Page 54 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

Key leans down, planting a quick kiss on my cheek before sauntering off toward the kitchen. “Never say never, Sugar.”

I shake my head as I go back to my knitting, the chaos settling for now. The whole scene is so absurd I can’t help but chuckle to myself. I wonder if this thing will ever get finished at this rate.

Just as I’m about to add another row to my knitting, I overhear Teddy and Atlas talking in low voices out in the hall.

“Still not talking,” Atlas rumbles, his deep voice carrying easily to my little perch overlooking the living room downstairs.

I don’t bother pretending not to eavesdrop. If they don’t want me to hear, they should talk quieter. I shift in my chair, leaning toward the hall.

“We’ll get him to talk,” Teddy says. “We just need more time.”

“Time we might not have. Thatshemight not have.”

I bite my lip, the weight of their words sinking in. They’re talking about that poor girl who was kidnapped. If they’re having this much trouble with the hostage, things must be bad. I glance toward the hall that leads to the rooms, my hands stilling on my lap once more, my stomach tightening up with a buzz of adrenaline.

Teddy’s and Atlas’s voices have quieted, and now there’s just the soft crackling of the fire and the occasional gust of wind battering the cabin. They’ve been at it with the hostage for hours and, from the looks of it, they’re getting nowhere.

They’ve got their methods, sure. But people don’t just crack under pressure all the time. Sometimes you need to make them feel safe, like they’re talking to a friend. I glance out the window, watching the snow swirl around the cabin in thick, heavy waves. The guys will be busy with their perimeter checks soon.

Maybe there’s something I can do…

With that decided, I stand and head into the kitchen, the familiar rhythm of cooking soothing my nerves. The warmth of the stove and the rich smell of rosemary and garlic fill the air as I prepare a meal that’ll satisfy even these three giants. Steak, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli: all hearty, simple comfort foods. Just what we all need after a long day of, well, everything.

I hum softly to myself, setting the table for four. It’s strange how quickly I’ve fallen into this routine, like having three dangerous hitmen around is normal. It’s not, obviously,but there’s something almost comforting about their presence. Maybe it’s because, for once, I feel like I’m not alone.

“Dinner’s ready!” I call out and, within seconds, the guys appear, drawn to the smell of food like hungry wolves. Teddy is first, his intense gaze softening just a fraction as he takes his seat. Atlas follows, grunting his approval as he sniffs the air, and Key swaggers in last, always with that mischievous grin on his face.

“You’ve outdone yourself again,” Key says, dropping into his chair next to me. “What did we do to deserve you, Sugar?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You haven’t done much yet, but you’re welcome.”

We sit down, the silence filled only with the clink of silverware as they dig in. For a moment, it almost feels normal–just four people sharing a meal. No snowstorm outside, no hostage tied up in the other room, and no tied up ex-boyfriend in the living room decorated like a christmas tree.

Teddy finally speaks up, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “We’ll need to check the perimeter after dinner. The storm’s picking up, and we don’t want any surprises.”

Atlas nods in agreement, already halfway through his plate. “Yeah, can’t risk someone else sneaking up on us.”

I keep my expression neutral, nodding along. “Sounds like a good idea. You guys be careful out there.”

They finish their meal in silence, each one of them focused on the task ahead. I keep glancing at the door, waiting for the moment when they’ll leave me alone in the cabin. My heart pounds a little faster at the thought of what I’m planning, but I push it down. I’ve got this.

When they finally stand up to leave, Key pauses by my chair, giving me a sly grin. “Don’t go getting into any trouble while we’re gone, okay?”

I smile innocently. “Me? Trouble? Never.”

Teddy gives me a long look, his piercing blue eyes scanning my face like he’s searching for something. “Stay inside. We won’t be long.”

I nod, feeling his gaze linger for a second too long before he turns to follow Atlas and Key outside. The cold air rushes in as they open the door, a blast of wind and snow swirling in before the door clicks shut behind them.

And just like that, I’m alone.

The cabin feels suddenly quiet, the crackling fire the only sound besides the distant howling of the wind. I stand up slowly, my heart racing as I move to grab a plate. I load it up with the extra steak and potatoes, pre-cutting it and arranging it nicely–because presentation matters no matter the situation.

I grab a fork and my medical kit, taking a deep breath before heading toward the room where he’s tied up. The door looms in front of me and, for a second, I hesitate. What if he won’t talk to me either? What if the guys get angry at me? What if this is all a terrible idea?

But no. I can do this.

With a steadying breath, I push open the door and step inside. The room is dimly lit, the firelight casting shadows across the floor. The hostage lifts his head as I walk in, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. He’s held in place, each wrist and ankle tied to the flimsy wooden chair, lookingextremelyrough but still defiant.

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