Page 81 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

“I found something amazing,” I announce, holding the sweater up with a flourish. “Ta-da! We’re doing festive photos, and you are all wearing Christmas sweaters.”

I half expect groans or protests, but instead, Key grins like I just handed him the keys to a new sports car.

“Light me up, Sugar!” He bounds over, snatching the sweater from my hands and slipping it over his head. It jingles as he does a little shimmy, making the bells ring out in a cacophony of sound.

I can’t help it, I burst out laughing. “You look ridiculous!”

“And fabulous,” he adds with a wink. “This bad boy is staying on until Christmas. Who else can say they’ve got jingle bells on their clothes? Pure style.”

Atlas and Teddy wander in from the kitchen, curious about the noise. Atlas looks me up and down like he’s already suspicious. “What’s going on?” He rumbles, his voice low and cautious.

I can barely contain my excitement. “It’s festive photo time, and I found the perfect sweaters!”

Atlas crosses his arms over his broad chest. “Not a chance, Nutcracker.”

Teddy glances at Key, who’s still jingling like a deranged elf. “I’d rather be shot,” he mutters.

“Oh, come on!” I protest, sticking out my lower lip in the most exaggerated pout I can muster. “You guys look tough and brooding all the time. One Christmas photo won’t kill you. It’ll be fun!”

Key jiggles his way over to Atlas and pokes him in the side. “Come on, big guy. Don’t be a Grinch.”

Atlas scowls at the sweater Key holds out to him, an offensively green monstrosity with a 3D Santa face. “No.”

“It lights up!” I chime in, hitting the button on the sweater. Santa’s nose glows red, blinking rhythmically.

Atlas doesn’t look impressed, but I catch a flicker of something in his eyes. Amusement maybe? He snatches the sweater from Key and growls, “You owe me.”

Teddy watches this exchange with something like horror on his face. “There’s no way I’m wearing one of those.”

I sidle up to him, leaning in close with a sweet smile. “Pretty please, Teddy? Just one photo. You’ll look adorable.”

He narrows his eyes. “I don’t do adorable.”

“Just this once?” I bat my eyelashes, knowing full well that’s his weak spot. “For me?”

He groans, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But if anyone outside this cabin ever sees the photo, you’re in trouble.”

I clap my hands in victory, already picturing how hilarious this is going to be. “Okay, everyone line up!”

Key is already bouncing on the balls of his feet, shaking his jingle-bell sweater with pride. Atlas stands stiffly beside him, grumbling under his breath, while Teddy slinks over, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but here.

“You look cute,” I tease Teddy, reaching up to fix a stray lock of hair. He glares at me, but I can see the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

The first round of photos is fairly standard. I set my phone up on the coffee table, the fire crackling behind us, creating a warm, festive glow. “Smile!” I say just as the camera clicks, capturing the image of my three hitmen dressed in the most absurd sweaters. Key flashes a grin wide enough to light up the whole room, Atlas looks like he’s fighting the urge to rip his sweater off,and Teddy...well, let’s just say he’s managing not to murder me on the spot.

I glance at the photo and burst out laughing. “You guys are the best.”

Key drapes an arm around my shoulder. “We know, Sugar.”

Before I can reply, Teddy snatches my phone. “Let’s see this ridiculousness.” He stares at the screen for a long moment before finally handing it back with a soft chuckle. “Okay, that’s actually pretty funny.”

I beam, feeling a surge of affection for all three of them. “See? I told you it would be worth it.”

But as I scroll through the photos, something stirs inside me. A mischievous spark that tells me one silly picture isn’t enough.

“Wait,” I say, holding up a hand. “We’re not done yet. We need more poses. More...festive creativity!”

Atlas groans, but Key is all in. “What’ve you got in mind, Sugar?”

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