Page 111 of Trust My Bodyguard

“Yeah?” I fix the collar of my shirt. “I knew I had it in me.”

“Come on.” She slips her hand in mine. “The quicker we go in, the quicker we can leave.”

Her hand feels right in mine. I squeeze it gently and lead us in.

Nick spots us first. “There they are!” he cheers, bringing all eyes to us.

A cheer goes up, and applause and whoops mix in.

Someone breaks from the group and hurries our way. Iris. She runs straight to her sister and wraps her up in a tight hug. I step aside and let them have their moment. They stay locked in for a full minute before Iris pulls back.

“Never, ever do something that stupid again.”

Ivy’s eyes warm. “I can’t promise that, but I’ll always promise that I’ll come out alright.”

Iris doesn’t look pleased with this response. She turns to me and wraps her hands around my torso. I’m not sure what to do for a few seconds before Ivy gives me a look, encouraging me to hug her back. I’m not sure why she’s so affectionate. I’m not the one who put my life in danger. But I tap her back gingerly.

She pulls away and looks into my eyes, hers tearing up. “Thank you so, so much. I don’t think Ivy or I would be here right now if it wasn’t for you.”

My chest squeezes, and I pull her in for a quick hug. “I was only doing my job.” And falling in love along the way. My eyes meet Ivy’s, and she blows me a kiss.

Callum clasps hands with me, and pulls me into a half-embrace, thumping my back twice. Then he hugs Ivy. “We came as quickly as we could. Iris really wanted to be there when you met your father. I mean, Luke.”

“I did. But you delayed us.” She frowns at him.

“I didn’t want to put you in harm’s way.”

“My sister was in harm’s way.”

“There was a plan.”

“I should have been here. I can’t even look at you.” She turns around and stomps away.

Callum glances at us, an apology in his eyes as he hurries after Iris.

“Do you think they’re going to be alright?” I ask.

“I’m sure of it.” Ivy watches them, a smile on her face. “Iris wouldn’t even speak to him if she was truly mad. This is sort of a mating dance for her.”

“What is our mating dance?” I ask her.

Her face flames. “Your mom is coming.”

I lift my head as Mom arrives.

“Brody.” She hugs me, but only so briefly. It feels like it didn’t happen. “Oh, Ivy.” She squeezes Ivy in a bear hug. “I heard what happened. Are you alright?”

Ivy looks a cross between a deer caught in the headlights and a pup with her doting mother. Seeing her debate on how to interact with my mom is cute.

“I am. Brody came just in time.” She glances at me, a silent plea for assistance in her eyes.

I chuckle silently and shake my head. She gives me a look and faces my mom again.

“As he should.” She pats her arm. “You were very brave, Ivy. We’re all so proud of you.”

“We?” She frowns.

That’s when Nick’s mom, Bethany, and Zane’s mom, Amanda, show up.

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