A startled laugh escapes me, breaking the tension. "You're terrible."
"I'm right," he counters, dimples appearing with his smile. "And you know it."
I do know it. The reality of who we are, model and bodyguard, employer and employee,public figure and private citizen, reasserts itself between us. Yet something has irrevocably shifted.
We settle back against the pillows, the charged atmosphere softening into something more intimate, if no less intense. His arm wraps around my shoulders, drawing me against his side. My head fits perfectly in the space between his shoulder and chest, as if designed to rest there.
"I've been meaning to ask," I say after a comfortable silence. "At the waterfall, how did you know what to do? With the panic attack, I mean. The breathing technique..."
I feel him tense slightly beneath me, then deliberately relax.
"Afghanistan," he says simply. "Second tour."
I wait, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart beneath my cheek.
"It's not what people think. More fear than glory. After we lost three men in an ambush, I started having episodes. Panic. Shakes. Couldn't hold my weapon."
He pauses, the memory pulling at his voice.
"Ethan found a therapist. Ex-military. Taught us how to stay present when your mind tries to escape."
I lift my head to look at him, surprised. "Ethan did therapy too?"
A small smile touches Mateo's lips. "The mighty Ethan Cross himself. Don't tell him I told you, but yeah. Heneeded it. We all did."
"And you followed him out of the military," I observe quietly.
He nods, his hand absently stroking my shoulder. "I was going to re-up. Maybe try for special operations. But when Ethan left, it didn't feel right staying. He wasn't just my captain. He was... is family."
The way he says "family" resonates with me. The chosen bonds that can be stronger than blood. I've never had that. Never trusted anyone enough to build those connections. I have that somewhat with Gloria, but I always keep myself guarded, never trusting completely.
"And Declan?"
"Declan had already been out for a while by then. Different circumstances." His tone indicates a story not his to tell. "But when Ethan talked about starting the security firm, bringing the three of us back together... it made sense. Like we were meant to keep watching each other's backs, just on a different battlefield."
The loyalty in his voice touches something in me, a longing for that kind of unconditional bond.
"That must be nice," I say softly. "Having people you know will always be there."
His arm tightens around me. "Everyone deserves that,Jade."
I don't respond. I just nestle closer, letting my body relax fully against his. His heartbeat is strong and steady beneath my ear, a rhythm more soothing than any lullaby.
His hand strokes my hair, gentle fingers combing through the strands. "You should sleep," he murmurs.
I should protest. I should tell him to leave before someone notices. I should maintain the boundaries that have kept me safe for so long.
Instead, I let my eyes close.
"Jade?" he says softly.
"Hmm?"
"I meant what I said at the waterfall. I'll always be close. Whenever you need me, just look for me."
Something warm and unfamiliar blooms in my chest. Trust. Such a small word for such a monumental feeling.
"I believe you," I whisper, my hand coming to rest over his heart.
