Page 9 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

“It was during sex. An accident. It just got a bit rough, that’s all!” She rushes out, squeaking as I grip her bicep and pull her over my head and into my arms. Holding her in the air in front of me, I examine her face for any sign of deceit. There’s an ounce there, but…she is using the truth to cover it up.

“Was it consensual?” She nods, once more biting that plump little lip.

“Grace.”

“Jason, it’s probably best that you shut up right about now,” she warns meekly, her eyes not leaving mine.

“Do you know these guys?” He growls. “Have you been fucking around on me?” Her beautiful eyes flash with a hidden steel that makes me rock solid instantly. Fighting my hold, she spins to faceJasonas I place her on her feet.

“Excuse me?!” Even angry, her voice is melodic and sweet, but more like the poisonous kind of sweet that someone wouldn’t know they’d ingested until seconds before death.

“How dare you?!I’ve been nothing but faithful and loving to you from the moment we met. Even when you used me like a sex toy–like I was nothing–” her voice breaks and she pauses to breathe deeply.

“I still loved you, despite it all, right up until you admitted you’d been screwing my best friend formonths. And nowyou’releavingme?” Her voice rises, breaking. “You know what, Jason? Maybe you should go. Gof-fuckyourself!”

She screams, her frustration echoing through the room, before whirling around and racing to the front door. She grabs the bag sitting beside it, yanks the door open, and flings it straight out into the snow.

As she spins back to glare at Jason, eyes blazing, I work to wipe the smile off my face–her reluctance to curse is amusing amid all this chaos. She points at the open door making her point crystal clear.

The man in question shoots to his feet, fear etched across his features as his gaze darts between me, Grace, and then each of my brothers in turn–who are suspiciously silent as they stand off to the side.

When their eyes meet mine, Key shrugs and grins, clearly enjoying himself, while Teddy raises an eyebrow, silently questioning what led up to this point. I shake my head at him–we’ll talk later. He gives a slight nod, and we all turn our focus back to Jason. He visibly shrinks under our attention, sensing the danger radiating off each of us. It probably doesn’t help thatthe bundle at my brothers’ feet is still writhing around, letting out muffled yells.

“Ye-yeah. Maybe I should.” His voice shakes as he inches around me, putting as much distance between us as he can, and starts moving towards the door.

“You can’t be serious.” Key finally speaks up, shaking his head in disgust. “Three strange, obviously dangerous and suspicious men break into you and your girlfriend’s-” he cuts off, shooting an apologetic look at Grace. “Sorry,ex-girlfriend's cabin. And you just decide to leave her here alone with us? You didn’t even try to convince her to go with you?”

“She’s a big girl. She will come if she wants. She’s fine.” Jason continues edging towards the door as Grace stands perfectly still, her mouth hanging open in shock. “Right, Grace?”

He's almost reached her–my entire body coiled, ready to spring–when movement catches my eye. Teddy steps in smoothly, guiding Grace aside before shutting the door and leaning casually against it. He looks relaxed, as if he doesn't have a care in the world, yet there's no mistaking the message: no one is getting past him.

“I’m sorry. You didn’treallythink we’d let you leave after everything you witnessed, right?” He looks almost bored as he picks at his nails, not even bothering to look at Jason.

“Uh…yes?” Jason stops in place, his gaze flicking to each of us one after the other without stopping.

Teddy finally narrows his gaze on him. Key starts chuckling as he bounces in place, his fingers tapping out a rhythm on his thigh. I crack my knuckles, stretching my neck as I step closer, blocking his route to the rest of the house.

I love it when they try to run.

Come on, Jason. Let’s have a little fun.

And there he goes.

A grin spreads across my face as I shift my weight, and with perfect timing, snap my arm out to clothesline him. Seeing as he was sprinting full force, when he collides with my arm, his whole body flips back, slamming to the floor head first.

Knocked out cold.

Grace lets out a small scream, but doesn’t move a muscle other than the hand that moves to cover her mouth.

“He’ll be fine,” I assure her before looking at Teddy.

“Sorry, love,” he wraps an arm around her shoulders, leading her away from the front door. She follows his direction in a daze. “There’s a massive blizzard starting and the roads are all closed. He would have gotten himself killed out there.”

She nods numbly. “Oh. Okay then. Thank you?” She questions with uncertainty, her nose scrunching up adorably.

“You’re very welcome. Now, what is that heavenly smell?” She perks up, a brilliant smile overtaking her face.

“I made breakfast! Are you guys hungry?” She claps, bouncing towards the kitchen. “That was a stupid question. Of course you are. Men are always hungry. That’s what my mama always says.”

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