22. Chapter 22 Silent Night

Chapter 22: Silent Night

J oy

Grum and I hurry back to his apartment, our fingers intertwined. I’m still hyped up on way too much coffee and the excitement of seeing the magic of what happened in the community center. Grum’s dark man-bun is streaked with glitter and frost paint, giving him a festive, and sexy, look.

“I can’t believe we pulled it off.” I lean into his warmth, unable to allow any distance to separate us. “Did you see the kids’ faces? And the way everyone came together? No squabbling, no us versus them, just… people enjoying each other.”

Grum’s rumbling chuckle arcs straight to my clit, somehow reminding me of some of the noises he made last night. “I saw. Though I was a bit distracted by a certain shapely elf running around, spreading Christmas cheer.”

I grin up at him, my heart swelling with affection. “Oh? And here I thought Santa was the star of the show.”

He snorts, but I catch the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Santa was just along for the ride. You’re the real miracle worker here, Joy.”

We pause outside his building, and I turn to face him. The fading sunlight casts a soft glow on his green skin, his amber eyes warm as they meet mine. “We did it together,” I say softly. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”

His large hand cups my cheek, thumb brushing my jaw. “Joy,” he murmurs, his voice low and intense. “You’ve changed everything. The Zone, Christmas… me.”

Before I can respond, his lips are on mine. The kiss is gentle at first, then deepens as I wind my arms around his neck. Grum’s tusks graze my skin, sending little thrills through my body. I press closer, marveling at how perfectly we fit together despite our size difference.

When we finally part, both a little breathless, Grum rests his forehead against mine. “We should probably go inside before we give the neighbors more of a show.”

I don’t know why he said that. He doesn’t look the least bit embarrassed.

I laugh, feeling giddy and lightheaded. “Lead the way, Mr. Claus. I have a very private show in mind.”

Once inside Grum’s apartment, the air between us shifts. Though last night’s pleasure went on for hours, the way I’m feeling now it’s as though it never happened. Grum’s eyes are predatory, tracking my every move as I shrug off my jacket, hanging it next to his on the rack.

“So,” I say, suddenly feeling a bit shy despite everything we’ve been through. “What now?”

Grum takes a step closer, and I find myself backing up until I hit the wall. He braces his arms on either side of me, effectively caging me in. I’ve never felt safer or more cherished.

“Now,” he growls softly, “I think it’s time Santa gave his favorite elf a proper thank you.”

All my shyness disappears. My tone is all sass when I ask, “Oh? And how does he plan to do that?”

Instead of answering, Grum kisses me again. This time, there’s nothing gentle about it. It’s filled with heat and passion and promises of more. I melt into him, my hands roaming over his broad chest and strong arms.

When we come up for air, I’m panting. “Wow,” I breathe. “If that’s how Santa says thank you, I should have helped him save Christmas years ago.”

Grum chuckles, the sound sending pleasant vibrations through me where our bodies press together. “I think this Santa’s been waiting his whole life for the right elf to come along.”

The honesty in his voice makes something hot coil in my belly. “Grum,” I say, reaching up to trace his pointed ear with the pad of my thumb. “I love you. You know that, right?”

Crap, that wasn’t how I wanted to say that. It was the least romantic statement ever.

For a moment, he goes very still. Then a smile spreads across his face, softer and more genuine than any I’ve seen before. “I love you too, Joy. More than I ever thought possible.”

As we kiss again, slower this time but no less passionate, I’m filled with a sense of rightness. This is where I belong. With Grum, in this moment, in this miraculous life we’ve already started to build together.

We may have saved Christmas for the Zone, but in the process, we’ve found something even more magical. Each other.

And as Grum scoops me up, carrying me toward the bedroom with a look of adoration that makes my knees weak, I know our greatest adventure is just beginning.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to us.