Page 213 of Tangled Like Us

The man I wouldn’t trust with a fucking goldfish—and I’m supposed to let him protect her? I would die for Jane. All of SFO would die for Jane. And I can’t say that Tony would.

And that’s the level of dedication sheneedsif I can’t protect her.

“He’s the best man for the job,” Price continues. “He has the highest skillset and experience from security services in LA. It’ll benefit Jane.”

No.I breathe coarse breath, trying to control my temper. “Respectfully, sir,” I say, pausing so I don’t growl out afuck no.“He got his own client beat up.”

“No,” Price refutes. “Xander Hale asked to be in the fight. He was abiding by his client’s wishes. He followed protocol.”

My eyes tighten. “Xander is a minor.”

“Tony spent years protecting one of the most internationally recognized boy bands,teenagersclose to Xander’s age. He’s experienced and understands the nuances of this job.”

We’re talking about the same guy who slept with my high school girlfriend.

I try again. “Jane doesn’t trust Tony, sir. In myprofessionalopinion, they’re not suited for each other.”

Sinclair cocks his head. “You sure you aren’t just jealous, Moretti? This sounds like personal crap-in-a-bag to me.”

“Sir, you can talk to Jane,” I say sternly. “She’ll tell you.”

Price retorts, “We can’t have your personal feelings towards a bodyguard affecting Jane’s view of him. Tony is one of the best guards.The end.If she’s feeling uneasy because of your grievances, you can help her learn to trust him.”

I hear,help her learn to fuck him.

Goddammit.

But I can’t lose what they’ve just given me.My job.It’s the best way I can protect her. Even if I’m not on her detail.

“You don’t have a voice in this, Moretti,” Sinclair snaps. “Stand down.”

I’m not a lead. Seniority. Hierarchy. Everything that I cherish and honor and respect.

Akara pockets his phone and speaks to Price and Sinclair. “As formality, we should take a vote.”

Akara should vote with them. To gain favor.

I watch and listen as the Tri-Force do a quick vote for both transfers. Me to Xander. Tony to Jane.

Both votes are 2-1.

Akara opposed. He’s die-hard SFO, and by still vouching for me, he just made it known to the Alpha and Epsilon leads.

I rub my tensed jaw. “Are we done?” I ask. I just want to see her. Hug her. Tell her myself. Take the good and put away the bad for now.

And Jane—she’s everything good to me.

“One more question,” Price says. “And this stays here. We won’t tell anyone. But we need to know so that we can see the warning signs when we hire new guys.”

I stiffen, having no clue what’s coming.

Price says, “Was it for the fame or the sex?”

“Neither,” I say, not even hesitating. “It was just her.”

It was always justher.

47