Babs Claus: Tuffy Claus, #2

By Linda Mooney

Tuffy Claus and Babs are back, and despite Dominik's protests, his wife is coming along for the ride. Being previously in law enforcement, she won't be playing the obedient housewife while waiting for him to get home. No, she'll be out chasing the bad guys as well. But can she handle the heart-wrenching jobs she'll have to take on?

 

Their newest case tests Babs to her limits, making her wonder if she's really cut out for this. Short answer? Yes. When it comes to the children, she'll do whatever it takes. But when things quickly take a turn for the worst, leaving Babs on her own, she realizes how important her job really is.

 

It's then that a thought hits her, and Dominik and Kris realize there could be a whole group of kids that are being overlooked—those who can't write a letter to Santa. Those who can't ask for help. And they wonder how many children have suffered through the centuries because of their oversight?

 

The Kringles know they can't possibly save them all, but they're gonna damn sure try.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Mooney
• Release date: Dec 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953797155

Linda Mooney

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love. She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book My Strength, My Power, My Love was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book Lord of Thunder was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance. In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith. For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

Book preview

1

CONFESSION

"W hat do you mean you’ll think about it?" Babs straddled his legs, placed her hands on both arms of his chair, and nearly shoved her face into his. Her brown eyes bore into his blue ones. She made no attempt to hide her irritation, even while his brother watched.

Kris and I have discussed this— he began.

"This is between us, Dom! Last I knew, this marriage was a twosome, not a threesome."

Yes, and he’s a part of it, too! Dominik stated. Whether you like it or not, what I do affects his job.

She gave him one of those sideways grins, knowing how he’d read it. Already she could see the first signs of him melting. Yes, this is a family business, but the last time I checked, you don’t exactly deliver the toys or drive a sleigh.

It’s too dangerous, her husband snapped in an attempt to make it the last word on the subject, but it was too late. The cracks were already forming.

Straightening, she perched her hands on her hips. Did you really expect me to be another Susie Homemaker, keeping the cottage clean and your dinner ready for you when you got home after another rough day of chasing the bad guys? In case you forgot, Mr. Kringle, I’m a former deputy sheriff. I know how to take care of myself, and I’ve handled plenty of rough nasties in the past. Is your refusal to let me join you on your jobs because you think I can’t manage it?

No, it’s not that. His response was too quick, proving he was hedging. For some reason, he was avoiding telling her the truth.

Is it because you think I’ll get in your way? she pressed.

He shook his head. Several snowy white hairs drifted across his forehead, and he angrily brushed them out of his face. His gaze averted over to where his sibling sat, appearing to be absorbed in what was on his clipboard and oblivious to the scene on the other side of the room.

No, it’s not that, he finally admitted.

"Is it because you think I can’t do the job?"

He shook his head. No.

"Then, for crying out loud, why are you so adamant that I not help you?"

Because I almost lost you the last time you tried! he roared. Jumping up from the chair, he nearly mowed her down as he crossed over to the fireplace. Keeping his back to her, he braced one hand on the mantel and bowed his head.

She went over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Laying her cheek against his back, she hugged him. And you’re afraid of losing me for good. Is that it? she softly asked.

He didn’t answer. When he finally turned around to face her, she saw the glint of tears in his eyes. He sniffed and drew her into his embrace. I can’t lose you, baby. Geeze. He gave a watery chuckle. Listen to me and my sappy ass confession.

Babs smiled up at him. Oh, I dunno. To me, you sound pretty much like a guy in love. Grinning, she gave him a wink, and got that deep, rumbling chuckle that emanated from his chest. Listen, I’m not asking to go out on my own. I’m talking about partnering up. You and me together, saving Christmas one child at a time. Come on, Dom. Whaddaya say? Give me a trial run? See if we work well as a team?

She’s got you there, Dom, Kris spoke up. From this first batch of letters we’re getting, it appears this year is going to be a bumper crop of needy children.

Sighing heavily, Dominik narrowed his eyes at her. You’ll do as I say? When I say? No ifs, ands, or buts?

Babs raised a hand. I swear.

Bullshit. You’ll head off to do what you believe needs to be done, and consider the consequences later, Dominik argued, but he didn’t release her. Instead, he continued to glare at her. Gradually, his expression softened, and he pulled her against him.

They held each other. She felt his face nuzzle against her neck and shoulder. His beard tickled, but his lips were warm. His arms were like bands of steel. Whenever he hugged her, he was very careful not to squeeze too hard for fear of hurting her. It was the same whenever they made love. Sometimes she wondered if he knew his own strength and was being cautious, or if he was underestimating her resilience. She’d even teased him about it. I’m not made of spun sugar. I don’t melt in the rain, and I don’t fold under pressure.

I know. But I tend to handle things I love with utmost care, he’d told her.

She gave him one more quick squeeze before releasing him and stepping back. All right. Now that that’s settled, what’s next? Ooh! I need something to protect myself with. A weapon of some sort.

No guns, both men automatically chorused, and she barked with laughter.

We want to maim them, not kill them, Dominik added. Let them suffer as they’ve made others suffer because of their neglect, their ignorance, or just plain indifference.

I agree! No guns! They’re too loud, anyway. So, what you do you suggest? She got an idea and held up a forefinger. How about a bullwhip?

Dominik gave her an incredulous look. Tell me you’re joking.

I’m not kidding! I once dated a guy who taught me how to use a bullwhip. I admit it’s been some time since I’ve cracked one, but I wouldn’t mind picking it up again.

You dated a guy who taught you to use a bullwhip? Dominik repeated. You have strange tastes in men.

Yeah. Look who I married. She waggled her eyebrows at him. Over in his chair, Kris guffawed, slapping his knee.

Dominik rolled his eyes. I can see it’s two against one, so I might as well admit defeat now and accept the fact that I’m going to have a partner from here on. Turning to his brother, he inquired, Out of curiosity, of those of us unknown vigilante twins in the past who got married, did any of them have their spouses accompany them during their jobs?

Kris rubbed the side of his nose. None that I know of. I can have Candlemas double check the records.

Dominik waved a dismissive hand. Never mind. I’m pretty sure if any of them had, there would have been a story or two passed down about it.

You have to remember, Dom. Back in those days, having a wife who’d gone out and chased bad guys before they were wed was sort of unheard of. I’m sure a few of them held down jobs or posts, but nothing as dangerous as law enforcement, Kris noted.

Dominik turned to his wife. A bullwhip, eh?

Unless you got a better suggestion, Babs said.

He bowed his head as he thought. I have an idea.

Shoot. At his quick glance at her, she sighed. It’s a figure of speech, sweetheart.

I know. He tilted his head to the side. I think I know something that’ll work. Let’s go out to the factory.

The toy shop?

Yeah?

"What do you plan on me carrying? A firetruck?