Then he nuzzles his face into my neck and murmurs, “I love you, Georgia.”

My heart swells and I melt into a puddle. I think some part of me knew he did, but to hear him say it…

Well, that’s the best Christmas gift he could’ve given me.

Rolling over, I smile up at him and thread my fingers through his hair. “I love you too, Lee. So, so much.”

He already knew that, so he’s not surprised, but he does look at peace.

I’m at peace too, now that we’re together. It feels new, but like we’ve been together all our lives at the same time.

“I’m glad we’re spending Christmas together,” he tells me, his tone serious. He hesitates, then adds, “Last Christmas wasn’t so great for me.”

I didn’t see him last Christmas, but I know it’s a particularly difficult holiday for him now. He went from having a family to share the day with to spending it all alone, and that’s not fun for anyone.

“I’m glad we’re spending Christmas together this year, too,” I say simply. Then, with a gentle smile, I ask a touch teasingly, “Do you think we’ll spend next Christmas together?”

His voice isn’t teasing at all when he answers. “Yes. I think we’re going to spend all of them together.” He locks his arms around me, pulling me close. I’m not sure if it’s a promise or an order when he murmurs, “Every last one.”

Whether it’s a promise or a demand, it’s all I want in the world.

Joy fills my heart, then spills over the sides because there’s just too much to hold in.

I snuggle into Lee’s warmth and close my eyes. I’ve never felt happiness like this before. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“For what?” he asks.

I smile and kiss his chest. “For everything.”

He’s quiet for a moment, then he grumbles, “I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

I tip my head back and peer up at him. “For what?”

He leans down to brush his nose against mine. “For being mine.”

*     *     *

Want more sexy dark romance from Sam Mariano?

The closest I ever wanted to get to him was several rows away in English class. We’d never spoken, but of course I heard the stories about his family. I know they’re dangerous. I know he’s dangerous. Vince never had a reason to notice me, anyway—until I inadvertently witnessed his first mob hit.

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O Holy Night

Pam Godwin

Chapter One

Tinsley

Two years later

The ballroom was spiteful. Full of backstabbers, politicians, and other chinless wonders. And I was out of practice.

For two hours, I bit my tongue through their tasteless conversations, keeping my comments to myself. Behaving. That was my only job tonight.