Deadly Christmas

by Lily Harper Hart

  “I didn’t … .”

  “I know, angel,” Jake said, slipping his arm around Ally’s waist and pulling her on top of him as he reclined on the couch. “I don’t mean to upset you. I really don’t. Believe it or not, I was the calm one when we walked into the mall.”

  “I believe that,” Ally said, resting her chin on his chest. “You’re always the calm one.”

  “I told James that you two were a lot alike and he didn’t like it.”

  “I don’t like it either,” Ally replied, making a face.

  Jake snorted. She was too adorable for words sometimes. “You’re both passionate people, my Ally. You both fight for the people you love. I consider myself lucky to have you every moment of every day.”

  “I love you, Jake,” Ally said, her voice barely a whisper. “Sometimes I look at you and the love I feel overwhelms me. That’s when I scare myself and let my mind wander to bad places. It’s like … it’s like I can’t imagine anyone loving me as much as I love you and I make myself crazy.”

  “Well, then we’re both crazy,” Jake said, pushing her brown waves away from her face. “I never knew it was possible to love anything as much as I love you. I promise you a future together, Ally. Please, don’t let your head run away from you.”

  “Mandy told me to let you do things on your own timetable,” Ally mused.

  “Mandy is smarter than she looks sometimes,” Jake said, smirking. “I’m betting she and James have already made up. We’re going to be snowed in tomorrow, angel. I don’t suppose you’re ready to make up now so we can enjoy the whole day together tomorrow, are you?”

  Ally grinned. “Are you ready to make me feel better?”

  Jake tightened his arms around Ally’s waist. “I’m ready to make us both feel better,” he said. “Now come here and give me a kiss. I’m about to give you an early Christmas present.”

  “IT’S REALLY coming down out there,” Emma Pritchard said, her eyes serious as she rubbed her burgeoning stomach close to the window.

  Finn moved up behind her, pushing her auburn hair away from her neck so he could kiss the soft flesh there. He loved the way she shuddered at his touch. “We’re perfectly safe here, sweetheart,” he teased. “I ran to the store and got everything your hormonal heart could possibly be craving in the next thirty-six hours.”

  Emma’s smile was rueful when she turned to her fiancé. “Am I really that bad?”

  “You wanted pickles and tomato juice when I left the apartment yesterday morning and were happily dipping chocolate in peanut butter and making faces about the pickles and tomato juice when I got back an hour later,” Finn said, grinning. “I happen to think your cravings are adorable.”

  Emma ran her hand over Finn’s short-cropped hair. She loved how soft it was and how the close cut highlighted the angles in his face. “You take such good care of me.”

  “I’m going to take really good care of you when we’re snowed in here together tomorrow,” Finn said, grasping Emma’s hand and leading her toward the couch. “Get comfortable and I’ll rub your feet.”

  Ever since getting pregnant, Emma had learned a few hard lessons. The woman who never ate any extra calories – mostly because she was a model and had to maintain a certain look – now found herself always eating. Finn adored watching her sample things she rarely indulged in. He also found he was a fan of her expanding waistline and blossoming bosom. She hadn’t gained an ounce anywhere else. He was fascinated by her rounded stomach and couldn’t stop touching it.

  Emma giggled as Finn rubbed her baby belly. “I’m going to be huge by the time the baby comes. I’ve already put on fifteen pounds.”

  “You look beautiful,” Finn replied, not missing a beat. “You glow all the time. The fact that you’re always hot for me helps, too.”

  Emma snorted. “I kind of like that part of my pregnancy, too,” she admitted, her cheeks coloring. “I … you don’t think it makes me perverted, do you?”

  “Honey, if that’s perversion, sign me up,” Finn said, grinning. “Okay. Lean back and let me rub your feet.”

  Emma wasn’t used to carrying extra weight around and her ankles were swelling on a regular basis. Finn tried to rub the weariness out of her feet at least once a day. He figured that she was carrying his child – giving it a safe place to rest until joining them – and the least he could do was make the woman he loved as comfortable as possible.

  “I’m excited about Christmas this year,” Emma said, groaning as Finn hit a sensitive spot in her arch. “I just wish Jeff was going to be here. The warden says there’s no way he’ll be released before the spring.”

  Jeff Pritchard, Emma’s brother, was doing five years in the state penitentiary after a botched robbery. Since he’d been trying to put food on the table for Emma and himself after being abandoned by their mother – and their child molester father was locked up for life – the judge was lenient. Emma was getting antsy about her brother’s imminent release.

  “I hate to say it, but that’s probably better for us,” Finn said. “I know you want him with you for Christmas. I’m sorry for that. We’re getting a place set up for him once he gets out. Peter is helping us, but we need to make sure that the house has no ties to Peter’s financials.”

  In addition to being Sophie Lane’s foster father, Peter Marconi was a recognizable figure in the Detroit mafia scene. He had an interesting code of ethics, and Hardy Brothers Security had worked with him on more than one occasion. That didn’t mean the state parole board would look kindly on Jeff living in a house owned by a mobster.

  “I know,” Emma said. “It’s just … this is the first Christmas where I have a real home and someone to share it with. I want Jeff to be part of it.”

  Finn stilled. “We were together last Christmas. Are you saying that didn’t count?”

  Emma nervously clutched her hands. “By the time Christmas rolled around last year, we were only together about two weeks,” she reminded him. “It was a wonderful holiday, but I was still expecting you to walk away from me because of … everything.”

  Lance Pritchard’s molestation atrocities didn’t skip his children. To them he was especially cruel. Emma’s self-worth was tied up in her father’s actions for years. Finn was still trying to prove that he would love her no matter what. Part of him wished she would agree to get married before the baby was born so she wouldn’t always be so nervous. She didn’t want to be “fat” when she finally married the man of her dreams, though, and after constant admonishments from Mandy and Ally to let her decide, he dropped the subject. They were engaged. The wedding would happen when Emma was ready for it to happen.

  “I wish you would have told me that then,” Finn said. “It doesn’t matter now, though. This is going to be the best Christmas ever. I promise.”

  “I have a feeling your family is going nuts shopping for the baby,” Emma said.

  “What makes you think that?”

  “I hear them whispering and they act like they’re not talking about me when I walk into a room. It’s going to be a whole Christmas full of baby stuff. That’s going to be exciting, isn’t it?”

  “I guess,” Finn said, smirking. “I just keep picturing having to put all of that stuff together.”

  “You’re going to have to do that every Christmas once the baby comes,” Emma reminded him. “Toys need to be put together, too.”

  “I never thought of that,” Finn said, switching to Emma’s other foot. “I have a feeling you’re right about the gifts, though. Whatever they bought, I think it’s big. We’re going to have a full apartment of baby stuff.”

  “Don’t worry, I bought gifts for you,” Emma teased. “Daddy needs to be spoiled, too.”

  Finn stilled, something dreadful occurring to him. He racked his brain as he mentally went over the list of things he’d bought Emma for Christmas. His stomach sank as he realized every single item had to do with the baby. Not one thing was for her alone. Crap!

  “This is kind of an int
eresting Christmas,” Emma said, obviously missing Finn’s internal panic. “It’s our last one with just the two of us. This will be the last time we can focus just on each other. Next year we’re going to have a baby – and he or she is going to be big enough to actually enjoy some of what’s going on.”

  “Yeah,” Finn said, forcing a smile. “This is going to be a special Christmas for us, sweetie.” Finn glanced at the calendar on the kitchen wall. He had a limited amount of shopping days in front of him. “Do you know what I think we should do?”

  “What?”

  “I think we should take a bath,” Finn said, squeezing Emma’s feet. “It’s cold out and you love a hot bath. After that, we can have some hot chocolate and cuddle up on the couch and watch Christmas movies.”

  “And after that we can play some fun games in the bedroom,” Emma suggested.

  “Definitely,” Finn agreed.

  “Cool,” Emma said, swinging her legs off of Finn’s lap. “I’m going to start the bath. Do you want bubbles?”

  “Always,” Finn said, reaching for his phone. “I’m just going to call James and check in really quickly. No one should be here tomorrow. We might be able to move our … activities … down to the main floor if you’re feeling adventurous.”

  “You just want to do it on the pool table again,” Emma teased.

  “I’m a man of limited interests,” Finn said, smiling as he watched her walk toward the bathroom. “I’ll be right there.”

  MANDY’S face was red from exertion as James wrestled her to the couch and tugged on her pants. “I thought you were still angry with me.”

  “I’m over being angry,” James growled, grabbing the button of her pants with his teeth. “We’re going to be stuck here all day tomorrow, my little snow bunny. I have big plans – and we’re starting them tonight.”

  Mandy giggled. “I … .” She frowned when the sound of James’ cell phone ringing cut her off.

  “Hold that thought,” James warned, reaching for the phone. “Hello?”

  “You sound distracted,” Finn said.

  “I was about to play a game with my wife,” James said, fighting to tamp down his irritation. “What do you need? Is Emma okay?”

  “She’s fine. She’s getting a bath ready. Um … can I talk to Mandy for a second?”

  James stilled. “Why?”

  “It’s a female Christmas thing and I need a woman to talk to,” Finn admitted. “I … I think I might have screwed up.”

  “She’s right here,” James said, wordlessly handing over the phone.

  Mandy took it, confused. “Finn?”

  “I did a bad thing,” Finn said. “I … every single thing I bought Emma for Christmas has to do with the baby.”

  “Oh, no,” Mandy said, wrinkling her nose. “Well, you realized it before it’s too late. You can still buy presents. There’s no reason to freak out.”

  James kept one ear on the conversation as he pulled Mandy’s pants off. The tiny thong she was wearing was cute – red velvet with Santa hat trim – but he was much more interested in what was underneath it.

  “I need to get her great stuff,” Finn said. “This is the last Christmas for just the two of us. She needs to be spoiled. Everything is going to be about the baby after that.”

  “Do you want me to go shopping with you? Is that what you’re asking?”

  James licked the inside of Mandy’s thighs and caused her to cover the bottom of the phone as she whimpered.

  “Could you?” Finn asked. “Please. I … please?”

  “I would love to go shopping with you,” Mandy said, sympathy taking over. “We have a holiday week at work. I will text you when I can go. Does that work?”

  “Thank you so much.” Finn sounded like he was on the verge of crying he was so relieved.

  “Don’t mention it,” Mandy said. “I … omigod!”

  James plunged his tongue into Mandy’s waiting core, tightly holding her thighs as she squirmed.

  “On that note, I’m going to let you and my brother get back to your dirty reindeer games,” Finn said dryly. “Thank you, Mandy.”

  “Don’t mention it. Ugh … James!”

  Nine

  “You’re a pig,” Finn announced, fixing James with a disgusted look as he walked into his office Monday morning.

  “You’ll have to be more specific,” James replied, nonplussed.

  “I’m not a hundred percent sure what you were doing to Mandy when I was on the phone with her the other night, but I have an idea and … you’re a pig,” Finn said. “Couldn’t you wait until we were off the phone?”

  “Apparently not.” James wasn’t particularly perturbed with Finn’s assessment of his storm activities. “My wife needed attention. I was happy to provide it. It’s not my fault you picked the worst possible time ever to call.”

  “You called in the middle of sex?” Grady asked. He sat on the couch in the office, a stack of files on his lap, and his smile suggested he was enjoying the conversation. “Everyone knows you don’t call people during a snowstorm because they’re busy doing other stuff.”

  “Yeah,” James said, smirking. “Why weren’t you busy?”

  Finn glanced over his shoulder to make sure Emma wasn’t within earshot. Their apartment was located on the second floor of the security business building. For the most part, she stayed out of their way during business hours, but curiosity sometimes got the better of her. “Because I just realized I was a complete and total dumbass and freaked out.”

  James’ expression softened. “Mandy told me what happened,” he said. “Not right away, mind you, but eventually … between storms … she told me that you bought Emma all baby stuff. Nice move, by the way.”

  “I wasn’t thinking,” Finn said, making a face. “I … she’s always so excited about the baby. I watched what she looked at when we were shopping. If she thought something was too expensive she walked away. I always went back and got it when I could. I lost track of getting her something special.”

  “I’m sure she’ll understand that,” Grady said, his expression earnest. “This is a big deal for you guys.”

  “How many gifts have you bought Sophie?” Finn asked.

  “Um … like twenty,” Grady admitted.

  Finn turned to James. “And Mandy?”

  “A few,” James conceded. “Mandy is getting one really big gift and several smaller gifts.”

  “How many?” Finn pressed.

  “I probably got her another ten or so,” James conceded.

  Grady crossed his arms over his chest and waited. He didn’t believe his brother for a second.

  “It’s probably closer to twenty … or, maybe, thirty-five or so,” James finally admitted. “Most of them are not expensive, though. I got her like eight things from the Shark Week website alone.”

  Grady snorted. “Did you find anything to match her Jawesome underwear?”

  “I found a shirt,” James said. “I also found a cute cereal bowl, two other shirts, blu-ray collections, a necklace and a hoodie.”

  “You’re so sick,” Grady said, laughing.

  “She likes it and it makes her happy,” James shot back. “Sue me.”

  “That’s the thing,” Finn interrupted, his gaze bouncing between his brothers. “Emma brought up the fact that we’d only been dating a few weeks last Christmas. I didn’t want to smother her with gifts then because I was worried it would make her feel bad so I bought her one nice necklace and two small gifts.”

  “So?”

  “So she’s never had a big Christmas all to herself,” Finn replied. “She’s never been the center of attention at Christmas. This is her last shot.”

  “Oh,” James said, realization dawning. “Now I feel a little guilty. We spent a lot on her for Christmas, but it’s all baby stuff. Maybe … .”

  “This isn’t your responsibility,” Finn countered. “It’s mine.”

  “Still … .” James glanced at Grady. “What do you think?”


  “Well, I’m in the Christmas spirit,” Grady replied. “I think you should buy her a car.”

  James scowled. “Way to help.”

  “What are we talking about?” Jake asked, breezing into the office.

  “Finn needs to spoil Emma on Christmas and he totally screwed up,” Grady supplied.

  Finn punched him in the arm. “Don’t push me. I’m a man on the edge.”

  “You’d better hurry up if you’re going to buy twenty gifts for Emma before Christmas,” Grady said. “You’re going to need help.”

  “Twenty gifts?” Jake was floored. “I … you’re buying Emma twenty gifts?”

  “James bought Mandy thirty-five,” Finn protested.

  Jake’s eyebrows flew up his forehead. “Huh.”

  Grady snickered. “I see someone else is now wondering if he purchased enough gifts,” he said. “How many things did you buy Ally?”

  “About ten,” Jake said, rubbing his chin. “That’s not going to be enough, is it?”

  “Probably not,” James said. “I’m not trying to be a pain after our … thing … the other day. I’m sorry about that fight, by the way. I was just … .”

  “Worried about Mandy,” Jake said, holding up his hand. “I get it. Don’t worry about that. Worry about the gifts. How many gifts is Ally expecting?”

  “I’m not sure,” James cautioned. “Mandy says she was being manic about buying you stuff, though. She was going to buy you a diamond watch until Mandy talked her out of it.”

  “Crap,” Jake said, making a face. “That means I have to go back to the mall.”

  “What did you get her?” Grady asked curiously.

  “I got her a few things,” Jake said. “Diamonds earrings, a silk robe, some … other stuff.” His cheeks colored.

  “He got our sister sex stuff,” Grady said. “Should we kill him now?”

  Finn snorted. “Leave him alone. I’m sure you got Sophie sex stuff.”

  “Yes, but she’s an only child,” Grady replied.

  “She still has a father who carries a gun,” James reminded him.