I was restless at Dad's house in the few days leading up to Christmas. Though Gabe had spent only one night there, I keenly felt his absence. My father and Evelyn would be spending Christmas Eve with Evelyn's mother, and Gabe obviously wasn't invited to that gathering, so I wouldn't see him until he arrived on Christmas morning.

He was the first person I told when I received my final grades: all As. 

You're a brilliant young woman, Opal, he texted in reply. I'm so proud of you.

When I shared my good news with Dad, his response was similar to Gabe's, yet it didn't please me in the same way. I craved Gabe's approval as if it were a basic necessity, like food or water.

My Christmas Eve was quiet in the otherwise empty house. I ate too many sugar cookies, masturbated too often, and anxiously waited.

I was up just after dawn on Christmas. The day, though frigid, was without snow. I chose to wear a wine-colored sweater dress and black tights. My face was mostly free of makeup, but I made sure my hair fell in glossy waves past my shoulders.

By the time I went downstairs, Evelyn and Dad were welcoming Gabe into the house. I held back, giving everyone time to exchange greetings. All the while, I let my gaze roam over the man whose marks still lingered on my skin days after our most recent fuck. He looked especially gorgeous in a cashmere sweater and dress pants. I noticed he carried an envelope and a small gift bag.

Finally, Gabe regarded me with a smile. "Merry Christmas, Opal." 

For a second, I expected him to open his arms to me; I was ready to step into his embrace. Then I realized that would be an overly familiar gesture for him to make. I went out of my way to avoid hugs from Evelyn, so she'd probably find it strange if I was eager to run into her father's arms.

"Merry Christmas, Gabe," I replied, hoping my own smile remained appropriate.

Evelyn had opted for a huge Christmas tree, which Dad placed in front of the bay window. I'd already arranged my gifts for everyone beneath it, and as I now studied the carefully wrapped present I would offer Gabe, I felt a rush of anxiety. Would he like what I'd chosen?

"Do we want to eat breakfast and then open gifts, or vice versa?" Evelyn asked.

"Gifts first," Dad piped up.

Evelyn laughed. "Forty-four years old, and you still can't wait to see what Santa brought you!"

Dad slipped his arm around her waist, and the second they turned away, I rolled my eyes. Of course, Gabe noticed. Stepping closer to me, he briefly extended his hand, allowing his fingers to graze mine.

Dad sat down before the tree, making it his job to retrieve the gifts from beneath it. When Gabe sat on the couch, Evelyn took a seat next to him. I tried not to resent her for it; he was her father, after all. I sat in a nearby chair, folding my legs under me. 

For the next half hour, we opened presents one by one. Dad loved fishing, so I bought him a new fishing rod he'd had his eye on but swore he didn't need. I knew he would never purchase it on his own. 

I gave Evelyn a bottle of her favorite perfume, wildly overpriced stuff whose scent would forever be associated in my mind with my stepmother. She made over the gift almost as much as the tennis bracelet Dad had picked out for her. She'd bought him a designer watch.

My father was always at a loss as to what he should buy for me at Christmas and my birthday. When I was younger, I used to make a list to simplify matters, but nowadays, I told him a gift card was fine. This Christmas, he presented me with a gift certificate to a luxury boutique in town. Since I'd never before set foot in the place, I figured Evelyn had suggested it to him.

He also gave me a sterling silver ring embellished with a large garnet, which was my birthstone. 

"That's vintage," Evelyn informed me. 

"I love it. Thank you so much," I told Dad, and then her, for I was certain she'd picked it out. 

Her official gift to me was a stunning red pea coat. My pleasure at receiving it was genuine, even as I wondered how much I'd enjoy wearing something from her. 

Gabe had sat back, watching all of this with a mild expression. Evelyn now placed a small gift box beside him. "Merry Christmas, Dad!"

I could tell he was touched by the gold cufflinks she'd chosen. It had been almost twenty years since his daughter had given him anything. 

Dad seemed a little uncomfortable offering his own gift to Gabe. "Evelyn helped me pick it out," he revealed.

It was an abstract sculpture, crafted from metal. When Gabe praised the gift, I noticed my dad's shoulders relax. Only then did I realize how much he wanted to impress his father-in-law.

After setting the sculpture aside, Gabe handed Evelyn the envelope he'd brought. Then he picked up the gift bag and offered it to me. "That's for you, Opal," he said. "Merry Christmas."

I waited for Evelyn to open the envelope. Inside was a gift certificate for her and Dad to spend a week, with all expenses paid, at some ski resort she loved. Though Dad had never been skiing, I knew he would happily accompany Evelyn wherever she went.

"Dad, thank you!" Evelyn cried. "This is way too much, though."

"Nonsense," Gabe said. "And if you don't have a chance to go this winter, it's good for the next season as well."

Dad offered his profuse thanks for the gift. "Evelyn's been dying to teach me how to ski," he added.

Evelyn nodded toward the gift bag I held. "And what do you have there, Opal?"

I tried to keep my expression neutral as I withdrew a small jewelry box. Of course, I never forgot the fact that Gabe had given me a thousand dollars just a few days earlier. 

Inside the box was a pair of white-gold earrings adorned with diamond teardrops. I couldn't help but gasp, for I'd never been presented with such fine jewelry before. "Oh, my God, they're gorgeous!" I exclaimed. "Thank you so much, Gabe!"

Looking up, I saw Evelyn and Dad exchange surprised glances. Gabe remained impressively nonchalant, as if such a gift was to be expected from him. 

"That's extremely generous of you, Gabe," Dad said. "I know Opal will take good care of them."

I managed not to scowl at the way he referred to me as if I were a child. "I will treasure them," I said, emphasizing every word. 

Now, I felt no one could judge me for hugging Gabe, so I rose from my chair and went to slip my arms around his neck. As I whispered another thank you, he gave my back a fatherly pat.

Finally, it was time for me to offer Gabe the present I'd chosen. I grew anxious while watching him carefully open the wrapping, and then the gift box.

Peeling back the tissue paper, he stared for a long moment at the painting. The way it was placed on his lap prevented Dad and Evelyn from seeing it at first. Gnawing at my bottom lip, I studied his reaction, silently praying he liked it.

When his gaze met mine, I knew I wasn't imagining the emotion in his eyes. "Opal, this is absolutely beautiful," he said. "Thank you."

I beamed in response, my smile probably revealing far too much.

"Let us see!" Evelyn urged.

Gabe held up the small painting. I'd discovered it in an art gallery not far from school. Though I had no idea what Gabe might like, I was desperate to find something that would appeal to his artistic nature. 

And as soon as I saw that particular piece of art, I knew it was meant for him. For us.

The artist had painted golden apples scattered on the ground, amid dried grass and leaves. The light that fell upon the fruit was overcast, as if the day held an autumn gloom. Some of the apples, just shy of too ripe, waited to be plucked from the detritus and eaten. 

But a couple of apples among the pile already bore dark speckles on their skins, their shadows of rot accentuated by the murk.

"Oh," Evelyn said, clearly not knowing what to make of the painting. "That's very... intense. Very moody."

"I like it," was all Dad offered.

I hoped he and Evelyn considered the gift something typical of an eighteen-year-old, chosen in an attempt to be edgy. By the way Gabe continued to admire the painting, I was certain he understood the meaning behind it.

"I know just the place for this at home," he told me.

As the four of us ate breakfast a little later, my mood remained buoyant. I could tell my gift meant even more to him than those expensive cufflinks Evelyn picked out.

And as soon as I had the opportunity, I put on my new earrings. The diamonds caught the light when I turned my head from side to side, admiring my reflection in the mirror.

In the early afternoon, while Evelyn and Dad were watching some old Christmas movie in the living room, and before she got busy in the kitchen preparing dinner (again declining my help), I stood at the fridge, studying its contents. If I could just find something to snack on...

It was then that I heard footsteps approaching. Feigning oblivion, I waited, my skin warming with anticipation.

Gabe caressed the curve of my ass, his hands delivering an appreciative squeeze. I closed my eyes, amazed that I could get wet from a mere touch, right here in my father's kitchen.

But I forced myself to stand up, close the refrigerator door, and turn around. Grinning, I pressed a hand against Gabe's chest. "This isn't being careful," I whispered.

He grinned back. "It isn't. But you always knew I'd grope you as soon as I got the chance."

I let him lead me down the hall, closer to the guest room. We were still in plain view when he backed me against the wall and lifted my dress.

"We can't!" I weakly protested.

Gabe slipped his hand between my thighs and started rubbing me through my tights. His mouth claimed mine in a hard, filthy kiss; his tongue was in my mouth, and then tracing the outline of my lips. It reminded me of the way he pleasured my clit.

"If I wanted to fuck you, with your father right down the hall, you'd let me," he murmured, his breath hot on my face. "Wouldn't you, Opal?"

I glanced toward the living room, terrified of being discovered. Then I looked back at Gabe and silently nodded.

"You'd let me take you to that guest room and bend you over the bed," he went on, exciting both of us with his dirty talk. "I'd fill your pussy with my cum and then send you back to Daddy."

I started shaking from the relentless stimulation of his fingers. I couldn't believe how close I already was to orgasm. 

Before I could reach that peak, Gabe withdrew his hand. Though I released a pathetic whine, he merely smiled. 

"We can't have you getting too wet," he told me. When he lifted his fingers to my face, I caught the scent of my pussy. I was mortified that my juice had worked its way through my panties and tights to cling to his skin. 

Gabe made a show of sliding his tongue along those fingers.

"You really piss me off sometimes," I growled, my eyes narrowed.

My frustration only made him laugh. "I want you desperate for a fuck when you sneak into my room tonight," he said, then headed back down the hall.

*****

Everyone was cheerful and lively at dinner, even me. I laughed at Dad's jokes and made a point to compliment Evelyn's cooking. But sitting so close to Gabe and being unable to touch him made the meal seem endless. 

I didn't think I could bear spending an evening in the living room, listening to Dad and Evelyn happily chatter while I sneaked longing glances at Gabe. It was early when I excused myself and headed up to my room. Before leaving, I gave everyone a hug goodnight. As I wrapped my arms around Gabe, I breathed in his scent, then whispered, "I can't wait to show you how thankful I am for my gift."

I was ready for bed before nine. Aware that no one would venture upstairs for another couple of hours, I didn't bother to lock my door. Lying in the darkness, I lifted my sleep shirt and fondled my nipples. I got myself dripping wet but refused to touch my clit. I would be desperate, just the way Gabe wanted me.

I could have wept with relief at the sound of Dad and Evelyn retiring to their room around eleven. Though I had to lie there for another hour or so, listening to the house grow quiet, I passed the time imagining Gabe's hands and mouth on me.

A few minutes past midnight, I crept from my room. Beneath my sleep shirt, I was completely naked. My bare feet were practically soundless on the steps. Already, an insistent pulse had begun between my thighs.

The guest room door was slightly ajar. With two fingers, I eased it farther open, wincing at the squeak. Inside, the room was so dark that I couldn't make out Gabe's figure in the bed.

"Are you awake?" I whispered. 

"Of course I'm awake," he replied in a low voice. "I've been lying here stroking my cock, waiting for you."

I let out a quiet moan, which prompted him to turn on the bedside lamp. On its lowest setting, the glow was so soft that it didn't hurt our eyes, and I was easily able to see Gabe's erection tenting the sheet.

Noticing my rapt expression, he grinned and drew the sheet back. I discovered he was completely nude. "Is this what you want, baby?"

"Yes." That word escaped my lips in a breathless rush.

"Then close the door and come over here."

I immediately obeyed, hurrying to join him. He sat up in the bed, then guided me between his spread legs, so I was sitting with my back against his chest. I almost reminded him that we needed to hurry, but I couldn't bring myself to say anything that would shorten our time together.

Instead, I let him tug up my shirt and reveal my breasts. He buried his face in my hair while teasing my nipples. Pressing my lips firmly together, I did everything I could to subdue my pleasured cries.

"I've had so many dirty thoughts about you today," he confessed as his hand moved lower. "You have no idea how much it excites me to do this here." His fingers delivered a teasing graze to my clit. 

I was breathing faster, feeling helpless in his embrace. If we'd heard a sound from upstairs at that moment, could I have made myself pull away from him? Or would I have kept my legs open to his touch? 

"I'm going to fuck your pussy while your father's asleep right above us," Gabe warned.

Though the words made me flinch, my hips rocked with a lewd rhythm. I was sure I'd already left a damp spot on the sheet below me.

Gabe eased me downward until my head rested on his pillow. Then he settled between my parted thighs. The arousal I saw in his eyes seemed... dangerous. I feared he would take wild risks tonight. 

His kiss was hard, almost bruising my lips, but it only coaxed me into reaching for his cock. It was so hot and stiff in my hand, and I felt its powerful twitch.

"Bad girl," he chided. "So impatient."

Positioning his tip at my entrance, he teased me with the slightest thrust, then withdrew. Over and over, he did this until my cunt ached to be filled. 

"Fuck me," I groaned. "I need it inside my pussy!"

"Shh! You don't want Daddy to hear his precious daughter begging for cock." Gabe laughed low and soft, delighting in my torment. 

Finally, he slid into me, and I clawed at his back, gasping when he bottomed out. Almost instantly, his hips began a fierce rutting. The bed, new as it was, proved no match for our fucking. The furniture squeaked, as if to alert others of the coupling taking place.

I tried to assure myself the sound couldn't be heard upstairs. Gazing at Gabe, I saw that he didn't appear at all concerned. No, he was focused only on claiming my cunt. At one point, the headboard smacked into the wall, making my eyes widen. We were being way too reckless.

But I didn't tell him to be more gentle, more careful. As he pumped away inside me, hard enough to make my tits bounce, I realized this was exactly what I wanted. What I'd been craving all day.

"Wreck my pussy!" I panted.

Gabe smiled before pinning me down. Holding my wrists in a painfully tight grip, he fucked me so hard that I knew I'd be left raw and tender. I could feel my flesh clinging to his cock like a second skin. 

When I came all around him, my cry was too loud, but Gabe made no effort to silence me. Writhing in his grasp, I feared I might actually scream. In the past, I wasn't sure I could even have a vaginal orgasm. Now, I almost cried from the force of the one he gave me.

My climax had brought him closer to his own release, yet he pulled out once my spasms subsided. 

"I can't leave cumstains on these sheets, baby, so you'll have to finish me with your mouth." 

I was still quaking, my eyes glistening with unshed tears, when Gabe lay next to me. His cock, coated with my juice, throbbed in time with his heartbeat. 

My limbs were...