Festive Seduction: The Holiday Engagement Series by Sidney Bristol Page B

been through as of late.
    “I’m sorry, Sir.”
    It was hard for Jade to look at Philip and not search for a reason to laugh or smile. He’d brought the most joy into her life outside of her family. But they’d fought through so much over the last year that the joy and laughter was hard to come by. That he felt like playing with her, it made her heart sing. There was a lot of time to make up for. Months worth of smiles, laughs and happiness to use up.
    The firelight cast shadows across his face, making the little scars on his cheek and chin appear worse for the dark lines they cast in relief. The gel in his hair was losing its battle and an unruly lock of hair fell forward on his brow. She itched to push it back into place—but he hadn’t given her permission to move. She’d learned that lesson already.
    Philip only wore a pair of athletic shorts now. Nothing blocked the view of his shoulders and arms. Scars along his chest and arms showed each battle he’d fought, everyone a badge of victory in her eyes.
    She’d spent most of the night eyeing his ugly Christmas sweater, dreaming of peeling it off him and kissing every exposed inch of flesh. He hadn’t let her, but she had at least gotten to see him naked for a few moments. They both preferred to be semi-nude when they played. Easy access. Clothes could become part of the scene as much as anything else, as she was reminded by the way he’d pulled her panties up between the crease of her ass.
    Even after the accident, Philip stole her breath. The boyishness was gone. He’d grown up in a hard way over the last year, most of it documented in the scars on his body. She knew he still resented the prosthetic leg on his left side, but to her, he was perfect. The same man she’d fallen head over heels for.
    The accident was one of those freak things that shouldn’t happen, but did. They’d been doing a routine snowboarding helicopter jump onto the face of a mountain in California. Philip had gone first, sailing out through the air with the ease of many such jumps under his belt and fueled by the need to achieve the next adrenaline rush.
    That’s when it happened.
    The helicopter tipped the tiniest bit and a metal box of gear which should have been strapped down went sailing through the air. It hit an outcrop of rocks as Philip soared past. Metal and stone bounced off, knocking him over.
    Jade had froze, and to this day she hated herself for those moments, even knowing those likely saved her life from the small avalanche that had buried him for a short while. It had been enough for the rescue team to dig him out and not cause further injury. He’d lost his left leg, just below the knee due to a combination of injuries, crushed bone and frostbite. Any one injury they could have worked with, but the mix created an impossible situation.
    “I don’t think you’re all that sorry,” he said after a moment, pulling her from the past back to the present. His gaze was hotter than the fire blazing in the hearth.
    She shook off the dark memories. This Christmas was different. They had each other. And that was more than enough.
    “I’m sorry I didn’t remember to ask permission.” Her gaze dropped to his lips and she pressed harder against his chest. The lights on the cord poked her, but she enjoyed the sensation. It reminded her she was bound by his design and under his control. “I’m not sorry I kissed you. I love your kisses. And you taste like peppermint and hot chocolate.”
    “Imp. You do need a spanking.” Philip stepped away and his gaze slid down her body.
    She missed his heat immediately. Chill seeped into her skin and she shivered without him there to warm her, but he would come back. Philip always came back to her.
     
     
    Philip turned toward the sofa , searching for something he could use. The little cabin was littered with their things after only two days. He was actually surprised Jade had wanted the rustic, no frills cabin. The only festive