Tinsel shimmered in the dim light, the golden strands hanging from the pine garlands that lined the room. They cast soft glows on the polished wood of Santa's desk, where a single red folder sat, the word "Naughty" stamped on the front in bold, red letters.
Evie stared at it, swallowing hard as heat crept up her neck. This wasn't how she'd expected her night to go.
When she'd clocked into her shift at the workshop earlier, she'd thought the worst she'd deal with was the endless screech of the conveyor belts and the headache-inducing jingle that played on repeat. But somehow, she'd been careless-again-and now she was standing here, in his office.
Santa's office.
Her hands clenched at her sides, her fingers twitching with a mix of nerves and excitement. She should be terrified. Santa wasn't the rosy-cheeked grandfather that kids imagined. Not up close, anyway.
No, he was commanding. Dangerous. And when he looked at her with those dark, knowing eyes, she couldn't decide whether she wanted to run... or drop to her knees.
The door creaked open behind her, and Evie stiffened.
"Evie."
That voice. Deep, smooth, and laced with authority. It sent a shiver down her spine as her name rolled off his tongue.
She turned slowly, her pulse quickening. Santa Claus-or Nick, as he insisted the staff call him-wasn't dressed in his usual festive red tonight. His black slacks clung to his muscular thighs, and the white shirt he wore was rolled up at the sleeves, exposing tanned forearms dusted with white hair. He wasn't smiling.
Her gaze darted to his hands, strong and, one of them gripping a clipboard. The other... empty, but she could imagine it holding things far more dangerous than a pen.
"I see you've been busy," he said, closing the door with a soft click.
"I-uh-" Evie's throat went dry as she tried to speak. "It was just a little mistake."
His brow arched, and she felt her knees go weak.
"Is that what you call it?" He stalked closer, each step deliberate, his gaze locking her in place. "A little mistake that cost us nine thousand toys?"
Her cheeks burned. "I-I didn't mean to-"
"Didn't mean to what?" He stopped in front of her, so close she could smell the faint hint of cedar and spice clinging to him. "Slack off? Ignore your duties? Leave the workshop in chaos while you wandered off to-what was it?"
Evie's lips parted, but she didn't dare answer. He already knew. Of course, he knew.
Nick stepped even closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. "You think just because you're my favorite, you can get away with anything, don't you?"
Her breath hitched.
"Answer me." His voice was low, firm.
"I-" she stammered, her heart hammering against her ribs. "I didn't think you'd notice."
A ghost of a smile curved his lips, but it wasn't kind. "Oh, I noticed." He reached out, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. The touch was deceptively gentle, and it made her shiver. "I notice everything, Evie."
Her knees threatened to give out.
"Do you know what happens to naughty elves?" he murmured, his fingers trailing down her neck, lingering just long enough to make her skin tingle.
She shook her head, her voice a whisper. "No, sir."
His eyes gleamed, and that faint smile turned wicked.
"You're about to find out."
Evie's breath hitched as Nick's threw the board and pen to the side, pushing her back untill her ass was pressed against his desk. His hands splayed against her thighs, his rough palms brushing the soft, sensitive skin.
"N-Nick?" She stammered, confused and surprisingly hot.
The skirt of her green dress was bunched at her hips now, leaving her exposed except for the lacy red panties she'd worn-a daring choice she never thought anyone would see.
Nick let out a low, appreciative hum. "You dressed for me, didn't you?"
Her cheeks burned. "I didn't-"
"Lying again," he interrupted, his tone sharper. His fingers trailed over the red lace, teasing the edges of her pussy, making her squirm.