Page 36 of Charming Like Us

I laugh a little. “Is that what we’re calling this?” I dig in my backpack and pull out a bag of Doritos. Snacks are a bodyguard’s best friend. Charlie and I keep overnight bags on the plane for his impulsive trips, and I almost wish I knew Jack would be joining. I would’ve packed more clothes for him.

Then again, Highlandlovesto wear my clothes. And I’d be a Liar with a capital L if I said I didn’t like him in them.

Jack frowns. “What would you call us?”

Us.

That word spasms my muscles like I just got zapped in an electric fence.

“Co-workers,” I answer. “Production. Security. We’re not employed by the same company, but we deal with the same rich, white east coast families, blue-check-marked and verified WASPs.”

“Co-workers,” he repeats like it’s settling in.

“Yeah,” I nod.

“Do you ask all your co-workers for a kiss?” he shoots back.

I smile, trying not to disintegrate in my seat from this conversation. “Only the cute ones,” I say, popping a chip in my mouth. As smooth as that was, I regret it.Oliveira, stop flirting with the straight boy.Holy fucking shit, I’m hopeless.

My phone rings, a saving grace really. Thank the Lord for in-air Wi-Fi.

Caller ID:Donnelly

I nod up to Jack. “Sorry, I’ve got to answer this.”

“Yeah, no problem, dude. I’m just going to take your advice.” He gives me a smile, and it takes me a second to realize what Jack means. And then I see him pop in a couple earbuds and close his eyes.

I retreat to the jet’s bathroom, which resembles a fancy powder bathroom with a rose gold faucet and a shiny rose goldtoilet. As a kid, I was just happy to be on a commercial plane flying international to Brazil. That was and still is a luxury for a lot of people.

But this,thisis like a fantasy made for royalty, and I know for me and a lot of security, it’s cool to be a part of it all. Especially guarding the Cobalt Empire, the epitome of lavish extravagance. But we’re here first and last because we care about the lives of the families.

I take a seat on the shut toilet lid, a comfortable amount of room here. “Hey.” I press the phone to my ear. “What’s going on? You alright?” We haven’t spoken since his vague text this morning. Sun has set, and we’re scheduled to land in Paris tomorrow.

I’m more on edge knowing I left the country before getting answers from Donnelly. But I trust if something is really wrong and time sensitive, Farrow would’ve checked in with me.

For a lot of reasons, I have a love-hate feeling towards Donnelly not being Beckett’s bodyguard anymore. I wish he still were, but I’m also glad he’s not for his sake.

Blast to the past, Donnelly used to live with me in New York, while on Beckett’s detail, and if anyone asked, I’d probably say he’s the worst roommate and to give me someone else—just to fuck with him. But he’s not that bad. We saw each other every week. Almost every day.

I miss that.

It’s lonely being the only Omega bodyguard in Hell’s Kitchen.

“Yeah, yeah,” Donnelly replies. “I’m almost back in PA.” His South Philly lilt comes out strong. “Just made a mandatory pitstop at Wawa. Where you at?”

“Plane bathroom. Sitting on the rose gold shitter.”

He laughs lowly. “Charlie whisk you off to Neverland again?”

“Second star to the right.”

“Let me guess, let me guess.Dubai.”

“Way off, bro,” I say. “Paris.” We can play off each other to annoyance, just ask Farrow, and before we get carried away, I add, “I’m serious though. Why were you at the lake house this morning?”

“Yeah, about that…” Donnelly’s tone sobers. “I need to tell you before everyone else hears.”

My body goes cold. “Tell me what?”