Page 2 of Tangled Like Us

She taps her beer bottle in applause.

I catch myself about to skim her up and down.Don’t.

I remain stationary. I’m not supposed to be an active participant, but some surrounding bodyguards clap for Eliot. They’re the ones who’ve grown closer to the Cobalts throughout the years.

I wouldn’t place myself on that shelf.

Before transferring to Jane’s detail, I was attached to the Hale family. Xander Hale had been my only other client, and even if I were better acquainted with the Cobalt Empire, I’m not interested in joking around while on-duty. If I wouldn’t do it during an op, I’m not doing it on her detail.

Her safety comes first.

Jane sips a beer on the private beach, and she stays quiet while her brother quotes Shakespeare, or some other tragedy. I wouldn’t know which.

I keep a close eye on Jane and her surroundings.

It’s my job.

It’s also my job to know her well. Like how she’s been unusually quiet this summer trip, and it’s my job to know that I’m to blame.

Can’t worry about that now.

But I am.

Jane lets a beach blanket fall off her sunburnt shoulders, warmed near the bonfire. A pale blue tankini hugs her body.

I want to think some things I shouldn’t be fucking thinking. Put in some adjectives that I shouldn’t be using. All good things—don’t go there.

Don’t fucking do it.

I’m not overstepping the solid boundary.

I scan the beach with crossed arms, but eventually, my dark narrowed eyes return to Jane.

Long brunette hair frizzes around her freckled cheeks, and she smiles brightly at her brother. Applauding him again before she sticks two fingers in her mouth and whistles loudly. She’s only twenty-three.

She’s only twenty-three.And she’s dealt with more harassment than any girl her age should—than anypersonshould.

I’ve heard sacks of horseshit spew hatred and try to degrade her, and they actually believe they’re entitled to her body and time like she’s some fucking doll they can rip apart with no consequence.

They’re targets.

Men that I will fucking take out before they breathe on Jane. And after what happened with her recent friends-with-benefits, my duty to Jane is unquantifiable.

On the beach, I end up glancing back at her.

She leans some of her weight into Maximoff Hale, her best friend. He’s been scanning the beaches almost as much as security. Preparing for threats like he’s another bodyguard. Truth is, I’d welcome Maximoff on the team. But he can’t be on it.

Not when he’s a part of the famous families that we protect.

I try to scan the water, but my strict gaze drifts back to Jane, just as Maximoff wraps a strong arm around her shoulders. She whispers in his ear, a smile attached to her words.

He laughs back.

My stomach drops a bit.

For one second, I wish I could be in earshot.Don’t fucking wish that.

Her smile seems to fade faster than usual, and slowly, her gaze begins to wander across the beach.