Bought By Santa (Seasonal Obsessions #1)

Chapter 15

The Santa

I lean over the desk, my fingers drumming an impatient rhythm against the mahogany as Marco lays out the terms on the tablet. Every word he speaks is crucial—each clause a blade to carve out our future dominance in New York’s underbelly.

“Profit margins will skyrocket once we finalize this.” Marco’s voice is all business, a low murmur that only I am privy to. The air in the office is thick with the promise of power, and it crackles around us like static electricity.

But before I can respond, the door opens to reveal Ruby standing there. “Hi Nick,” she greets before turning to the other man in the room. “Marco.”

“That was quick.” It’s barely been a couple of hours since I texted her and asked her to come over. After fucking my hellcat on the table yesterday, she told me what Ruby’s been up to, and about the threat on Willow. “What do you think you’re doing with Willow?” I ask, cutting straight to the point as I sweep my hand through the air toward an empty chair.

Needing no further prompt, she strides into my office and takes a seat. “Whatever do you mean?” she asks, her tone innocent but her facial expression anything but.

Sighing, I steeple my fingers together. “Stop the games, Ruby. Carolina told me that you threatened her.”

Ruby rolls her eyes. “I did no such thing.” She crosses one leg over the other. “I simply reminded her—”

“Ruby!” I interrupt, not in the mood for her games. “Spare me your games and just tell me what the hell you’re doing.”

“Fine,” she relents. “I did as you asked, I offered a donation to the place and took the opportunity to meet Willow. She’s… she’s an interesting person, you know. I actually like her.”

I’m surprised by her sincerity; Ruby doesn’t like many people, but judging by her tone, and the small smile grazing her lips, she does indeed like Carolina’s sister.

“So I’ve spent some time with her. I’ll admit I didn’t expect to like her, but I do.”

I nod. “So why did you threaten her?”

She rolls her eyes again. “I thought that’s what you wanted, Nick. Why else ask me to go there if it wasn’t to help keep your chosen pussy in check?”

Even though that’s not what I want, or need, her reasoning makes sense. And if I’m honest with myself, it is why I asked Ruby to check the place out. “Fine,” I relent. “But no more games. Leave Willow alone.”

My sister pouts. “I like spending time with her, Nick. She’s a breath of fresh air. She’s so… positive.”

Narrowing my eyes, I lean closer. “No more threats, Ruby. Especially not to Carolina. If I hear you’ve crossed me, I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” she volleys, anger rolling from her as she balls her hands into fists. “I told you that I only did it because I thought that’s what you wanted. If you don’t want me thinking for myself you should stop giving me vague instructions.”

I let out a dark chuckle. “You got it,” I agree, glad I don’t have to finish the empty threat. We both know there’s nothing I won’t do for her.

Besides, it makes me feel like a shit to even threaten her. Especially, when the only thing I could take from her is what little freedom she has. Ruby only goes where she’s told, which I suppose is what’s expected of a Mafia princess.

“Can I ask you something, Nick?”

“No,” I reply curtly, already knowing I don’t want to hear whatever is on my sister’s mind.

Ignoring me, she asks anyway. “What are you doing with Carolina?”

I keep my face schooled in indifference, though inside, a primal possessiveness claws at my chest. Carolina is mine, and no one has the right to question that—not even family. “Carolina is not up for discussion, Ruby,” I say, my tone final.

“You can’t be serious.” She crosses her arms, her every word laced with venom. “Carolina has all but abandoned her sister. Her. Sister. In that cold home. Is that really the kind of woman—”

“Enough!” I shout, unable to temper my anger. “Not that Willow’s situation is any of your business, but it’s temporary.”

Ruby huffs, and I see her resolve waver just for a second. She knows better than to cross me when it comes to matters of the family, so this must be important for her to challenge me in my own home. “Come on, you know I’m right,” she argues. “She’s not good enough for you.”

Studying my sister, I narrow my eyes, trying to find any clue as to what this outburst is about, but I don’t find anything. “Not another word about Carolina,” I growl.

To my surprise, my sister throws her hands up in the air, sighing audibly. “Nick… I just… it’s her sister. No one should abandon family like that. How do you even know she’s going to be a good mom—”

I don’t give her the chance to finish her sentence. With a few steps, I walk around the table between us, gripping her shoulders so hard she winces. “What the hell has gotten into you?” I roar. “Why do you think it’s okay to come into my home like this? To make demands?” Her eyes widen, and I can’t say I blame her since I’ve never laid hands on her before. For Carolina, I’d fucking kill my own sister.

She opens her mouth, probably to spew more venom, but then she thinks better of it and closes it again. When I’m sure she’s got the message, I let go, taking a step back from my sister. “Anything else?” I ask, forcing my tone to be cordial.

Lifting her chin, Ruby meets my gaze. “You’re playing with fire, Nick.”

“Then let the flames come,” I reply, a smirk tugging at my lips. “I’m not afraid of getting burned.”

Ruby shakes her head as she slowly moves toward the door. “If you’re that confident in your chosen pussy, why not bring her for dinner tonight?” Without waiting for my reply, she leaves, and I make a mental note to tell my people not to just let her wander into my home like this.

The door slams with the finality of a judge’s gavel, and Ruby’s exit leaves a cold void in its wake. I shift my stance, my hands flat on the mahogany desk, knuckles pale. Anger simmers within me, a controlled burn.

Shaking my head, I turn back to Marco, who’s remained quiet during Ruby’s brief visit. He knows better than to get involved in Knight family drama. Good man. “Make sure everything’s set for the dinner tonight,” I command, my mind already shifting gears.

“Of course, boss,” Marco replies, his tone suggesting he understands the underlying urgency without question.

As he, too, exits, I sink into my leather chair, eyes closing briefly as I collect myself. How dare Ruby speak of my hellcat with such disdain? The thought ignites something feral inside of me. Carolina is mine—a raw truth that pulses through every vein.

Finder’s keepers, and now that I’ve found her, and gotten a hint of her spirit, I want her to be the queen on my chessboard— my fucking chessboard. I don’t know why I’m feeling so strongly about her after so few days together. I obviously don’t really know her yet, but I know enough.

Every time I’ve challenged her, she’s more than risen to the occasion. That excites me, and it makes me want her around for longer. Tonight’s dinner with my dad and Arthur is the perfect time to show off my hellcat and see if she’s up for yet another challenge.

My thoughts are interrupted by a soft knock. I straighten up, schooling my features into an impassive mask as the door opens. Carolina steps into the room, and even in her simplicity, she devastates my senses. Her blonde hair cascades like molten gold over her shoulders, those blue eyes holding storms of their own.

“Nicklas?” Her voice is soft but carries an edge of steel. I admire her for it.

“Carolina.” I stand, moving closer. “There’s been a change of plans for tonight.”

“Oh?” She tilts her head, curiosity piqued.

“You’re going to be officially introduced to the family,” I say, watching her closely. “As mine.”

Her eyes widen slightly, but she doesn’t back down. “Yours,” she repeats, tasting the word, gauging its weight. “Your what? Your breeder?” She cringes as she speaks the word, making me smile.

“Just mine,” I confirm, each syllable a hammer striking iron, forging the bond between us. “And Carolina, wear something… memorable.”

“Memorable how?” She challenges, her bratty demeanor rising to the bait.

“Something that screams you belong to no one else but me.” My gaze locks with hers, a silent promise that tonight, I’ll brand her soul with my touch.

“Umm…” She looks up at me, wringing her hands in front of her. “I don’t own anything like that to wear,” she admits, her voice soft.

That’s true, I know from being in her home that anything she owns is very… modest. “Go shower,” I chuckle, stepping forward so I can brush a tendril of her hair behind her ear. “I promise there’ll be something to choose between when you get out.”

She nods, a flicker of understanding passing between us.

“Oh, and Hellcat,” I call after her. She pauses, but doesn’t turn around to face me. Seeing her defy me at every possible turn, no matter how small, immediately has my cock waking up. “Don’t wear panties.”

“W-what?” she gasps, still not turning around, but I notice her shoulders tense.

“You heard me,” I growl. “No. Panties.”

Nodding again, she takes one more step away from me, and I’m tempted to let her go and watch on the security camera when she realizes the mistake she’s about to make. Since I don’t have time to play with her now, I call out her name again.

“You’re allowed to remove the plug while you shower.”

She doesn’t answer, doesn’t need to. And I’m content standing here, watching her walk away from me. My eyes are glued to the seductive sway of her hips, the way her ass moves with each step. I’m fucking hard again.

With a groan I turn around and reach for my phone on the desk, using it to text Marco so he can make sure the clothes for Carolina are brought into the bedroom.

During the week she was on her period, I bought a lot of clothes for her, including several dresses, anticipating her need for them. And just because I could, I had the tag removed from every single item. The clothes have been hanging on the rack in one of the spare rooms, but now it’s time to move them into our bedroom so my hellcat can start using them.

At my dad’s estate, I help Carolina out of her new coat, revealing the midnight blue dress that hugs her curves like it was sewn directly on her. It’s an exquisite blend of elegance and provocation; long enough to be formal, yet with a slit up the thigh that promises sin.

The absence of her panties beneath is our secret, one that makes my cock harden every time I think about it. Of course, I had to check she’d followed my order before we came here, but I left her on the brink of release, knowing the next orgasm I give her will be so much sweeter.

Taking her hand, I pull her toward the dining room we’re using tonight. It’s not the same as the one I sat in with Dad and Arthur eleven days ago. That one is for family only, and since Carolina isn’t family, yet, she’s not allowed in there.

If you ask me, there isn’t much difference in the rooms. It’s all about power, the subtle play my dad loves.

High ceilings with exposed wooden beams give the space a rustic edge, while sleek, modern finishes bring an air of sophistication. A long mahogany table stretches beneath a striking chandelier, its glass and metal design both bold and elegant. The walls, dark and slate-like, are punctuated by oversized windows that frame the night outside, and a massive stone fireplace at the far end crackles softly, its warmth filling the room.

The blend of cool stone floors and deep-hued rugs beneath my feet adds texture and color, while large abstract paintings bring a modern touch. The room feels both expansive and intimate, designed to awe and envelop at once. It’s a place where rustic meets modern in perfect harmony, every detail carefully chosen to impress.

Everyone is already seated; Dad at one end of the table, Arthur at the other. Ruby and her husband sit together with Jack on one side, the other empty, making it clear where we’re expected to sit.

While I lead us over to our seats, I quickly introduce everyone to Carolina, or, more accurately, point out who they are and state their names. When I get to Arthur, he raises an eyebrow after I’ve said his name, and I get it. No one but a Knight or a Hatt is allowed to know who he is, but fuck it. Those rules don’t count tonight. Why? Because I’ve fucking decided so.

My hellcat is above such rules, especially as the future mother to my first, and hopefully all, heirs. I meant what I told her yesterday; I’m hers, and she already knows she’s mine.

Ruby’s eyes narrow as Carolina takes her seat beside me, and her lips curl into a snarl. “So, this is your latest purchase?” Ruby’s voice drips with disdain, an icy challenge that fills the room.

“Ruby,” her husband’s tone is a low growl, barely audible over the servers that immediately begin to place food on the table. “Enough.”

Her cheeks flush with a mix of anger and embarrassment, but she doesn’t back down. She never does. I can’t help but admire her spirit, even as it grates against me. “No. I’m sorry, but this is not okay. Nicklas bought her services. How can we all just be okay with that?”

The tension in the dining room is a living thing, undulating through the air like smoke. Ruby’s words hang heavy, and I can’t help but tighten my grip on Carolina’s thigh.

I stare at my sister for a long moment, my jaw clenching as I consider the myriad of ways I could put her in her place. But before I can decide on a course of action, I catch sight of Dad. His lips press into a thin line as he stares at us. That familiar disapproval etched across his face is like a cold splash of reality—Dad doesn’t take lightly to risks that could threaten our legacy.

“Why is she here?” he asks, authority clinging to each word. His cold eyes stay on Carolina, who averts her gaze.

“Carolina is here because I want her to be,” I say firmly, my voice a clear declaration. “She belongs at this table, by my side.”

Dad’s glower intensifies. “I asked why,” he repeats. “You have more important things to do than flaunt your newest toy around.”

“Carolina isn’t just a guest,” I declare, loud enough for all to hear, my fingers tracing idle patterns on her skin beneath the table. “She’s the future of this family.”

Across from me, Jack shovels another forkful of food into his mouth, seemingly oblivious to the show playing out before him. His indifference is almost comical compared to the rest of us caught in the undertow of family politics. It’s as if he’s made an art out of detachment, his role more shadow than substance within the Knight empire.

“Pass the salt, please,” Jack mutters, reaching across the table without a glance in our direction. The trivial request falls flat in the thick atmosphere, yet somehow only heightens the absurdity of it all.

I turn back to Carolina, whose eyes are wide with quiet apprehension. “Should I leave?” she whispers.

“Absolutely not,” I reply harshly. “You belong here. You belong with me. ”

The tension in the dining room is thick enough to carve with a steak knife, but Arthur seems to find it all terribly amusing. From across the table, his eyes glint with undisguised mirth, soaking in the undercurrents of animosity like it’s the evening’s entertainment.

“Quite the family gathering we’ve got here,” he drawls, lifting his wineglass in a half salute. “Never a dull moment with the Knights, eh?”

I’d bristle at the condescension if I wasn’t so focused on Carolina beside me. She’s rigid, her hands folded neatly in her lap like she’s holding herself together by sheer willpower. I hate that she feels this way—on display, cornered by suspicion and judgment. My gaze cuts through the opulence of the room, daring anyone else to add to her discomfort.

As everyone fills their plates with the different meat, vegetables, and whatever else has been placed on the table, I take my hellcat’s plate. “Let me,” I say softly, reaching for the silver serving tongs.

There’s a subtle shift in the air as I plate a delicate portion of roasted lamb onto Carolina’s dish. It’s not just about feeding her; it’s an assertion, a silent declaration that she’s under my protection. My thumb brushes against her hand as I pass her the plate, a fleeting touch that speaks volumes.

“Thank you,” she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. But her eyes—those deep pools of uncertainty—lock onto mine with a fierce intensity that says more than words ever could.

Arthur watches us, his head tilted in curiosity. “You two seem quite… attuned to each other,” he comments lazily. “It’s fascinating.”

As dinner progresses, I keep my attention on Carolina, ensuring her glass is filled with sparkling water instead of wine, pouring it myself to avoid any mistakes. She catches the gesture, a grateful gleam in her eyes that warms something inside me.

“I have a question,” Arthur says. Everyone stops moving and talking the moment he opens his mouth, sending the room to a crashing halt. “How did you meet Sienna?” The question is clearly meant for Dad.

He clears his throat, wiping his mouth and taking a sip of wine before answering. “You know how,” he almost growls.

“Indeed,” Arthur agrees, smirking. “But I’d still like to hear your answer.”

Dad gives a sharp nod. “I bought her at one of the Hatt auctions.”

This isn’t news to anyone at the table… well, I suppose it is to the woman at my side. I quickly lean in and whisper, “Sienna was my mom,” just so she knows who we’re talking about.

“And what about you, Michael?” Arthur asks, looking straight at Ruby’s husband. “How did you come to be married to the lovely Ruby?”

Michael guffaws. “I bought her from Caspian.” He nods in Dad’s direction. “For more than she’s proven worth,” he adds on a grumble, and I clench my hands together, resisting the urge to drag him outside for that insult.

I might not always see eye-to-eye with my sister, and she might be a pain in my ass. But she’s still my sister. “Careful, Michael,” I growl.

“It seems there’s a tradition for buying women,” Arthur observes. “As far as I can see, there’s no issue with Carolina’s presence, or how she came to be here.”

Now that the King has spoken, no one says anything to contradict him.

The food and wine still have Jack’s undivided attention, and even Dad has turned away from the conversation. Deciding to follow suit, I begin to eat, but I almost immediately notice that Carolina hasn’t taken as much as a single bite.

I put down my own cutlery and grab her fork, stabbing a cut piece of meat from my plate that I lift to her mouth. She wordlessly arches an eyebrow, but parts her lips, accepting the food. “Good, isn’t it?”

She nods, and hums around the next bite I serve her; more meat with some potatoes and green vegetables. “Yes, thank you,” she murmurs.

While I continue feeding the both of us, I don’t pay attention to anyone else, or the conversation that sounds in the background. My sole focus is on the beautiful woman next to me, making sure she gets enough to eat.

Once our plates are empty, and everyone has had enough, the servers appear, clearing out the table before carrying in the dessert. Unlike the main course, the chocolate torte is plated.

The silver dessert spoon glimmers in my hand. Her breath catches when I lean in, my lips brushing her earlobe. “Open up,” I command softly, offering her a bite of the decadent dessert.

She complies, her eyes locked with mine, vividly blue and brimming with a wildness that speaks to my very soul. As she savors the rich flavor, I let my free hand drop beneath the table, settling on her bare thigh again.

“Nicklas,” she murmurs, a tremor in her voice as my fingers inch higher, higher, and higher. I don’t stop until I feel the heat from her cunt and the plug connecting with me.

With deft fingers, I remove the plug from her pussy, loving that I can feel wetness literally gush from her opening. “What’s the matter? Don’t you like torte?” I deadpan, feeling the heat of her as I stroke her gently.

Carolina squirms under my touch, but it’s pure pleasure that lights her gaze—a flame that reflects my own burning desire. I love how she responds to me; it’s a heady power knowing I can unravel her so completely.

We’re playing a dangerous game, one wrong move away from exposing our intimacy to prying eyes. But risk is part of the thrill—in business, in life, in this moment. Every gentle caress sends a message to her, to them, to the very air we breathe—I am hers, and she is irrevocably mine.

Her breathing quickens, her chest rising and falling in an erratic rhythm as I slide my fingers in and out of her tight, slick cunt. The tight coil of her arousal winds tighter, squeezing my digits as I delve deeper.

“Nicklas…” Carolina gasps, barely audible.

I cast a warning glance at her, my movements relentless. I won’t stop until she comes all over my fingers. And then, oh then, I’ll wipe it on the torte and feed it to her right in front of my family. Luckily, they’re all engrossed in their own conversations, too busy to pay us any attention.

As I coax her toward climax, I watch her struggle to maintain her facade of indifference. She bites her lip; her knuckles white where they clutch at the tablecloth. And then, with a shuddering breath, she surrenders, her body quaking silently as waves of pleasure crash over her.

I remove my fingers and push the plug back inside her. Then, just as I promised myself, I smear her cream on the remaining torte. Before feeding her any, I take a bite myself. “Mhmm,” I groan. “Delicious.” Carolina’s cheeks are flushed with the aftermath of her release. My possessive gaze lingers on her, drinking in her vulnerability, her strength, her undeniable beauty.

She parts her lips, her tongue darting out to lick her lips. “You didn’t just do that,” she whispers. Then she straightens her back, meeting my gaze. “D-did it taste good?”

A wicked smile takes over my lips. “Oh, Hellcat,” I rasp, moving closer to her as I position more torte on the fork and push it into her mouth. “You have no idea.”

My cock is painfully hard, and I can’t fucking wait for this evening to be over so I can bury myself inside her, feel her weeping sex tighten when she comes around me. I’m pulled from my thoughts when her hand cups my length, stroking it.

“Let me help you with that,” she purrs, looking up at me with a smile that’s pure lust.

I wrap my fingers around her wrist, squeezing until she whimpers in pain, betrayal replacing her smile. “If I’m not coming inside you, I’m not coming,” I insist, almost unkindly. “All my jizz is for your cunt.”

“You’re attending on behalf of the family, right?” Dad’s voice is loud enough to garner my attention.

“Of course I am,” I reply smoothly, absentmindedly kissing the palm of Carolina’s hand.

I don’t need to ask him to repeat the question to know what he’s talking about. As the head of the Knight family, there are events to attend, and December is one of the busiest months for keeping up appearances, for mingling, and for making people forget all the bad shit we’re involved in.

“Good,” Dad says. His cold gaze flicks from me to Carolina and back to me again. “You shouldn’t let anyone distract you from your duties. Especially not a woman.” I frown, not liking the thinly veiled threat in his tone.