Page 117 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

Teddy smiles down at his, lifting it gently as if it’s made of something finer than yarn. “It’s perfect,” he says quietly, meeting my eyes with a warmth that makes my heart stutter. “Thank you, Little One.”

I swallow, feeling suddenly shy, which is ridiculous, considering everything these guys have seen from me. “You’re welcome,” I manage, rubbing the back of my neck and glancing away.

Atlas reaches out, snagging me by the wrist and pulling me into his side. He drapes his scarf around both our necks, the softness of the wool a warm contrast against his steady grip. “You’re incredible,” he murmurs, his voice low enough that only I can hear.

With Atlas’ arm still draped around me, I take a deep breath, my cheeks still warm from his unexpected compliment. The warmth fades a bit as I glance over at the bodies sprawled across the room, the remnants of the fight acting like some twisted holiday decoration. My gaze shifts to the guy they knocked out last, who’s still slumped on the floor, just starting to stir.

Key catches my look and grins, as if reading my mind. “Don’t worry, Sugar. We’ll take care of ourguestshere,” he says, cracking his knuckles as he moves toward the guy, who’s groaning his way back to consciousness.

I raise an eyebrow. “Bytake care of, I assume you mean something not-so-merry?”

Key laughs, his dimple flashing, even as his gaze hardens. “Oh, don’t you worry about that. He’ll get a nice, festive wrap-up.”

Atlas releases me, his expression serious as he moves to the bodies strewn around the room, checking each one methodically. Teddy joins him, his face a mask of grim focus as he inspects the damage and ensures that none of them are breathing. I watch as they systematically stab a knife through each head to ensure proof of death.

Key is already working on their newly conscious prisoner, securing him to a sturdy chair that somehow survived the chaos, with a mix of Christmas lights and garland. The guy blinks up at him, still dazed but slowly realizing his predicament.

“Wha-what are you doing?” he slurs, trying to squirm as Key tightens the last knot.

Key gives him a smug smile, patting him on the cheek. “Making sure you stick around for the grand finale, pal. Wouldn’t want you running off before we have a little chat.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and a strange sense of resolve, before backing away toward the kitchen. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it. Just...don’t break any of the holiday decorations, okay?”

Key laughs at my ridiculous joke as he finishes tying up the last man, tossing a quick wink over his shoulder. “No promises, Sugar. But I’ll make sure the bloodstains stay away from the mistletoe. I’m pretty sure those came out completely unscathed.”

Rolling my eyes with a smile, I turn and head to the kitchen, letting them handle the aftermath as I make a beeline for the hot chocolate ingredients. If they survived the chaos that is the three hitmen in the other room that is.

Maybe it’s not been the Hallmark level Christmas that I expected, but…

I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Chapter Forty-Two

Snow crunches beneath my boots as I trudge along behind the guys, the cabin slowly disappearing behind us. Jason is lagging somewhere in the back, and I’m fine with that. I keep my focus on the three broad backs ahead, each carrying a deadly calm confidence that I’m still struggling to believe is real.

Atlas moves like he’s part of the shadows and trees, his steps silent, blending with the forest. It’s almost hypnotic watching him. Teddy keeps glancing over his shoulder, checking that Jason and I are keeping up–probably more for me than for Jason. And Key, well, he’s practically grinning, like this is his idea of a good time. For them, this is just another day’s work.

Jason huffs beside me, clearly struggling to keep pace, and it feels so surreal to be here, trailing these lethal men on a rescue mission. Me? I’m no hero, and if I had any sense, I’d be back in that cabin, snuggled under a blanket with cookies, far away from all this drama. But here I am, tromping through snow and pine needles with nerves buzzing in my stomach, hoping we’ll find this poor girl before it’s too late.

I slip a little on the ice, and Teddy’s hand shoots out, steadying me with a quiet, “stay close.” His gaze is bothprotective and gentle, like he’s looking out for more than my balance.

Jason sidles up next to me, muttering. “This is ridiculous. Why are we even here?”

I roll my eyes, ignoring him. I didn’t come here to bicker or indulge in any leftover bitterness. I’m here for the girl they’re risking everything to save–and for my own peace of mind. I try to keep my thoughts steady, replaying the intel we got from Marcus as well as the other hostage they took after my Christmas dinner was ruined.

Marcus mentioned this location, which was reinforced and narrowed down by the intel from the second hostage. The second hostage also mentioned something about a tracker on Marcus’ phone being the reason they found thecabin. Apparently they track all the men employed in their dirty business and it’s well known. Funny how I might’ve gotten that little tidbit out of Marcus if Atlas hadn’t sohelpfullyinterrupted. But that’s a lesson for another day.

At least the guys had a little grace–hehe grace–and decided to let Marcus go when they realized just how much of a victim he was. I’m pretty sure Marcus even decided to hire the guys to help his own family as well, deciding to let the whole torture and interrogation thing go.

Let bygones be bygones and all that.

We push deeper into the woods, the air turning colder. I can see our breaths like faint puffs of smoke. My guys keep their voices low, murmuring to each other as they map out the approach, their steps practiced and precise. I don’t need to understand their signals to know they’ve done this countless times before.

Atlas motions for us to stay low as we approach a break in the trees. I crouch behind him, my heart hammering as I peeraround his shoulder. Through the branches, the dim glow of a cabin light flickers like a grim invitation.

Teddy crouches beside me, his eyes fixed on the cabin’s entrance. “We get in, get her out. No unnecessary risks,” he murmurs, his tone calm but edged with resolve. He glances at me. “Stay here and keep an eye on Jason. We’ll handle the rest.”

Jason grunts, folding his arms with a disgruntled expression, but I just roll my eyes. We’re definitely better off hanging back, and the last thing I want is to be a complication for them.

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