8. Mila
MILA
I awoke to the muffled silence that only a snow-covered morning could bring. I stretched out on the fluffy comforter and covered my eyes as light streamed in through the windows.
Slowly, I sat up in bed, glancing around the room. I'd been so exhausted last night, I just sank into bed and fell asleep. Looking down at myself, I sighed. I was still wearing the dress I had on the night before, although my heels were strewn across the room. The wooden panels beneath my feet were freezing as I got out of bed and I quickly grabbed a blanket that lay on the chair in the corner, wrapped it around me and peered out the frost-laden window of the cozy inn. A sinking feeling settled in my stomach. Snowflakes danced lazily in the crisp air, and it dawned on me that it had snowed all night.
Worry crept into my mind as I realized there was no way I was getting home through this storm. The roads were likely buried under layers of snow, making travel near impossible. I sighed, wondering if this was for the best. I honestly didn't want to spend another moment with Tommy Lingdale, especially during the holidays.
I recalled that handsome biker from the night before. There was something familiar about him. His voice, his scent. The feeling he gave me, unnerved me. I wanted to know where he came from and who he was.
A sudden knock came at the door disrupting my now sour mood, and I quickly tip-toed over to answer it. There stood the fiery-haired innkeeper from the night before, with a tray in hand. She offered a warm smile and gestured towards the breakfast she had brought.
"Good morning.”
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.”
Soul nodded in acknowledgment, concern etching her features. "Snowed in, just like that?"
Bulldog nodded. "Port Townsend's a winter wonderland. Everything's blanketed in white. Beautiful, but a real challenge to navigate through. Thought I'd come up here and see if you guys needed anything.”
Soul shook her head. “There's a few guests but I think I've got enough food and water stocked.”
Brim nodded. “I made sure she had everything she needed. You all are welcome to stay here, there's some rooms available.”
“I think Ayana and I will stay at her place tonight.”
Brim nodded and Hart shrugged. “Quiver and I are pretty safe up at the house. But we can spread the word and see if anyone needs to stay. You guys have the generator which is good in case of emergencies.”
Bulldog's eyes shifted to me, giving me a scrutinizing gaze before he asked, "And who might you be?"
Soul, ever the gracious host, chimed in, "This is Mila. Cipher brought her in last night. She'll be joining us for a bit."
A wary expression crossed Bulldog's face as his eyes flickered to Brim and Hart. The two men, seemingly puzzled, exchanged silent communication, shrugging and casting questioning glances at each other.
Breaking the tense moment, Bulldog's stern expression softened into a smile. "Well, Mila, you're in good hands here at the Inn. I'm sure Cipher wouldn't bring just anyone around.”
I offered a grateful nod, appreciating the reassurance. Bulldog then turned his attention to the group, addressing them with a sense of purpose. "I'm heading up to check on Ayana. Roads are rough, but I'll manage. You all keep safe and indoors.”
He gestured at both Brim and Hart and they instantly followed him outside. Whatever he wanted to say to them, he didn't want to say it in my presence but I had a feeling it had something to do with Cipher and me.
Soul tapped my elbow and I turned to her. “Don't worry about them. They're always talking business.”
I smiled at her and let her lead me back toward the tree. I knew she was distracting me but I welcomed it. The last thing I needed was to feel like a burden to anyone and the distraction kept me from thinking about Noel Garcia. The more I got to know the people who surrounded him, the more I wanted to get to know him.