Page 22 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

"Morning, Atlas," I whisper, my voice still raspy with sleep.

He responds with a soft grunt before turning towards me, his arm automatically pulling me closer until my face is squished flat against his chest. I grin into his skin, inhaling his warmth and listening to the steady thump of his heart, each beat grounding me. My heart flutters in perfect rhythm with his, and I close my eyes, contentment wrapping around me like a second blanket.

Then, because the universe has a sense of humor, Key bursts into the room like he’s just won the lottery. He’s practically dancing, a breakfast tray balanced in his hands, and a grin brighter than the sunlight streaming in through the windows.

Behind him, Teddy ambles in, clutching his coffee like it’s the Holy Grail. I swear, the man looks more in love with that cup of caffeine than any human being has a right to. My heart does a little happy flip at the sight of them, and before I can stop myself, I’m grinning so wide my cheeks hurt.

“Morning, Sugar!” Key practically sings, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Morning, Attie!”

A growl builds in Atlas’ chest. “Call me that again and you won’t live to see another day, pretty boy,” he rumbles, his voice sleepy.

I push myself up on Atlas’ chest, glancing at his face to see an almost murderous scowl set in place. “Have I missedsomething?” I ask, my eyes bouncing back and forth between the two of them.

“Key knows Atlas hates that nickname. It’s what his first girlfriend called him in pre-school,” Teddy explains, whacking Key on the back of the head.

“It’s childish,” Atlas grumbles tiredly.

“Aww, I think Attie is rather cute,” I say with a coy smile, trailing my fingers up his chest suggestively. I do an internal victory dance when his murderous scowl is broken with a hint of a smile.

“No,” the grump states matter of factly, sitting up and taking me with him. Drawing me close, he pulls me in for a long, sensual kiss that makes me forget where I am until Key appears at the bedside with the tray full of food.

The tray is piled high with plates, mugs, and what looks like enough food to feed a small army–or, you know, the three men currently making my insides do funny things.

An image of me being worshiped by the three, muscular hitmen around me has a blush warming my cheeks as I move back to lean against the headboard. Instead of following, Atlas decides to lay back down and immediately starts snoozing as Key places the tray in my lap. Handing me a steaming mug of coffee, Teddy’s lips quirk up in a knowing smile, making my heart do an extra little flip.

“This looks delicious. Thank you,” I manage to say, though my voice tightens, my gaze glued to the tray in front of me. Maybe it’s silly to bethismoved by something as simple as a morning cuddle and breakfast in bed, but...

I can’t even remember the last time someone cooked for me. Or didanythingfor me just because they wanted to.

Teddy crawls onto the bed beside me, making himself comfortable, while Key sprawls out at my feet, claiming his spot with that easy, infectious grin. Atlas is now fast asleep on myother side, his face buried in the pillow. The combined heat of their bodies leaves me feeling lightheaded and…warm in more ways than one.

We dive into the spread they’ve brought like it’s the best meal we’ve ever seen. And for me, honestly, it kind of is. Taking a mouthful of bacon, I turn to Teddy. “How are your stitches today?”

“Absolutely fine. That dressing worked perfectly.” He smiles at me, giving me a little wink.

“There’s no heat or tightness?”

He takes a swig of his coffee, shaking his head. “No, Little One. Stop worrying about me.”

Giving him a soft smile, I nod my head and turn my focus to what I want to devour next. Key immediately moves to grab the croissant I was going for, holding it just out of my reach with a teasing grin. “You want it, sugar?” he asks, wagging it in front of me like bait.

I narrow my eyes, doing my best to look stern. “Key, if you don’t give me that croissant right now, I will-”

Before I can finish, he steals a quick kiss, leaving me blinking in surprise. “Payment for delivery,” he murmurs, sliding the croissant in my hand with a parting wink.

My heart skips a beat, and I blink at him, trying to muster up some kind of retort, but all I manage is a smile. I roll my eyes for good measure, but the smile lingers as I take a bite, warmth blooming inside me from more than just the croissant.

Teddy, sitting beside me, has been suspiciously quiet, but when he catches me looking, he smirks and wraps an arm around me. “Eat your food, Grace,” he says in that smooth, deep voice of his, a playful edge lingering beneath his words. The warmth of his arm pulling me closer only adds to the pleasant buzz of the morning.

He presses a gentle kiss to my temple, his lips lingering just long enough to make me blush, and his hand starts tracing soft, lazy circles on my hip, sending little shivers down my spine. I lean into his touch, feeling a little dazed by how easily they’ve integrated into my space, my body reacting to their presence like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Teddy’s voice interrupts my thoughts, low and teasing. “Don’t go drifting off now. We’ve got more food to get through.”

I laugh softly, resting my head against his shoulder. “I’m not drifting,” I protest, though I’m definitely feeling like I could melt into the bed between them.

Key’s voice cuts in from the foot of the bed, playful as ever. “She’s just distracted by how handsome we are.”

I roll my eyes again, but it’s impossible not to laugh. “Oh, is that what it is? I must’ve missed that memo.”

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