AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chuckles sound all around me.
“Of course, we see it,” Kai says, slowing the car down as he maneuvers it toward the parking lot.
“No Christmas tradition is complete without a tree,” I say assertively. “You guys must have a tree as big as that in your front hall.”
“If a big ass tree is what you want, we’ll get one for you,” Cole promises.
A fluttery feeling erupts in my belly at his words. He wants to get me a tree.
“Where do we get started?” Kai asks the moment he brings the car to a stop.
“The tree, obviously!” I cry out excitedly.
A laugh escapes him as he nods and climbs out of the car.
Happiness bubbles inside me as I follow him. I can’t remember the last time I felt so excited and cheerful.
It’d probably be the time when my mom was still alive. She made everything seem magical, especially the holiday season.
Jacob and Cole come to stand close to me.
Suddenly, I realize that they’re all circling me. Jacob and Cole keep their stares ahead, their gazes roving every corner of the deserted parking lot while Kai keeps his arm wrapped around my shoulder in a protective stance.
“Should we go that way?” I say, pointing toward the corner of the town square that houses the Christmas tree.
“Sure, let’s go,” says Kai, turning me around. Jacob steps forward, guiding us while Cole positions himself behind us.
“People are staring at us,” I whisper as we move through the crowded sidewalks to reach the tree. “Do we have to walk like this?”
“It’s for your protection,” Kai says in a grim tone. “Don’t worry, darling. We’ll not let anyone come near you.”
I feel everyone’s gaze on me. Surrounded by these massively built, sharply-dressed men, I must look like an heiress with her bodyguards.
“They think I’m someone special,” I whisper urgently. “Do you guys have to walk around like you’ll kill someone if they get too close?”
“Youaresomeone special,” Cole says from behind me. “You’reours. And we will kill anyone if they try to hurt you.”
The sincerity in his voice sends a tremor through me. His possessiveness should scare me but it ends up making me feel safe.
Kai’s arm squeezes my shoulder lightly. “Forget about everyone,” he says. “We’re here to enjoy ourselves. Let’s just do that, okay?”
He’s right. Once they know the truth, they might not want to get involved in the shitty situation I’m wrapped up in. I won’t blame them for it because they’ve already done enough for me.
This might be the last time I get to enjoy such a beautiful evening with the men I’ve fallen in love with. So, I stop worrying and decide to simply live in the moment.
Looking around, I see that the place is already coming alive with the squeals and shouts of young children. Strings of fairy lights twinkle overhead. Gigantic bells and glowing reindeer displays add to the holiday decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.
The smell of roasted chestnuts soon wafts into my nostrils. I glance around, catching sight of the stalls selling delicious food, toys, and handcrafted goods. They’re all fencing the path that leads up to the massive, twinkling tree in the center of the square.
My breath leaves me in a rush as I finally stand below the Christmas tree with Kai and his brothers. Its lush branches are laden with streams of fairy lights, baubles, tinsels, and holly garlands. A dazzling golden glow surrounds the evergreen fir, making me feel like I’m part of its magic.
“How tall do you think it is?” Cole’s voice breaks me out of my thoughts.
“It’s got to be at least 20 feet,” Jacob mutters, his gaze roving over the massive tree.
“Think we can fit one like this in the living room?” Kai asks next.
I stare at the three brothers. “You guys can’t be serious,” I say, hesitating. “You want something as big as this tree?”
