Merry managed to stop crying by the time they got back home.

Home being the kennel compound in Hell with Marduke.

What could have been an epic nightmare turned out to be the best thing ever. Miguel was safe. His dad and that bad Santa were no longer a threat. And even better, Marduke had said he loved her.

This was turning out to be the best Christmas ever.

A tired Miguel went to bed early, leaving her alone with Marduke in the living area. He sat on the couch and tugged her into his lap.

“Busy day.”

“Terrifying,” she admitted, leaning against him.

“If it helps, I’ve had new security placed on the gates and the Alchemists Guild is working on a charm to prevent the dogs from being drugged again.”

“You’ve thought of everything.”

Even a present for Miguel. The bike with its massive bow waited under the tree for her child. She’d also spotted a small box in the branches of the tree. The kind that screamed jewelry.

She kissed him. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. I would do anything for you.”

“Anything?” she teased.

She rose from his lap, only to sink to the floor between his knees.

“What are you doing?” he asked, leaning back on the couch, regarding her through half-mast eyes.

“Giving you an early Xmas gift.” She winked as she tugged his pants down.

The smart man didn’t argue but helped them both strip so that he could continue to watch as she grabbed hold of him. His thick cock pulsed in her grip.

A lick of the top showed him salty and sweet. Just the way she loved him.

She kissed his shaft. Licked it, her tongue running from the head all the way down and back up.

Duke made a noise, and his head went back. His hands gripped the sofa cushion as she sucked, taking him deep, suctioning hard. The flat edges of her teeth grazed his velvety skin.

“Merry.” He groaned her name.

She kept sucking.

“Merry. Stop. I’m going to come.”

She was well aware he would, and she caught it—every last drop—and swallowed. Because everyone knew the difference between love and like.

And she kept playing until his hips jerked and he gasped, “You’re going to kill me.”

“Would you prefer I do this instead?” She crawled onto the couch on hands and knees, wiggling her ass at him.

“Fuck yeah.” He covered her, his body draping over hers as he kissed his way down her back, nipped her buttocks, and then licked her until she came.

And then while she was still coasting from her oral orgasm, he thrust into her. His thick shaft was oh so welcome. Filling. She cried out and rocked her hips, pushing against him, wanting him deep.

Deeper.