SECRET DIRTY SANTA (A Reverse Harem Christmas Tale Book 1) Read online

  Jenica grinned and flipped her hair in triumph. "You don't believe in my witch skills."

  "The same way she doesn't believe voodoo exists," YumYum added.

  "Oh, I know voodoo exists. Though I'm still figuring out if that doll you poke needles in actually works."

  "It does! It's just...uh...broken! Yes, I'll get it fixed in no time," YumYum argued.

  "Who are you poking needles into?" Jenica asked.

  "I wish I knew. I have so many haters I'd have to have an entire voodoo doll collection by now. Walmart increased their prices for needles so I gotta be wise in my torturing spree." YumYum sighed.

  "Life must be hard." Jenica patted her shoulder and I laughed.

  "I take it back, THAT'S why we're friends. You two are both overdramatic as fuck."

  "You know it!" YumYum declared. "Have fun, Elle!"

  "See ya, Elle!" Jenica cheered. “Work that booty!”

  With a wave, I left the lounge, walking over to my office to check my outfit real quick. I would have checked in the lounge, but Jenica and YumYum would holler about how hot I was.

  Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I focused on the tight red bandage dress that fit every curve and hugged me tight like a waist trainer. Thankfully the material wasn't as constricting, and I could even eat a decent amount of food without worrying it would show.

  My makeup was on point and the red liquid lipstick YumYum had bought was making my lips delicious and kiss-worthy. Even better because I’d be able to make out with no worries of red lipstick stains.

  Can’t be leaving any evidence behind.

  The girls were right about my outfit choice, a sparkling red that made me look like a Christmas highlighter. There was no way I'd be able to hide from Matthias, Logan, or Titus at this point.

  I'll certainly try, though.

  Lifting the gift bag, I smiled at it, hoping Matthias would enjoy the little gift. I would have loved using that vibrator we'd picked up for fun and games, but I guess I could dream about it. Maybe masturbate tonight after the party.

  The thought of after the party stayed in my mind, leaving me to wonder what would happen. Once Secret Santa was done, there wouldn't be a reason for Matthias or the others to be around me.

  We'd only become less professional around one another because of this year’s Christmas party change. Now that that factor was taken out of the equation, would we still be able to continue whatever this was?

  Will he still be interested in me?

  Shoving the idea to the back of my mind, I quickly shook my head and took a calming breath.

  Regardless of whether Matthias or the others want me or not, I'm going to have a good time and still be the badass management advisor I am!

  I could always start dating again or download those silly apps, which I felt were more for booty calls than actual dating services.

  How am I going to find someone who can fuck me the way Matthias, Logan, or Titus had?

  The thought was making my pussy tingle and I audibly groaned. "Don't get turned on now, Elle. Time to get your sexy ass to this party and live it up!"

  With a final nod at my reflection, I turned around and headed out of my office, praying this would all work out.

  Maybe we'll continue this relationship and make it into something more.

  Alright. So far, so good. Haven't seen Matthias yet. I could be in the clear.

  My eyes scanned the large ballroom and I raised my glass of champagne to my lips, sipping the sparkling liquid slowly. I was doing my best to ignore the stares and had to zone out the multiple compliments people were throwing left and right.

  This happened every year, but my problem was no one was bold enough to approach me and get my damn number. Sorry, if you don't have the guts to ask me out, I can't be bothered with all the 'she's so hot' and 'I'd tap that so fast' chatter.

  I'd left the office early to reach the ball well before the party started and had had to intervene with some very last-minute challenges, thanks to Clara fucking up. She'd been too busy trying to figure out what to wear, instead of making sure there were no foods with peanuts in them.

  We had at least ten individuals who were super allergic and I did not want to deal with shutting down the entire party because Clara hadn’t bothered to check in with everyone regarding allergies.

  Thankfully Logan had been nearby and he had swift connections, getting rid of any plates that contained peanuts and ordering a delivery of food enough for everyone. I had to make an announcement before the party’s start about the menu change, but it was worth watching Clara's face grow bright red in embarrassment regarding her forgetfulness.

  I personally wished Matthias had been there to see it, but the pure amusement I saw in Titus's eyes when he'd arrived right on time for my announcement was golden. Logan's seemingly rare smile was an added bonus.

  The party so far had been a huge success and people had come over to thank me for catching Clara’s slipup. Now everyone was exchanging their gifts, but I still held the little red bag of goodies as I walked around the dance hall.

  My eyes caught YumYum, who was singing and dancing away with Devyn, who was laughing. Jenica and Brad were near them and Jenica was presenting her gift to Brad, who gave her an appreciative smile before accepting it.

  He poked his head into the bag and his whole face went beet red while Jenica stood proudly before him.

  I could tell from the way he looked up and stared at her that he loved the gift, and from their heated exchange, I knew both of my friends would be quite busy tonight.

  With a wide grin, I moved to the chocolate fountain, wondering where the guys were. I knew we weren't a thing or anything, but I was curious as to where they were hiding. From all the attention Titus and Logan had received after my announcement and the beginning of the party, I wasn’t surprised they were nowhere to be found.

  Bet they ditched to go to some elegant, high-class party that doesn’t consist of women ready to throw themselves at them, and I literally mean THROW themselves.

  I was sure Matthias would at least be around, maybe in an area where he could observe whether the party was going nice and smooth. I'd yet to be approached by a Secret Santa and I honestly didn't care. It wasn't something I usually participated in anyway, so I wasn't expecting anything.

  I noticed Clara heading my way. Aw, no...please don't be a bitch right now.

  "Good evening, Clara," I greeted casually, poking a strawberry with toothpick and dipping into the flowing falls of chocolate. "Do you need something?"

  "Can you go up to the top floor to the office to get the nutrition facts for the dessert? Since I forgot to check about the allergy thing, a few people aren't sure, and Matthias ordered for me to reassure them, but I need to take an important phone call."

  "I can certainly do that. Just wondering if YOU'RE asking or ordering me," I inquired and put the chocolate-covered strawberry in my mouth.

  Clara took a deep inhale, looking peeved as fuck, but stood up straight and spoke. "I need a favor. Can you please go to the top floor and grab the ingredient list for the desserts? It's still going to be awhile before we reach dinner, but I'd rather appease their curiosity now rather than later. I'd do it, but I have an urgent matter to attend to which may take a while with me on the phone."

  "I'd gladly do that for you, Clara. I'll get right on it," I said as sweetly as I could, and with a satisfied smile, I walked away toward the hall that led to the elevators.

  I wish I could have recorded that. Fantastic.

  Walking into the elevator, I pressed the top floor and watched the doors close. As I peered down at the bag in my hand, I wondered if I'd even be able to give the gift to Matthias.

  Funny how I was dreading seeing Matthias tonight and yet I couldn't stop thinking about him. The way his cologne wrapped around me and engulfed my senses. The feeling of his arm securely around my waist and his hot breath tickling my feverish skin.

  The elevator dinged open and I walked out, turning
left to where I knew the office was. We'd gone there two days ago to finalize plans and I'd been here countless times in years prior when we'd chosen this venue.

  I opened the door and walked into the dark room, heading straight to the clean desk. Placing my gift bag on the smooth black wood, I looked at the window to see the festivities down below. No one would notice me looking from way up here and I couldn't help but walk to the ceiling-to-floor glass and press my left hand against it.

  Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. Even though I hadn't contributed as much to the party this year as others, there was a nostalgic feeling about it. To watch everyone's smiles as they mingled, danced, and laughed made my heart swell with joy, reminding me that this was what Christmas was all about.

  I always centered myself by working and making things go smoothly, and it was satisfying to watch the end results, even if it was by my lonesome self.

  "It's satisfying watching the end."

  My heart stopped at the deep voice that came from my right, and I slowly turned to see Matthias. He wore a red silk dress shirt, black tie, black pants, and black shoes, and stood with his hands tucked in his pockets.

  His serene look made me wonder what he was thinking about, and when he turned look at me, I almost drowned in his emotion-filled eyes.

  My feet moved on their own accord and I stood before him in seconds. My hand reached up to caress his cheek and he closed his eyes at my touch.

  Whatever hypnotic aura was pulsing between us was making me act before I could think of what I was even doing, and as risky as it was, I didn't fight the urge to show my concern.

  There was something within his eyes that told me he was lonely. As if he had stood here just as I was for many Christmas parties and watched everyone enjoy the company of one another while he watched from above.

  My heart and soul knew the feeling, the deep agony that would tug at your heart and try to absorb your mind and fill it with loneliness.

  "Why do you look so sad?" I whispered.

  The corner of his lip moved up slightly and he opened his eyes halfway to look into mine. "Sometimes, wealth isn't everything. It's lonely," he whispered.

  I swallowed the lump in my throat, but I completely understood him.

  The lives of the rich weren’t always filled with glitter and gold. On the outside, it was a life everyone craved and worked hard for, but behind closed doors, it could certainly be a lonely one, each individual facing their own demons.

  His lips morphed into a smile and he lowered his lips to mine, kissing me with passion. Unlike our previous kisses, this one was filled with vulnerability and love that made me envision us as an actual couple.

  My body responded right away, pressing my lips back and enjoying our relaxing pace. His hands softly pressed against the side of my hips and I melted in his hold, needing to feel his hard body against mine, to remind him that even if the world was lonely, I was right here in his arms.

  I'd been fighting to not admit it, but I was falling in love with Matthias. No, maybe I am already neck-deep in love with him.

  I bit the bottom of his lip, tugging slightly before letting go. I could see the conflict in his eyes, unsure whether to kiss me or to let go. That's what I thought, anyway.

  Before I let my body take over, I pulled out of his hold and walked to the desk. Grabbing the red gift bag, I offered it to him.

  "Merry Christmas, Secret Santa."

  He blinked a few times and I giggled at his apparent surprise. It made him look quite adorable in the dim room.

  "You...got me?" I noticed the slight blush that formed on his cheeks and my smile widened in pure happiness.

  "Yup. I was lucky enough to get Matthias Felton...who I'm surprisingly getting to learn more and more about." I swallowed and continued. "I want to learn more about you...I don't want this to end tonight."

  I lowered my head and stared at the gift bag I held in front of him. "For years I've focused solely on work and thought I didn't have time for guys or dating. I've had my share and decided my career was more important. I never thought a man's gaze could make me feel the way those alluring eyes of yours do. How having your attention—not for some work-related topic but to simply have your focus solely on me—makes my heart pound...and my pussy aches for you. I would never have sex in the bathroom with anyone, yet...with you..."

  I trailed off and lifted my eyes, so I could see his expression. "With you, I can't think. It's hard to even breathe. With you, my body responds like it was meant to be in your arms. To be around your very aura and I think I know exactly what day of the week it is by the cologne you have on. I admire your work ethic but also the ability you have to pull back and relax, even when life gets chaotic. Before all of this, I envied you a bit. Not for your money or status, but your ability to live. Even though your life may not be perfect in your eyes, to me...it was motivating to see a man of your status balance all these things, even if you didn't necessarily mean to. I've thought about it these past days, and well...I'm happy you participated in Secret Santa this year. All I hope is regardless of whether this stays as a fling between us or grows into something more...that it won't tear us apart. That's the one thing I want to never happen."

  Matthias lowered his gaze to my gift and reached out to take it from my hands. He peeked inside, those blue orbs looking at a few of the packaged items inside. A full smile formed on his lips, showing me his perfect white teeth and brightening his entire face.

  He looked like a boy who'd opened his Christmas gifts under the tree and he quietly chuckled. "Fate has a weird way of working out."

  Hmm?

  He walked over to place the gift on the desk and opened the top drawer to retrieve a small, neatly wrapped, red box. He walked back to me and presented it to me.

  I blinked a few times and looked up to show him my confusion. "Who's this for?"

  "For my Secret Santa," he replied, his softened expression making my heart skip a beat while his words registered in my brain.

  "You...picked me?" I asked in disbelief.

  "Surprisingly enough," he replied. "Interesting because I'd wished to pick your name out."

  "You did?"

  He nodded and whispered, "All I wanted for Secret Santa was you, Elle Castro."

  I stood there speechless and he chuckled. "From the moment you walked into my office for your interview, I knew I wanted you. I loved everything about you. Your drive, work ethic and performance, your business attitude, and charisma. I love all the sides I saw during work hours, but during times like these, when we could be more relaxed and not worry about the work side of things, I slowly got to see a different side of you, one that I began to crave each year. I realized this year that I couldn't let another year go by without trying to confess how you made me feel. To share how hard my cock gets because of you and my need to always wear black dress pants when we have meetings together to hide my arousal from your closeness."

  He's...into me? I make him aroused? Me?

  "I decided to participate in Secret Santa to take that one percent chance of picking your name out of the hat. I was first to pick a name and out of a hundred employees, I didn't think I had a chance. Yet, I opened that tiny piece of white paper to see your name in red ink and was left speechless in my own office at how lucky I was. I've never had luck on my side. If I wanted something, I had to work extra hard to get it. Pulling your name out was the first time I felt that luck was on my side and here I am, presenting my gift to the woman I wished to confess my feelings to for years."

  He reached out for my left hand, wrapping his large one around mine and lifting it so the palm of my hand faced upward. Placing the box gently in my open palm, his blue eyes met my brown ones.

  "I know what I want and I've always worked my hardest to try to get it. I've been attracted to you for a long time, Elle, but for the first time in my life, I didn't want to risk fucking up. One wrong move and I felt I could have given you a different impression of me and that wasn't what I wanted. My pa
tience finally paid off and there's no way I'd let this party pass without telling you how I feel. I want more. I don't want this to stop. Whatever it is. If you want more than just a casual fling here and there, I'm on board. I've waited far too long and now that you know how I feel, I'll do anything to have you remain by my side."

  "What about your friends?" I whispered, unable to fight my urge to open the box any longer. Lifting my other hand, I removed the top lid of the little box, revealing a brilliant rose gold necklace with a large Swarovski diamond in the middle.

  Both the pendant and the diamond were heart-shaped and fit together perfectly. I stared at it in awe, then looked up to see Matthias’s pleased expression as he continued.

  "My friends have been there for me since day one. Even though we're unique and different, we get along really well. If they want to be a part of this, they can certainly join. I trust them and I'm sure they'll treat you with the respect and affection you deserve. They actually helped me pick a heart because a moon isn't romantic." He grumbled the last part, looking a bit annoyed and I laughed.

  "I love moons, but this is beautiful. How did you know I liked rose gold?"

  He looked away and mumbled, "You have those rose gold pens with the diamond on top all the time. Whether it's for a meeting, at your desk, or during outdoor assessments, you always carry one of them with you. Not to mention, you normally wear rose gold jewelry."

  "Observant," I whispered and smiled. "Thank you, Matthias. This is beautiful." He smiled at me and I placed it back in the top drawer for safekeeping. For now.

  "What are you planning?" he questioned.

  "I was planning to gather those papers with the dessert ingredients, go downstairs and give them to Clara, and come back up here," I replied.

  Matthias walked over to where I stood, my eyes searching the desk while I wondered which drawer the food choice package was in.

  I froze when Matthias's hands rested on my hips and his body pressed against my back.

  "What if I said that's been taken care of?" he whispered in my ear.