Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
I ’m rifling through one of the upstairs closets, pulling out random bits of Christmas decor, when my fingers brush across something...soft? No, scratch that–fuzzy. What in the name of Rudolph?
I pull the fabric into the light, and let out a squeal that probably should have warned me what was coming next. A Christmas sweater. Not just any Christmas sweater, but the ugliest monstrosity I’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s bright red with a grinning reindeer across the front, its nose lighting up like a festive beacon. But the real kicker? The tiny bells sewn into the hem. They jingle with every shake.
I practically vibrate with excitement as I dig deeper into the box, uncovering more gems. Sweaters of every awful variety: garish greens, absurd reds, and an assortment of puffy snowflakes, 3D Santa beards, glitter, and sequins that would blind a reindeer. It’s like Christmas cheer exploded in yarn form.
I hug the first sweater to my chest like I’ve struck gold. "Boys!" I holler, grabbing the entire box and rushing down the stairs two at a time, barely managing to avoid tripping. Key’s head pops up from the couch, his eyes bright with curiosity, while the others are still puttering around the kitchen.
“What’s got you all riled up, Sugar?” He drawls, leaning on the back of the couch, already smirking like he knows he’s about to have some fun.
“I found something amazing,” I announce, holding the sweater up with a flourish. “Ta-da! We’re doing festive photos, and you are all wearing Christmas sweaters.”
I half expect groans or protests, but instead, Key grins like I just handed him the keys to a new sports car.
“Light me up, Sugar!” He bounds over, snatching the sweater from my hands and slipping it over his head. It jingles as he does a little shimmy, making the bells ring out in a cacophony of sound.
I can’t help it, I burst out laughing. “You look ridiculous!”
“And fabulous,” he adds with a wink. “This bad boy is staying on until Christmas. Who else can say they’ve got jingle bells on their clothes? Pure style.”
Atlas and Teddy wander in from the kitchen, curious about the noise. Atlas looks me up and down like he’s already suspicious. “What’s going on?” He rumbles, his voice low and cautious.
I can barely contain my excitement. “It’s festive photo time, and I found the perfect sweaters!”
Atlas crosses his arms over his broad chest. “Not a chance, Nutcracker.”
Teddy glances at Key, who’s still jingling like a deranged elf. “I’d rather be shot,” he mutters.
“Oh, come on!” I protest, sticking out my lower lip in the most exaggerated pout I can muster. “You guys look tough and brooding all the time. One Christmas photo won’t kill you. It’ll be fun!”
Key jiggles his way over to Atlas and pokes him in the side. “Come on, big guy. Don’t be a Grinch.”
Atlas scowls at the sweater Key holds out to him, an offensively green monstrosity with a 3D Santa face. “No.”
“It lights up!” I chime in, hitting the button on the sweater. Santa’s nose glows red, blinking rhythmically.
Atlas doesn’t look impressed, but I catch a flicker of something in his eyes. Amusement maybe? He snatches the sweater from Key and growls, “You owe me.”
Teddy watches this exchange with something like horror on his face. “There’s no way I’m wearing one of those.”
I sidle up to him, leaning in close with a sweet smile. “Pretty please, Teddy? Just one photo. You’ll look adorable.”
He narrows his eyes. “I don’t do adorable.”
“Just this once?” I bat my eyelashes, knowing full well that’s his weak spot. “For me?”
He groans, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But if anyone outside this cabin ever sees the photo, you’re in trouble.”
I clap my hands in victory, already picturing how hilarious this is going to be. “Okay, everyone line up!”
Key is already bouncing on the balls of his feet, shaking his jingle-bell sweater with pride. Atlas stands stiffly beside him, grumbling under his breath, while Teddy slinks over, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but here.
“You look cute,” I tease Teddy, reaching up to fix a stray lock of hair. He glares at me, but I can see the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
The first round of photos is fairly standard. I set my phone up on the coffee table, the fire crackling behind us, creating a warm, festive glow. “Smile!” I say just as the camera clicks, capturing the image of my three hitmen dressed in the most absurd sweaters. Key flashes a grin wide enough to light up the whole room, Atlas looks like he’s fighting the urge to rip his sweater off, and Teddy...well, let’s just say he’s managing not to murder me on the spot.
I glance at the photo and burst out laughing. “You guys are the best.”
Key drapes an arm around my shoulder. “We know, Sugar.”
Before I can reply, Teddy snatches my phone. “Let’s see this ridiculousness.” He stares at the screen for a long moment before finally handing it back with a soft chuckle. “Okay, that’s actually pretty funny.”
I beam, feeling a surge of affection for all three of them. “See? I told you it would be worth it.”
But as I scroll through the photos, something stirs inside me. A mischievous spark that tells me one silly picture isn’t enough.
“Wait,” I say, holding up a hand. “We’re not done yet. We need more poses. More...festive creativity!”
Atlas groans, but Key is all in. “What’ve you got in mind, Sugar?”
“Oh, you’ll see.” I grin, pulling out more props from the box. “We’re going full Christmas card mode.”
First up: the reindeer antlers and Rudolph nose set. I hand them out like party favors. Teddy looks like he wants to punch something as he puts them on, the antlers drooping slightly to the side. I stifle a giggle, setting up the phone again.
“Alright, everyone strike a pose! Atlas, you can be Santa. Key, you’re an elf. Teddy, you’re Rudolph, obviously.”
Key’s grinning like a fool as he poses, throwing a peace sign at the camera. Atlas, ever stoic, just stands there, looking like he’s about to throttle me. But Teddy...Oh, Teddy. With his arms crossed, he looks like he’d rather be anywhere else, but there’s something about those reindeer antlers that makes him weirdly adorable. I snap the photo just as Key starts jingling his bells again, sending Teddy into another scowl.
But I’m not satisfied. Oh no. We’re going to take this to the next level.
“Okay, next shot!” I chirp, my enthusiasm infectious as I set up the camera for another round.
Key’s the first to give in, though there’s something in the way he sidles up to me that feels more like a cat preparing to pounce than a willing participant. “You know, Sugar,” he drawls, slinging his arm around my shoulders. “This whole festive thing is kind of growing on me.” There’s a gleam in his amber eyes, something mischievous and wild that immediately sets off alarms in my brain.
Before I can react, he leans in, biting at the crook of my neck. It’s not the playful peck I was expecting–it’s warm, lingering, and...possessive. The bells on his sweater jingle as he pulls me closer. His lips brushing over my ear as he whispers, “You want more photos? Let’s give you something worth capturing.”
The camera clicks, but I barely register it over the sudden racing of my heart. Atlas moves closer, crowding me against Key’s side, his large frame looming over me as his hand cups my chin. Without warning, he leans down, his lips brushing against my own, but this kiss is different. It’s soft, sure, but there’s an edge to it–like he’s staking a claim, a silent message that makes my skin flush.
His mouth lingers just a second too long, and when he pulls back, the look in his eyes is molten. Dark. The kind of intensity that sends shivers down my spine. The camera clicks again, but it feels like we’ve shifted to a completely different game. One I wasn’t prepared for.
And then there’s Teddy. His blue eyes are locked on me in a way that makes my breath hitch. There’s no reluctance in his movements as he steps forward, crowding me further between all three of them. He grabs a handful of my hair and he tilts my head up toward him.
The camera clicks again, but it’s like a distant sound now, lost in the electric charge crackling between us. I feel trapped in the best possible way–Key’s arm around my waist, Atlas watching me with that dangerous intensity, and Teddy’s hold on my hair tight and controlling, sending a wave of heat coursing through my body.
“Smile for the camera, Grace,” Teddy murmurs, but his voice is thick with something deeper, something more primal.
I can’t help it–a shiver runs through me, and just as I part my lips to speak, he captures my mouth in a kiss that’s anything but sweet. It’s rough, insistent, like he’s punishing me for pushing them this far, and I melt into it before I can even think to resist. The camera clicks again, but I barely notice as my hands find their way to Teddy’s chest, gripping his sweater as his tongue brushes against mine, stealing my breath.
I gasp, the camera flashes again, and this time it feels like the moment has completely unraveled. Any pretense of playful fun gone. They’re all in on it now, every touch, every kiss, loaded with intent. My heart races as Teddy’s kiss deepens, his hand tangling in my hair, and I can feel Key’s mouth grazing my collarbone, his fingers digging into my hips in a way that makes my pulse throb. Atlas’ hands move underneath my sweater, teasing my sensitive flesh.
The camera keeps flashing, capturing every heated moment as the playful photoshoot turns into something far more intimate. The fun and laughter are still there, but the kisses are no longer playful pecks. There’s heat, and the festive fun has evolved into something more charged.
And then like they choreographed it, all three step away at once, leaving me a panting mess standing alone in the middle of the room.
I can barely form words, my mind spinning from the intensity of it all. “I–I think we’re good on the photos,” I manage to gasp out. Their answering chuckles are heated, intense, but still full of warmth, and I can’t help but smile back. “Touché, you big meanies!”
I go and grab my phone, scrolling through the pictures. It’s a perfect mix of goofy, heartwarming, and...well, things that are definitely not going on any Christmas cards.
Before I can show them the photos, I suddenly notice how the view outside the windows has changed. What was earlier a peaceful snowfall has turned into a near white-out. The wind howls, rattling the window panes as thick sheets of snow whip across the landscape, completely obscuring the trees that were clearly visible just moments ago.
“Uh, guys?” I say, my voice tinged with concern. “Is it just me, or did the storm just go from festive to full-on scary blizzard?”
Key looks out the window, his playful grin fading as he takes in the scene. “Shit,” he mutters. “That’s coming down hard.”
The mood immediately shifts as they move to join me. The windows, which moments ago framed a peaceful, if slightly stormy winter wonderland, are now almost completely obscured by snow and wind. My heart skips a beat. I can barely see the trees that were once so close, now swallowed up by swirling white. The flakes are coming down so thick and fast that it looks like someone took a snow globe and shook it violently, refusing to stop.
“Holy crap,” I murmur, suddenly feeling small as I stare out into the storm. The snow is sticking to the glass, piling up along the windowsills. Even the porch around the cabin, once clearly visible from their shoveling, is rapidly disappearing under layers of snow.
Key whistles low from behind me. “That’s...bad.”
Atlas turns away from the window and starts toward the door without hesitation. “I’m going to check the generator. Make sure it’s still good before this gets worse.”
Teddy, always ready for action, is already on his feet, grabbing his coat. “I’ll help. It won’t take long.”
“Do you think it’ll hold?” I ask, my voice quieter than I mean for it to be. It’s not like I’ve ever experienced a blizzard this intense before. The wind is howling outside, rattling the windows like they might give out at any moment.
Atlas pauses at the door, turning back to give me one of his steady, reassuring looks. “It’ll hold. The generator’s solid, but we should be prepared for the worst. Stay inside, Grace. We’ve got this.”
I nod, trying to push away the sinking feeling in my gut. I know they’ll take care of it. I trust them to handle just about anything at this point. But seeing the storm growing worse by the second doesn’t exactly calm my nerves.
“Be careful,” I say as they head out the door.
The second it opens, a wall of cold air hits me, and the wind howls even louder. Atlas and Teddy disappear into the snow almost immediately, the white swallowing them whole before the door slams shut again, muffling the storm once more.
“Great,” I mutter, moving over to the couch and pulling a blanket tight around my shoulders. “That went from cozy to terrifying real quick.”
Key, ever the optimist, plops down next to me on the couch, draping an arm across the back of it. “Hey, don’t worry, Sugar. Those guys have dealt with worse. Besides, look at it this way: we’re snowed in with food, fire, and a big comfy couch. I’d say we’re doing just fine.”
I glance at him, unable to resist a small smile despite my nerves. Leave it to Key to find the silver lining. “You make a good point,” I admit, though my eyes keep flicking back to the window. The wind is still rattling the glass like it’s trying to claw its way inside, and the snow is coming down so thick, it’s starting to feel claustrophobic.
“Of course I make a good point,” he says, lounging back with that easy grin of his. “Now, come on. Let’s not let a little snow ruin our night. We’ve got a fire, we’ve got each other, and best of all, we’ve got plenty of hot chocolate. That’s practically the dream.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And yet, here you are, still sitting next to me.” He nudges me playfully with his elbow, and I roll my eyes, settling deeper into the couch as I try to relax. He’s right, though. If we’re going to be stuck in this storm, there are worse places to be than inside a cozy cabin with a roaring fire and three guys who would do anything to protect me.
But the storm outside is relentless. Every few minutes, I glance toward the windows, watching as the snow piles higher and higher, until it feels like the cabin is slowly being buried. It’s unsettling, even if Key is doing his best to keep things light.
After what feels like an eternity, the front door bursts open again, and a blast of icy wind sweeps into the room. Atlas and Teddy stomp inside, covered in snow and looking like they just battled their way through a tundra.
“The generator’s fine for now,” Atlas says, shaking snow from his coat. “But the storm’s getting worse. If we lose power, we’ll have the backup generator but it isn’t in the best condition. If that packs up on us, then it’ll be hard to keep the place warm, so we’ll need to keep the fire going.”
Teddy brushes snow off his shoulders with a grunt. “We’ve got enough firewood to last us a couple of days, so we should be good.”
I glance between them, trying to gauge how serious things are. Atlas looks calm as ever, but Teddy’s lips are set in a grim line.
Key grins. “This is the universe’s way of telling us to chill. We can’t control the weather, so we might as well enjoy it.”
Atlas moves toward the fire, adding another log as he nods. “We’ll be fine as long as we stay prepared. Just keep an eye on the storm.”
I pull my blanket tighter, trying to take a deep breath and settle into the situation. “Alright, so what now? Do we just wait?”
Atlas looks up from the fire. “For now, yeah. Best thing we can do is stay inside and ride it out.”
Key suddenly bounces to his feet, his face lighting up. “I know what’ll pass the time–hot chocolate! Extra marshmallows, coming right up.”
I laugh as he dashes toward the kitchen, already rummaging through the cabinets. Leave it to Key to make the best of being snowed in. He turns even a blizzard into an opportunity for fun.
As he bangs around the kitchen, I settle back on the couch, watching Atlas and Teddy take their seats by the fire. There’s an odd sense of calm in the cabin despite the storm raging outside. Sure, it’s a little scary not knowing how long we’ll be stuck here or whether the power will hold out, but with the guys around, I feel safe. Like no matter what happens, we’ll figure it out together.
The wind continues to howl outside, but inside, it’s warm and quiet. Teddy throws another log on the fire, and the flames crackle, filling the room with a soft, golden glow. I let out a slow breath, relaxing for what feels like the first time since the storm started.
Key pops his head out of the kitchen. “Hot chocolate’s coming up! Prepare yourselves for greatness.”
I smile, feeling a bit of the tension ease out of my body. No matter how bad the storm gets, at least we’ve got hot chocolate, a fire, and each other.