He’d added a new scar to his body with the bullet he took for me last year, but the wound had healed and he’d regained full use of his arm after a few months. “I bet we’re going to get a stern talking to at next year’s Christmas drive after she sees the miniature dirt bike under the tree.”
“Worth it.” Rafe lay on his back with his arms behind his head.
His strong physique tempted me to roll across the bed and slide over him again.
Later.
Rafe stretched one arm over his head and tapped the garland wrapped across the headboard. “Good thing Ash put it together for him.”
Ash’s satisfied grin stretched wide. “Yeah, otherwise the wheels would’ve fallen off the first time the kid tried to ride it.”
“Hey.” Bishop lingered behind me, his broad body warming me. “I’m the one who had to get you all out before that mom spotted us.”
I twisted back to kiss him before I sat up.
My second Christmas Eve mission had gone off without a hitch.
And we were even more ambitious this year.
Thirty-seven houses.
Forty-three kids.
Not a single disappointed kid woke up in our town on Christmas morning.
The Steel Vipers had perfected their Santa operation into an art form, and I got to be part of it.
“At least we didn’t have a rival gang to deal with this year.” Rafe’s gaze slid over me, and I saw the calculating look in his eye as he debated starting another round of steamy sex.
I traced circles on Ash’s chest but snapped my hand back when his cock twitched.
He laughed and brought my hand back to his chest.
Things were so different from how they’d been a year ago.
Bishop rolled to his feet. “I’m hungry.” He winked at me. “And I want to give Noelle her present.”
My present?
My stomach did a happy little twist.
I had a gift for them too.
God, I hoped they liked it.
Ash grumbled when I pushed away from him.
His complaining was all in good fun, and he scooted past Rafe to grab his pants from the pile of clothes we’d left on the floor. “Did you see the latest edition of your article?”
I nodded and couldn’t help the happy dance that sent me spinning across the room. “And Mrs. Peterson’s interview about the food drive made the front page.”
I beamed and twirled again.
My new position at the local paper had turned into everything I wanted in a career.
Instead of hunting criminals and corruption, I highlighted the good in our community.
My character spotlights on local heroes, small business owners, and articles about community events and charitable work gave me a sense of pride I’d been lacking.
