Page 11 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

I slowly become aware of my surroundings again, finding my head resting in the hollow of his neck and my fingers clutching the tear-soaked fabric of his shirt like a lifeline. His arms are wrapped around me, holding me with unwavering tenderness as I lie curled in his lap, his woodsy scent filling my senses.

I jolt away from him, stumbling to my feet as I wipe my tear-streaked face.

What is wrong with me, sobbing all over him like that? He must think I'm a complete mess!

"I'm so sorry for unloading all of that on you," I mumble, unable to meet his intense, blue gaze. "It's just been a really emotional morning."

The stranger stands and moves closer. I hold my breath as he gently lifts my chin with a calloused finger so I have no choice but to look at him.

"Don't apologize," he rumbles, a crease forming between his brows. "That piece of shit doesn't deserve your tears."

His crude words startle a watery laugh from me. "I thought I loved him. I never saw this coming."

The stranger shakes his head, anger flaring in his wintry eyes. "Men like that don't understand love. He saw you as a possession, not a partner."

I shudder at the truth in his words. Jason did see me more as a domestic crutch than an equal in our relationship.

"You deserve so much better, Little One.” The stranger’s gaze softens as he brushes his thumb over my cheekbone. "Don't waste another moment worrying about him. My brothers and I will take it from here."

My breath catches at the gentleness of his touch until what he said finally processes.

Take what from here?

Before I can say anything, the sound of footsteps interrupts us, and the brown-haired man who winked at me earlier appears in the archway with Atlas not far behind.

"We've got both sleeping beauties all tied up," he announces with a dimpled grin. His amber eyes are alive with humor as they flick between me and the man still cradling my face. I step back, putting space between me and Blondie as quickly as I can.

“Um, are you hungry?” I ask as I turn my back on them, instinctually diving into what I know best…

Taking care of people.

“Starved,” a deep raspy voice whispers over my shoulder–not at all in an innocent way–drawing a gasp from me. I should be scared of his proximity. Yet, I’m anything but. My body responds in ways I’ve never experienced before. Exciting and pleasant ways.

By the time I get my wits about me and turn to look at him, he’s being dragged back by Atlas to one of the stools around the table. Even being manhandled, he continues to keep his heated gaze on me, giving me a salacious wink as he goes. It doesn’t even phase him when he’s nearly thrown off the back of the stool and onto the floor by the big behemoth.

Clearing my throat, I check to see if anyone wants another coffee, before filling up their plates and telling them all to tuck in. Although I’ve not eaten yet this morning, my desire to consume anything but the life-saving elixir has gone out the window with Jason’s revelations.

How could he do that to me? To us? And more importantly, how the hell did I not see it?

“Grace?Grace.” I jump at the sound of my own name, turning to find Blondie is the one calling out to me.

I clear my throat, noticing they’ve finished their meals already. “Yeah. Sorry, erm…” I bite my lip, forgetting I don’t know their names.

“Teddy,” he points to himself before pointing to the brown-haired mischief maker and the giant in turn. “Key. Atlas.”

A smile creeps onto my face as my gaze catches on each of the guys. Each one of them holds themselves so differently, yet that aura of death and violence lingers over every one of them, and for whatever reason, it has my cheeks heating.

“Grace.” Atlas’ demand has my gaze snapping to his. Pointing at the seat next to his, he holds himself firm, his entire demeanor radiating the fact that it was an order and not a request.

“Best do what he says, Sugar,” Key drawls. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice him lean forward on the counter and lick his lips with a sparkle in his eye. “You don’t want to know the consequences of disobeying the big fuck-” Key grunts as Atlas elbows him in the side, not once taking his eyes off me.

Swallowing thickly, I debate my options before Teddy makes that choice for me. He moves around the counter and takes the mug from my hand, before gently placing a hand on my lower back and guiding me where he wants me.

“Sit. Before he makes you,” he purrs in my ear, sending goosebumps racing over my arms.

On autopilot, I take a seat next to Atlas, squeaking as he pulls the stool closer, tucking me into his side. Leaning to peer around him, Key wiggles his eyebrows at me. He opens his mouth to say something, but Teddy cuts him off.

"Cut it, Key. Atlas is already on edge." I glance up at the man in question, my heart skipping at the death glare he levels at Key. But instead of fear or unease, my body responds with heat, a spark of intrigue flaring within me. Catching my gaze, Key winks, and a blush creeps over my chest.

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