Page 66 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

Teddy shoots him a look. “Yes, seriously.”

Atlas remains quiet for a moment longer before finally nodding. “Alright. But the second he steps out of line-”

“He won’t,” I say, cutting him off. “I’ll handle it.”

Key mutters something under his breath aboutbad decisions, but I ignore him. I can’t explain it, but this feels like the right thing to do. Not for Jason, but for me. I need to close this chapter, and leaving him tied up like a festive hostage isn’t going to do that.

“Thank you,” I say, smiling at them all. “Really.”

Atlas grunts, standing up and tossing his napkin on the table. “Fine. Let’s get it over with.”

They follow me into the living room, where Jason still sits, slumped and miserable under the weight of the Christmas decorations. He looks up as we approach, his eyes widening in terror as Atlas and Teddy flank him on either side.

Key’s already unwrapping the tinsel from around Jason’s shoulders, muttering something about how he didn’t sign up to be Santa's helper. Atlas pulls off a stubborn bow with a single, annoyed yank, while Teddy starts loosening the knots around Jason’s wrists.

“You’re...letting me go?” He asks, his voice hoarse and croaky.

I nod. “Yeah. But don’t make me regret it.”

He rubs his arms as soon as he’s free, glancing at me with a mixture of confusion and gratitude. “Grace...I-”

“Don’t,” I say, holding up a hand. “This isn’t a free pass, Jason. You screwed up. Big time. But I’m not going to hold you prisoner, either. I just want this to be over.”

He nods, swallowing hard. “I understand.”

Atlas steps forward, towering over Jason, his presence alone is enough to make Jason flinch. “You try anything, and this doesn’t end well for you. Got it?”

Jason nods quickly. Swallowing thickly, he’s barely able to get any words out. “Got it.”

Key, standing a little ways off, watches the whole thing with a bemused grin. “Well, isn’t this the most heartwarming Christmas story ever? We let the guy go, and everyone lives happily ever after.”

I snort. “Not quite.”

With Jason free, I step back, watching as his gaze flits warily between the guys. His hands trembling as he rubs at his wrists.

“I’ll stay out of the way,” Jason says quietly, his eyes moving to me momentarily before darting back to the guys.

He goes to reach around to his back, but stops himself short, bringing his hands to wring them in front of himself instead. The guys obviously terrified him when they tied him up this time. No doubt there were some threats exchanged.

“I don’t want any trouble,” he croaks weakly.

“That’s a first,” Key mutters, but there’s no bite in his tone.

I give Jason a final nod before turning back toward the kitchen. “Lunch is ready if you’re hungry. Just...don’t get any ideas.”

Jason nods, sinking down gingerly onto the couch like a deflated balloon. The guys exchange glances, but they seem satisfied enough for now. As I walk back to the kitchen, I can’t help but feel lighter. Like maybe, just maybe, things are finally starting to settle.

At least until the next wave of chaos hits.

Chapter Twenty-Four

The fire crackles softly in front of us, the warmth radiating through the room, but all my attention is on Grace. She’s curled up against me on the couch, her body snug against mine like it was made to fit. She smells like sugar and cinnamon, all sweetness with just enough heat to keep me on edge. Her head rests on my shoulder, and her fingers absently trace patterns over my chest, like she’s trying to distract herself.

But it’s not working. I can feel the restlessness in her, the way her body shifts ever so slightly next to mine, like she’s thinking about something.

I smirk to myself. I know Grace. She’s not nearly as sweet as she appears to be. I mean, sheissweet, but that’s not all that she is. She’s always got something going on behind those silvery blue eyes. And if I’m right, which I usually am, I’m going to have a hell of a time teasing it out of her.

She stretches her legs across my lap, her little Christmas socks sliding over my jeans. The soft, lazy grin she gives me is all innocence, but I know better. I’ve seen what this girl is capable of when she lets go.

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