Page 13 of Naughty

"Why do you want to sabotage Christmas."

"I don't! That was never my intention."

He feeds me another piece of chicken, followed by some vegetables.

"Does whoever you work for want to sabotage Christmas?"

My brows furrow as I think long and hard about my mission. Not once did Christmas get brought up. To my knowledge, this was personal. Christmas was just collateral damage but easily rectified once he took over.

"Not to my knowledge."

I sigh, grateful that I'm able to say that much. We continue on in this fashion throughout the night. Master Claus asks me questions then feeds me after. Though it felt weird to eat from his hand in the beginning, after a few hours, it feels natural, desirable even.

His fingers taste of meat and sugar, a combination I didn't think I'd like, but the more he feeds me, the more I just want to lick his fingers clean. Once all the food is gone, he leaves me on the bed to go wash his hands, but his eyes never leave me. He watches me through the mirror, making sure I'm still safe. With each glance, my heart cracks just a bit more.

Without a word, he reaches under the bed and pulls out a long chain. He pulls it over to the bathroom then back over to the bed. From there, he brings it over the bed and towards his monitor. It doesn't even come close to reaching. My heart plummets when I realize what he's doing. He's going to chain me to the bed like an animal. But can I blame him? I did sneak into his system.

Satisfied that I can't touch his stuff, he slides back over towards me and starts to undo my binds. Whimpering, I clutch at the few pieces I can touch and look at him, willing him to understand. A small smile lifts the left side of his lips as he continues to unwind the rope from my body.

"I can't put you to bed in my ropes. Your body won't like that one bit. But I promise you, you will be safe."

Once the last rope is off of me, a deep chill settles over my body. I shiver as Master Claus clamps the smooth manacle about my ankle. Pulling me close, he covers both of us with a blanket. Eventually, his warmth seeps into my body, and I'm able to relax against him. I snuggle in deep, breathing in his wintery scent.

His deep, even breaths are calm and reassuring. As I close my eyes and drift off to sleep, I send off a wish that I can stay safe and secure for all time.