ONLINE NOVEL XO Chapter The Sleight Before Christmas: Prologue
Twenty-One Christmases Ago. . .
Back to the fire, calloused hands palming the air behind me, the blazing flame’s warmth begins to blanket me as mouthwatering smells waft in from the kitchen. Gazing upon the brightly lit twinkling lights and glittering ornaments strung on the tree feet away, I sink into the atmosphere—this vibe in stark contrast to any memory of my own home.
A blink later, my serenity is splintered when the front door bursts open. Turning, I’m met with a tornado of snow flurries and platinum blonde hair. Instant chatter erupts from the creature as she rambles about mixed grievances and announcements while I drink her in. In the next instant, I recognize her, all the while becoming utterly fucking stupefied by the living, breathing vision of her. A fully animated version against the stationary images I’ve observed in passing over these last months. Images that fail in contrast to the utter . . . chaos that is Ruby and Allen Collins’ oldest daughter. Chaos, wrapped in the most beautiful package I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Lengthy blonde hair lays in snow-dampened waves over her shoulders. Her sweater, dark blue and hugging every bit of her perfect frame. The hem hovering inches above her jeans, showcasing her insanely toned midriff. One accentuated by a glittering, diamond belly button ring. Her dark, slightly tattered jeans hugging the abundant curve of her hips down to her toned calves. The perfection finished off with short-cut black boots with silver buckles on the sides. Boots similar to the ones I’m wearing. After my first thorough sweep, I instantly go in for another hit of her. This one far more intoxicating as I explore her slightly heart-shaped face, rich doe eyes, and lengthy painted black lashes. Her features utterly perfect and accentuated by thick, highly glossed lips.
Fuck me.
Frozen where I stand and utterly mystified, when the rambling suddenly stops, I’m met with an equally arresting stare. It’s when she cocks her hip, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny—even as they light with mischief as she rudely addresses me—that I bite my smile back. A grin I fight hard to keep at bay because it becomes obvious in those seconds that I’ve been set up. At the sight of her, not one bit of me is bothered by it. Not in the least. Because I already know I want that chaos and everything that comes with it.