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When I go to hand the lighter over, instead of taking it, Nico’s hand wraps around my own, squeezing the lighter into my palm. “Let’s do it together,” he breathes.
“What are we doing?” I ask as my entire body lights up like a Christmas tree at his touch.
“In Scotland, there’s a Christmas tradition. You burn a rowan twig to get rid of any bad feelings someone might have towards yer.”
He moves his thumb over the wheel, and the lighter sparks with a tiny little flame. Nico holds up the twig above the counter and slowly brings the two together. Both of our eyes watch as the flame meets the Christmas twig, and the scent of juniper fills the kitchen. I find myself wishing with all my heart that Dad can see the good in these demons. Because to me, it’s there, as bright and clear as the North Star.
When the twig has shriveled to nothing, Nico releases my hand and turns towards me. His expression makes my breath hitch and a soft, “Thank you for sharing that with me,” emerges.
His smile grows tender. “Ah, lass, I wanna share everything with you.” He leans down, his giant form bending, his lips lowering to mine.
“What do we have here?” a jolly voice interrupts.
For once, it’s Cal, not Dad, ruining the moment. I turn to him and put both hands on my hips, even as I still clutch the lighter. “That was rude.”
“I’m so sorry,” Cal responds, hand flying to his chest.
“Nae, you’re not.” Nico sighs and straightens. “I’d better get back to it, before the old man accuses me of being a skiver and not pulling me weight.” He grabs his sweater but carries it in his hands, not putting it back on as he walks to the door, perhaps because he knows my eyes follow him like a heat-seeking missile zeroing in on its target.
He gives me a wink and a nod, and then, he’s gone quick as a flash.
I turn back to Cal and point the lighter accusingly at him. “Don’t go ruining my romantic moments with the others on purpose.”
He holds up his hands innocently. “I wasn’t.” But when he sees my eyes narrow at his obvious little white lie, he changes course. “Okay, I was. I was jealous. I want you to stare up at me that way.” He shoves his glasses up his nose and gives an adorable pout.
“I do, you goof. All the time. Plus, you get more time during the day than the others right now. So be nice.”
He pretends to pout as he comes closer. “Fine. Now, will you tell me what that was all about?”
“We burnt a twig in the hopes it will help Dad come around.”
“Oh, your Dad already loves me, Joy. It’ll all be just fine.”
Unfortunately, both of us know that’s a lie.
* * *
Tonight is a big step forward—dinnerwith Dad.
I gulp nervously as I stare into the mirror. I’ve chosen a gold dress for the occasion. It’s got a white fur collar and cuffs and is very conservative. Because even though I’ve been defying Dad’s wishes and dating my demons, I’d really, really like his blessing.
They know it too, which is why they arrive half an hour early at my cabin. And every single one of them is wearing a suit in official Christmas colors. They even stand side by side in alternating red and green, a feat that I’m certain was planned.
My eyes flit over each of their faces in the moonlight. All of them but Gus wear a nervous grin. Gus has his customary scowl in place, but his tattooed fingers are tapping at his pant leg, revealing his unease.
“Hi,” I say shyly, even though I saw a lot of them just this morning at the workshop.
“You look gorgeous.” Bryn gives a dreamy sigh.
“Thanks.” I grin.
“Can we come in for a minute?” Cal asks, a smooth smile on his face as though he’s not nervous at all and looking forward to being grilled by an angel. The expression is a lie, but a sweet one.
I pull my door open and watch them all stomp their boots to rid them of snow before they head towards my fireplace.
“Any tips for dealing with your father?” Dem asks pretty much as soon as I shut the door.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot, actually. How to get Dad to like them. So far, he’s resisted, no matter the help they’ve given him and Christmas Village as a whole. He insists they’re going to kill me or leave me, that they’re lulling me into a false sense of security.
