Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 141165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
“Fuck…no, I just…I hope you two know that I’m a novice at this stuff compared to you guys.” She means the media chaos outside.
Maximoff hands her a jar of jellybeans, a topping she puts on pancakes. “You won’t even notice them after a while, Sul.”
“And we’re in this together,” I chime in. “You don’t have to face anyone or anything alone.”
“Yeah.” She nods, thinking. “It’s such a strange time to be moving in with you two. You’re like Philly’s Bachelorette, Jane, and Moffy, you’re getting married— ”
“Not any time soon,” he cuts in, his tone forceful like he’s enacting a new law: no wedding talk.
He’s been adamant this whole week about it too. While this crisis revolves around me, he doesn’t want any wedding planning going on.
Sulli smiles. “Got it. No wedding bells yet.”
Maximoff flips open a box of donuts that we bought for Sulli as a welcome, this house is now yours gift. He picked them up yesterday, so they may be stale. “Are you regretting moving in already?” he asks.
“No way.” She shelves the jellybeans. “I’m excited. Just a little freaked out by the people on the fucking street, but I think the FanCon prepared me for a lot.”
I’m happy the tour could help more than just my friendship with Moffy.
Sulli reaches for a Fruity Pebbles donut and bites into the dough. Cereal crumbs fall on her striped shirt. “And this place already feels like home.” She speaks with a mouthful. “I know where everything goes. I’ve slept over so many times, and you’re both here and so is Luna.”
My heart mushrooms, and a smile tugs my cheeks. I squeeze past Maximoff and wrap my arms around my cousin.
We hug and sway playfully side-to-side.
“I love you so much,” I tell her.
“I love you more.”
We pull back and smile. This past year, we’ve grown closer than ever before. Since she’s retired from competitive swimming, she’s been able to join us for more outings and trips.
And now she’s finally decided to leave the nest. She’s flown the parental coup and landed in our cramped but loving home.
Sulli could have so easily chosen my brothers’ flat in Hell’s Kitchen, seeing as how she’s best friends with Beckett. We’ve always had the open invitation extended to her, but I was even surprised when she finally accepted it.
I remember asking, “It’s because Eliot and Tom moved up to New York, isn’t it?” Living with two Cobalt boys is one thing. Living with four is hazardous. And I should know, I grew up with all five of them.
“Nope,” Sulli replied. “Beckett is super fucking busy with the new ballet, and I just really wanted a roommate. Luna sold me. She said we were going to get the fucked-up college experience that we’ll probably never really have.” She nudged my shoulder. “Plus, you and Moffy are pretty fucking rad.”
Our big life changes affect the lives of our bodyguards. Sulli’s move means that Akara Kitsuwon is officially living in security’s townhouse. Right now, most of SFO, plus Jack Highland, are helping him settle in next door. While also dealing with the mystery shoebox.
Later this weekend, the rest of our family is planning to help Sulli move furniture into Luna’s room. They’re transforming the space into a mini dorm. Complete with a bunk bed and beanbags. It almost makes me nostalgic for the whole three months I lived in Princeton dorms.
Almost.
Because those were also the loneliest, most miserable times of my life.
I don’t wish to repeat that.
The door to the adjoining townhouses suddenly opens. All of security returning. I try and look for Thatcher first, but I catch sight of Maximoff’s gaze. His powerful green eyes carry one urgent inquiry. As if silently asking: what was in the box?
12
JANE COBALT
Akara just shared the disturbing details of the shoebox with Sulli, Maximoff, and me in the tightly packed living room. Mainly to let us know this is a security matter.
Don’t worry, they all say.
It’s not about you , they all say.
It only affects us , they all say.
I think Security Force Omega has forgotten how much we deeply care about them and how much it hurts seeing them harassed while they shield us from harassment.
It’s our job , they say.
I know.
I appreciate their sacrifice more than they can possibly understand.
Did I ever imagine one of our bodyguards would be sent roadkill? In a box? With a bow wrapped around the mangled squirrel’s broken neck?
No.
Gross acts are tragically normal for me, but mostly when my family and I are the recipients. I’m not used to my bodyguard being a target.
Thatcher is a soldier. Tremendously tall. He’s physically a powerhouse, a supreme godly and angelic being who is built to protect and defend. I see so clearly that this is where he wants to be. I see how much of himself he’s willing to give to keep my family safe.