Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
I burst into the room, heart pounding in my chest, just in time to see Grace’s wide silver-blue eyes lock onto mine. She’s sitting across from the hostage, alone and without protection. The sight makes my stomach twist with fury.
Before I can even process what’s happening, my body moves on instinct. I rush to her, wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her back from the hostage with a force that makes her gasp. Her tiny frame feels like nothing in my arms, but the panic in her eyes hits me hard.
“What the fuck, Grace?!” The words come out harsher than I intend, but my heart’s still racing from the sight of her standing so close to that piece of shit. For disappearing like that. I couldn’t help but think the worst.
“Atlas, I-” she starts, her voice shaking.
My adrenaline spikes. I slam my boot into the chair leg, sending the hostage crashing to the floor with a sickening thud. His scream of pain cuts through the room, but I don’t spare him a glance. Instead, I shift, pulling Grace closer, turning her gently in my arms so my body blocks hers from the asshole on the ground. Even tied up and helpless, it’s instinct–I’ll always make sure she’s protected.
“I was just talking to him, Atlas.”
I grip her tighter, fury and confusion battling in my chest. “Just talking? You shouldn’t be in here. Especially not alone. Do you have any idea what could’ve happened?”
“I had it under control,” she protests, her voice soft but firm. “ For the love of eggnog! He’s tied up!”
“Not the point,” my voice drops lower, and I realize I’m shaking. I look down at her, and suddenly all the rage and fear inside me meld into something else–something warmer, more protective.
I pull her even closer, my hand finding its way to the back of her neck, brushing her soft hair out of the way. “You don’t ever go near him again without one of us, you hear me?”
Grace huffs, trying to pull away, but I don’t let her. “Atlas, I’m not a child.”
“No,” I agree, leaning down until my forehead almost touches hers. “But you’re mine to protect.”
She blinks up at me, her lips parting slightly, the protest dying on her tongue. Her body softens against mine, and for a moment, it feels like the rest of the world fades away. The storm outside, the danger lurking in the cabin, none of it matters. It’s just me and her, her warmth sinking into me, grounding me in a way I didn’t expect.
“I wasn’t trying to get in the way,” she whispers, her voice soft now. Vulnerable. “I just thought...maybe he’d talk to me.”
I release a long breath, loosening my grip but not letting her go entirely. “I get it, Gracie. I do. But you can’t be this reckless. We’re not just playing games here–there are real dangers.”
Her eyes drop to the floor, guilt flickering across her face. “I just thought I could help.”
“You did help,” I admit, my voice softening. “But next time, we do it together. I don’t want to lose you.”
Her head tilts up, those silver-blue eyes locking onto mine, and I catch a spark in her gaze–something raw, something real that’s been simmering between us from the start. It hits deep, the kind of pull that claws at your chest and tears you open, leaving you exposed and marked forever.
Suddenly, her eyes flick behind me and widen, her entire body going stiff. Before I can react, she’s wiggling out of my grasp with a speed that catches me off guard.
“Grace, what-”
I don’t even get to finish the sentence by the time she’s a blur of movement. Rushing past me, her small frame collides with the hostage as she kicks out with surprising force.
A fork clatters to the floor as the man lets out a strangled gasp, his entire body crumpling in on itself as he doubles over in pain. Collapsing to the floor while clutching his groin, his face twists in agony.
I stand there, frozen solid. Did she really just-
Grace straightens, her eyes blazing with a mixture of fear and fury, her chest heaving as she turns back to me. Catching movement out the corner of my eye, I keep my eyes on Grace as I wrestle our hostage onto his front. Zip tying his hands and feet, I leave him and go to Grace.
I’m on her in an instant, my hands gripping her shoulders as I check her over, making sure she’s okay. "Are you hurt?"
Her breath comes fast, but she shakes her head, a shaky smile tugging at her lips. "No. I’m okay. I just didn’t want him to hurt you."
For a moment, all I can do is stare at her, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside me. Pride. Relief. And...damn it, something else entirely. Something that tightens my chest and makes my heart beat just a little faster.
I can’t stop the grin that pulls at my lips as I step closer to her, my voice a low rumble. “You just kicked that guy’s balls into his throat.”
Grace blushes, shrugging as if it’s no big deal, but the way her eyes dart away tells me she’s feeling the weight of it. “Well…yeah.”
I chuckle, reaching out to pull her back into my arms, and this time, I hold her close, my fingers brushing against her cheek. “Oh, Nutcracker. What am I going to do with you?” I murmur.
She blinks up at me, her eyes wide. “What?”
“Nutcracker.” I grin, brushing her hair back behind her ear. “That’s the second time you’ve gone straight for the balls. It’s fitting.”
She lets out a breathy laugh, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink.
My gaze drops to her lips, and for a moment, I forget about the hostage groaning in pain on the floor. All I can think about is how close she is to me, how soft she feels pressed against my chest, and how badly I want to kiss her right now. The surge of heat is undeniable, rushing through me with a force I can’t ignore.
“Grace,” I growl softly, leaning down so that my forehead rests against hers. Her breath hitches, and I can feel the tension crackling in the air between us.
A whistle rents the air as the guys enter the room. “My, my. What have we missed?” Key quips.
“You just missed this little nutcracker in action,” I smirk as Grace blushes and turns her head away. Key and Teddy look over to the hostage as I quickly relay what happened.
Teddy chuckles behind me, the sound low and amused. “Gotta admit, I didn’t see that coming,” he says, walking over with Key to grab the hostage and get him secured once more. Hopefully for the last time.
“So, apparently, our Sugar has a propensity to go for the balls. Noted.” Key winks at Grace, her cheeks instantly going pink as she shifts further into my arms.
“Alright, Nutcracker, want to catch us up on everything you learned?” Teddy gives her a glare that’s equal parts amused and stern.
W e’re gathered in the bedroom, and it feels like the storm outside is trying to tear the damn place apart. Grace is lounging on the pillows between Key and Teddy, looking like she’s about to burst with what she’s just told us. My mind’s still reeling from her calm explanation. She got the hostage to spill nearly everything. Just sweet-talking him like it was nothing.
Sitting there, clutching a mug of hot chocolate, she casually tells us how close they’re hiding out from here.
"How did you...?" I finally ask, trying to wrap my head around the situation. She just shrugs, like it was the easiest thing in the world.
"I just asked," she says, like that explains everything. Her silver-blue eyes flick between us, utterly nonchalant. "He was scared, you guys were all so...intense. I thought maybe he just needed someone to be nice."
Nice. She niced him into talking. Holy fuck, I’m rock solid. I glance at Teddy and Key, who are both trying, and failing, to hide their amusement. Of course. Key’s practically vibrating with barely contained laughter.
"Nice," I repeat, folding my arms and leaning back against the mantel. "That’s all it took?"
Grace nods, her lips curving up in that innocent smile. “Well, maybe a little food helped too.”
Key snorts, shaking his head. "She’s a genius, guys. A fucking genius!"
I grunt in agreement, but my gaze lingers on her.
Nutcracker indeed. I keep replaying the moment when she kicked that bastard square in the nuts. It was all instinct, all fire, and I still don’t know what hit me harder–watching her do it or the effect it’s had on me since. My body’s been buzzing like I’ve downed a case of energy drinks, and no amount of pacing or glaring at the storm is calming me down.
"How’d you even manage to get him in time?" Teddy asks, his deep voice rumbling through the room. There’s a softness to the way he’s looking at her, a kind of awe that I know I’m certainly feeling right now too.
Grace takes a sip of her hot chocolate, like she’s completely unbothered. "I don’t know. I just...did, I guess? It’s like, I was holding onto you," she glances at me, then back to Teddy. "And then I saw his hand with the fork, and...well, I didn’t have time to think."
"Yeah, well, that kick saved my ass," I mutter, feeling my chest tighten once again. "Nutcracker suits you."
Grace laughs, her cheeks flushing. "You’re really going to call me that, huh?"
Key nudges her with his elbow, his grin wide and mischievous. "Hell yeah! You earned that shit. You didn’t just crack him, Sugar–you sent him straight to hell."
She shrugs again, clearly trying to downplay the whole thing, but her proud smile is impossible to hide. "It wasn’t that big of a deal."
"Oh, it was a big deal, alright," I growl, shifting onto the bed on my knees. I stop just short of looming over her, trying to keep my tone light even though my blood’s heating up again. "You kicked him so hard even I could feel it."
Grace’s laughter bursts out of her, bright and melodic, and fuck if the sound doesn’t surge straight to my dick, making me restless as fuck. How is she so damn perfect? Every time she opens her mouth, I’m either ready to tear down the world for her or fuck the living daylights out of her. And tonight? It’s the latter.
Key catches my eye, his grin turning wicked as he leans in closer to Grace, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I think she deserves a reward, don’t you, Attie? Our little badass nutcracker saved the day."
“Don’t call me that.” I mutter halfheartedly, my focus on Grace.
Her eyes flick between us, her smile faltering slightly, like she’s not sure what we’re up to. But there’s a flush creeping up her neck, and I know she feels it too–that buzz in the air, the way the room’s temperature shifts.
"You saved my life, Grace," I say, my voice low as I move closer to her. Placing my hands on her knees, I spread her legs. Her breath hitches as I lean in, my eyes locked on hers. "And I don’t take that lightly."
Her lips part, but no sound comes out. She just stares at me, wide-eyed, her pulse visibly ticking at her throat.
"Maybe we should give her something sweet," Key murmurs, his voice taking on a teasing lilt. "You like sweet things, don’t you, Nutcracker?"
Grace flushes deeper, glancing at Key, then at me, then over to Teddy. She’s trapped, completely surrounded by us, and I can see the effect it’s having on her. Her fingers grip the edge of her mug tighter, her breath coming a little faster.
"I think she likes sweet things," Teddy says, his voice smooth and dark. "But she’s also tougher than she lets on. I think she likes things a bit rougher too."
My heart pounds in my chest as I watch her. She’s flustered, but not running. She’s here, with us, and I can feel the tension between us thickening, becoming something else entirely. Something electric.
"Come on, Nutcracker," I murmur, my hand sliding from her knee up her thigh. "Tell us what you want as a reward."
Her eyes flash with something wild, something playful, and I know I’m done for. She leans forward, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Well," she says slowly. "I wouldn’t say no to a little more hot chocolate."
Key laughs, his head tipping back, and even Teddy lets out a low chuckle. But I don’t move. I’m still focused on her–on the way her lips are just inches from mine, on the way her breath mixes with mine.
"Hot chocolate, huh?" I whisper, my thumb stroking circles against the sensitive skin of her thigh. "That’s all you want?"
Grace shrugs, but there’s a glint in her eyes that tells me she’s not done yet. "Maybe...a little whipped cream, too?"
Key’s laugh dies down, but his smile doesn’t fade as he gently takes her mug from her hands and places it on the side table. "I like the way you think, Sugar."
Teddy leans back in his seat, folding his arms over his chest as he watches us, his azul blue eyes hooded. "Whipped cream can be arranged," he says, his voice low and suggestive.
Grace’s gaze darts to each of us, the flush on her cheeks deepening. "You guys are ridiculous," she mutters, but there’s no bite to it. Just a light, teasing tone that drives me insane.
"Maybe," I murmur, leaning in until our lips are almost touching. "But you like it."
Her breath hitches again, and I can see the moment her resolve crumbles. "Maybe I do," she whispers back.
And that’s all I need.
I close the gap between us, capturing her lips in a hard, unyielding kiss. Grace melts against me, her hands coming up to grip my shoulders as she leans into it, her taste like spun sugar and cocoa. Like everything I’ve ever wanted and more.
I waste no time in claiming her mouth again and again, my tongue diving deep into the warm recesses of her mouth as my hands roam over her body, learning every curve and dip. She's innocence and fire wrapped in one delicious package, and I can't get enough.
Key's hands move between us and I shift back slightly so he can caress the insides of her thighs. A wanton moan escapes her lips and has my cock hardening further as Teddy tangles his fingers in her hair. Tugging sharply until she bares her neck to him, his teeth find that sensitive spot.
Grace moans louder, arching into our touches and ensuring that my cock strains painfully against my pants, begging for release.
"Fuck, Sugar," Key groans, her name a prayer on his lips as his hand dives beneath her underwear. "You’re fucking soaked.”
Grace's nails dig into my back, her hips rocking into his touch. "I…I need…" she pants, and fuck, the desperation in her voice is my undoing.
“We know what you need, baby,” I snarl fiercely, wrenching away and grasping her shirt with both hands before ripping it apart down the center. “Our little nutcracker got a taste of danger and now she’s got a craving.”
With a sharp rip, Key tears off Grace's panties and she gasps, her entire body jerking from the motion. As she lays exposed before me, I lean back to strip off my own clothes and drink in the sight of her.
Grace's chest rises and falls rapidly, her wide-eyed gaze fixed on me. Her heaving breasts and flushed cheeks only add to the wildness of her disheveled hair. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. Like a fallen angel.
I’m so far gone, completely lost in her. My body moves on instinct, drawn to her like she’s the only thing grounding me. She’s lying there, exposed and vulnerable, but there’s no fear in her eyes–just heat, trust, and something more.
I lift her with no resistance, her shredded clothes left behind in a heap. My fist tangles in her hair, yanking her head back as I shift onto my heels and haul her onto my lap.
Locking eyes with her, daring her to look away, I grip her hips and pull her into position, the head of my cock pressing against her entrance. It takes every ounce of control not to thrust deep, to claim her right then. I’m too big, and the last thing I want is to hurt her–but fuck, the temptation is there.
She gasps, her fingers digging into my shoulders, body trembling as I start to push her down. Her warm, wet heat sends fire racing up my spine.
“You’re ours, Grace,” I growl, my lips brushing her ear as I push inside, the stretch making her groan. My hands grip her harder, more possessive, as I drag it out, making her feel every second of it. “Every fucking inch of you.”
Grace whimpers, her nails raking my back as I press her down, seating myself to the hilt. She's tight, hot, and so damn wet. I groan, my eyes rolling back as I fight the urge to pound into her right then and there.
Instead, I slowly pull out, almost all the way before sliding back in again, a little bit faster this time. And again, and again, picking up speed each time until Grace is moaning unashamedly against my neck. Key and Teddy have both stripped down, their cocks hard as they wait their turn.
Key’s low chuckle rumbles through the room, but I barely register it. All I can focus on is Grace. Her breath coming in short, desperate gasps. Her body trembling with every thrust. The way she grips my shoulders, nails biting into my skin, sending a wild surge of possession through me.
She’s mine. Ours.
I feel Key’s hands move to her sides, caressing her as I drive deeper, and her eyes flutter open, catching his gaze. His cock is rock hard, inches from her mouth, and when she licks her lips, I nearly lose it.
Teddy, ever the calm one, moves behind her, his large hands sliding over her back. Caressing her trembling body, his cock presses between her legs, teasing her from behind. "You ready for more, Little One?" He growls, his voice thick with lust. Grace’s moan is all the answer he needs.
I tighten my grip on her hips, keeping her steady as I push harder, my thrusts more insistent. Her eyes glaze over, lost in the sensation. And fuck, I’m right there with her.
Key’s fingers brush her lips, teasing her until she opens up for him, taking him into her mouth with a needy whimper. The sight of her, lips wrapped around him, drives me wild. Unable to help myself, I grab her hair, yanking her head back just enough to see the pleasure and submission in her eyes. I control her movements as I continue to thrust into her, forcing her to take him deeper, harder, faster. Each swallow acts as an echo of my cock slamming into her sweet little cunt.
Teddy’s fingers trail down her spine, gripping her waist as he slides a hand lower. "We’re just getting started, Grace," he murmurs, his voice dark, promising. "You’re going to take all of us."
With each word, my thrusts grow harder and rougher, matching the pulse of need that’s roaring in my blood. Grace moans around Key’s cock, her body trembling between us. Completely ours and at our mercy, it’s all I can do to hold back, to savor every second before the storm breaks.
Teddy's hands grip her hips firmly, his touch dark and possessive. He leans in, his voice like gravel as it brushes against her ear. “Relax, Little One. You can take it.”
Grace’s breath hitches, her body trembling between us. I feel her tense, but Teddy’s fingers are already working lower, spreading her apart and teasing her to distraction. His thumb presses against her tight entrance, slowly circling, pushing her ever closer towards the edge.
Key pulls back, his cock still thick in her mouth, watching with a devilish grin as Teddy positions himself behind her. “That’s it, Sugar,” he murmurs. “You’re gonna be so full.”
Grace moans around Key, her hands gripping him harder as Teddy presses the head of his cock against her ass. The tension in her body is electric, her muscles tight, until Teddy pushes forward. Inch by inch, he slowly claims her. She gasps, her back arching, her body trying to adjust as he pushes deeper.
"Fuck," Teddy growls, his hands tightening on her hips. “You feel so fucking good.”
I can feel it too–her body trembling, stretched and filled by both of us, completely overwhelmed. She’s never looked more perfect, caught between us, taking everything we give her.
“Breathe, Grace,” I rasp, my voice raw as I feel the tightness of her around me. Her body squeezes mine and Teddy’s cocks as he finally buries himself inside her fully, his groan low and animalistic.
Key’s eyes darken and his lips curve into a grin as he watches her surrender. “You’re fucking incredible, Sugar,” he murmurs, wiping the bead of sweat from her brow before sliding back into her mouth.
Muffled by Key’s cock, Grace moans deep in her throat. I grab her harder, pulling her down onto me with a sharp thrust, feeling the stretch, the heat, the way her body shudders between us. And this time, I don’t hold back.
The sound of her screams are cut off by Key’s cock, her nails digging into my chest. Her body bucking against me as I start to fuck her harder, rougher, the way I know she needs it. Her walls clench impossibly tighter around me, and I grit my teeth, fighting for control as Teddy matches my movements beat for beat.
There is no mercy, no reprieve. My thrusts are deep and relentless. My hands move up to her waist, pulling her down again and again, as I feel her body tighten, react, and melt into mine. Each moan, each gasp fuels the fire in me, and I can feel my restraint snapping. I can feel the raw need to claim her. To break her down, piece by piece.
Teddy’s fingers slide between her legs, teasing her clit in perfect rhythm with my thrusts. Grace’s body tenses, her thighs shaking as she gasps around Key’s cock, completely overwhelmed.
“You like that, baby?” I snarl against her ear, my voice rough and barely controlled as I pound into her harder, faster. “You’re fucking ours. Say it. Say you’re ours.”
I once again grip her hair, tearing her off of Key’s cock just long enough to gasp, her voice hoarse and breathless. “I’m yours...All of yours...Oh God…”
Key groans as I slam her mouth back on him, choking her with his cock as she welcomes the invasion, her moans vibrating through all three of us. His eyes meet mine, wild and dark, his breath coming in ragged bursts. “She’s perfect,” he growls. “Fuck, she’s perfect.”
Teddy leans in, his lips brushing against her shoulder as his fingers continue to circle her clit, pushing her higher and harder, until she’s practically trembling and on the verge of shattering. “Come for us, Grace,” he commands, his voice low and dark. “Come for us, and we’ll take you again, and again.”
I slam into her one last time, driving as deep as I can, and that’s all it takes. Her body convulses, tightening around me, and the scream she releases around Key is fucking primal. Pure, unfiltered pleasure.
I let go, finally losing control, groaning as I bury myself deep inside her, the tight grip of her body pulling me under, drowning me in the raw, violent pleasure of it all. Every muscle in me tightens as I release, my cock throbbing inside her as I empty myself, filling her completely. The heat, the pressure, the way her body clenches around me—fuck, it’s too much. I can barely breathe, lost in her, consumed by the way she takes everything we give her.
Teddy grunts behind her, his hands gripping her hips so tight I can see his knuckles whitening. His thrusts become erratic, rougher, and I can feel the shudder of his body as he presses deeper into her.
“Fuck…” he growls, his voice strained, guttural. With one final thrust, he buries himself in her ass, groaning as he comes hard, spilling deep inside her. His fingers dig into her skin, holding her tight as he rides out the waves of pleasure, his body trembling with the force of it.
Grace moans around Key’s cock, the sound vibrating through him, and it’s enough to send him over the edge. His hand tightens in her hair as he thrusts into her mouth one last time, groaning as he releases. His hips jerk as he comes hard, spilling down her throat.
Grace trembles between us, her body quaking as we all come down from the high together. The room filled with the sound of heavy breathing and raw, satisfied groans. She’s a mess of sweat and trembling limbs, but the way her eyes flutter open, the dazed, blissed-out look on her face–it’s perfection.
I press my lips to her neck, breathing her in, feeling her pulse still racing beneath my lips. “You’re ours,” I whisper, my voice hoarse but full of conviction, practically ending on a snarl. “I mean it, Nutcracker. You’re fucking ours! ”
She collapses against me, her body limp, completely spent. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. She’s ours now, completely and utterly, and the thought of it sends a slow, satisfied heat coursing through me.
This is just the beginning.