Page 44 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

“Huh, what?” Totally bemused at my words, I grin cheekily as I flip her over. She squeaks as I spread her legs again and lean over her.

“You’re going to lay here and relax while I give you a massage.”

“But-” She goes to interrupt.

“No buts,” I lay my hand on her back, pushing her back down into the bed. “Relax,” I purr into her ear as I start working my magic.

It’s not long later before the lights come on and I’m bringing her to release once more. Laid boneless in the middle of the bed, I leave her light snores behind to go run her a bath before carrying her in and leaving her to soak for a while.

Closing the bathroom door behind her, I chuck on some clothes and head out to locate the guys.

I think someone needs a goodtalkwith Jason, and you can bet your ass I’m going to volunteer. He just might not be able to talk or walk when I’m finished with him.

Chapter Nineteen

Ashiver wracks my frame as the light begins to creep in through the floor length windows. The bastards didn’t even leave me with so much as a blanket after tying me up. The only warmth I’ve had is the hearth across the way, and even then, that went out hours ago.

Two of them came down a little earlier, but neither of them spared me so much as a glance. Talking to one another, they walked over to check my bindings, but didn’t once look at me or try to engage.

I can’t say I’m not happy about that. Once the alcohol wore off and the magnitude of what I did hit me, regret and terror sunk deep into my bones. To be honest, I’m surprised they’ve not tied me up with the hostage and set about laying into me themselves. Another shiver wracks my frame with the thought.

They areterrifying. When the two biggest ones picked me up in the bathroom last night, I truly thought that was it for me. And much to my dismay, the only saving Grace–ha, how ironic–I had was Gracie. She’s the only reason why I think I’m alive right now. Even if she hates me, she’d never allow them to hurt me. She hasn’t got it in her.

A crash in the hallway has me flinching and the mess of lights wrapped around me tightens further into my skin, pissing me off. The damn tinsel itches. A candy cane dangles in front of my nose, swinging every time I shift. My legs are bound with some kind of ribbon–red and green, of course–and there’s even a glittery bow slapped on me like I’m some kind of Christmas present.

This whole tied up thing was bad enough the first time, but after what I did last night, I still can’t rule out the possibility of retribution on top of this humiliation. It was bad enough me trying to take Grace from under their feet, but to let their hostage go…

Terror doesn’t cut the feeling that continues to wash over me in waves. I’m tied up and at the mercy of three, very real, very violent men. They’ve slaughtered people for less before, I’m sure of it.

I’m confident Grace wouldn’t allow any harm to come to me, but she’s not here now. So really, what’s stopping them?

As if in answer to all my unvoiced questions, the lights come on and the two who went to fix the breakers emerge from the hallway.

“Key should be down in a minute and then we can get started.”

“I’ll go grab the stuff.” With a nod, Atlas walks off towards the kitchen as Teddy turns to face me. Looking me dead in the eyes, my heart races and my stomach bottoms as I realize they firmly have me in their sights. They are not here for a friendly chat. No. They’re here for something far worse.

Moving over to the fire, he directs his attention to stoking it and getting a good flame going.

“You know, I’ve never truly enjoyed inflicting pain upon others.” I swallow thickly at his words. “It’s merely been anecessary part of the job. But this time? Well…this time it’s personal.”

The fire flares up, and so does my panic. My throat is dry, and I can’t even swallow, let alone say something that might save me. What could I even say?Sorry?

Yeah, I’m sure that’ll fix this.

My pulse thrums in my head as he takes his phone out and connects to the surround sound, playing upbeat Christmas music that’s at complete odds to my current predicament.

Atlas strolls back in, holding a bag. He sets it down, and I swear my heart tries to jump out of my chest. It’s like they’re setting up for something. Whatever it is, it’s not gonna be good for me.

I can’t help it–I try to squirm away, but the Christmas lights dig into me tighter, and my shoulders scream in protest. “Wait, wait! I didn’t mean for it to happen like that!” My voice cracks, and I sound pathetic, but I don’t care.

Dignity isn’t gonna save me now.

Teddy steps closer, crouching down so we’re eye level. His face is calm, but his eyes are sharp, like he’s peeling me apart layer by layer. “What didn’t you mean, huh?” he asks, his voice low and slow, like he’s giving me a chance to dig my grave deeper. “Be specific.”

I stammer, my brain racing. “The-the hostage! I wasn’t–I mean, I didn’t mean to–I panicked!”

Atlas snorts from where he’s leaning against the wall. “You panicked, huh?” He folds his arms, shaking his head. “That’s what you’re going with?”

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