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“You better not see me when I wake up in the morning then,” I joke, still scrolling through the gallery.

“Too bad.” His tone is rough. “I’m planning the exact opposite.”

“Somebody’s cocky,” I retort, biting my lip.

He tugs it free with his thumb. “Somebody’s stubborn.”

I smirk and lightly push him toward the Christmas tree. “Your turn. Pose for me, King.”

We both freeze when I call him King. It just slipped. I slap a hand over my mouth, ready to take it back, because the intense way he’s staring down at me is spiking my heart rate. My nipples pebble inside my bra the longer he continues to silently watch me, making me squirm.

“You gave me a nickname, Twinkle?” he demands in a deep voice.

“You call me darling all the time.”

“I thought you hated nicknames.”

“Well, I’m starting to see their appeal.”

Circling my waist with both arms, he leans closer until our mouths are inches apart. “Say it again.”

“King.”

His grip tightens and he traces my ear with his mouth. “Now, don’t forget to scream it when I claim you the first time. I want your throat hoarse from how loud I make you shout it in ecstasy. Understood?”

“Yes,” I whimper, swaying closer.

“Yes, what?”

“Yes, King.”

Squeezing my hips, he stands straight and flashes me his mischievous smirk. The way he switches between domineering and charming is mind-boggling. I could use lessons myself to go from being horny like a college girl to a sassy one.

“Where were we?”

I shake off the tingling sensations left by his filthy command and reply, “Returning the favor and snapping your picture. I can send them to you later.”

“Interesting way to get my number,” he teases. “You know you only have to ask.”

“Shut up, you flirt.”

His boisterous laugh floats to my ears and he does as I say. Standing in the same spot as I left, he smiles boyishly for the camera. He’s so photogenic and looks ravishing in every picture.

I must be insane for trying to resist this gorgeous man.

When I go to show him, he grabs my phone with one hand and tugs me beside him with the other. Without glancingat the screen, he instead requests a passerby to click our picture together under the glittering lights.

Making me stand before him, he cups my hips and touches the side of my face with his, then whispers, “Smile, darling.”

My cheeks pinken and I smile at the camera.

I’m shocked when there’s no awkwardness or shyness from my end as I laugh and pose several times with him. Then take more candid shots, which are my favorites.

The rush of happiness that spreads inside my chest is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. I came here on this solo trip with the confidence I’ll celebrate and enjoy Christmas alone, but the surprising reality is so much more amazing.

Butterflies dancing in my stomach, I gaze up at Kingston.

Only to find him staring down at me lovingly.