Page 17 of Throttle All the Way

I propped the door open wider, the smell of fresh brewed coffee making my stomach grumble.

“Morning.”

“I didn't properly introduce myself last night. I'm Soul, I’m the owner of the Inn.”

“Oh.” I smiled, “it's nice to meet you I'm…” i hesitated for a moment but then decided to give her my real name. “Mila.”

The pretty red head nodded as she shuffled into the room. Her round belly protruded from beneath the tray of food and I smiled, wondering briefly how that would feel. To someday be a mother.

“Roads are closed today. Snowed in real good," she said with a hint of sympathy.

My heart sank further, and I stammered, "Closed? But I need to get home."

Soul nodded knowingly. "Don't worry. It's warm here and we have plenty of food.”

“The man I came with…”

“Noel.” She set the tray down and turned to me. “His name's Noel Garcia, although a lot of us just call him Cipher up in these mountains.”

Relief washed over me at the mention of Noel. "Cipher?” I repeated the nickname. “Where is he?"

Soul smiled. "Oh, he'll find his way back up the mountain, I'm sure. In the meantime, he told me you might need a change of clothes." She handed me a neatly folded bundle.

"Thank you," I managed, feeling a mix of gratitude and curiosity.

"He's a good man, Noel. You're in good hands. Now, eat up, Mila. We're in for a cozy day indoors," Soul said, her reassurance comforting amidst that winter storm that threatened, just outside the window.

After a quick bite of eggs and toast with jam, I took a nice long hot shower slowly feeling more alive. I changed into the clothes she'd brought. A comfortable sweater and a pair of jeans. She even brought me a pair of slippers and socks which I found outside my door. The inn felt even cozier than before with the scent of hot chocolate coming from the front desk.

Downstairs, I found Soul amidst a flurry of activity. The inn was alive with the chatter of two men hauling in a freshly cut Christmas tree. Soul sat on a couch surrounded by an adorable baby, seemingly undisturbed by the organized chaos around her.

"Mila! I’m glad you made your way down. How was the shower? Did the clothes fit?" Soul called out as she expertly juggled one of the babies in her arms.

“They did. I feel much better, thank you so much.” I replied, making my way toward her.

Soul grinned, "Glad to hear it. Let me introduce you to Brim and Hart. They're members of the Royal Bastards. Brimstone, or Mason Hudson, is my husband. They're just helping out with the tree.”

The two men, rugged and friendly, nodded in acknowledgment as Soul continued, "Brim, Hart, meet Mila. She's the one Noel brought in last night."

They exchanged knowing looks and then gave me friendly nods, and I felt a sense of family in the room.

“I met a few of you last night at the bar.”

The man named Hart nodded. “I’m sure we looked the part of a dangerous lot but I assure you you're safe. Besides, any friend of Cipher's is welcome.”

I smiled, and Soul gestured toward the Christmas tree. "We're going to turn this place into a winter wonderland. Of course the boys aren't much for decorating. Would you like to help me, Mila?"

I hesitated, not quite knowing how I'd gotten myself wrapped up in all the festivities, but I went with it. Besides, I had nothing better to do.. With a smile, I replied, "Absolutely. I'd love to help.”

As I unwrapped ornaments and draped garlands across the inn's common room, memories of long-lost Christmases flooded my mind. It had been years—too many years—since I'd experienced the joy of decorating a tree or felt the warmth of a home and a holiday. Yulian Volkov, in his cruelty, had stolen those simple pleasures from me.

My thoughts lingered on my mother, who loved this time of year. I missed her deeply, especially now. Yulian had taken so much from me, leaving scars behind that I doubted would ever heal.

Interrupting my sad thoughts, there came a boastful voice at the entrance of the lobby. It drew everyone's attention. A tall, menacing figure, burly and foreboding, stepped into the inn. I instantly felt the need to run but Soul didn't seem put off by him and she greeted him warmly. So did the others. His name was Bulldog and you could clearly see why, he looked as menacing as the men I’d seen at the bar last night.

He shook the snow off his hat and jacket as he wasted no time in sharing the harsh reality of what was happening outside.

"Hell, they just announced that the roads are closed through the afternoon and evening. We won't be getting off the mountain for a while.”

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