A Very Merry Hitman

Holiday With a Hitman #2

by Katie Reus

She’s surrounded by hitmen…

Aileen’s parents, brother and all her neighbors have unconventional jobs to say the least. So she’s surrounded by hitmen. Is it a little strange? Sure, but so is she. And lately she finds herself looking at one of her neighbors in a new light. When the single mom asks him for a teeny tiny favor—to help her after years of being celibate—he shuts down. So she decides to throw herself back out there and start dating again.

And he’s the most intimidating of them all…

Dante has wanted Aileen for as long as he can remember, but because of her past trauma, he’s always considered her off-limits. When two different Santas try to rob her in a matter of days, then all bets are off. Something weird is going on, so he does what any good hitman would do—he takes over her protection detail. He’ll keep her under his roof, in his arms, and hopefully in his bed, while ending any and all threats to her. Too bad her nosy family keeps getting in his way. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but danger is about to find them all.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Friends To Lovers

152 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2024

About the author

Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Merry Hitman by Katie Reus
Holiday With a Hitman series #2. Contemporary holiday romance suspense. Best read in order primarily for all the included secondary characters.
Alieen is surrounded by protective people, aka hitmen, and almost always has been, so her dating experience is limited. She’s been attracted to her neighbor Dante for awhile now. She decides she wants him to help her change her celibate lifestyle.
Dante hasn’t been with any other woman since he first met Alieen. And that was a long time ago. Now that she has more time with her daughter in school, Dante is willing to give her anything she needs. As long as it’s with him and not some rando she met at the grocery store. He’s willing to kill anyone that tries to get close to her.

It’s a community of hitmen. Yes, there is a secondary story here in addition to the romance, and it’s dark in a “taking care of the bad men” kind of way.
Don’t expect a dark mafia romance. Don’t expect the feel of a dark romance.
There is more comedy, and sarcasm, and quips than you’ll be able to keep track of. There is a lot of internal head banter. Its funny. And there is a lot of holiday cheer. And ultimately a very sexy and steamy romance.

Hilarious and terrifying to think a community of hitmen could be in the neighborhood next door.

I loved the chapter headings! Creative and worth a laugh of their own.
I love this series so much because I’m laughing and highlighting all the way through thinking “OMG, I can’t believe he said that!”
Laughter really is the best pickup for your mood.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pithy, cute phrases at the beginning of each chapter are enough to recommend this book. They are a hoot. But you also get a friends to lovers romance, a decent mystery and a really, really cute kid. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for something set at Christmas but without all the surgery sweetness, and it is a fun read.

Dante has lived in a unique neighborhood in Miami for a few years now and has developed a warm relationship with his neighbor, Aileen. Now he wants to take that from the friend zone to something deeper and more serious, but because of a past trauma he is just biding his time waiting for a sign from her. Well, I think it is definitely a sign when she shows up in his living room and asks him to end her decade plus of celibacy. Talk about a shocker. Dante literally freezes and Aileen takes that as a "no", instead of the hell yes, his mind was screaming. Now he has to make it up to her.

Aileen is the single mother of an adorable soccer obsessed eleven your old, Nessa. She also lives in a neighborhood full of active and retired hitmen, including her parents and neighbor, Dante, who is hot and very protective, so protective that he follows her on her first date in forever. Good thing too as she is mugged by a Santa and her purse is stolen. Now, Dante is all about protecting her and oh yeah, he now wants to take her up on her offer after freezing at the thought.

When another Santa pulls a gun on her, Aileen is shocked and that just sets off all of Dante's protective instincts. Dante is determined to protect her and find out why she has been targeted.

[thevinedbookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fun fast holiday romance read that has comedy, suspense and all the festive holiday vibes, this book is for you. I didn’t realize that this book was actually the second in the series until I looked at the book on Amazon but I had no issues following the story. I enjoyed this book. It’s covers some tough topics but overrall It had just enough fluff that I look for in holiday movies and romances.

Side note, the chapter headings were also hilarious and tied into the story perfectly. By far my fav was “Keep Calm and get your ho, ho, ho on. Overall a solid 3.5 read for me. Swipe for book tropes and description.

Thank you NetGalley for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nessa and Eliana was the star of this book. I loved seeing a little girl scheming in an innocent way to get her mom and Dante together so she could have a dad for Christmas. Eliana was just as entertaining being her normal mischief self. And of course I also loved Aileen and Dante. A great start to getting into a Christmas spirit.

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Nawww! This was sweet and steamy, had feel-good vibes with a tiny bit of angst for drama, and featured a loveable hit-people family as supporting characters. I had such a great time reading this book.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew that sharing the holiday with a hitman could be so cute?!





I absolutely LOVE this “world” Ms. Reus has created. And I hate that we only get it during the holidays. This is the type of rom-com I adore because it’s cute, fun, steamy, and has an edge of danger and suspense to it. It’s never over the top silly or so dark I feel like I’m suddenly in another story and I appreciate the balance she gives us.





This is filled with characters that had me smiling and antics that made me giggle. The relationship between Aileen and Dante was sweet even as things started steaming up between them. The possessiveness Dante felt as Aileen is stretching her wings got me in my alpha loving feels. I want so much more of not only this couple but of all the hitmen in the neighborhood.

Dual POV
Safe no ow drama; om was a first time date for the h and was not anyone she had feelings for - H was so jealous though; h not a virgin and has not been with anyone for 11 years; H has been celibate since meeting h several years ago
Triggers h was sexually assaulted 12 years ago - off page and no details shared

[Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was really cute, but took me longer to finish than it should have mostly because I was getting distracted by other audiobooks (normally I don’t read more than one book at a time). Anyway, I love a single mom, the kid was cute, the hitman angle was fun, there was danger and Christmas cheer. A fun little holiday novella.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Merry Hitman🎄

Aileen’s daughter Nessa wants one thing for Christmas…a dad, specifically Dante. So she enlists her Aunt Elli to help her achieve this. However, when Aileen goes on her “first date” with a friend of Elli’s, she’s accosted outside by a man wearing a Santa suit😳 When she’s accosted a second time it’s clear something is going on. Her family and Dante are just the people to help her figure this out considering the professions they all have🙃

Loved this story and Aileen and Dante together❣️Nessa definitely was causing some mayhem and mischief with her Aunt Elli…now all I can hope for is more Christmas stories with this group of characters😁 I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review.

[Dankinia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd recommend this if you are in the mood for a medium spice holiday romance about a family with unique jobs, a single mom in need of protection, and her best friends that wants more.

Overall, I rate it 4⭐out of 5 based on the following: 🤩Enjoyment - 4; 👥Characters - 4; 📖Plot - 4; 🗺️Atmosphere/Setting - 3; and🖋️Writing - 4 with the first 3 categories being most important.

What worked for me:
• Dante's patience when it comes to Aileen
• Aileen strength when standing up to her overprotective family

Finished Reading
11/26/2025

[Treena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, fast-paced follow-up that’s just as good as book one. A Very Merry Hitman stays rooted in the same lovable family and close-knit community, this time shifting the focus to the sister — a change that works perfectly. Katie Reus writes characters you instantly connect with, making the relationships feel warm and genuine despite the shorter length. It’s a quick, engaging read with great pacing and zero filler. I flew through it in one day and loved every minute.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐
Absolutely just the book I needed to read right now! Funny and lighthearted with a definite dash of dark and spice, it's a quick romp destined to lift your spirits when holiday chores threaten to overwhelm you. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen🦋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️

“I’m only a morning person on December 25th.”

REALLLLLLL!!!

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

Katie Reus delivers a fun holiday romance full of trained killers.

As A Very Merry Hitman is set in a community of hitmen and women. With single mum Aileen and daughter Nessa smack bang in the middle of them.

Why?

Because her parents are both trained killers. As are her brother Theo and her best friend Dante. Who has been in love with Aileen for a few years and vice versa.

And when Aileen finally plucks up the courage to ask Dante to help her change, her celibate lifestyle Dante is struck mute. Which leaves Aileen feeling silly and looking elsewhere.

That is until Dante finds out and makes it clear he definitely wants to help and will kill anyone who even thinks of touching her.

And with plenty of steam, humour and a little danger. Thanks to some out of control Santas. This was a really enjoyable and engaging read and I particularly loved all the strong female characters.

I would happily recommend to all.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so thrilled when I learned we would be getting a second story around these hitmen because after last year’s holiday story I knew I would kill for another one (sorry I had to do it). Katie Reus is one of those authors that can make the most ridiculous sounding premise into the perfect story and really, an entire community of hitmen… Who would ever believe that could be true? But she manages to make you believe it and actually fall in love with these killers and want to read their romances and see how they celebrate the holidays and build their families. She really does understand the human psyche. This newest story in the Holiday With a Hitman series revolves around a woman that was once brutalized and lost a piece of herself while gaining a beautiful child from it and the man that has lost his heart to her finally seeing one another clearly and finding love. Aileen is determined to reclaim her life, beginning with her sexuality and she feels the best way to do that is with the one man she trusts and is attracted to, but when she finally works up the nerve to ask her neighbor Dante to be her lover she feel he rejects her and runs scared. Dante has wanted Aileen for YEARS but is stunned when she asks him to be her lover and before he can make head or tails of her request, she runs from him. Now they are stuck in a weird limbo and strange things are happening around them including Aileen trying to date other men and Santas attacking Aileen. Danta is determined to now only protect the woman he loves but to finally get her into his bed and make her understand that she is his irrevocably. Aileen had no idea the depth of Dante’s feelings for her but now she is faced with a dangerously aroused hitman on her tail (quite literally) and she’s not quite sure she is ready for everything coming at her but is they can’t figure out everything going on around them it might be a moot point. Can a community of hitmen protect one single mother in time to give a hitman the time to convince her that she is love of his life and give them all the Christmas gift of a Happily Ever After?

I positively LOVED this story, so much was happening at any one moment that I could not put the book down and there was no way to stop reading for sleep. Aileen was such a survivor, having gotten past the one trauma that no woman should be forced to live through, then having even more at the hands of her tormenter. But she’s made a beautiful, if not full, life out of it with her daughter and her family, but she wants to finally reclaim the broken part of herself. She knows that Dante is the one man that she can trust with her body and goes to him and when he admits his feelings immediately accepts that she too feels deeply for him. While you might think she is fragile because she isn’t a killer like the others around her, she is strong, sassy, sweet, and witty, I loved watching her stand up for herself and demand she be treated as an equal. Dante is the perfect alpha, strong and protective of the woman –and little girl—he claims as his, even if only in his heart but he never gives her reason to distrust her or fear her. I loved seeing him walk the tightrope of his dominant and strong personality without being overbearing (even if he slipped sometimes) as he protected Aileen and shows her how much he loves her. He is smart, dedicated, willing to do anything including kill to protect those he loves, but he never pretends to be more than he is which is a badass hitman. I loved their chemistry and the attraction between them burned bright every second they were together or even just thinking about one another. I look forward to seeing their relationship in future books in this series (hint hint) because I hope to continue to see new installments each holiday season from Katie because this series is certainly one that is unique and worth every word.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

A Very Merry Hitman is a fun and spicy festive novella and is the first book by Katie Reus I've had the pleasure of reading. I'll definitely be checking out her other books!
We follow Aileen, who's a single mum to an 11 year old daughter, and her family are all hitmen, including her close neighbours. Aileen has been celibate since before her daughters birth after a traumatic assault. She wants to get back into the dating game and requests her best friend Dantes help. Dante has wanted this moment ever since meeting Aileen and would do anything for her, but he never expected her to just come out and ask him for the favour she asks him for. When Aileen agrees to go on a date with someone her sister-in-law arranges and a man in a santa suit robs her in broad daylight and then a second santa tries to do the same but this time is after her phone and her; Dante jumps straight into action along with her family and deadly neighbours too.
This was such a fun and spicy read, and I loved the hitman edge to it. I read this book on one sitting and couldn't pull away from the humour and in desperate need to know what kind of fool would target the daughter of a family of hitmen.
TW for sexual assault.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Merry Hitman is book 2 in the Holiday with a Hitman universe and is Aileen and Dante's story. Aileen's daughter Nessa and Elianna come up with a plan to get Dante and Aileen together, but when she keeps getting attacked by men dressed in Santa suits, the whole family steps up to try to find out who is behind the crimes.

This was such a cute and fun read. I love this romantic suspense world that takes place during the holiday season. The plot was easy to follow but still had twists to keep you entertained. I enjoyed the friends to lovers trope and appreciated the foundation that this couple had. Dante was very protective but also loving of both Eileen and Nessa. Of course I was super excited to get mentions of past characters. You can read this as a standalone, but I recommend reading How the Hitman Stole Christmas for the ultimate enjoyment.

Overall I really enjoyed this and it was a great start to getting in the holiday spirit. I eagerly await more stories from this universe.

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series and this is Dante and Aileen’s story.
Aileen is a single mom to her daughter Nessa, and is well aware that her family, brother, and neighbors have unconventional jobs. Dante is Aileen’s best friend, confidant, and protector for years, and is a favorite uncle to Nessa, but he has hidden his crush for Aileen for years, not wanting to ruin their friendship. When Aileen feels ready for romance, after the trauma she suffered, she accepts a date from Dante. When a couple of Santa’s trying to rob Eileen over a couple of days, Dante moves her in with hi m determined to keep her protected and safe by any means necessary. I must say these Santa’s certainly chose the wrong girl to rob lol.
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, friends / lovers, humor, witty banter, trauma, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and quirky, feel good holiday magical gem.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Megan O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t get past the concept of a neighborhood of hit men and women, what a world they have created!!

This was a fun romantic suspense friends-to-lovers Christmas extravaganza!! Aileen is the only non hired assassin in the family, the neighborhood, and honestly maybe the town. When she’s assaulted by a string of hired Santa’s, her best friend, Dante, makes it his personal mission to protect the woman he’s loved in secret for so long. Will her daughter finally get her wish of a dad for Christmas? Only if he can keep them alive til the 25th!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this snappy holiday story. While short, the characters and the world felt fully developed and I felt like I was able to get a lil snapshot of their lives. The last chapter took me by surprise (I hated it a bit and moreso hated that I liked it!)

Thank you so much to Katie Reus and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #2 in the Holiday with a Hitman series, A Very Merry Hitman brings back favorite characters from the first book - Dante, the brooding and very protective neighbor and family friend (also a hitman) and Aileen, the daughter and sister of a couple of hitmen. Holiday hijinks ensue, as Aileen navigates life for her and her daughter among a family/neighborhood full of people in the business who will keep her safe at any cost. Dante is the best kind of alpha male, protective, loving and only has eyes for Aileen. I loved watching this story unfold and the mystery of who is behind the Santa muggings and hijinks. Steamy, loving and full of quips and antics that will have your smiling while simultaneously fanning your face. While this story could be read alone, do yourself a favor and pick up the first book to fully immerse in the hitman community. Happy Holidays!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun to be had with this romance based around the craziness that is a group of neighbours who are all hitmen/women, and, in this case, the romantically clueless Dante in his pursuit of Aileen, 'guided' by the wonderful Elliana. This book cannot help make you smile as Dante works on learning to woo his beloved after having put his foot firmly in his mouth after her unexpected request of him.
I loved this off the wall, funny and lively book with characters I just couldn't help but love, despite their murdery proclivities. Great fun!! 💖💖💖💖💖

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the family dynamics here and even though the book was pretty short, it was filled with entertainment, love, mystery, excitement, and holiday spirit. After Aileen is robbed by men in Santa suits twice, her group of family and friends that mostly consist of hitmen or other related professions, helps her get to the bottom of it all, and who is trying to come after her. It was very heart warming to see a close knit family that was willing to go through all kinds of lengths for Aileen to keep her safe. And very glad Nessa got her Christmas wish :)

Thank you to KR Press, Katie Reus, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Nessa is from a family of hit men and lives in a neighbor hood of hit men, she is not a hit man. She is a single mom who is raising her daughter on her own. After being mugged several times it turns out it was not random and she is being targeted. You get to see her family and friends work to capture the culprit while she has a budding romance with a neighbor.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is so crazy and unserious and I’m here for it. Not realistic at all but very fun to read. Compared to the first book in this series, I do think Aileen and Dante’s relationship was more genuine and real, and I was really rooting for them. This book was short and sweet, a perfect little read for the holidays.

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC!

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed. Another holiday love story between a hitman and single mom. More characters in the same neighborhood as book 1. With cameos from book 1 characters. Loved MMC Dante big teddy bear. 💯🔥❤️🎄

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in the family

This series is adorable. A neighborhood of hot men who also are teddy bears for their loved ones. The family dynamic of the sister who is not a hit man but the rest of the family is and the best friend turned significant other is fun. The fact that it starts with her daughter going to Aunt Ellie for help to get a new dad was hilarious. It was great catching up with Theo and Ellie and seeing how the whole neighborhood was doing. The danger was unexpected but added a good danger or angst element to the story. A quick and fun read.

[Diane Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast read, romance, suspense and a twist all rolled into one story. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

[Jessica Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet, fun, holiday themed romance.

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 23%.

It annoys me that they both like each other but don't ask to date. He's not saying anything and she's just asking for sex practice when she wants more. 🙄

[Bianca Swart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love a man that is down bad

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔️dual pov
✔️spice
✔️trigger SA survivor fmc
✔️best friends secretly in love with each other
✔️friends to fwb to forever
✔️he falls first and harder


Fave quotes below:

"Nessa loved Dante. He was the absolute best. He always made her mom smile and laugh in a way no one else ever did. And he came to all her school stuff, took her to soccer practice if her mom couldn't, read to her when she asked...it was like he was born to be a dad. Her dad."

"I want Dante to be my dad. He loves my mom and he loves me and I'm pretty sure my mom loved him too. I don't understand why they're not married."

"He lived only two doors down and he was quite possibly the kindest man she'd ever known. If we didn't know they he was a hitman she'd have never in a million years guessed his profession."

"His expression concerned and you know gorgeous. Everything about the big man made berthing inside her wake up and take notice. Always had."

"The tall, huge, mouthwateringly handsome man who stared in all her fantasies. She didn't want polite Dante. She wanted him growling naked and underneath her, but one step at a time."

"It was difficult to look directly at him sometimes because he was so intense, always focused on her when she spoke. Because the man actually listened to everything."

"He didnt work during December or very little since Nessa was off school and Aileen loved Christmas. Before he'd met Aileen he never themed down a job but since meeting her years ago things had changed for him. He wanted to be present for her even if they were just friends. Though he wanted a hell of a lot more and worried that he'd screwed up his big chance to take things to a new level. No he refused to just accept that. He could fix his stupidity and make it clear that he was open to anything she wanted. Even if she terrified him on a level he couldn't define."

"No one knew how he felt about her and he'd never wanted to make things awkward. But her proposition the other day changed everything and now all he could think about was the two of them naked together."

"A small pang hit him in the chest, twisted hard. He wanted what they had but not just with anyone. With aileeen. She was everyone he'd never even dreamed existed- kind, a fierce mother who would take on the world for her daughter, smart, and he's beautiful. So beautiful it hurt to look at her sometimes."

"My mom has a date with some hot rich guy."
That didn't sound like Aileen at all. Dante tried to breathe past the ache in his chest. She was dating? She'd just asked him...for something he'd only ever dreamed about. Though not quite in the way she'd approached him. He'd been so stunned he hadn't been sure how to respond but he was planning to. And now she was going on a date? Dante needed to know more about this loser."

"The biggest mistake of his life would be letting Aileen slip through his fingers. He'd do anything for her, even humiliate himself."

"And the entire time she wished it was Dante with her instead."

"If she sees you you'll blow your game plan."
"Game plan?"
"Yeah to win Aileen over. To marry her. Make babies with her. Take family vacations."

"The woman he'd been in love with for years even as he barely skated his hands down her shoulders and arms"

"Anything to spend time with her and erase the memory of her date. Because that was the last time she was going out with that guy. Or anyone else."

"That purse was expensive." He should know, he'd blight it for a couple birthdays ago. It was from a well known luxury brand and one be knew she'd had her on she but have never bought herself. She was too practical sometimes and he'd wanted to spoil her."

"We've been friends for a long time." Though he'd always wanted more. A secret he'd kept to himself because he hadn't wanted to ruin things between them or her family. Plus he hadn't thought she was ready to date again. Her proposition had stunned him. In the best swag possible."

"I wasn't rejecting you." He could never reject her. He shifted an inch closer wrapped his arm around her shoulders. They'd been so casual with affection before and even though he'd always wanted more than friendship, hd still craved simply touching her. The last couple days without her had been hell. "I could never reject you Aileen's you're my best friend." The only best friend he'd ever had, something he was too embarrassed to admit. But she knew every bong about him. At least the important stuff. And she'd accepted all of him. He never had to worry about acting in front of her. So yeah her asking him to take her to bed had thorns him because it was everything he'd ever dreamed about. But he knew if he admitted the depths of his feelings, it would scare her. "You're not having sex with anyone but me. That's right you're not hiring someone and you're certainly not having sex with that loser from tonight." Oh the things he would do to her. Things he'd only allowed himself to fantasize about."

"He'd been with women before her but no one after they'd met."

"Because he made her feel safe always had. Which was ridiculous because he was a hitman, but he'd always been so kind to her. Long before she'd been aware of him as a man, he'd simply been her friend. But things had changed over the last few years. She'd been moving past her trauma and was very very aware of just how masculine Dante was. She'd started to look at him like more than friend. Waaaayyyy more."

"Aileen could suddenly breathe easier without snare so close and smelling so good she wanted to bury her face in his neck. While wrapping her body around him and climbing him like a tree."

"She wanted to get naked with another human. No not just another human, but Dante. God she was trying to play this off as just friends, but the truth was he meant everything to her. Had for a long time. He was a constant in her life. He knew her inside and out and had been one of her closest confidants. The man was built like a god, had an edge to him, and she had no doubt women just flocked to him. Ugh that was definitely not something she wanted to think about now or ever."

"Felt that gut punch when she smiled up at him. She was like the sun and he simply wanted to bask in her warmth."

"Absolutely we should" he murmured as he dipped his head to hers, capturing her mouth in a gentle kiss when he really wanted to devour her. She already consumed most of his waking thoughts and he wanted to consume her. He needed to do things slow for her but not too slow that she got too into her thoughts and decided to pull away from him. Her fingers tightened on his shoulders and she pulled him to her instead of pushing him away. Good because he couldn't bear if she pushed him away. Her kisses were sweet and tentative at first but when she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer, he nearly lost it. This was a big deal for Aileen, who'd been in her shell for years. She'd always worn armor where almost everyone was concerned, but she'd started letting him in years ago, letting him be a part of her life."

"After years of wanting her, she was in his arms now and he wasn't going to ruin this shot for them."

"He'd rather cut off a part of himself before he ever hurt or scared her. Even unintentionally."

"Because this was Aileen, the only woman for him."

"At least she wasn't pulling away or acting as if she regretted things. After sliding on her heels, she wrapped her arms around him and held him close. She smiled up at him as if he'd hung the moon and ok fine, if she didn't want people to know, he could live with that if she kept looking at him like this."

"He pinned her against the countertop. His dark eyes were filled with need, his expression telling her exactly what he wanted to do- and she loved it. This wasn't the sweet and helpful Dante who came over to help out, this was the Dante who was going to bang her brains out."

"He couldn't stand the thought of someone hurting her, of the world without her. She'd been through enough and he refused to let the world hurt her again."

"He wished he could pull her into his arms right now, that they weren't hiding what they were-whatever that was-from everyone. Hell maybe he needed some comfort now too. He could have lost her today."

"He was in love with Aileen and the thought of her with another man was killing him."

"He claimed her mouth with a hunger that surprised her, everything else faded away. Forget food, she simply wanted him. Especially this possessive Dante. She hadn't even known this type of attitude would be a turn on for her but she liked that he didn't want to share, that he was bothered by the thought of her out with another man. Because she couldn't even stomach the thought of him with someone else."

"With him she always felt safe and that in itself was terrifying. She didn't want to get used to this, to having him around, even as she wanted him with what might be considered obsession."

"Stared as if she was everything he'd ever dreamed of. "You're so perfect...You were made to be worshipped baby." How was she supposed to keep things compartmentalized when he was looking at her lol she hung the mom ? And saying things like this?"

"He was looking at her as if he'd slay dragons for her."

"She didn't want to be separated from Dante if they were on limited time she wanted to make the most of every minute they had together."

"She knew that he liked her exactly the way she was, but screw it, she wanted him to like what he say when he looked at her. Wanted...more then this friends only nonsense. But she was the one to put stipulations on this whole thing...now she had to figure out how to undo that and let him know she wanted something else. Like forever with her best friend."

"I haven't been with anyone since I met you." His words were low growls and wait what? He couldn't be serious. That had been years ago."

"He looked up at her with those dark eyes and a face that would make angels weep."

"She wanted something real with Dante not just for him to help her get over fears. She wanted a future with him."

"Kissed her like he'd been starving for her. She found herself swept away in his kiss, swept away in everything that he was, and shed the lingering fears she'd been holding on to as she lost herself with him."

"She wanted to cry and kiss him at the same time. "You're always so thoughtful." She murmured stroking her fingers down his forearm, loving that she got to touch him the way she wanted now. No more fantasizing."

"I met you and that was it, Aileen."

"A hunger that matched her own. One that told her he was definitely as obsessed as she was."

"He wanted everything with Aileen. A real future that involved more kids if she wanted theme things he'd never even dared to dream of. He wanted to be a dad to Nessa, not just her favorite uncle, but the man she called when she needed help."

"The thought of losing you terrified the hell out of me. It's the worst possible scenario in every situation. And I love you, Aileen." Going on her tiptoes to kiss him "I love you too. I've loved you for...a lot longer than I wanted to admit to myself."

"Dante the man she loved more than she ever could have imagined. "I'm happy you two finally figured things out. He's a perfect fit for you."

"He grinned down at her, the love in his eyes so clear she couldn't believe it had taken her so long to see it. He was definitely it for her too."

"I asked Santa and Elli for a new dad." She looked at Dante expectantly. "It's ok if you sleep over here. If you're going to be my dad, you'll have to move in anyway." Dante simply nodded in agreement.

"He never wanted to sleep anywhere else but holding her. On the couch, the floor, in bed-didnt matter. As long as she was happy and comfortable."

"Pulled out the box he'd been holding onto for way too long. He might be able to wait for kids but he couldn't wait to put his claim on Aileen. "I want kids with you. I want to wake up to your gorgeous face every morning. I want to be a dad to Nessa, officially. I want everything." he lifted her left hand and slid the sparkly engagement ring on her ring finger."

"I used to watch your ASMR videos. Before...I knew you... I watched your videos when you were first starting out. I stumbled across them one night when I couldn't sleep. I didn't know you were Lorna and Nestor's daughter. I found that out later...it's why I moved to the neighborhood...Not in a weird way or maybe it was. But your videos helped me sleep when nothing else did." He'd been in a dark place when he'd discovered her videos. "You saved me and helped pull me out of a bad head space." He'd loved listening to her rambling, talking about everything and nothing. She'd been so sweet and charming-still was...When I found out you were their daughter I moved here to be closer to you. I figured if you helped me, you were helping a lot of other people too. And I wanted to be close to you...to keep you safe." And ok he'd already been a little bit obsessed with her. She leaned up on tiptoe and kiss him hard before pulling back "I love you Dante and for the record, I will marry you."

"She was the missing piece he hadn't even known he needed. But she and Nessa had filled a void inside him. And even if he didn't deserve them, he would spend the rest of his life taking care of them, cherishing them the way they deserved."