Joy coming over for Christmas dinner wasn't going to happen. The awkwardness between my brother and his girlfriend was palpable. I didn't bring the subject up again, I knew Nick would come and see me when it was nearing Christmas and he did. It was Christmas eve which I assumed would be the day he'd spend with his girlfriend and he was going to but he made a quick stop to see me.

This was serious.

I was making chocolate covered strawberries for my special night with Jacob. Nick was eying the big strawberries, ready to snatch one. He could have none though. That was his punishment for relying on the information last minute to me.

"You can't have any," I warned him, holding up my wooden spoon in a threatening way.

"Come on, Nina." He tried to use his puppy eyes on me, but I wouldn't give in, "We both knew Joy wouldn't come over. She has Lucas and Owen to think about."

I placed my hand on my hip and glared at him for good measure. We were both aware she wouldn't come over but that wasn't the point I was trying to make. Christmas dinner was tomorrow and he thought he could get away with canceling on me for his plus one the afternoon before. He could but at least he could look guilty about it.

He didn't look guilty at all. He looked upset that I was upset.

"You know better than this." I pointed out.

He rolled his eyes and sighed, "Fine, you win."

I turned back to the baking sheet I used to let my strawberries rest on while they cooled down. I used a mixture of dark chocolate and milk chocolate. I honestly didn't know what kind of chocolate Jacob preferred. He looked like the dark chocolate type of guy but I could be wrong. So a mixture was good. The strawberries I bought together with Mrs. Quake were huge, it made the strawberries covered in chocolate more appealing.

"You don't get it." I pushed the tray aside when Nick tried to snatch one again, "These are for Jacob, don't you dare take them. If you want to get treated ask Joy to make you some. You can share them with Lucas and Owen too."

He dared to look guilty then.

He knew I was aware he wasn't having a private party with Joy. She was close to both Lucas and Owen. It was obvious she'd be spending Christmas Eve with them. If I hadn't chosen to marry Jacob I would have been invited too.

Things changed.

There were consequences to the actions you took so I was okay with getting left out. They weren't exactly my friends anymore even though we tried to maintain that friendship. They were Lucas' friends and since Lucas wanted me to suffer despite him pretending to be the bigger person I was excluded from most of their get-togethers. I was okay with that since I had Nick but now Nick was lying to me about his night. That upset me along with Nick thinking I just needed to accept the change of plans last minute because I was his sister.

"I wanted to tell you." He trailed off.

"You wanted to tell me but you chose to lie instead." I smiled at him, "So no strawberries for you. These are for my fiancé who until now still hasn't lied to me once. You can say whatever you want about Jacob Blackwood, a liar he isn't. Not to me."

He nodded, "You're right the man is many things but he hasn't done anything to hurt you so now I feel like the bad guy over something really stupid. I'm sorry okay." He sounded upset but I knew he wasn't upset with me anymore, "Joy wants to spend time with her brother and Lucas and I'm the boyfriend so I should also make time for her since I'm spending Christmas with you and the family. Christmas Eve is all we got. I didn't want to tell you about it since they're having a little party and-" He didn't finish the sentence but I knew what he was trying to say.

"Lucas doesn't want me there." I nodded, "I'm okay with that really. I'm just not okay with you lying to me. You're my brother and my best friend, you're supposed, to be honest with me about these things. I wouldn't have been upset if you just told me you're spending time with Joy and her little family tonight."

"Joy can't make it tomorrow, but I'll be there."

"Okay." I pushed the tray toward him, "You can have a few."

He eyed me suspiciously, "You're not mad at me anymore?"

"We talked it through, didn't we?" I shrugged, "But let me warn you if you go along with Lucas and his weird need to make sure Jacob hurts me I'm going to replace you with Joshua."

Nick was confused for so many reasons I assumed. Firstly, he probably wasn't aware that Lucas needed me to hurt so he could get over his heartache. He was always such a nice person no one assumed he'd be petty like that. Secondly, he probably forgot about the little brother because Joshua wasn't exactly part of Jacob's life yet.

Hopefully, Christmas would help them grow a little closer.

"Who is Joshua?" Nick asked, confusion clear in his voice.

"Jacob's cute little brother."

Nick rolled his eyes, "Right, the college student." He then reached for one of the berries and smiled, "No one would guess that you like things like cooking and organizing parties. You're a good host, Nina."

"Thank you."

"And I am on your side." He reminded me, "You don't have to replace me."

"Good." I grabbed a silver tray which looked pretty so I could serve the strawberries like a pro.

We both knew I had a lot more to say but I kept the words to myself. Nick eyed me from time to time, wanting to speak up but he then decided against it. He smiled awkwardly at me. The mood between us wasn't good. I hated to admit it but Joy made it awkward. It was what I was keeping to myself. It was odd that my brother needed to spend Christmas Eve with her and her family but she couldn't join Nick's family for Christmas because that was just not right.

Would she also not come to the wedding?

I didn't feel like the jealous person right now. I felt like I had the right to wonder these things. They just started dating and it was already clear that his girlfriend would demand things of him which would tear him away from his family. It was sad because I knew Joy was a nice person.

"I have to go." Nick told me, he sounded unsure about it though, "Joy asked for my help in the kitchen."

I smiled at him, "Then you should go."

It was kind of passive aggressive of me but I didn't care. Nick hesitated because deep down he knew this was an unfair situation.

He placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it tightly, "We're okay?" He asked.

My smile never faltered as I nodded, "We're okay." I agreed.

He didn't look like he bought it and he shouldn't because I didn't mean it. If he wasn't going to bring it up then I didn't want to bring it up. My fake niceness was definitely very passive aggressive but I didn't care. The lovely Joy was using sex to make light of the current situation. The friendship we tried to maintain was definitely crumbling apart. My relationship with Nick wasn't good either.

Yet somehow I felt okay knowing I had Jacob.

"See you tomorrow." Nick kissed my cheek and walked out of the kitchen.

"So replaced," I whispered.

He peeked into the kitchen, "What?"

I turned to look at him, pretending to be innocent, "What?" I mimicked.

"Nina." He sighed, stepping into the kitchen again, "Just tell me what's on your mind. We both know you're just brushing me off because you're done with me. We can't actually move on if you keep in your actual thoughts."

I folded my arms across my chest, letting go of the anger I was keeping in to keep the mood good between us.

"Fine." It sounded sharp and very angry which made Nick's eyes widen, "I don't get why you have to spend Christmas Eve with her and help her with her party when she won't return the favor. Doesn't it go both ways? You spend time with her family so she spends time with our family? Or does this relationship only work on her terms?"

He was quiet for a long while. I noticed him swallowing, his eyes lowering to the floor. He knew it wasn't quite right and had nothing to say to me. When he kept quiet for too long I decided to end it for both our sakes.

"Just go, okay." I whispered, "I'll be fine."

Nick's eyes flickered to me, "Nina-"

"Just go." I hated how shaky my voice was because I wasn't sad. Not at all. I was boiling up with anger but it made me want to cry instead of tearing my brother apart, "Tonight is special for me and I won't let this ruin it. So go. Tomorrow everything is fine again and I'll see you with a bright smile and serve you the best Christmas dinner ever. Just right now I don't want to see you anymore."

He stepped closer to me which made this worse.

"Nick!"

Jacob stepped into the kitchen, just home from work and looking quite surprised to see me in an argument with my brother. He came home earlier because I asked him to, this night was going to be special. My Christmas lingerie was already waiting for me. I wanted to swap my homey clothes for the red little piece to seduce my fiancé like planned.

Nick was ruining that.

"What's going on?" Jacob asked.

I glared at my brother, "Nothing. Nick was just leaving."

Jacob didn't say anything but it was clear that he was uncomfortable. He stepped aside and flashed my brother a small smile.

"See you tomorrow," Jacob called to my brother.

Once Nick left the penthouse Jacob turned to look at me and with careful steps approached me, "What was that all about?" He asked, "I've never seen you two argue like that."

"We argue a lot."

He peeked over my shoulder and eyed the strawberries I made, "Looks good." He pressed a kiss to my temple, "What were you arguing about?"

"You want champagne with this?" I asked.

He made a face. I suppose he wasn't in the mood to drink bubbles today. Maybe he wanted something stronger. I was ready to suggest it but Jacob beat me to it.

"How about a hot drink instead. You okay with coffee? I'll make it."

It meant that I could go upstairs and get into my little Santa piece. It was a little red piece with white fluff and of course, it was see through. It would cold if I wore it while we snacked on the strawberries but that's why I also bought a red fluffy robe to wear along with it. It would be too sexy but at least I wouldn't freeze my bum off.

"The casserole in the oven should be about done. Think you can handle this while I get changed?" I asked.

He looked insulted that I asked that of him. It made me press my lips together to hold back my laughter.

"I think the guy who leads a million dollar company can make sure the casserole doesn't burn to a crisp."

"I hope he can."

He rolled his eyes at me and pointed at the door, "Get out of here, sweetheart."

Laughing I left the kitchen and sprinted up the stairs. I didn't think I'd be this excited to wear my Christmas lingerie. I did make a deal with Jacob so I owed it to him. But the thought of seducing him with the little piece got me all excited. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face.

When I walked into the living room again it was Jacob who surprised me. The lights were dimmed, he lit a few candles and made sure Christmas songs were playing in the background. I adjusted my Santa hat and turned around, facing Jacob who was holding two mugs. He stared at me, his eyes wandering me from head to toe. His eyes darkened.

He liked what he saw.

"I did not see that coming." He admitted, his voice hoarse. He cleared his throat, placing the mugs down on the coffee table, "You look hot."

I shoved my hands in the pockets of the red fluffy robe and did a little twirl, "Yeah?"

He stepped closer to me and wrapped me up in my robe, "I like it a lot but I don't want you to freeze while we're enjoying the food you made. I'll unwrap my present once we're in the bedroom."

He wrapped me up in my robe and tightened it securely around my waist. He made a bow out of the belt as if I was truly his gift to unwrap later. He adjusted the hat upon my head and brushed his fingers over the messy braid I made.

"You're perfect."

Smiling I wrapped my arms around him and leaned in, kissing him gently on the lips. He kissed me back, his arms wrapped around my waist. I felt warmer already. He looked happy, his eyes softened up while the smile which spread across his face made him look years younger.

"Perfect and all mine." He whispered.

I gave him another kiss, this time it was a lot harsher but only to make a statement.

"And you're all mine." I reminded him and then pulled away.

Together we placed all the dishes I made on the coffee table and settled on the floor, sitting down on the fluffy pillows. It was comfortable and the mood was great between us. We were all smiles and laughs.

"You're in the mood for hot drinks tonight?" I asked.

"Yeah, you're okay with that?"

I nodded, "Totally, this coffee is pretty good."

"I picked out a few teas as well." Jacob filled up his plate with the chicken mushroom casserole I made and moved on to fill up my plate as well, "You want a little so you can fill up with those." He gestured to the strawberries.

"You know me so well."

He chuckled, the sound resonated through my entire body. I shivered despite being all warm and cozy in my robe.

"What did you two argue about?" Jacob asked after we started dinner.

I didn't want to tell him because I was afraid he'd call me petty but Jacob was all I had at the moment so I spoke up. All energy left me, the mere thought of why Nick and I were arguing drained me.

"Joy."

He raised an eyebrow at me, "Joy?" He repeated.

He didn't understand and I didn't blame him. Joy was my friend, we got along well. We still got along but Christmas just brought the worst out of people at times.

"She needs Nick to spend Christmas Eve with her and her brother and of course Lucas." I rolled my eyes at that, "But she's not comfortable with having dinner with us on Christmas. Because you know relationships, of course, aren't about giving and taking. It's just all about take, take, take."

Jacob flicked my hat off my head which made me glare at him, "If Nick isn't upset about it you should let it go. It's their relationship."

He was right and I knew very well I had no right to be pissed about this arrangement but I was still pissed.

"I know. It just pisses me off."

He grabbed a strawberry and held it out to me, "I can see that, let the chocolate calm you down."

I glared at him, grabbing his wrist and taking a bite out of the chocolate covered strawberry, "You're so annoying sometimes." I mumbled after letting the chocolate do its job.

I did feel better and I hated it.

Jacob leaned back against the couch for back support and sipped his coffee. His eyes were on me as he enjoyed the warm drink. I wet my lips, the tight feeling between my thighs making me aware of how turned on he made me by a simple look.

I was so fucked.

"Rest assured, I've told you before that the woman is not allowed to visit us anymore."

I threw my head back and laughed. The chocolate made me feel better, sure. Jacob, however, made me feel ecstatic. He'd make me feel even better once we were in the bedroom. I could hardly contain myself due to the dark promise in his stormy gaze.

"Have a strawberry," I told him, feeding him a dark chocolate one.

We were teasing each other, feeding each other chocolate covered strawberries and sharing kisses. By the time we made our way to the bedroom, I was certain a simple touch from my fiancé would set me off. I placed me on our bed, staring at me as if I was truly his gift. I could feel the wetness rush into my flimsy panties.

The whining noise which I made alerted him, "I'll take care of you." He promised.

Slowly he undid the robe and admired the little red piece I wore. His fingers brushed over the white fluff. My skin heated up with the soft brushes of his fingers over my arms and legs. He trailed his fingers over my legs and slowly reached up, up and up.

My panties were ruined.

Without warning he took off my panties, nearly ripping the flimsy thing. The cold air hitting me between my legs nearly set me off. Jacob noticed. His chuckle caressed me all over. He pulled away from me to take his shoes off. Like usual he made a show out of unbuttoning his shirt and tossing it aside. The sound of him unzipping his pants made my heart race. My chest rose and fell quickly with anticipation.

He always teased me like this.

"You're not going to get any sleep tonight." He whispered.

Before I could respond he pulled my legs apart and kissed my most sensitive nub. I was completely lost then. He teased me until I was a hot mess, never letting me reach my orgasm. Teasing and getting me to the edge only to pull away again. By the time he did allow me to fall over the edge I was exhausted and only could hold onto his hair as I screamed out my pleasure.

I'd definitely not get any sleep tonight.