Page 119 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

As we move to the exit, I feel my heart settle into something steady and sure. I finally understand what I can contribute, and what I’m meant to do.

As we step out of the cabin, the cold night air hits us, crisp and quiet under the moonlight. The girl leans into me, bundled in my jacket, her shivers slowing as she presses closer, clutching my arm like I’m her lifeline.

Jason stands a few feet away, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. When he sees us, though, something shifts in his face. His gaze lands on the girl, and for a moment, he looks...humbled. Maybe even a little ashamed. Gone is the restless irritation from before, replaced by an almost pained understanding as he takes in the sight of this fragile, terrified girl emerging from what had probably been her worst nightmare.

Atlas, Teddy, and Key follow us out, each of them keeping a close eye on her, ready for anything, the protective energy radiating off them in waves. Jason watches them, his face flickering with a new awareness, as if he’s seeing them for the first time. There’s no bravado in their stance now, none of the usual swagger. They’re simply three men who know the weight of what they do, who understand the line between darkness and light better than most.

He swallows, looking at each of them in turn, and then at me, his gaze lingering on the girl leaning against me. “You...you saved her,” he says quietly, his tone softened with something close to reverence.

Atlas nods, his expression harsh and challenging as he eyes Jason. “That’s the job,” he says simply, as if nothing more needs to be explained. And maybe nothing does.

Jason lets out a slow breath, nodding to himself as he shifts his weight. He doesn’t look away, just takes in the scene and the quiet unity that binds us all in this moment. There’s a flicker of regret in his eyes, a realization dawning in the way he clenches his jaw and averts his gaze for a second.

When he looks back up, he meets my eyes with something I can only describe as acceptance. “I didn’t get it before,” he admits quietly. “But I think I do now.”

His words hang in the air, a truce of sorts, an acknowledgment that maybe he’s finally beginning tounderstand that my new world–the one with Atlas, Teddy, and Key in it–is built on more than lust and revenge.

I nod, a strange sense of closure settling over me as I meet his eyes, seeing that spark of understanding. He doesn’t say anything more, but the look on his face tells me he’s finally grasped that I’ve found a purpose, a place where I belong, somewhere that I can be more than he ever imagined. And I think, maybe, he’s finally okay with that.

Without another word, we turn back the way we came.

Where the rest of my life awaits.

Epilogue

TWO WEEKS LATER

As we pull up to my old driveway, the place I once shared with Jason, a mix of relief and dread twists in my stomach. It’s strange, being back here with my three men by my side–more than strange, really. It feels like stepping back into a life that’s finally behind me. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Teddy parks the car with a satisfied smirk, his hand resting on my thigh like he’s claiming this whole adventure for himself. Before I can even reach for the door handle, Key’s out of the car, barely taking two steps before Christmas–our little fluffball of a Siberian Husky puppy–wriggles her way in his arms to reach his face, licking him like she’s giving him an enthusiastic pep talk.

“See, Grace?” he calls, turning back to me with Christmas grinning between his hands. “This little lady’s just as excited to hurry up and blow this joint.”

“Pretty sure it’s my turn with her,” I say, getting out of the car and trying to look stern, though my grin’s probably giving me away.

Christmas gives a little yip, clearly loving every second of this circus, and now Teddy’s reaching out for her. “Can’t let you hog the puppy, Key,” he teases, pulling her from his grasp and lifting her in the air like she’s royalty. “Look at that face,” he coos. “Pure princess.”

I fold my arms, trying to suppress a laugh. “If she’s a princess, then why’s she always stealing my socks and hiding them in the couch? She’s always up to no good, just like the rest of you.”

Atlas, leans against the car with a soft chuckle and raises an eyebrow at me. “Our little baby wouldnever! Right, Christmas baby?” he says, his deep voice turning all soft as he scratches behind her ears. The puppy’s tail wags in a blur, and she’s now fully soaking up the attention from all three of my guys.

“Alright, alright,” I say, reaching out to take her from Teddy. “Everyone gets their Christmas time later. We’re here for a reason, remember?”

“Roger that, boss” Teddy agrees, brushing his fingers against mine as he hands her over.

Rolling my eyes, I cradle her close, and she nuzzles my neck, making me melt right there on the spot. “Come on, baby girl. Let’s go grab the last of the past and pack it up, huh?”

“Pack it up and move on to the good stuff,” Key adds with a wink, tossing an arm over my shoulder as we make our way to the door.

We step into the entryway, and it’s like walking into a pressure cooker ready to blow. Tina’s voice carries down the hall, sharp and loud, laced with venom.

“You can’t fucking leave me! Who the fuck do you think you are?” There’s a crashing sound, like she’s just hurled something at the wall.

Teddy snorts softly behind me, and I glance up at him, amused. “Guess we’re just in time for the show,” he whispers, leaning closer.

Key grins, sliding his arm over my shoulders as he guides me down the hallway. “Christmas again already? I’m game.”

We move around the corner and finally catch sight of them.

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