The Klaus Brothers Boxed Set

by penny watson

  “Well, well, well. Look who finally showed up.” Sven narrowed his eyes and pulled off his goggles. “Mr. Man-of-Finance. Haven’t heard from you for a while. I sure hope you didn’t get involved with Hannah De Luca. It was all a big set-up, bro.”

  “It wasn’t.”

  “Hurts to be a chump, doesn’t it? I know. I fell for Andi’s whole freakin’ act. Hook, line, sinker. Like a big dumb-ass.”

  “Please don’t swear in front of the baby.” Nicholas frowned.

  “I don’t think the baby can actually hear anything with those earmuffs on, Nick.” Oskar took his niece from Nicholas and cradled her in his arms.

  “Sven. Did you read the article like I told you to? Andi did not betray you. You jumped to conclusions, man. You need to read it.” Wolfgang sent Sven a concerned look.

  “I didn’t need to read it. I didn’t want to read it. The picture on the front page told me all I needed to know.” Sven’s jaw clenched and he willed himself to relax.

  Gregor threw the paper onto the table. “This article is preposterous. Like the rest of the material in that rag. Even with the photo, they still couldn’t manage to come up with anything of substance.”

  Oskar bounced Noelle in his arms. “I thought it was funny. I especially liked the part about Yetis enjoying frozen tourists, like a popsicle treat.”

  Sven spun around to face his brother. “What? What are you talking about?”

  Wolf placed a hand gently on Sven’s shoulder. “It was all fake. The whole article. I don’t know if Andi had anything to do with it, but it never mentioned the Klaus family, or Santa…”

  “Or the elves. Or Glasdorf,” Nicholas added.

  “Nothing about Klaus Enterprises. It was another one of those asinine snowmonster pieces.” Gregor picked up the folded paper and handed it to Sven. “Look.”

  Sven took the paper from his brother’s hands. He skimmed the piece and shook his head slowly in denial. “This is…ridiculous.”

  Gregor nodded. “I know. Everything in The Scoop is ridiculous.”

  “She didn’t betray your trust, Sven. According to her sister, her boss at the tabloid downloaded the photo without her knowledge. She freaked out when she realized they’d published that picture.” Wolfgang held out his hands for Noelle, and Oskar passed her to him.

  Sven turned to Greg. “Have you been spending time with Hannah? No more clamming up. I want to know the truth. Now!”

  “Yes. I have. What’s happening with us is private, and I’m not interested in having a group discussion about my love life.”

  “I don’t care about that. I just want to know about Andi.” Sven brushed the hair out of his face and glared at Gregor.

  “What do you want to know? She’s devastated. She gave up the biggest story of her life, she almost died. She fell in love with you. And you judged her without giving her a minute to defend herself. How the hell do you think she’s doing?” Gregor’s eyes flashed with anger. Sven had the distinct feeling that anything or anyone who dissed the De Luca family was going to incur his wrath.

  “Shit. Shit. Shit.” Sven could feel his eyes burning. What have I done?

  “Lucy is going to kill us. Noelle will be the only toddler in preschool cussing like a sailor.” Nicholas grimaced and took the baby back from Wolfgang.

  “While we’re on the topic of withholding information,” Oskar interrupted, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell all of us about your new furniture studio. What the hell, Sven? Did you really think I’d be pissed about that? I think it’s fantastic.” He slouched against the worktable.

  Sven shook his head apologetically. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how you guys would handle me blowing off my Klaus responsibilities to explore a hobby. I felt guilty about it.”

  “Obviously your furniture designs are more than just a hobby,” Wolfgang said. “And we all support you. No matter what.”

  “Dad was pretty cool. Surprisingly.”

  “No more secrets. It’s not easy being Santa’s kids. And running the North Pole. We have to lean on each other, even when we’re struggling.” Nicholas kissed Noelle on the forehead as she yawned and fell asleep against his chest.

  “You’re right. I shouldn’t have kept my project a secret. I swear from now on I’ll be unloading all my issues on the lot of you. Whether you like it or not.”

  “We’re here to help. Always.” Wolfgang slung an arm over Sven’s shoulders.

  “Okay. I’ve learned my lesson.” Sven rubbed a weary hand over his face. What a mess.

  “What are you going to do about Andi?” Gregor asked quietly.

  Sven turned to his brother. “I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me.”

  “The thing is, Sven—” Wolfgang’s forehead creased. “I’ve been thinking about how your magik sleigh was so conveniently out-of-order when you needed to get home. And ours worked fine.”

  Oskar nodded. “Yeah, that doesn’t make sense.”

  “Maybe it does make sense. Maybe there was a reason Sven and Andi were supposed to go through that adventure together. Suffer through the trials and tribulations of the tunnel. The flight from hell. Yeti.” Nicholas’s eyes gleamed behind his spectacles.

  “Nick is right,” Gregor said. “I know the magik sometimes seems like hocus-pocus, but I have the feeling it was forcing them together.”

  Sven’s eyes narrowed. “I had an odd epiphany. That she was my destiny. Maybe that’s why.”

  “So what are you going to do about it?” Gregor asked.

  Dear old Greg. No beating around the bush. When he wanted something, he went after it. Direct, relentless, uncompromising.

  “What do you think I’m gonna do? I’m grabbing hold of my destiny.”

  “Seriously, man? A tabloid reporter? You like to live on the edge, don’t you?” Oskar tossed his brother a peppermint candy. Sven snatched it out of the air.

  “She’s much, much more than that. She’s talented, brave. Resourceful.” Sven’s throat felt dry and tight. Desperation gnawed at him. He couldn’t lose her.

  “The De Luca family is special.” Gregor’s statement was resolute. “How are you going to win her back, Sven?”

  Oskar lifted a hand. “You’re gonna have to grovel like you’ve never groveled before. X-treme Groveling, man.”

  Nicholas laughed. “Just be honest. And tell her how you feel. Apologize.”

  Gregor nodded. “Show her how you feel.”

  Wolfgang smiled. “Yeah. And a really kick-ass hand-made Christmas present probably wouldn’t hurt either.”

  Nicholas clapped Sven on the shoulder. “Gifts are good. Always good. Just ask Santa.”

  Sven looked down at the splintered piece of walnut in front of him. “Damn straight. Santa always knows best.”

  Andi pulled her scarf tight as gusts of freezing wind battered her. She stumbled along the sidewalk in Manhattan and glanced up, trying to find the address on the invitation.

  Grand Opening, Klaus Studios…

  She must be out of her mind, braving a hideous night in December to confront Sven Klaus. She hadn’t heard a word from him for two horrible weeks. Not a text, not an email, not a phone call. Not a visit. He’d found her guilty without giving her a chance to defend herself. And that was that. She should have known the possibility of him loving her had been nothing more than a pipe dream. Trusting a man with her heart was a huge mistake. This wasn’t a Disney movie. She wasn’t a princess in a tower. She was regular old Andi De Luca, New Yorker trying to make a living and keep her family safe.

  And suddenly Sven had a change-of-heart and wants to see her? Well, he could go straight to hell. And she couldn’t wait to tell him that. He’d made her trust him. Confide in him. Love him. She needed closure and the chance to put the giant lion in his place.

  Preferably behind bars at the local zoo.

  Gregor had hand-delivered the invitation and insisted she attend the event. She was shocked. Why would Sven want to see her when he believed the worst? Gregor
refused to discuss it, but said it was urgent she make an appearance at the opening. She still had no idea what was going on between Greg and Hannah, but her sister had backed him up. It needled her, seeing those two as a united front. A Klaus brother and her adorable sister. Ugh!

  The one good outcome from her North Pole nightmare was the new job. It was wonderful—challenging and exciting to be part of a well-respected news organization. She’d been nervous at first, afraid Sven would follow up with her boss and get her fired. But after a few days, she’d relaxed. At least his anger toward her didn’t extend that far. Not far enough to jeopardize her family’s welfare.

  She stopped in front of 709 Borderman Street. There it was. Klaus Studios. Did she have the wrong night? Why was no one else here? She pushed open the front door hesitantly.

  “Hello? Miss De Luca?” A blond elegant woman reached for her coat. “Mr. Klaus is expecting you.”

  “Where is everyone? I thought this was the grand opening?” Andi removed her coat and scarf and shook the snowflakes from her hair. She’d left it down tonight. Just because she knew Sven liked it that way.

  She hoped he hurt when he saw her. Remembering what they had together.

  She hoped he hurt as much as she did.

  She blinked back tears.

  Hey! There’s no crying in baseball. Stick with the program, De Luca. Make Sven swallow his tongue when he sees you, deliver the set-down, move on. You can do this.

  The hostess smiled. “This is a private showing. Please follow me.” She headed down a corridor, her stiletto heels clicking on the marble floor. Andi followed, her curiosity piqued.

  A private showing?

  They entered an enormous room with vaulted ceilings and soft lights. Stunning pieces of furniture were displayed on platforms throughout the room. Each one was spotlighted, a work of art. The wood furniture glowed beautifully, some pieces dark and somber, some dancing with movement, some timeless and sleek. She recognized the incredible detail Sven always incorporated into his work.

  He might be a snake, but he was a talented snake. She wished she could reach out and touch the pieces. It would be like touching a part of him. As her hand snaked out, against her will, she blushed and pulled it back. “Sorry ’bout that.”

  The hostess stopped. “Mr. Klaus gave instructions that you could investigate any of the work. Please feel free to explore.”

  That was odd. Why would he do that? It must mean something. Did he trust her again? She didn’t care, one way or another. It didn’t absolve him of his bad behavior.

  She tried to tamp down her animosity. No matter how angry she was with Sven, she wanted to enjoy this moment in the gallery. These were pieces he’d created from the depths of himself, with all of his heart and soul. She could hate the man and still love his work.

  She climbed onto a platform and ran her fingers over the silky surface of a stool. The spindle legs tapered to a point and looked light and airy and delicate. It was such a beautiful piece.

  She scanned the room. Dozens of designs surrounded her, each one more sensational than the last. Her eyes were searching…for something. Was he trying to send her a message? Why wasn’t he here?

  “Miss De Luca?”

  “Yes.”

  “Mr. Klaus is expecting you. In the private studio at the back.”

  Andi’s stomach plummeted. Was he planning to berate her again? Did he want to apologize? Did he finally realize she hadn’t betrayed him? She clenched her fists and followed the woman to the back of the room.

  The hostess pushed open a door marked PRIVATE and ushered her inside. “Enjoy your evening.”

  Andi stepped inside the room. And froze.

  The room was utterly, completely empty. Except for one single piece.

  In the middle of the room, which was illuminated only by candlelight, was an enormous four-post bed. Carved from dark, rich wood, with spindle posts and gleaming jewels reflected within the structure. She took a step closer and blinked. No, not jewels. Each segment within the bed was made of wood. Light, honey-colored, burnished red, in all different grains. Curly, rippled, burled, birds eye. The textures flowed from one to another, connecting the pieces in an intricate design.

  A series of steps led to the mattress high up in the air. It was covered with vibrant silk, in shades of lime green and turquoise blue, magenta pink, scarlet red. With tassels and gold ribbon. Curtains of silk were draped over the posts, wrapped in twinkling lights, flowing to the floor. It was decadent and rich.

  Her feet moved forward of their own accord. She climbed the stairs to the platform surrounding the bed, and began to inspect the piece. She gasped. This wasn’t a random abstract design. Each bit of inlay told a story. Her story. Their story. She saw them dancing at the gala. Flying on the plane. Battling the frost flowers. Fleeing the Yeti, arriving at the gates of Glasdorf. She saw them in his toyshop, surrounded by elves.

  She walked slowly to the front of the bed, to the headboard. An image of Sven holding her in his arms was set into the top, just above the pillows. She could see the love shining between them. How could he capture that in a piece of wood? Next to that image were two words…SWEET ADVENTURE.

  And under that…FOR ANDI.

  This was a bed fit for a princess.

  Dear God in heaven.

  “You came.”

  Andi spun around.

  Sven stood at the foot of the bed and licked his lips. Is he nervous?

  “I wasn’t sure you’d come. After…what I did.” He cleared his throat.

  Yes, he was definitely nervous.

  He looked like part of the scene, standing partially submerged in the shadows. His long blond hair flowed softly over his shoulders, his chocolate eyes sparked in the darkness. A giant next to a giant bed. A bed for a king.

  Or a princess.

  “I don’t get you, Sven. You drag me all over the Northern Hemisphere, save my life, make me fall in love with you, and then trash my integrity. And now this.” She shook her head and stared at the bed. The bed of her dreams.

  No. A bed beyond her wildest dreams.

  “I read the article. Finally. I know you didn’t betray me or my family.” He ran a trembling hand through his hair. She could tell he was agitated.

  Good. I hope he feels like crap!

  “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. It’s just when I saw that Yeti picture—”

  “It’s just when you saw the Yeti photo, you were so quick to believe the worst in me, you got whiplash dumping my sorry ass. Right in the middle of Uncle Gino’s Pizzeria. Pretty humiliating. But not as humiliating as me falling in love with a weasel.”

  He closed his eyes. “I deserve that.”

  “Oh, yeah. I know.”

  “Listen—”

  “No, you listen. I am tired of your games. I almost died traipsing around your wacky world. And I gave up the biggest story of my life. For you.” She was close to hyperventilating. She took a deep breath and steadied her nerves. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re done. Let’s call this one even. I saved your life. You saved mine.” She shrugged. “And…and I do appreciate the contact you got me at The Pulse of New York. I mean, you could have pulled the rug out from under that whole thing, but you didn’t. So…thanks for that, anyway.”

  “How’s it going?”

  The abrupt change in topic threw her for a loop.

  “Um, good. Really good. I’m already diving into my first story, interviewing folks and getting back into non-melodramatic writing.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I’ve been thinking about you everyday, wondering—”

  “Wondering when I’m going to pull my next big scam? I know what you think about me.”

  “No.” Sven’s eyes flashed at her. He was getting pissed.

  “No…what?”

  “That’s not what I think about you. You’re wrong. I admit I had a momentary lapse in judgment. I should have trusted you.” He took a step closer to her and she held her ground.

>   She would not back down.

  “You should have trusted me. I earned it. I went through hell and back for you.” She ran her fingers over the carvings on the headboard. Over the images of her and Sven intertwined in an embrace. “I would never betray you,” she whispered.

  “I know. You have nothing to prove to me, Andi. You’ve already proven yourself over and over again.”

  He took one step closer, this time just inches away. She could feel the heat radiating off his body, smell his fresh scent. She was afraid to look up. To look into his eyes.

  What would she see there?

  Disappointment? Doubt? Or the lion who longed to possess her? The man she could trust with her life?

  “Forgive me. Please.” His voice was ragged.

  She glanced up, and was shocked at the desperation on his face.

  She knew every angle of that face, the feel of that thick beard under her fingers. The sounds he made when he entered her, body and soul. Did she really think she could just throw him out of her life? After everything they’d been through together?

  Could she believe him now?

  She took one step toward him. Maybe it was time to meet him halfway.

  “Sven.”

  He nodded. “Yeah.”

  “The thing is…I did lie to you at the beginning. About who I was, and what I was doing. So I can see how you might have jumped to conclusions.”

  His eyes were filled with so much sadness, it knocked the breath from her.

  “And I lied to you. Your instincts were right about Klaus Enterprises. Not about the shady stuff. But you were correct, we were hiding a huge secret.”

  She knew then how much she loved him. Seeing the agony etched on his face hurt more than her own pain.

  “No more lies. Tell me how you really feel.” Andi’s voice broke.

  He took a deep, bracing breath. “I love you. I want a second chance. I know I don’t deserve it, but I want it anyway. I want a future together.” Sven held out his hand. It trembled, just a bit, but the sight of that crushed her. “You told me you loved me. Is it true? Or did I manage to screw up the best thing that ever happened to me?”