5 comments/ 24095 views/ 2 favorites The Christmas Job By: naturallysweet "You're the best, Alex." Virginia smiled and lifted the champagne flute to her lips. The right side of her face was still glowing pink from the orgasms he'd given her. She lounged between his legs on the faux fur rug, her back to his chest while he leaned against the sofa. An endless mix of Christmas music piped into the room at low volume. His lips brushed her thin, white-blonde hair. "You're not so bad yourself." There was a long, peaceful lull until the chiming clock reminded him he didn't have much longer with her. If only Robert hadn't given him the Preston assignment, he could spend the night and all day with her tomorrow. It did no good to dwell on it, so he turned his thoughts back to a pleasant time, just an hour earlier when he and Virginia had stumbled into the house, kissing and laughing. He'd stripped everything from her body except the pearls at her throat. He pulled off his suit, and they made it to the den just in time for him to lay her back on the rug and push himself inside her. Now in her red, silky lounge clothes decorated with Christmas trees and presents, she set her champagne down and reached up, running her fingers over his forehead, through the receding hairline, and down behind his ear. She left her trembling hand at the back of his neck. He stroked his fingers down her up-stretched arm, slowly, languidly, and by the time he traced the curve of her breast, her breathing had quickened. Virginia's hand lowered slowly to rest on his, and she sighed. "I couldn't wait to get home for this." His voice was a murmur against her ear. "I would have had you in the car if you hadn't insisted on giving Mr. Donovan a ride home from the party." The side of her face pulled up in a smile. She tilted her head to give his lips better access to her jaw. "I couldn't refuse poor old Mr. Donovan a ride after his wife left with Brad again." Alex planted kisses on her. "Well...you were definitely worth the wait." He didn't miss the stealthy attempt to bring her hand to her side, where she lightly pressed in and out, her fingers softly working to stave off whatever discomfort she felt. He took a sip of his champagne to pretend not to notice her efforts or the grimace on her face. After a moment, he leaned back and set his champagne down. With both hands free, he wrapped them around her neck. A haunting voice sang "Silent Night" in Gaelic while Alex stroked his fingers around her neck and shoulders. Virginia relaxed, soft moans and sighs from her as she leaned back against his hands. His thumbs slid under the string of pearls and gently worked on the muscles there. He'd put her to sleep this way before. She fell asleep frequently these days. She sagged forward now, dozing a little. He caressed her shoulders gently, and pulled her hair away from the side of her face. As he watched her peaceful rest, his thoughts turned -as they always did these days, to putting a bullet in her skull. The idea calmed him. Instead of feeling helpless, it was a real action he could take to help her, though he hoped he didn't have to do it. But it would be quick and merciful. Unlike what he knew she was in for. She insisted that the treatments were working, and there'd be no need for the bullet --they'd have decades longer together. He tried to stay positive for her. But... He willed thoughts of her cancer prognosis from his mind, and looked over at the rustic tree. This particular tree had the natural theme, showcasing Virginia's love of the outdoors. Pinecones scattered about, and small resin squirrels and birds perched and played on the limbs. White lights added to the cozy, romantic glow in the den. It was just one of the many real Christmas trees she had throughout her home every year. Virginia liked to do most of the decorating herself, though this year she had to get lots of help. The natural scents of pine and burning wood were new to him, something he'd only known since he met her. For him growing up, Christmas was no different than any other winter day. He and his siblings would huddle around the kitchen stove with the burners on high, trying to stay warm. His mother was either out with a boyfriend or passed out in her bedroom. But Christmas with Virginia was perfect. The flames in the fireplace crackled, and Elvis crooned "Blue Christmas" softly from the corners of the room. Warm and relaxed, his hands on Virginia's soft skin, his mind drifted back fifteen years. December 1, 1994, and the first thing he saw when he walked into the office at Whitney Agency were eyes as blue as a tropical sea. They belonged to the woman on John Whitney's arm-she was his new boss's wife. Virginia was tiny, with flawless skin unmarred by too much makeup, and straight, pale blonde hair in a sensible, elegant bob. A single strand of pearls that he'd come to know as her trademark drew his eyes down to soft curves under an impeccable red suit. Underneath the tailored material was the body he'd come to know so intimately. In her heels, she was second in command at the agency, and out of her heels, she drove him crazy in bed. He chuckled against her. It woke her from her light sleep. "What?" she asked, a laugh in her voice. She reached for her champagne. "I was just thinking back to the first day I saw you. I'd already been told that although John ran the agency, you ran John. And I could see it for myself as plain as day." She giggled, but when she spoke, her voice was wistful. "The good ol' days. Do I still turn you on like I did back then?" He spoke without hesitation. "Even more. You look exactly the same to me as you did fifteen years ago. I saw beauty wrapped around such power and wisdom." She sighed, either from the memory, or the way his hands were having their way with the slight muscles in her shoulders. "When I saw you," she said, "I looked into your hard, blue eyes and I knew you'd be dangerous -more dangerous than anyone I'd ever met. And I've been letting you in all these years. I don't know how wise that makes me." "I'm glad you're unwise where I'm concerned." His voice softened in her ear. "But you know you couldn't keep me out if you tried." He let one hand slide over her shoulder to caress her upper chest. She trembled. "I just worry I can't keep up with you now. I tire so easily." She leaned forward, her hand on her side again. Alex relieved her other unsteady hand of the champagne flute. "That's probably enough drinking for you tonight. You wore yourself out at the party." "It was just one slow dance with you." He turned her gently in his arms. She closed her eyes and balled one hand into a fist, tapping it gently against tight lips. He stiffened at the sight of her in pain. "Let me get your medication." But she stuck her hand on his arm, pressing. "No, I'm fine." She opened her eyes and blinked a few times. Keeping watch on those eyes, he grabbed her glass of water and held it out to her. She tried to take it herself, but he kept his hand around it, the other on her back. He let her hands wrap around his to guide the glass to her lips, and drink her fill. When she pushed the glass away, he set it down and held her shoulders, looking her in the eye. "You don't have to suffer, you know that." "It's not that bad right now. Besides, I don't like that pain medication, I can't think clearly when I'm on it." She paused a while longer, shaking, looking down. After a few long moments, she let out a rush of breath, straightened up, and gave him a weak smile. "I'm turning into a frail old woman." Alex pulled her small frame to his chest, wanting to crush her against him and never let her go, though he didn't dare. She was so thin and fragile now. Her arms went around him, and he felt and heard the deep sigh that shuddered through her. She seemed to melt against him. "I need your strength," she whispered. "Virginia, you're the strongest person I've ever known. In every way." "I appreciate you saying that, Alex." She reached for her champagne and finished it all in one long drink. A little later, her expression was brighter, and the color that returned to her cheeks, encouraging. "Do you think Barbara should come in after I leave?" She shook her head. "I've done so well lately, and I wanted her to spend time with her little boy...not have to work and nurse an old woman on Christmas." "Stop saying you're old, Virginia. You're not. You're a hot woman." She tittered, and he enjoyed the blush in her cheeks. "I do try to take care of myself." "Oh, I know." He slid his hand down her chest, brushing against one of her small breasts clothed in silk. "You're firm where you need to be...soft where you need to be..." His caress elicited a moan from her, which hardened his cock. "You'll always be beautiful to me." She gave a short laugh. "Alex Kohler, you flatterer. I'm 50 years old, and you have your pick of girls." His hand paused on her chest. "I'm only seven years younger than you." "Nobody would ever know that, and you're lucky." Virginia turned in his arms, reached up and gently squeezed his cheeks. "You've got the kind of fresh-faced, boyish look that makes girls just want to fawn over you." Her fingers moved down to his mouth, tracing his full lips that always turned up slightly at the corners. She said it was his default expression -made him look perpetually pleasant...sweet. It was a bonus for him in his line of work that looks were deceiving. He stared straight into her eyes." I don't want girls, I want a woman." "Alex, I never understood this thing you have for older women." "Just you, Virginia. I just have a thing for you." His voice became teasing. "A rather big thing, but I'm sure you can feel that." Her tinkling laughter made him smile. Her face had no lines except when she smiled or laughed, and then it crinkled up in the most interesting places. He liked to study her face when she was happy. "You might just be after my money," she said. "Nope...I'm just after your body." He leaned down and drug his lips across hers, then swept them down to her jaw. She giggled, and her hand touched down on his cock. "Patient, boy," she said. "We'll play again shortly." "Don't use the word 'short' around him. You might give him a complex." Virginia continued patting, stroking. "Oh, he has nothing to worry about in that department." She tilted her head to him, her translucent blue eyes glazed with desire. He bent down and kissed her lips. Then he moved to her ear and nibbled there until she pushed him away. "It's time for your gift," she said. "You tease, you already gave me my gift." He reached for her silky shirt. "I want to open it again." She laughed and scooted away to the tree. She pulled a perfectly wrapped box from beneath it. She joined him again, holding out the box with shaky hands. He took it from her. "What's this? We said no gifts." "Open it, darling." She snuggled up next to him, and he made no pretense about slowly unwrapping the delicate paper. He lifted the lid and shoved aside the tissue, displaying a colorful piece of paper-one of her homemade plane tickets, sticking out of a pair of red silk boxers. He picked up the ticket and stared at it, then his eyes flashed up to hers. "You're flying me to Israel the day after tomorrow?" Her eyes and voice were bright with excitement. "That cancer treatment I told you about, in Herzliya. We have a place overlooking the Mediterranean. Just you, me, sex and food...and warmer weather." He looked back down at the ticket in her flawless handwriting. He spoke slowly. "You know I can't take time off work." "Who runs the agency? I do. Robert may be ready to push his old mother out, but I still call the shots right now. And I say you've earned a vacation, with me. We can call it a business trip if we have to." He still didn't know what to think. "How long?" "Two months." A breath of air escaped his lips. He'd never had two weeks off in a row in fifteen years, let alone two months. Her expression turned serious, the 'business look', as he thought of it. She cleared her throat. "That gives you a day to take care of things." "The Preston assignment. A day is more than enough time." He slipped the ticket in his pocket, then held up the boxers. Virginia giggled. "I cheated a little. That's actually my Christmas present, because I get to see you in them...and out of them." Her manicured fingers brushed his thigh. He caught her hand in his much larger one and brought her wrist to his lips. Then he got up, gave a stretch, and walked over to the Christmas tree. As he reached in among the branches, he looked back at her with a mischievous grin. "My turn." "But we said no gifts." Her expression was innocent as she watched him pull a tiny velvet box from within the branches. He knelt down in front of her. "Merry Christmas." "Oh no," Virginia said, giggling, one hand against her chest. "That's not what I think it is, is it?" She took the box and slowly lifted the lid. Her gaze widened at the brilliant diamond flashing out in the fire light. "Oh, Alex." She stared at it from every angle. After a long pause, she looked back up, eyes shining. "It's truly exquisite." He took her hand and the box. She pulled her knees up closer to her chest and curled her thin arm around her legs, smiling in anticipation. He held up the ring that cost him half a year's pay. "Will you marry me, Virginia Whitney?" She held her expression a few seconds longer, then broke into laughter. Just like that, he let go of her hand and snapped the box shut. He gave her a smile that he didn't feel. It had become their little joke, their tradition. He proposed every year with that ring. He'd started the Christmas following her husband's death in their swimming pool. The proposal was something they laughed about, but deep down, her refusal always stung him. He really wanted her to say yes. And he was a little surprised she didn't accept the ring this time. With her deteriorating condition, it would be their last Christmas together. His usual calm expression intact, he carefully set the ring aside and pulled Virginia's legs away from her body, making her slide slowly onto her back between his legs. He wasn't so gentle with her shirt. He ripped open the front and buttons went flying. Her eyes widened, her breath caught. He stared down at her. "You're gonna wear that ring, Virginia, if it's the last thing you do." "Is that a threat?" There was breathy excitement in her voice, as he expected. "You know I don't make threats." He held onto the waistband of her flowing pants, ready to yank them down her body. "I always get what I want." There was a sound outside the window-a small cry, and clanking metal. In the next instant, he was on his feet, gun in hand. Virginia looked up with wide eyes. "What is it?" "Stay down." He was already at the window, every muscle tensed. He peered out over the snowy landscape lit softly by moonlight. "Alex, come back here," Virginia said, too loud for his taste. He didn't speak, just listened and looked. "It's nothing," she said. "Just the wind." The sound came again. A couple of raccoons scurried several feet from the house. He lowered the gun. "You need to make sure Helena doesn't leave scraps lying around for wild animals." Virginia sighed. "I started letting the help feed the deer and anything else that comes along. It doesn't hurt anything." He curled his hand into a fist and turned to the wall. He leaned against it, trying to stop shaking. Even with her, especially with her, he never lost the appearance of complete control over himself and everything else. It would disappoint her, and he didn't want to see that look on her face. Virginia's voice came through clear and direct. "Alex, I know what's going on with you lately. This isn't about someone or something outside my window at night. It's about the cancer." She was right as usual, but he didn't want to talk about any of it. He slowly turned around and took in her disheveled form. She was sitting up where he'd left her on the rug, her unbuttoned shirt draped over her small breasts, the outline of her nipples clearly visible under the thin silk. It was the gun in his hand that had turned her on. He swallowed, ready to say something. But mercifully, Virginia let him off the hook. "You're worrying about me so much lately, and there's no need. My treatments are coming along fine. You put my security system in yourself. You're the best. I'm safer than anyone in the world. Now get back down here and make love to me." He walked over, set the gun within reach on the table by the couch, and took a seat. "I wish you didn't live out here by yourself." She looked up at him. "Ed and Helena are around. Barbara is here almost daily. I'm not alone. I'm won't leave the house where I raised my family." Her voice shook on the last word. Though she rarely talked about it, he knew she was thinking of Amelia, the daughter she'd lost on her son's eighteenth birthday. Amelia had gone with Robert and a large group of his friends to the beach that night. They'd returned without her. Later, her body washed up on the sand. He kept his voice soft. "No one's asking you to leave." He let that hang in the air. She'd get his meaning. He still didn't see why she wouldn't let him move in with her to take care of her, protect her. Virginia struggled to get up and join Alex on the couch. He leaned down and picked her up. She was light as a feather, getting lighter every day. He tucked her under his arm. "I promised John years ago that I'd take care of you...promised myself I'd take care of you." "You do, darling." "It's just that if anything ever happened to you, I'd lose it. Do you understand? Being with you, all the wonderful things you've brought in my life is what keeps me together. If something happened to you, I'd tear this world apart." She rubbed his bicep. "I'm safer with you than anybody in the world." He couldn't believe that anymore. He could protect her from anyone, that was certain. But the cancer intimidated him. It was the one thing he couldn't fix by putting a bullet through it. He held her a little closer. "You're concern for me means so much, Alex. You've been my rock with all the tragedy. My mother's death, the trouble with Robert, then John's passing...and now my diagnosis. You're my best, in more ways than one. You've made sacrifices for me." He flashed his most charming grin down on her. "I guess you're my only weakness." The twinkle in her eyes was the desired reaction. Then she said, "Maybe we'll retire together." His grin faded away. "We both know retirement is a luxury I'll never have." "We could find a way to make it happen for you." His face remained placid as always, belying what he felt inside. Whitney's operatives could only "retire" if killed on the job or canceled by the agency. It didn't happen often, but it happened. Then, the traitor was hunted down, and Alex was the man John Whitney had always sent to do it. He did everything Whitney asked of him because he understood it was ultimately for a greater cause. Secretly, he'd been burned-out for some time, but kept going for Virginia. "I knew what I was getting into when I signed on." "Did you really?" she purred. She reached up and stroked his jaw. "You were always our best, and John looked on you like family." John had full knowledge of their love affair, but the old man didn't mind where his younger wife found her pleasures as long as Alex kept up the good work in the field as well. Virginia smiled. "We knew if a job needed done, you'd see it through. It got to the point where our closest friends requested you specifically." The Christmas Job She was the last one left amidst the overly decorated trees, large plastic elves, and brightly wrapped empty packages that surrounded the plush red and gold throne. The last child had passed through for the night and thankfully tomorrow was Christmas Eve, the last day of the season. She had taken the job as a Santa's helper as a last resort. Her uniform consisted of green heels with red bows on top, red sparkly tights, a green velvet A-line dress with a fur hem that fell to her mid thighs and a matching green velvet Santa hat. She hated her costume and could not wait to finish her work and change into her regular clothes - black jeans, black t-shirt, black hoodie sweater...invisible. She was single and alone in a new city. As soon as the last customer was locked out of the mall, she removed her shoes and tights, slipped on a pair of black flats and took a moment to look around her. The mall was empty, shops dark with barred gates pulled closed. She was alone. Her responsibility was cleaning the Santa set and preparing it for the next day. She pulled out her cleaning bucket preparing to set to work. Putting in her headphones, she allowed the music to drown out all around her, including the approaching steps and watchful eyes. After she finished vacuuming the carpet, she turned her attention to the throne. Taking the rag and spray cleaner in hand, she lowered herself to her knees before the throne. A kid had spilled a soda that had made a sticky mess of the feet of the throne. As she scrubbed the first leg, her dress rose up from her thighs to her ass with each stroke. Since she was alone, she didn't worry about adjusting herself, exposing her ass cheeks that peeked out below the hem of her black shorties. She saw His shadow descend across the throne and she gasped. Glancing over to her right she saw the familiar black boots. "Hey Andrew," she greeted Him as she pulled the earplugs from her ears and sat back on her feet, hoping He had not noticed her exposed ass. "You startled me." Glancing up at Him she took in the sight of Him still in His Santa uniform. Without saying a word He knelt down on one knee before her and caressed her cheek. She was not used to such attention and felt herself start to melt. "Have you been a good girl?" "What?" Why was He asking her this? "Have you been nice...or naughty?" He said, a bit more sternly. "Come on, Drew. I have work to do." As she turned from Him to return to her task He grabbed a handful of her hair at the base of her head. Turning her back to face Him, this time she saw a dangerous heat in His eyes behind the white mustache and beard and felt an electrical current zap through her to her core. How did He know she liked her hair pulled? "I asked you a question. I will not ask again." "Um..." She barely moaned. With that He stood, keeping a firm hold on her hair and pulling her to her feet. He crossed in front of her and sat on the throne, releasing His grip on her, "On my lap. Now." She immediately sat, only to find Him shaking His head. He grabbed her hair again and spoke one word. "Across." She stood and He directed her by her hair to lay across His lap. Lifting her dress to around her waist, He began to gently stroke her ass, pleased with the round shape and soft skin. "Drew, I..." "You have been pretty naughty this year." He interrupted her. "I think it is time for Santa to discipline His little elf," He cooed as He continued to caress her ass, moving down the back of her thighs. "But I thought Santa brings coal for..." SLAP! Her words were cut off by His strike. "ANDREW!" and He struck again followed by two more quick strikes. "Call me Santa." She chuckled silently, "Yes, Santa." Since starting her job she was immediately attracted to Andrew. He was tall, fit, with blue-green eyes that reminded her of tropical waters, and long red hair that He kept in a ponytail down His back. Several times over the last few weeks she would steal a glance at the bulge of His relaxed cock beneath His tight jeans, and often wondered what it would be like to be with Him in bed. He had even given her a ride home from time to time but she never had the courage to invite Him in. How did He know she wanted Him? Santa continued to spank her, each strike increasing in force and after every three or four strikes He would stop and caress her reddening flesh. As He continued, she felt her arousal rising as her pussy began to moisten. Once He had His fill of spanking her, He grasped her by the shoulders, guiding her off His lap and onto her knees in front of Him. Reaching down He opened pants, releasing His fully erect dick. With one look in His eyes, she knew His next order. Obediently she wrapped her lips around His cock and began to suck. She loved sucking cock and it had been such a long time since her last opportunity, that she became quite excited. She gnawed the shaft, nibbled the head, and sucked Him deep into her throat sending her throat into a fit of spasms. With tears rolling down her cheeks, she fought off the urge to gag and swallowed Him deeper. As His pleasure heightened, Santa grabbed a handful of her hair, pushing her head further down into His crotch, forcing His dick deep down her throat until her bottom lip reached His balls. With that touch, His cock swelled and pulsed, shooting His semen down her throat in short bursts. She swallowed, savoring every drop. He stood and began preparing for the next phase in His plan for His naughty little elf. Leaving her kneeling to catch her breath and brush the tears from her cheeks, He stepped over to the camera stand and grabbed the Santa sack. Reaching in, He pulled out four cuffs and returned to her. "Stand." She obeyed. He placed the cuffs on her wrists and ankles and turned her to face the throne. Reaching behind the throne, He pulled out a restraint and clicked the clasp to the metal ring on her cuffed wrist. He did the same for her other wrist, forcing her into a bent-over position, and secured her feet to the legs of the throne. "Be a good little elf and stay." He ordered. "Yes, Santa." She was overwhelmed. She had fantasies of being dominated but was too shy to ever share those fantasies with any of her previous partners. Heck, she had been too shy to tell Drew that she liked Him. But here He was, fulfilling her fantasy! Santa returned and pulled her panties down to around her knees. She felt a pressure at her ass, a penetration beginning as He pushed a plug into her hole. Grasping the remote in His hand, He set the plug to a low hum that sent tingles through her and she gasped. Next, she felt a delicious sting across the back of her legs and her knees nearly buckled. "Do not fall, little elf." He ordered as He continued to swat at her thighs and calves, sending the riding crop dancing across her flesh up and down her legs. Finally, He brought the crop down on her ass with such a swift swing that it felt as though it might slice right through her and she cried out. He let out a growly purr and spoke. "What a good little elf. Now for a little present." With that He rammed His stiff cock into her dripping cunt. His strong hands grabbed her hips and held her firm as He continued to pound deeper and deeper into her. He could feel her pussy tightening around His cock and He knew she was close to release. As He pulled out, she moaned. "Please, Andrew." With that He struck her ass hard with His bare hand, displeased with her slip-up. "Santa! I mean Santa!" It was time to punish her again. Removing the still buzzing plug, He cast it aside and rammed His dick into her asshole, not giving her even a moment to prepare herself for His assault to come. Clutching her at the waist, He fucked her ass rapidly, pressing deeper with each thrust. She cried out in pain as He stretched her hole wide and fast. With the last three thrusts He let out a hearty "Ho...Ho...HOOOO!!" and released His cum deep within her. His grip tightened and she felt His juices coursing within her. He pulled Himself out of her and released her as she crumbled into a heap on the throne. After fastening His pants, He pulled her panties back up for her and released the restraints holding her down. His gentle hands lifted her and rolled her over so that she was sitting in the throne. He handed her a bottle of water to relieve her dry throat and turned to gather His belongings. Reaching down, He caressed her face and gently brushed her ebony hair from her eyes. Bending down, He kissed her forehead. "Merry Christmas, my good little elf." Too breathless to respond, she watched as He swung the sack over His shoulder and walked away. "Ann. Wake up, Ann," a gentle voice called to her. Opening her eyes, she saw Andrew gently gazing down on her. "Boy, you weren't kidding when you said you were tired! Ready to go?" Confused, she looked around. She must have been dreaming. Andrew stretched out His hand to help her from Santa's throne and she put on her jacket and gathered up her tights and heels. In a daze, she followed Him out of the mall into the gently falling snow. Andrew placed His hand at the small of her back and looked at her gently, "Ready?" In the distant night she heard the distinct sound of sleigh bells accompanied by a devious sounding laughter that drew both their eyes toward the heavens. The Christmas Job She put a small, manicured hand to her forehead and rubbed. "Alex, I hate to talk business tonight, but since we're already on the subject... You know big changes are coming at Whitney, an official change of hands soon. The cancer treatments have almost put me out of commission ... It's almost time for me to hand all the reigns over to Robert." He bristled, not caring if Virginia felt it. Her son taking over Whitney was the only thing they'd ever fought about. She dropped her hand in her lap. "I know you and some of the others have misgivings about how he does things, but he is effective." He wanted to laugh, but suppressed the urge. No use getting her more upset. There were all those times he'd tried to warn her about Robert in the past, and she wouldn't hear it. Virginia was stuck in denial about many things. He'd disliked Robert the first time he'd first met the spoiled, cocky teenager who acted like he already ran the world, and Alex was sure the feeling was mutual. As Robert grew into a man, he became more hotheaded and slimy, and when he started working at Whitney, he brought his friends in with him. They were all alike. But there was something in Robert that Alex hadn't encountered in other people at the agency. He was sadistic...cruel. Power-hungry and unstable. John Whitney had never said anything, but Alex recognized that the old man had been a little afraid of his son. Alex knew what was coming. Dread trickled down him at the thought of Robert having full power at Whitney. When Virginia made it official, he could imagine the terrors Robert would rain down, and Alex would be one of those dealing it out for him. "Come on, Alex. Give him a chance. He's over your Preston assignment tomorrow." "I know." She laughed. "You could have a bit more enthusiasm." "Why doesn't he send Juliette?" She shrugged. "Don't complain, you know you're getting paid double for the holiday." "I haven't cared about money in a long time. I don't want to leave you. I was hoping we could spend all of Christmas together. I know Robert wants to keep us apart." "Don't be paranoid, dear. It's true he's pretty bossy with everyone now, but eventually it'll be the friendly office you remember. He'll settle down after a little while." Alex took a breath and released it. "He tortures for the fun of it. Kills for the fun of it." She stiffened for a moment, then relaxed. There was a mirthful tone in her voice. "Some would say you're the most ruthless person at Whitney. They don't call you Alex 'Killer' for nothing..." She paused, expectantly. "Alex Kohler." "I do what I have to do." He turned to Virginia and wondered how much longer he'd be alive. He never doubted his ability to do a job. But with Robert, he would have complications to deal with that had never been a concern before. He rubbed a hand down his clean-shaven face. She cleared her throat. "Your assignment tomorrow..." "Catherine Preston, goes by Cathy. Age 29, Richmond, Virginia..." The pictures in the file had shown a slim, pretty woman with straight brown hair to her shoulders and huge brown eyes that tipped up in the corners, making her appear sweet, innocent. He knew better than anyone that an innocent face was an effective mask. He was tall and solidly built, but he didn't have the rugged or ruthless look some people associated with his line of work. He figured when people saw him in his dark suits, they thought "middle manager", though Virginia insisted his eyes said something else. He went on. "Cathy's brother, Charles, attained damaging info on Whitney, intent to use it against the agency. He had a video among other incriminating evidence, all of it on a flash drive. Our operative, Juliette, took him out, but the data wasn't recovered. It's in Cathy's hands. You want me to recite the whole file on her?" He could do it. He always learned everything about his target, committing it all to memory. Besides being a necessity, it was a point of pride with him. "No, I know you're ready. I can always trust you to take down any enemy of my agency." "I always will." Virginia reached over, picked up her glass of water, and took a sip before she spoke again. Her blue eyes narrowed. "Charles Preston was just one more person hellbent on dragging my agency under. Miss Preston knows too much, has all that information with her. We have to move on her before it's too late." "I understand perfectly. But I still don't understand, why me? I'm surprised Robert didn't give this to Juliette, or even somebody new." "I know it seems way below your level of skill and expertise. But Robert wanted you, only you. He says this has to go off flawlessly. Of course I approve of him sending you. I need my best for this job." "I won't do it for him. For you, I will. You know I'll get what you want and dispose of her." Virginia smiled. "Yes, I know. You're a treasure, dear." Her voice was lighter, and her hand was between his legs. She was ready to play again. An upbeat Christmas pop song came on, and Virginia's slim hips began to sway to the cheery music. He leaned forward on the couch, taking her empty glass and setting it on the floor. "...all I want for Christmas is you," she sang, and then broke out in giggles when he looked back at her. She always thought it was funny that she couldn't carry a tune. Now he was unable to tear his eyes away from her face -lit with joy and free of pain. He wanted to stop her life right in that moment...let that happy glow be the only thing she ever felt, now and forever. He turned toward her and rolled up the sleeves of the white shirt that had slipped down his forearms. "I'm skeptical about this vacation. It sounds too good to be true. Two months away by ourselves." "As soon as you complete your assignment..." "I can't wait to get started." He unbuttoned his pants. "Are you talking about your job, or about making love to me?" "Both." He was on top of her then, but holding his weight off her, barely pressing on her slight body. She screeched and giggled, delight etched in every line on her face. His motions were slow and careful, but he was in control. He took both her tiny wrists in one hand and raised them over her head, pinning her down. His other hand spread open the silk top to expose her breasts. He ripped her pajama bottoms down her legs and tossed them on the floor. "You won't marry me, but you want me to fuck you, Mrs. Whitney," he murmured, nuzzling his lips against a pink nipple. She shivered as he knew she would. She had as much a penchant for dirty talk as she did for dangerous men. "I do," she said, though he was already sliding into her.