Page 183 of Tangled Like Us

“I know that,” Akara growls, heat flashing in his eyes. “That’s not it.”

He established a buddy-guard friendship with Sullivan Meadows, and he walks a blurry line like he was born on one. No sweat. Better than I could with my feet cemented to the thing.

But ever since last year, he’s picked up that Sulli is starting to show real interest indating.And his overprotectiveness and his level of care for his client has shot through the fucking roof.

“You’re not jealous?” Banks wants confirmation.

Akara glares. “Shut the fuck up.”

I don’t make those comments about him and Sulli. He gets enough shit from the rest of SFO. But Banks eases up faster than the other guys would.

“Is it a sixth sense?” I ask Akara about Will. Wondering if his caution is based on gut or intel.

“Yeah, it’s just a feeling. He’s renting out a farm.” Akara fists the neck of his beer and puts a container of Ripped Fuel on the counter. “He’s taking an entire open field and putting together haunted houses fromscratch.”

“Rich guys can do that,” Banks points out.

“I’m rich,” Akara says, “and I can’t do half of what he’s planning.” Akara had about the same wealth as Farrow growing up.

His dad was a big shot broker. But he died when Akara was seventeen. Akara used the life insurance money to open up Studio 9.

“The Rochesters are old money.” I unscrew my water, pushing back my chow for a second.

Banks nods. “They can afford mega yachts.”

Like Jane.

I sometimes forget she’s that wealthy. She lives modestly in comparison to her parents. I look to Akara. “How many people will be at the farm?” Wherever the Hallow Friends Eve party takes place, I know Jane will be there, and I need the details.

“I don’t know yet,” Akara says. “But Will promised that every single guest would sign an NDA or they wouldn’t be permitted on the grounds. It’s their ticket into the party. Sul said it was really sweet of him.” His hand slips on the Ripped Fuel container and pills spill out. “Shit.” He cleans it up.

Banks nods to Akara. “So this Will guy lives around here. How deep is he?”

Akara tosses pills back into the jug. “Banks, I love you, man, but we talked about that phrase. No one but you and your brother use it, and all I picture is someone’s cock deep between a set of thighs.”

“You’re welcome.” Banks smiles with his toothpick between his teeth.

“How far away is he?” I rephrasehow deep is he?

Akara explains that he lives in a gated neighborhood twenty minutes away. He’s been background checked. “I have a feeling he’s just buying her trust so he can fuck her, and Sul said she’s not looking for a hookup, so what am I supposed to do?”

Let it happen.

Akara wouldn’t direct Sulli away from Will if he thought she liked him. He’s venting to us, and he knows there’s nothing he can do about the situation.

That’s going to be me, I realize.

Once this op ends soon, Jane could easily meet a rich prick. Could I help her fall in love with another man? Could I watch that fucking happen?

My stomach roils.

I’m stuck between a rock and another fucking rock.

39

JANE COBALT

Failure isa dear friend of mine. And it reared its ugly head again today. I’m trying my best not to visualize what happened, or else I’ll feel a repeat wave of mortification and disappointment.