Page 105 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

Key flops onto the bed beside me, his Santa hat falling over one eye. “Come on, open it! We’re dying to see your face.”

I pick up the small gift and tug at the gold ribbon, my fingers trembling with anticipation. The wrapping falls away to reveal a delicate, hand-carved ornament–a nutcracker. My breath catches in my throat as I run my fingers over the smooth wood.

“Did you make this?” I ask, looking up at Atlas, whose eyes soften even more.

“We all did,” Teddy says, his voice full of pride. “It was Key’s idea, but we each worked on it. Thought you’d like something special for the tree.”

A warmth spreads through me that has nothing to do with the cozy fire crackling downstairs. “I love it,” I whisper, eyes shimmering. “It’s beautiful.”

Key leans over, nudging my shoulder playfully. “Told you she’d love it.”

“You know, it’s the only nutcracker allowed in the cabin now,” he adds with a waggle of his brows, making Teddy groan.

“Please don’t start with the puns already,” Teddy mutters, though there’s a twinkle in his eyes. “It’s too early.”

“Too early? Never!” Key declares, leaping to his feet and adopting a dramatic pose. “On this holiest of days, I, Key, declare a pun competition! The prize? Bragging rights and the first taste of our Sugar here!”

Atlas shakes his head, his rare smile broadening. “I’m staying out of this one.”

“Coward,” Key teases, sticking his tongue out before turning back to me. “Come on, Sugar. Let’s hear your best Christmas pun.”

I bite back a laugh, my mind scrambling for something quick. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m not sure I cansleighit as well as you do.”

The room erupts with groans and laughter. Teddy slaps his hand on his forehead, muttering, “It’s begun.”

“Sleigh? Oh, you’re on my naughty list now, Grace,” Key says, pretending to jot something down in the air. “But it’s okay, I’ll forgive you for beingsnowamazing.”

“Stop! I’m going to choke on my cocoa,” I manage between giggles, clutching the warm mug Teddy handed me.

Atlas leans in, his eyes twinkling with rare mischief. “You all better behave oryuleregret it.”

For a split second, silence reigns as everyone processes Atlas’s unexpected contribution–then the room bursts into laughter so strong, Key actually rolls off the bed.

The morning continues with playful banter, breakfast bites, and laughter that echoes through the cabin. It’s the kind of morning that feels almost magical, filled with warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging I never want to end.

Teddy’s expression shifts as he leans forward, a conspiratorial glint in his eyes. “Grace, we have another surprise for you, but you need to clean up before you can come downstairs to see it.”

I raise an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. “Another surprise? You’re spoiling me,” I say, unable to hide my smile.

“Only the best for our Christmas queen,” Key chimes in, giving me an exaggerated bow that makes me giggle.

Atlas nods, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Trust me, you’ll want to be ready for this one.”

With that, the three of them exchange knowing looks before bustling out of the room, leaving me alone with the plate of pastries, a mug of now-cooled cocoa, and a heart full of anticipation. I take a deep breath, feeling the excitement build as I wonder what surprise awaits me downstairs.

As much as I want to rush, I don’t. It’s Christmas, and the guys aren’t going anywhere. So, instead of hurrying, I indulge in the luxury of time. I shower slowly, letting the hot water soothe my nerves. I take care while shaving, a small, mischievous grin playing on my lips as I think about the wait I’m making them endure. My hair gets special attention today–I dry it with a soft touch, teasing out the natural waves until they fall in gentle, shiny curls.

Maybe I’m not just taking my time. Maybe I’m letting the inner brat they’ve managed to coax out play a bit–making them wait because I can.

When I finally slip into a deep red sweater dress, its soft fabric hugging my curves in all the right places, I pause to take one last look in the mirror. The woman looking back at me feels unfamiliar. A welcomed stranger.

My collarbone-length blonde hair shines, cascading in sweet, delicate curls. My pale, almost silver eyes shimmer with something new–love, happiness, and a touch of excitement. It’s a glow I haven’t seen in a long time, and it feels like Christmas magic has taken root deep inside me.

With one last breath and a smile that won’t quit, I turn to go meet them.

The cabin is quiet, eerily so, as I make my way downstairs. A silly flash of disappointment niggles at me when they’re not waiting at the bottom of the stairs to turn and stare at me hungrily as I make my big Christmas entrance. Yet, the thought alone has me giggling.

The kitchen is empty, the living room too. Room after room comes up bare as I search throughout the entire mansion sized cabin for my frustrating men–only avoiding Jason’s room and the room that the hostage is still being held in.

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