Ethan runs a hand through his hair, a rare display of frustration from our usually composed leader. "We need to make a decision about Bali."
"What's there to decide?" Mateo asks, finally looking up. "She has a contract. The magazine's already paid for the location, crew, everything. Gloria and Sophie left yesterday to prepare." He stretches, rolling his shoulders to release tension. "Unless you're planning to tell Ice Queen she can't fulfill her professional obligations because we failed to catch whoever's stalking her."
"Watch it," I warn, the words coming out harsher than intended. "That nickname... it's not appropriate."
Mateo raises an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing at his lips. "Look who's gone all protective. Didn't know you had a soft spot for our client, Old Man."
"It's not about having a soft spot," I say, though we all know it's partly a lie. "It's about respect. She's hadenough from the press. We don't need to pile on that. She's nothing like what the press makes her out to be. We know that now."
Ethan gives me a measured look, then nods slightly. "Declan's right. What we call her matters, even among ourselves." He pauses, taking a sip of coffee. "Especially among ourselves."
The silence that follows is loaded with unspoken acknowledgment. We've crossed some invisible line from purely professional to something more complicated. Not unprofessional. Not yet. But teetering on the edge.
"About Bali," Ethan continues, returning to business. "The magazine has its own security team for the shoot, but given the situation, one of us should accompany her. I think it's best if you go, Mateo. You've got the background for international security. And Jade seems... comfortable with you."
I clear my throat. "You're also the only one she hasn't argued with this week. That helps."
Mateo grins. "She likes me. I have charm."
It's true. Over the past week, something's shifted between Mateo and Jade. Small moments. Her laughing at his ridiculous jokes, him teaching her Spanish phrases in the kitchen, the two of them falling into easy conversation over tea. There's a lightness to their interactions that she doesn't share with Ethan or me.
Ethan shoots him a look. "You're charming. But remember, that charm needs to stay professional. This is still a job."
Mateo's smile fades, but he nods. "Understood."
"I should stay here," Ethan says, pacing now. "Keep pressure on the police investigation, coordinate with our tech team on the camera analysis." He stops, turning to face us both. "And I need someone I trust here at the property, checking every inch again for anything we might have missed."
I nod, understanding the unspoken division of labor. "I'll handle the house. We'll do another full sweep, change all security protocols while she's away. Make sure everything's clean for when she returns."
What none of us says. What we don't need to say, is that this arrangement also keeps Ethan and me at a safe distance. Away from the dangerous pull we both feel toward her.
"It's settled then," Ethan says, his voice shifting into that authoritative tone that reminds us he was once our commanding officer. "Mateo, you'll accompany Jade to Bali. Three days, two nights. Standard protection detail. The magazine's security will handle general site security, you focus solely on her."
Mateo grins, stretching his arms above his head. "Three days in paradise with a supermodel. Tough assignment,Boss."
Ethan's expression darkens, and he steps toward Mateo with sudden intensity. "This isn't a vacation. It's not a joke. It's your job to keep her safe, Rivera. She's..."
"I know the stakes, Ethan. Don't mistake the jokes for distraction. I see what's happening." Mateo interrupts, his playful demeanor vanishing. He stands, meeting Ethan's gaze with unexpected seriousness. "I've been in this business almost as long as you have. I know the lines."
The tension between them crackles, both men standing their ground. I move between them, a hand on each of their shoulders. "We're all on edge. But we need to stay focused, stay united. That's how we keep her safe."
Ethan steps back first, nodding once. "Just remember, all of us, we're here to protect her. Not to complicate her life further."
Mateo's usual smile returns, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Message received, Boss. Professional boundaries maintained at all times."
But there's something in his voice, something in all of ours lately when Jade comes up, that cuts through the professional distance we keep pretending is still intact. We're bodyguards, sure. Hired to protect her. But there's more brewing under the surface now, and none of us is quite ready to admit what it really is.
"The car will take her to the airport at nine tomorrow," Ethan says, returning to logistics, and safer ground. "Commercial flight,first class. You'll be seated beside her. We've coordinated with TSA for expedited security."
Mateo nods, slipping back into professional mode. "What about the hotel?"
"Connecting rooms," I answer, having reviewed the arrangements earlier. "The magazine booked her in a beachfront villa. We've secured the adjoining room for security."
"Full access, all hours," Ethan adds. "She doesn't go anywhere without you nearby. Not the beach, not dinner, not the bathroom."
Mateo raises an eyebrow. "Pretty sure she'll draw the line at that last one, Boss."
Despite the tension, I find myself suppressing a smile. Mateo's humor breaks through even the darkest moments. It's why he's the best choice to go with Jade. She needs that lightness now.
