Page 49 of Tangled Like Us

“That’s fair.” I sip my coffee, now cold.

“But,” Farrow says, running a thumb over his hoop lip piercing, “I’m not a petty fucker. He hasn’t even glared at me since your birthday.”Back in June.“And he’s not on my ass while we’re on-duty. Shit, he’s been relatively easy to work with, so something’s changed.” He looks to Maximoff, as though handing the baton over.

Moffy is too rigid to even drink his tea. “Your bodyguard cares about you, Janie. And it’s on a personal level.”

My eyes bug, and shock parts my lips. Of course I notice how considerate Thatcher is. But that’s me seeing my bodyguard hours andhoursthroughout a single day.

Maximoff and Farrow only witness moments, and I just never thought they’d see even a fraction of his kindness.

“How do you know it’s on a personal level?” I wonder, sweeping both of them for the signs. For the hints and clues that they must’ve read.

Farrow counts off his fingers, beginning with his thumb. “One, Thatcher made an ‘oath’ with you.” He also uses air quotes.

“Just to stay on your detail,” Maximoff adds.

“Correct.” I straighten up a little.

When I told them about the oath, they asked for details but never gave much of an opinion. Not until now, it seems.

“Two.” Farrow raises his pointer finger. “Back in Greece, you weren’t even on speaking terms. It would’ve been easier for that motherfucker to ask for a transfer and just protect someone else. Instead of doing that, he committed to you.”

A smile tugs at my lips, remembering the bonfire. How we took a short walk. How I shivered and he gave me his button-down without a single hesitation.

Maximoff homes in on Farrow’s inked fingers. “Pretty sure your second point is still the oath.”

“Pretty sure I couldn’t care less,” Farrow says easily while taking in all of Maximoff.

He feigns surprise. “I totally forgot you can’t count. I’m sorry, man.”

Farrow rolls his eyes into a short laugh. “Okay, smartass.” They eye each other a little longer, and I’m about to stand to reheat my coffee.

As soon as the rocking chair creaks, their heads swerve to me.

“This is aboutyou,” Maximoff emphasizes. “You time, not us time.” He gestures from his chest to Farrow. “Alright, we’re here for you.”

Farrow rubs his strong jawline, his muscles tensed.

I freeze.

Farrow and I have been deeply concerned about Maximoff feeling guilty about splitting his attention between us. He overthinks about the wrong and right timing and whether he’s being unfair.

In actuality, he’s beyond fair, beyond present for both of us, and Farrow and I just want him to relax and breathe.

I nod confidently and stay seated on the rocking chair. “Let’s hear it then, old chap.” I slide a furtive glance to Farrow, and we share a look of understanding.Protect and love Maximoff Hale.

Maximoff sets down his Batman mug. “By staying on your detail, Thatcher chose the harder path.”

“Right,” I say softly. My cheeks hurt as I try to subdue another smile.

I’m more than appreciative that Thatcher stayed. It shows how much he wanted to be here for me, and I haven’t had that devoted feeling from a bodyguard ever. My first, now-retired, bodyguard never really gave me any hints that he enjoyed my company.

Quinn Oliveira, my second bodyguard, was incredibly kind-hearted, but I was his first client, and so when he was transferred to Luna, he seemed more excited for the new possibilities. Ready to leave.

I love that Thatcher wanted to stay with me, despite all the risks and hardships. Plus, working through a new bodyguard relationship while dealing with the Cinderella ad would’ve been so stressful.

“Three.” Farrow lifts his middle finger. “Bodyguard transfers happen all the time. Guys may have their preferences on who they want to protect, but we all love your family enough to not really give a shit at the end of the day. We’re just happy to be on-duty. You don’t do what Moretti did withoutlikinga client, and I’d know because I’d do whatever it took to stay on Maximoff’s detail.”

I hear what he’s telling me.