Page 13 of I Dated a Holiday Hero (Blind Date Corporation #19)

H ever looked at the request for a date and paused. It was Krix, and he was requesting a mask-free date at the holiday market. After getting confirmation from management, Hever agreed.

That night, she was going to see the holiday lights with Krix. She had two hours to get dressed for a night of walking from kiosk to kiosk and drinking hot cocoa as they had an actual date with the option to extend it to a hotel stay.

Hever had to admit, she was excited. This was different from the other dates he had invited her on.

Her mother saw her expression at the table and said, “Going on a date?”

“Yeah. Have you made up your mind about going for coffee with that fella?”

Veradil blushed. “He’s a strong active, and I only influence truth. I don’t really see what he could want with me.”

“Aw, Nautilus is a really fun guy. If he’s in town, give him a chance. You never know unless you try, and I already know you don’t mind tentacles.”

Her mother turned crimson, and Hever laughed. “Sorry, that was a little blunt, but my mind is in the gutter. I am going on an actual date, and I am probably going to jump him at the end of it.”

“Wow. You know that already?”

“My heat is a few days away, so yeah. I can either use another nullifier or my bracelets at work, but for tonight, I just want to feel.”

Her mother blinked. “You can just admit that?”

“Yes. There is no reason to pretend. Pretending just gets you frustrated and irritated. It accomplishes nothing. You are currently either retired or between assignments, and you aren’t dead yet. Find some happiness. I remember him. He would probably feel nice and secure to cuddle up to.”

“I... hate to ask this, but you seem comfortable around actives. Could you call him for me?”

Hever grinned. “I’ve got time. Do you want me to do it privately or so you can eavesdrop?”

“I will be here and quiet.”

“Fine.” She went through the secure archive and called Nautilus’s code.

It took under a minute, and then the cheerful man, with bronze skin and black hair, was looking at her with his bright aqua eyes.

“ Good afternoon. ”

“Hello, sir. I am Hever. Veradil’s daughter.”

He immediately smiled softly. “ Calling to check me out?”

“Yup. What are your intentions toward my rather shy mom?”

He paused. “ I would like to offer her companionship with the possibility of partnership on a permanent basis. ”

“Uh-huh. And how many times a week would you try and render her legless? Inquiring minds want to know?”

His eyes narrowed, and he grinned. “ That would be between the good lady and myself, but I remember the feel of her hand against mine and am eager to determine whether the rest of her matches the creamy silk.”

Hever didn’t look at her mom, but she could feel the jaw open. “Is her lack of practice a hindrance?”

“ No, I have waited nearly twenty years for her. I can wait longer. I know where all the cold currents are .”

“Is her lack of gills a problem?”

“ No. I can breathe for her if needed .”

“So, if I offer you the ability to date my mom, can I go to your island on vacation?”

He grinned. “ Yes. If she is here, you are always welcome. ”

“What if she has to continue her ambassadorial work for Aksalla?”

“ I can accompany her as her security. ”

She grinned. “Fine. I give you permission to date my mom, and she’s still young enough that children aren’t out of the question if you are feeling particularly limber. It takes two to catch a toddler.”

Veradil gasped, “Hever!”

He grinned. “ She’s right there .”

“She is.” She rattled off her mother’s direct com and said, “You two can talk directly. I have to head into town for a date.”

“Thank you for interceding. ” Nautilus was calm but sincere.

“Good. Talk amongst yourselves. Bye, Dad!” She ended the call on his laugh. He was only twelve years older than she was, but he wore it well. He was also twice as broad as Krix, but the maker was definitely more her speed.

Veradil was staring at her and said, “I can’t believe you said that.”

“What? I didn’t mention tentacles, going deep, or any of the other nautical puns that were in my head. You might want to answer that.”

Veradil’s com was alerting.

She blushed but answered, and Nautilus—who probably had a normal name—introduced himself, and Hever left the room after giving her mother a thumbs-up that made Veradil giggle.

Hever had her mother’s driver take her to Z-Corp, and from there, she gave herself a makeover.

It took over an hour, but she was soon dressed in a pretty wrapped dress that flowed and fluttered as she moved.

She wore boots with three-inch heels, and the dress had been fitted for her wings.

She felt pretty, but she put the cloak he had made for her over her shoulders.

She checked her mailbox, and to her astonishment, there was a gift box in it.

Hever opened the box with shaking hands, and she gasped when she pulled out the small ornament of her with wings.

The date recorded on the tag had read before the wings had even been possible.

He had gotten Worro to find them, and for that alone, she owed him more than she could say.

She held the ornament up, and there she was, reaching for the stars, her wings curved wide. She smiled and put the ornament back in her locker. She would get it on her way home.

Her warning chime told her it was time to meet him, but he was meeting her down the road at the market, so she took an automated car to the market, having learned from Hera’s attack. Krix came to the car, and she exited, placing her hand in his.

He smiled. “You are wearing the cloak.”

“I like it.”

He smiled and offered his arm. “So, do we want to start with chocolate or the fancy marshmallows?”

She grinned. “Cocoa. I have plans for the marshmallows later.”

“Do you?”

“I absolutely do.” She chuckled.

“Have you been having fun this weekend?”

“Yeah, time with family is always worth doing. As are mani-pedis.”

He smiled as they walked to the lights and bustle of the holiday market.

“So, what does your family do for the holidays?”

“My mother decorates. My father reaches the high parts of the house for her.”

“Oh, right. Both parents.”

“They will enjoy meeting you.”

“Will they? I hadn’t actually thought that far.”

“We will have dinner by the end of the week.” He chuckled. “My mother is in a flap about picking the right day. She’s hooked on selecting the best day.”

“Wait. She knows about me?”

“Yes. You made the news when they took you. My carrying you back was noticed.”

“Ah. Right. Ambassador’s daughter.”

“Prefect’s niece was the tagline.”

“Ah. Right.” She curled her hand around his arm and pressed her breast against his elbow.

He smiled. “Are you doing that on purpose?”

“Tall shoes. Wings are all warm and snuggly.”

He grinned. “Suddenly, I feel taller.”

“I haven’t ever seen you in casual clothing before. It looks good on you.”

He was wearing a pair of black slacks, shiny black shoes, a belted tunic that had gold trim, and it fit snugly over his chest. Sethir formal.

“So, you default to Sethir fancy dress?” She smiled.

“Yes. It’s what I grew up wearing for serious occasions.”

“This is serious?”

Krix nodded. “It is.”

“Okay. Serious mode activated.”

“Good. We are going to have some serious hot chocolate, listen to some serious music, maybe some serious dancing, get some serious marshmallows, and then spend some serious time at the hotel. Reservations are in place.”

Hever sighed. “I love a plan. Is there room for more snacks? I am a fan of all things deep fried.”

He laughed. “Then, you shall have it. Do you have any shopping left to do?”

“Oh, damn. Now I’m hot.” She exhaled slowly.

“Down girl.” He laughed. He looked happy. His eyes were twinkling.

“Well, not here, but if you find a quiet alley...”

He laughed, and they went straight for the hot chocolate. It was the beginning of a spectacular date.

She gasped and clutched at the chain that the cuffs he had fashioned were attached to.

His mouth moved on her ceaselessly, and she moaned and rolled her hips against his mouth.

He gripped her thighs and held her as the slow licks and curls around her clit sent her into whining and panting before a final sob and shudder heralded her orgasm.

It was her third since they got into the room, and he didn’t seem to be stopping.

She was gasping as her warm body felt full of warm syrup. Her wings were nestled against the sheets, and she had to ask, “Okay, who are you, and what did you do to Krix?”

He lifted his head and kissed her belly before nibbling and sucking at her breasts on the way to her mouth. The kiss was something she was able to meet, and she wrapped her legs around him.

He smiled against her mouth, and when he whispered, “I was encouraged to catch up on missed classes, so I did some research. I am sorry our first dates were so hurried, but I couldn’t believe you said yes.”

She shivered at the feel of him against her. “The cuffs?” She wiggled her fingers in the wide, comfortable restraint.

“When you touch me, I lose it. I black out, and getting inside you is the most important thing in the world. My body aches, my knot hurts, and it is over quickly after that.”

She arched against him. “My sympathies.”

“You, love, are the cause and the cure.”

She blinked rapidly. Love . Only Veradil had ever told her she was loved. She was liked, respected, but love was a step too far.

She leaned up to catch his mouth in a kiss, and he obliged for a seething few minutes until she was sweaty and twisting under him.

He leaned back, and his eyes glowed. “So, Hever, are you coming into a heat?”

She bit her lip and nodded.

“Best present ever. How long does it last?”

“That depends on you.” She stroked her foot up the back of his leg, up to his thigh.