Deck's mouth curves. "Richard always did like to embellish."
"I've seen the commendation letter. I don't think he embellished at all."
The pregnant woman steps forward, dark eyes warm and assessing. "Vivian Cross. I'm not security. I'm just married to the security." She rests a hand on her belly. "And currently incubating the next generation of security."
I find myself smiling despite the weirdness of this situation. "When are you due?"
"Three weeks. Which is why I'm sitting this one out, much to my husband's relief." She shoots Deck a look that's equal parts affection and exasperation. "He's already planned seven different emergency delivery scenarios."
"Eight," Deck corrects. "I added a helicopter option this morning."
"Of course you did."
The large sandy haired man steps forward, and something about his presence makes me feel immediately calmer. "Cade Marshall. I'm the team medic. This is my everything, Natalie."
Natalie gives a small wave, her smile genuine. "I'm also not security. I write children's books." She gestures around the lodge. "This whole place seemed very intimidating when I first arrived too. It gets better."
"When you first arrived?" I glance between her and Cade. "Were you a client?"
Natalie and Cade exchange a look that carries a whole conversation I'm not privy to. "Something like that," Natalie says softly.
"Several of our team members met their partners through protection details." Deck's voice is carefully neutral, but his eyes cut briefly to Boone. "Guardian Peak has become something of a family compound."
"How romantic." I keep my voice dry, but I can't help the way my attention drifts back to Boone. He's standing slightly apartfrom the group, arms crossed, that controlled expression firmly in place.
Our eyes meet.
My pulse jumps.
He looks away first.
Interesting.
"Boone will be your primary protection detail," Deck continues. "He'll show you to your cabin, brief you on protocols, and handle your day to day security. The rest of the team rotates perimeter duty, but Boone is your main point of contact."
"Lucky me."
Boone's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. "I'll get her settled. We can do full introductions at dinner."
"Dinner is at six," Vivian adds. "Family style, in the lodge. It's the one time everyone gathers, so you'll meet the rest of the team then. Tonight is Cade's shepherd's pie, which you don't want to miss."
I nod, still processing the domestic warmth of these people who are simultaneously hardened military operatives and... a family. It's disorienting. Like walking into a special forces reunion that doubles as a potluck.
Boone moves toward the door, clearly expecting me to follow.
I don't.
"One question first." I address Deck, but my attention stays on Boone. "The wilderness executive training my father mentioned. What exactly does that entail?"
Another exchanged glance between Deck and Boone. This one tenser.
"Basic survival skills," Deck says carefully. "Orienteering, emergency protocols, self defense fundamentals. Standard executive protection package."
"Standard." I cross my arms. "So the fact that I'm here because someone wants me dead, that's just a bonus feature?"
Silence.
Vivian lets out a small sigh. "I told you she'd figure it out," she murmurs to Deck.
