Page 104 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

Key’s eyes get all big as he sticks his bottom lip out dramatically in a pout. “Come on, Sugar. Pretty please?”

I try to fight the smile creeping onto my face, but it’s no use. “Alright, fine,” I sigh, feigning reluctance. “We’ll watch your not-so-traditional Christmas movie. But if I don’t feel at least a little festive by the end, we’re switching to Elf.”

Key pumps his fist in victory. “Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker!”

Atlas’s mouth twitches in the faintest smile as he shifts into a more relaxed position. “You won’t regret it.”

As the opening credits roll and the iconic music plays, I snuggle deeper into my blanket nest, surrounded by warmth and laughter. The dim twinkle of the Christmas lights reflects in Teddy’s eyes, and Key is leaning forward, practically vibrating with excitement. It’s a different kind of holiday magic, but one that fits perfectly with us.

The movie unfolds with its high-octane mix of action and witty banter. Each scene pulls me further into its unconventional holiday charm, and I’m surprised to find myself firmly on teamDie Hard is totally a Christmas movie.

“Sugar,” Key says, his tone mock-serious as John McClane takes a hit. “If I ever find myself barefoot and crawling through vents to rescue you, you’d better appreciate it.”

“You wouldn’t last a minute, Key,” I tease back. “You’d complain about the dust.”

“Damn right,” he replies, throwing a piece of popcorn at me with a grin.

“And yet, you’d do it,” Teddy interjects with a knowing smirk, his eyes meeting mine briefly before turning back to the screen.

“Only for my Sugar,” Key concedes, his voice softer. For a moment, the humor fades, replaced by a comfortable silence that lingers in the space between us.

The movie reaches its climax, the tension in the room palpable. I find myself leaning forward, heart pounding as Hans Gruber’s final moments play out. Teddy’s arm brushes against mine, warm and solid, grounding me amidst the action on screen. The guys cheer when Gruber falls from Nakatomi Plaza, and I shake my head, unable to suppress my smile.

“Alright,” I admit, stretching out my arms as the credits roll. “Maybe this wasn’t such a bad choice after all.”

Key leans over with a grin. “Told you, Sugar. Die Hard isthe ultimateChristmas movie.”

“We still have time for Elf, though,” Teddy says with a gentle nudge.

“Bring it on,” I laugh, feeling the warmth of this moment seep into my bones.

Atlas, who has been quietly observing, reaches for his mug and takes a long sip before turning to me. “You’ll get your festive fix, don’t worry.”

As I queue up Elf, the room shifts to a softer kind of energy. The laughter becomes more frequent, light, and familiar. Teddy quotes Buddy’s iconic lines with gleeful abandon. Time passes in a blur of laughter, jokes, and shared smiles. The glow ofthe Christmas lights casts a warm hue over the room, making everything feel like a scene from a cherished memory. I take a moment to look at each of them, my heart full.

Key’s head is splayed across my lap, Teddy’s arm is protectively resting around my shoulders, and Atlas is gazing at me softly from his own seat, not even bothering to pretend to be watching the movie.

“Best Christmas Eve ever,” I murmur, barely above a whisper, but it’s enough. Atlas’s eyes soften, a rare, unguarded look that tugs at something deep inside me. Teddy pulls me a little closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. Key shifts slightly, burrowing further into my lap with a hum.

A comfortable silence settles around us, the movie playing on, punctuated by Buddy’s excited voice: “I’m in love, I’m in love, and I don’t care who knows it!”

Well, Buddy, I think I am too.

Chapter Thirty-Six

The first rays of bright morning light filter through the frost-covered window, casting a soft, silvery glow over the room. No more snowstorms, just a serene, snow covered landscape and picturesque views.

I shift under the warm blankets, feeling a flutter of excitement bubble up inside me before I’m even fully awake. It’s Christmas morning. My favorite day of the year! The scent of pine, cinnamon, and something sweet baking in the oven teases my senses, nudging me further from sleep.

Before I can fully stretch and open my eyes, the bedroom door bursts open, and in tumble Key, Teddy, and Atlas. Their laughter is as bright as the morning sun, filling the room with a joy so infectious that I can’t help but grin.

“Merry Christmas, Sugar!” Key exclaims, his amber eyes sparkling with mischief. He’s wearing a red Santa hat that’s slightly askew, and it bobs as he bounds toward the bed.

“Merry Christmas, Little One,” Teddy says, his voice warm and rich like hot chocolate. He’s holding a tray piled high with pastries, pancakes, and a steaming mug of cocoa topped with a mountain of whipped cream.

Atlas hangs back for a moment, a rare, soft smile curving his lips as he takes in the scene. In his hands, he holds a small, wrapped package with a gold ribbon. “Merry Christmas, Nutcracker,” he says, stepping closer and placing the gift on the bed beside me.

I sit up, my heart swelling with happiness that pushes away any lingering sleepiness. “You guys,” I say, trying not to get too teary-eyed. “This is perfect.”

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