Betrayed by a lover, Jamie rents an isolated cabin on Lake Huron, wanting only to be left alone. Instead, he is pulled from his solitary existence as an artist and tumbles headlong into the legend of Saint Nicolas.<br><br>As a young man, Nicolas accidentally killed a man intent on murdering three children, only to have the man's malicious spirit rise up against him. Fleeing through the centuries from the Krampus, the evil troll-like creature that dogs his steps, Nico finds refuge with the young artist who takes him into his home and bed. But Jamie has questions. Who is Nicolas, and why does the Krampus want to destroy him?<br><br>When the Krampus begins to torment and torture anyone Nico comes in contact with to punish him, Jamie's life is put in danger. And Jamie isn't sure whether he can help Nico defeat his nemesis or if he's merely a pawn in the Krampus's game.

Nicolas

Nico gave him an intent look, then took his hand, holding it in his own. “I’m sorry I involved you—”


“Stop, Nico. Don’t say anything more. I’m here by my own choice.” He took a step closer, slipping his other hand into Nico’s and holding them tightly. “I don’t know how this day will end, but I thank God you chose my dock to land on that night. You saved me! I was hiding in that cabin from a world that has hurt me too many times. I buried myself and didn’t see any way out of my loneliness. But you’ve shown me there is still wonder and beauty in the world, if I open my heart to it. Thank you for that.”


A soft gleam entered his lover’s eyes, and Nico’s lips curled into a fond smile. He leaned down, brushed their lips together. “Ti amo, my Jamie,” he murmured, voice husky, and kissed him, wrapping Jamie in his arms as if he were something precious. Love flooded from Jamie’s heart, echoed in Nico’s passionate kiss, in the strong arms holding him so gently.


Chapter 44