Page 37 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

Feeling confined and restricted, I untie my robe and throw it on the bed in a fit of frustration as a growl slips free. “I don’t know what to do!” I hiss under my breath. “Think, Grace. Think!”

Running all options over in my head, my mind won’t rest unless I’ve done all I can to save the man I once loved. My conscience simply won’t allow it.

“Oh, for the love of fruitcake. You’re far too kind for your own good,” I grumble, resolved to go find the guys.

Storming towards the door, I only make it a few steps past the bathroom when gunfire sounds off downstairs.

“No!” Running the rest of the way, I just about reach the door when someone grabs me from behind.

Dragging me backwards into the darkness of the bathroom, I scream and lash out at my attacker. Only the sound of gunfire is so loud, that it masks every sound I make, ridding me of any hope that the guys have heard me and are coming to my rescue.

Kicking out behind me, my heart races, and my breath comes in heavy pants as I do everything I can to try and dislodge their grip. Hitting out wildly, I somehow manage to land a lucky elbow to the side of their head, drawing a masculine grunt from them.

Dropping me, I yelp out in pain as I land funny on my ankle and crumple to the floor. Bone-deep fear begins to take over my body as my panic threatens to swallow me. My limbs tremble as I struggle for breath.

I don’t know what he’ll do to me if I can’t get out of here and reach the guys. But what if they’re already dead? Who’s going to save me then?

Hearing his groans behind me, I know I don’t have long before he regains his faculties, so I shoot up to my feet. I curse myself at the stupid move, whimpering as sharp, red-hot agony races up my calf and my ankle threatens to give way.

Tears spill over onto my cheeks as I stumble against the cabinet. I bite my lip and suck in a deep breath before deciding to make a break for it.

Ignoring the pain lancing through my leg, I use the wall as a crutch. Hobbling over to the door, I reach for the lock, my fingers brushing over the cool metal.

But it’s all for nothing.

Snatched up from behind again, I cry out, sobs tearing from my chest as my attacker bear hugs me, securing me in a way where I can barely move.

“No!Please, let me go!” I shout and plead as loud as I can, my voice cracking in desperation.

Ignoring my pleas, he drags me into the depths of the pitch-black bathroom, and I cry out, whimpering with a mixture of fear and pain as he kicks the door shut. Wiggling as much as I can to try and get free, I give up after only a few seconds.

We both know I’m not going anywhere this time.

Maniacal laughter explodes close to my ear and makes me jump as hot, alcohol-laced breath fans over my cheek.

“They can’t save you now.”

Chapter Sixteen

The acrid smell of gunpowder fills my nostrils as the three of us stay ducked behind cover. Our attacker has us pinned down, but we've dealt with worse. I catch Teddy's eye and he switches off the flashlight and gives a slight nod.

Time to end this.

On his signal, we return fire in a coordinated assault. The attacker curses as he's forced to retreat. His footsteps echoing down the hallway.

"After him!" Teddy barks.

We surge forward as one, giving chase. The bastard is quick, I'll give him that. But he doesn't know this cabin like we do. Especially not in the dark. He’s put himself at a massive disadvantage.

We round a corner just as his shadow darts into the kitchen. Key and I flank the doorway while Teddy takes point. With practiced precision, we storm the room, weapons raised.

The hostage fires wildly as we duck for cover. Intermittently returning fire, we force him further back until–

Click.

The telltale sound of an empty chamber rings out. A feral grin spreads across my face as I meet Key's eyes. His expression mirrors my own.

Without hesitation, we charge. The hostage barely has time to react before we're on him. I tackle him to the ground while Key wrenches the gun from his grip. Teddy's there in an instant, zip-tying the bastard's hands behind his back.

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