Page 38 of Frost Bite
Something flickers in his gaze, sending little spasms between my thighs. His grip tightens around me. “Then you shall come with me to my palace. It would be rude of me to leave you out here all alone.”
Palace? Maybe he’s an actual prince.
There are some who might warn me to be wary of a handsome stranger appearing out of nowhere bearing gifts. But my belly is aching for food, and I’m not far off from losing my limbs to the cold. He is polite and respectable. I will figure out another plan after I get a hot meal and some clothes that don’t smell like rotting corpses. And oh, what I wouldn’t give for a clean bed to sleep in. I haven’t even allowed myself to process the deaths of my family.
Sensing my apprehension, he tilts my chin up gently. “Tell me your name, darling.”
I flatten my palms on his chest since I have no idea where else to put them that wouldn’t be deemed inappropriate. “I’m Lucy. What shall I call you?”
His grin widens. “I’m known by many names in my lands. It depends on who you ask. But you, my dear, may call me by my favorite one…Krampus.”
It’s an unusual name, one not common around here. I already suspected he’s from somewhere far more decadent thanthe shambles of this village. His opulence and charm don’t belong here with the grey and dismal.
“All right. I will come with you, my lord. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. When I am able to repay you, I certainly will.”
Krampus winks. “I have a feeling we will be able to work something out. Give me your hand, darling.”
He holds me steady while I climb into the luxurious carriage. The seats are lined with thick fur, soothing my aching muscles the second I sink into them. He follows and takes the seat across from me.
With just a tap of his cane, the elk spring into motion, and we are being driven away from the wreckage that used to be my home. He eyes me curiously and with fervor. “Open that chest and find something lovely to wear. That dress you’re in is filthy and not fit for a lady such as yourself.”
I nod and do as he says. There is something about the way he commands me that is both intimidating and endearing. He oozes power as much as he does warmth. But the more I stare into his eyes, the more a gnawing feeling forms in the pit of my stomach. Something that tells me I wouldn’t want to cross him.
As I rifle through the collection, I try not to think about why this strange man has a chest full of dresses. If I let my mind wander, panic will set in, and I will appear ungrateful. Instead, I keep my head down until I find a simple blue dress with long sleeves and a high neckline. But what I really want is a thick blanket and a blazing fire.
I set the garment in my lap and fold my trembling hands over it. “Thank you, my lord. This will be perfect.”
He leans back and licks his lips. “Well, try it on now. You’ll catch a cold otherwise.”
The ache in my gut twists. Every hair on the back of my neck stands erect. “Um, right here? Surely that is indecent, my lord. I will wait until we reach your next stop.”
Krampus smirks. He runs the end of his cane up my leg, lifting the hem of my tattered dress. “Don’t be shy, Lucy. You’ll feel more comfortable in my carriage once you’re dressed appropriately. Besides, you have nothing that I haven’t already seen before.”
I feel my cheeks heat. Is he right? Am I being prudish? Just because he wants me to change out of my destroyed dress doesn’t mean he’s up to no good. But then why does the thought of him watching me send little shivers up my spine?
I have never been alone with a strange man before. But it was bound to happen eventually. And I have just turned of age last fortnight, before the attack on my village. Why am I so nervous?
I nod. “Of course. Thank you.”
He watches me like a hawk, his gaze flittering over every movement as I pull the tattered dress over my head.
I bite my lip, my cheeks flushing. He doesn’t break eye contact even with my bare breasts exposed. I quickly pull on the new dress and settle back down into my seat.
“You look like one of the dolls in my workshop. Remarkable.” He leans forward to help me finish buttoning the sleeves. “In fact, you remind me of one that was stolen from me, Lucy.”
I swallow hard, still unsure if this man is going to eat me alive. “Someone stole one of your dolls?”
He snickers. “Yes, tragically, before I had a chance to play with her.”
Every nerve in my body is urging me to leap out of this carriage and run. “I’m sorry, Mr. Krampus. I hope you find it, I mean… her.”
He tips my chin up with the end of his cane. “Do you know what else people call me, darling? Hmm?”
I shake my head, afraid my voice will betray me if I speak.
He drags the cane down my neck and across my chest. “Saint Nick. Do I look like a saint to you?”
My blood runs cold.No. He lost Imogen, so he’s going to kill me instead. I draw in a sharp breath. “I have never seen a saint before, so I cannot say.”
Krampus’s lips curl into a devious smirk. “You will meet more where I’m taking you. Then I will ask you again. And you can decide if I look like a saint or a monster.”
“Where are you taking me?” I white-knuckle the fur seats. This man is unravelling, changing from a sweet, pious gentleman into a cold and calculated miser.
He sets his cane back down on the carriage floor and gazes out the window. “To the North. Where no one ever goes. I’ve been so lonely, Lucy.”
His eyes are pitch black when his gaze meets mine again. I shrink back against the seat. “Um, forgive me sir… but what are you planning to do with me?”
“What I always do when I get a new doll…” He leans forward and wraps his hand around my throat. “I’m going to play with you.”
Now I wish I had perished in the fire…