Page 51 of Never Kiss a Krampus

“And you are?”

“Someone who doesn’t appreciate your tone.” Bastian’s smile was all teeth. “Or your presence.”

Something in his eyes, some ancient predatory gleam, made Grinchly take an involuntary step back.

“I wasn’t aware Miss Green had… hired security.”

“She hasn’t.” Bastian’s hand slid from my back to my hip, proprietary and unmistakable. “I’m here in a more personal capacity.”

Heat flooded my cheeks. The casual claim, the possessive touch, the implication hanging in the air between us—it shouldn’t have thrilled me as much as it did.

Grinchly’s expression soured. “I see. Well, regardless of your… relationship… the business facts remain unchanged. This shop is failing.”

“Is it?” I found my voice again, emboldened by Bastian’s solid presence beside me. “Because our numbers suggest otherwise. In fact, we’ve had our best week in six months.”

“One good week doesn’t constitute a trend.”

“Neither does one bad quarter.” I lifted my chin. “I’m not selling, Mr. Grinchly. Not to you, not ever. This shop is my home. It’s my community. And I’ll fight to keep it.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re making a mistake.”

“That’s my prerogative.”

A low sound rumbled from Bastian’s chest. Not quite a growl, but close enough that Grinchly’s eyes widened and he took another step back.

“I think,” Bastian said pleasantly, “you should leave now.”

“I have every right to?—”

“You have the right to exit through that door.” Bastian gestured towards the entrance. “Before I decide you’ve overstayed your welcome in a more… significant way.”

The threat was subtle but unmistakable. Grinchly clutched his briefcase tighter, his knuckles going white.

“This isn’t over, Miss Green.” He backed towards the door. “You’re going to regret this stubbornness. Mark my words.”

“Noted. Goodbye, Mr. Grinchly.”

He practically fled, the door slamming behind him hard enough to make the bells jangle frantically. Silence fell over the shop. The customers who’d been browsing nearby had gone very quiet, trying to pretend they hadn’t witnessed the entire confrontation. I turned to them with an apologetic smile.

“Sorry about that, folks. Some people just can’t take no for an answer. Please, let me know if you need help with anything.”

They nodded, returning to their shopping with slightly nervous glances at Bastian.

I waited until they’d moved to the far corner of the shop before I sagged against the counter, adrenaline draining away and leaving me shaky.

“God. I hate that man.”

“He’s vile.” Bastian’s hand was still on my hip, grounding me. “And he threatened you.”

“He threatens everyone. It’s his whole personality.”

“That doesn’t make it acceptable.”

I looked up at him. His jaw was clenched tight, his eyes still carrying that dangerous gleam. Protective fury rolled off him in waves.

“You were ready to hurt him,” I said softly. “Really hurt him.”

“Yes.”