Page 63 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Then he thought of the words Jasper had called out as Kraghol had fucked him.

Yours. Just yours. Only yours.

His throat dried. But that must have been the sort of thing one called out during sex. Jasper couldn’t have meant it. Or if he had, he must have meant he was Kraghol’s only temporarily.

And Kraghol had called Jaspermine.Whilst he could pretend he’d been caught up in the moment, lost in lust, he knew that wasn’t the truth. He’d meant it when he said it. Or at least, he’d wanted it to be true. He wanted to claim Jasper as his.

But he shouldn’t. No matter his feelings, they still didn’t belong together.

Jasper poured the hot chocolate into mugs. “Let’s go out to one of the tables.”

They walked to the front area. Jasper placed a candle and the mugs down. “Customers can order at the counter, and then they can sit at one of these little tables.” Jasper took a seat. He gestured to the other chair. “But some customers just take their order and leave.”

Kraghol pulled out the chair and sat. He touched the white tablecloth. Then he looked around at the decorations and the tree. It looked even prettier from the inside. “It’s all so beautiful.”

“I’m glad you think so.” Jasper sipped his hot chocolate.

Kraghol did the same. The warm liquid slid down his throat. “Thank you, Jasper.”

“It’s no problem.” Jasper smiled. “I’m happy to make you hot chocolate anytime.”

“Well, yes. Thank you for the hot chocolate. But also for tonight.” He cupped the warm mug in his hands. “I have always hated Krampus Night. But tonight, I have enjoyed it, at least the parts with you in it. So thank you for that.”

Jasper reached his hand across the table. Kraghol took it.

Jasper rubbed his thumb over the back of Kraghol’s furry hand. “It is my pleasure, Kraghol.”

They drank their hot chocolate. Kraghol looked around the bakery, and he wondered if this would be the first and last time he ever sat in this room.

Chapter

Thirty-Three

“Sleep well.” Kraghol pressed a kiss to Jasper’s lips, savouring these last few moments with him.

Jasper gazed up at him. “You know you could come upstairs with me and sleep in my bed. Or not sleep. Whichever.”

“Your family?—”

“I promise you my siblings won’t be freaked out if they see you. They’ll be curious. But it won’t be a problem.”

Kraghol hesitated. Then he shook his head. “I don’t think that is a good idea.”

Jasper opened his mouth as if to speak. Then he closed it and smiled. “Okay. I’m just pleased I got you to come into the bakery with me.”

“I’m glad I came in too.” Kraghol stared into Jasper’s warm brown eyes. And for a second, he considered saying yes, coming upstairs, and falling asleep beside Jasper. He shoved the dangerous temptation aside.

“You should not come to the forest today. You should rest.” Kraghol remembered what Jasper had said about being ill.

Jasper sighed. “You’re probably right. I didn’t sleep much last night. But I’ll miss you today.”

The words warmed Kraghol. “I’ll miss you too. And will you work?” He did not want to think of the small human working whilst ill and also sleep-deprived.

Jasper thought for a couple of seconds. “Probably not. I’ll ask for the day off.”

“Good.” Kraghol caressed Jasper’s soft brown hair. “Rest. Be well. I will see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.” Jasper gave him another kiss. Then he went upstairs. He opened the door but lingered, gazing down at Kraghol. Then he entered and closed the door.