Page 67 of The Bodyguard Situation

He doesn’t answer immediately, but his jaw tightens, and the pain in his eyes isn’t lost on me.

It’s a touchy subject, considering he and his previous fiancée ended things because she had been cheating on him with his best friend. Nick sometimes lets his dick think before his head. My brother said Nick was dead to him after that, but marrying that evil woman would’ve been a mistake.

Zane was supposed to find Autumn, and I smile, thinking about how damn cute they are together.

“It’s complicated. He broke my trust, and I don’t know if I can forgive that, but I’m trying. I can’t promise it’ll ever be the same between us, but we’re working through it.” He exhales slowly, glancing away. “He was my best friend. That’s not something I can just easily forget.”

I take his hand, squeezing it firmly. “People make mistakes, even huge, messy ones. Forgiveness is possible. I know it was super fucked up, but Nick is a good guy. Just kinda dumb sometimes.”

“He is a dumb fuck. But also when did you become the wise one?” he teases and glances over at the guys, who are deep in conversation. He adds, “We’ll see what happens.”

My brother’s eyes land briefly on Brody, who’s chatting with the others, his strength steadying me, even from a distance.

Zane clears his throat, eyes twinkling as he nudges my shoulder. “Speaking of complicated … Brody Calloway, huh?”

My cheeks flush instantly. “Shut up.”

He grins warmly, lifting a hand in gentle surrender. “Relax, Harp. If I trust anyone with you, it’s him. He’s a Calloway. They don’t do anything halfway. And if I recall, you’ve always had a thing for him. Bet you get married.”

I tilt my head at him. “Isn’t it usually my job to hand out love prophecies?”

He chuckles, eyes brightening with affection as he leans in, speaking near my ear. “Yeah, well, maybe it’s finally your turn.”

He straightens, his eyes sincere, the teasing fading into something deeply heartfelt. “You deserve happiness, Harp. Brody’s a good guy. If that’s what you want, you’ve got my full support.”

A wave of emotion hits me unexpectedly, gratitude and relief mixing inside me. I pull my brother into a tight hug, closing my eyes briefly, soaking in his familiar strength. My brother is my rock, the only reason I survived my mother’s death. He protected me through it all.

“Thank you,” I say, not realizing how much I needed to hear that.

“Doesn’t mean I won’t give him hell and fuck him up though,” he says with a laugh and a smirk as we pull away. “Now, try not to get into any trouble after I leave. Okay?”

“I’ll try,” I tell him. “No promises though. Trouble is my middle name these days.”

“It’s always been,” he reminds me.

Zane guides us to where everyone is gathered, their laughter and easy banter drifting comfortably in the cool mountain air. Easton checks his watch, glancing briefly toward the waiting helicopter, then shifting his gaze toward his car parked on the gravel nearby.

Brody follows Easton’s eyes, his mouth curving into an easy smirk. “Yes, your fucking car is still in one piece.”

Easton chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. “You read minds now?”

“Something like that.” Brody shrugs, his gaze steady but playful.

Weston elbows his brother, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he glances from Brody to me. “Maybe you two should just elope and get it over with. I’m sensing fireworks.”

Billie shakes her head, smacking Weston’s arms, but I know he’s just giving Brody a hard time because it’s obvious he’s different. Happy, even. I think we both are.

“Behave,” she warns him with a mock stern look before turning back to me with a soft smile. “Actually, Harp, before we go, I brought you something,” she says. “Wait here.”

She jogs to the helicopter and returns with a weekend bag stuffed full. “Thought you might need some clothes.”

I squeeze her tight, nearly crying when I see the brightly colored fabrics inside the bag. “Thank you so much.”

Brody takes it and jogs it inside the cabin for me. He’s gone for less than thirty seconds.

“Can we take a picture of us together? You know, to post something casual online and let everyone know you’re fine and just taking some personal time?” Billie asks.

“That’s a good idea,” Asher agrees with a nod. He’s a marketing expert who helped us navigate a treacherous path with Bellamore when Billie’s ex tried to destroy our company. “It could ease some of the pressure. Everyone thinks you’re a missing person right now, but thankfully, since you didn’t marry that stupid fuck, there is nothing he can do but talk.”

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