Page 50 of Dark Holiday

“Cin, I swear to God -.”

I lean up and slide my lips against his. “Yes, Daddy. I’m on birth control.”

CHAPTER 28

Daniel

I stare down at Cindy, my heart swelling to almost bursting as I look at her half-buried in the snow. Though I never expected to get this lucky, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit how much I wanted this to happen. It’s not exactly how I planned it, but somehow, it’s much better. Pulling away, I wrap the damp robe about her and help her up.

“It’s off to the shower for you, young lady. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes, Daddy,” she giggles, leaning up to give me a quick peck on my cheek. My life has been so empty, so hollow. How did I manage to live without her? I watch her leave, smiling as I know my cum is dripping down her thighs, warning everyone in this cabin that she’s my property. No one would dare touch her without permission, but that’s not the point.

There’s something so possessive about knowing she’s marked from the inside out. I never pegged myself as a primal guy, but with Cindy, it’s all I can think about. Pulling my pants down the rest of the way, I walk back inside, not caring who sees me naked. Cindy is shy, and that’s fine with me. No one else needs to see her naked anyway, but as for me, I don’t give two shits.

Ryan and Brittany are in the kitchen making breakfast, their cute exchanges now endearing instead of annoying. I guess that’s what love does. It’s transformative. Ryan catches me out of the corner of his eye and holds up his hand. “Whoa. Warn a guy, would you? I don’t want my girl seeing you with your junk out.”

Brittany, ever the brat, squeals and turns around, desperate for a peek. Ryan’s lips set into a firm line as he turns her back and around and tosses me a towel. “I saw you eyeing his cock. Don’t worry, little girl, you’ll be getting mine up your ass soon enough. Now finish those eggs. The others will be up soon, and we need to be good hosts.”

She gives him a coy little smile then goes back to her eggs. “I take it you and Ms. Hoo hit it off?” Ryan asks, leaning his back against the counter and crossing his arms.

“I was wondering why I didn’t see your ferreting face anywhere around us last night. Good job. I’m actually impressed. Remind me to invite you to the wedding,” I retort, my tone dry. All three of us freeze at my words. Was that just a Freudian slip? I search down deep inside myself. These last ten years, it’s only been Cindy. No one else has ever held a candle to her. Of course the next step is to marry her.

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, giving this decision my full concentration. The end goal was always to marry her. But so soon? Yes. Deep in my heart, I know it’s what I need and want to do. Now that I snagged my prize, I need to make it legal. There is no point in letting some other men have even the chance to come between us.

“Don’t you dare say a word to her. I need you to keep her occupied for a bit. Grumpy Claus has one more gift to get before Christmas.”

Brittany looks up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. God. That’s the last reaction I wanted. They’re sappy enough as it is without this added in. Shaking my head, I race off to the shower. Knowing my insatiable minx, she’ll want another bout, but I’m far too excited. I’ll make it up to her in ways she can’t even imagine.

* * *

Standing in the jewelry store, I’m overwhelmed with the choices. None of them really speak to me. I want something perfect, but so far, none of these are it. Glancing about, I turn to leave when another case catches my eye. Inside are other rings, just as beautiful, but they aren’t classic engagement rings.

In the middle, on a small dais, is the ring. It’s perfect for my little snow angel. As the dais turns, I’m able to see all the intricate details. On the sides, swirling out from the top, are snowflake-shaped diamonds set in a silver band, speaking directly to a holiday engagement. But on top, that’s what seals the deal for me.

On the very top of the ring is a heart-cut diamond ring with some silver inlays underneath that make it look like the one heart is several, from the smallest to the biggest, each about to burst out of confinement.

It’s a visual parallel to how I feel now that Cindy is mine. My heart, small and shriveled, nearly nonexistent, is now large and full of love and hope. I never thought I could be a sappy guy, but I guess there’s at least a part of me that has that potential. Handing the man my card, I tell him the size I need and wait. Thank God I stalked her all these years, or this would be difficult.

He brings it out in a small holiday gift box, complete with a large bow, almost comical in its size. True, the ring is the main gift for tonight, but it’s not the only one I have in mind. Getting back into my car, I drive a bit further until I reach a very different type of store.

Grinning from ear to ear, I step in, breathing in the scent of leather and lube. I make a beeline to the jewelry area, bypassing all the toys. I can stock up later once Cindy’s with me. It makes my cock lengthen just to imagine her shy, little blush as I force her to pick out her own punishment implements. Because knowing my girl, she’ll need something to keep her in line. Hell, a few somethings if I know her like I think I do.

Looking over the collars, I decide on which one I want to get. I want one of those circular infinity collars that never come off, but on top of that, I want to add a delicate chain that drops down from the front and down into her bra. At the end of that chain, it will have a medallion that says, Daddy’s Girl. We will both know she has it, but no one else at work will know. It will be our sexy little secret.

Sliding my fingers through the various medallions, I find one that fits my vision exactly. It’s like a Christmas miracle or something. I grin like an idiot as I point out everything I want for the man behind the counter. He rings everything up and puts it into a nice box, perfect for what I have in mind.

Taking the bag from the man, I race back out to my car. It’s already well past dinner, and I can only imagine what Ryan and Brittany have been doing to keep my girl occupied. My girl. Just thinking it sends a surge of warmth into my heart.

* * *

Raucous laughter pours out of the main sitting room as I creep down the hall. It doesn’t sound like a scene going on, but I’ve been wrong before. There, in the middle of the room, is Maximillion with a tiny reindeer outfit, doing tricks for everyone. They all laugh at his antics as he flips, twists, speaks, and plays dead, but every now and then, Cindy’s eyes travel to the window.

Deep down, I know she’s looking for me, and I don’t want to keep her waiting any longer. Striding into the room, I clear my throat, and all eyes swivel up to me. “Daddy!” Cindy shrieks, jumping up from the floor and racing over to me. I already knew she was the one, but her claiming me as her Daddy in front of everyone sealed the deal.

Grabbing her in my arms, I whisk her down the hallway and into her room. I wanted to wait until it was actually Christmas to propose, but I’ve already wasted enough time. Once she’s settled on the bed, I pull out the box with the collar and hand it to her.

“Cin, I know we have a long way to go. It’s not always going to be easy, but I’ve been a fucking fool to go this long without you by my side. I hope you can forgive me. I was young, stupid, and easily swayed. I vow to spend the rest of my life being the best Daddy I can be for you. Would you do me the honor of wearing my collar?”