“Removed how?” My infuriating but insatiable curiosity sparked.
“I prefer the term liberated.” Ash picked a sliver of wood from the nearest crate and used it to scrape his nails. “All the big companies have a certain amount of ‘lost product’ they claim every year in insurance. We help them make sure they’re telling the truth.”
A slow smile appeared. “Gotta keep the big man honest.”
Honest. Right.
“Tell me about the toy drive.” I crossed my arms, more to keep the chill at bay than to push them away.
The warehouse was warmer than outside, but not by much.
Bishop glanced at Rafe, who gave him a nod to go ahead. “The club has been sworn to secrecy. And they all keep the secret because it brings joy to the kids.”
“We break into their houses and leave them presents.” Ash burst into the conversation with his usual charm. “Instead of Santa and reindeer landing on kids’ roofs, it’s us.”
I could see it.
Call me crazy, but I had no trouble imagining these men quietly slipping into houses and leaving gifts. “Who eats the most cookies?”
Bishop pointed at himself at the same time Rafe and Ash pointed at him.
A low laugh spread warmth throughout my body.
God, but I loved these men.
I really was crazy.
They’d gotten their hooks in me.
My heart had been preparing to discover the worst.
I’d been working toward the realization that I’d have to let them go.
No way.
“I want to help.” I strode toward Rafe. “Please don’t exclude me again.”
He didn’t back away at my approach, though I noted the wariness in his eyes.
My heart melted at the look in Bishop’s eyes.
He wanted to believe me.
He’d proven himself when he stood up for me, and now it was my turn to prove that I was worthy of their trust.
I ran my hands up Rafe’s broad chest. “You’re incredible. I can’t believe you go through all this every year for the kids. Wait.”
I shook my head. “Yes, I can. Maybe I’m surprised because you claim to hate Christmas.
But a man who does this, who goes through all this trouble, is not a man who hates Christmas.”
“Or maybe I want to make sure no kid goes through what I did at Christmas. I don’t want it ruined for them.” He ran his knuckle down my cheek. “Don’t cry for us, Noelle. We know what we’re getting into.”
Was I crying?
A hot tear slid down my cheek, and I realized it wasn’t the only one. “You deserve to have someone willing to cry for you. For all of you.”
I held out a hand to Bishop and Ash, who closed the circle to surround me. “You deserve so much more than my tears.”
