can do. She sits up and gives me another big hug and finally cracks a smile for the first time since she moved in at Thanksgiving. Her voice gets quiet, she is whispering like she doesn't want another soul in the house to hear what she is about to say.

“I like him, Star. Like, really like him.” I freeze as I think about whoever the cocksucker was that she was shacked up with. The same man that beat her ass. How could she like him? How could she sit on my bed in tears one minute, and glowing the next?

“How? How can you like him after what he did to you, Paisley? You are better than that! You deserve better!” I don't want to sound harsh, but it certainly comes out that way. Horror washes over her face. Her eyes scrunch up, and her mouth turns. Disgust clear on her face.

“Not him, Star! River!” Oh dear baby Jesus, thank you. Wait. What?

“River? River River? My River?” Well, not really my River, but my new adopted baby brother. The same man who helped me through some of my darkest hours when I first stepped foot back in Woodstock. He is sweet, understanding, hardworking, and sexy as hell for a kid. I mean, for my man's little brother.

“First off, he isn't yours. You are shacked up with his big brother.” She lets out a laugh, a real fucking laugh and I’m finally relieved that Paisley is going to be okay. “Second, those fucking eyes, Star! That body! Those lips!” She starts to fan herself off with her hand in a dramatic fashion. My baby sister is crushin' on my baby-brother-in-law and I pray nothing bad comes from this.

“Looks like I’m just going to have to play cupid this Christmas,” I wink at Paisley and I get up to go find River, because I’m pretty sure he has to be somewhere around the house.

“These are supposed to be what?” I ask Seven as I take a bite out of the sketchy looking chocolate ball. It isn't half bad though. Could use something... more sugar? Everything needs more sugar.

“They’re Oreo Truffles, at least that’s what the recipe is called.” She tosses a small one in her mouth and immediately spits it out. Maybe they aren't as good as I thought?

“That’s fucking gross. How could you eat that?” Seven starts laughing, and spits out the mouth full of chocolate disgustingness. “Fuck it, I’m so not cut out for anything domestic.” At least she can laugh at her own failure in the kitchen.

River rounds the corner, and reaches for one of the Oreo disasters, and throws it in his mouth before either of us have the chance to warn him. I watch his face carefully while he chews up the bitter piece of flavorless chocolate. He looks like he wants to throw up, but he continues chewing with a fake smile plastered to his face. I try to maintain a straight face, but it is way too fucking hard. I burst out laughing, and his eyes fly wide, and swing in my direction.