Ace is my bodyguard. He’s not supposed to care who touches me, just as long as they’re not a threat. Yet the way he’s looking at Finn right now suggests otherwise.
“Earth to Maddie,” Finn waves a hand in front of my face. “Are you okay? You zoned out there for a sec.”
“Yeah, sorry.” I tear my gaze away from Ace. “What were you saying?”
“I was asking if you’re free on Friday. There’s this gallery opening, and I got tickets.”
“Send me the details. I’ll see if my keepers will allow me out.” I say it loud enough for Ace to hear, and I swear I see his jaw clench tighter.
Kade runs through a new song, and I pull out my camera, grateful for the distraction.
That is until Finn leans in close. “So, who’s the new guy with the dimples?”
“Rhodes. He’s Dad’s latest attempt to smother me with security.”
“Is he single?”
I elbow him in the ribs. “Seriously?”
“What? I can appreciate a good-looking man, and those dimples are doing things to me.” Finn grins. “Besides, you should see the way he’s been watching you. It’s giving some strong ‘I want to bend you over something’ vibes.”
“Finn!”
“I’m just saying”—he shrugs—“all three of them have an obsessive vibe going on.”
“At least it gives me something for my spank bank,” I reply with a smirk, and Finn pulls me in closer with a snicker.
Kade barks at us to shut up and listen, which only makes us laugh more, and I manage to snap a picture of my brother’s face all distorted with anger—a perfect shot for my socials.
Practice runs long, as it always does, and by the time Kade finally calls it, my stomach is growling and I’m ready to get home. Finn walks me to the door, his arm slung around my waist now, and I feel Ace’s eyes on us the entire way.
“Text me about Friday,” Finn says, pulling me into a proper hug. “Love you, Mads.”
“Love you, too, you menace.”
The drive back to my apartment is quiet. Rhodes tries to make small talk, but I’m distracted, my mind jumping to what I know is ahead.
Tonight, 11 p.m., be ready.
Once we pull into the building, Vander does his usual sweep of the hallway while Rhodes and Ace flank me to my door. I unlock it, and then they move through my apartment, checking every room, every window, and every entry point.
“Clear,” Vander calls out, heading for the door.
“Clear,” Ace shouts and follows, but Rhodes lingers in my doorway. Those dimples make an appearance as he leans against the frame.
“Any other plans tonight?” he asks.
“Just me and Netflix. Maybe some wine.”
“Hmm.” His eyes drop to my lips, then back up. “You know, if you go through with that Wild Steps thing...”
“What about it?” I ask defensively.
“I’ll be watching,” he says. “To make sure you’re safe.”
The image of Rhodes watching while masked strangers chase me, catch me, and then do things to me that should be illegal comes to life in my mind.
“Good to know,” I manage to say.
