Damaged Like Us (Like Us #1)(91)

Kinney, Xander, and I all exchange a look.

Luna blows a bubble with her gum. She was named after Luna Lovegood, a Harry Potter character.

My dad continues, “Can you imagine if Maximoff was actually named Goldballs?”

I glower at Farrow like do not speak of this, ever. He’s dying in amusement. It’s palpable and all over his face.

Dear World, stop making my boyfriend who loves to fuck with me enjoy today more than he already has. Sincerely, a peeved human.

My mom groans. “Please, stop.”

“Admit he’s not in your top ten.”

“Top twenty.”

“I can live with that,” my dad says.

“Good because I wasn’t going to change it for you,” she replies. I imagine she’s grinning, lifting her chin and playfully crossing her arms. I’ve seen her do it a thousand times before.

“Ouch,” my dad says in mock hurt. “Right in the heart, Lil.”

“It’s the only place I can reach,” she refutes.

“I’m not sure about that…” Their voices soften. Too quiet. Which means they’re lip-locked.

“Mom! Dad!” I shout, and Farrow and I reach the base of the stairs first.

A huge realization crashes into my chest right now—just as my mom swoops into view with a hearty wave and flushed cheeks.

For the first time, I’m about to have a family dinner with Farrow as my boyfriend. I get that he’s technically here as Luna’s guest. He’s even off-duty as my bodyguard. But the clandestine fact grips onto me.

I thought it’d be bittersweet, not being able to share the truth with my family. Keeping my relationship a secret. Private.

It’s not bitter at all.

I share so damn much of my life with them. With everyone. To have this space meant for only Farrow and me for a while feels less confining and just free. No pressure, no expectations. Just me and him.

Just us.





32





FARROW KEENE





As Lily’s ex-bodyguard, I consider myself fairly versed in all things Hale. And for as many conversations I’ve had with Lo, her husband, I’ve never been apprehensive or afraid. Never broken a sweat.

But I’ve also never been alone in a kitchen with him, cooking an easy pasta meal for Luna’s birthday. While carrying a loaded secret: I’m not just protecting your son. I’m sleeping with him. Oh, we fucked this morning, and I even gave him the best blow job of his life. He said so.

I manage to act casual, not cagey, but I stand on an edge I’ve never neared before. It’s a new feeling, for sure.

I fill a pot of water.

Lo lights a gas stove. “How are you and your father getting along?”

“We’re not.” I shut the faucet. “I haven’t talked to him in two and a half years.” I place the half-full pot on the stove.

“Huh, well I think eventually he’ll come around.” Lo rests a comforting hand on my shoulder. Dr. Keene has been loyal to the families for a very long time. See, they hope my father and I can mend whatever we tore, but that’s only going to happen if I leave security and work as a doctor.

And I’m not leaving Omega.

I’m not leaving Maximoff.

He drops his hand to pour tomato sauce in a pan.

“Dad.” Maximoff enters the kitchen from the living room, where the rest of the Hale family watches a sci-fi show before dinner. “I can help with—”

“No, no.” Lo points a spatula at the door. “Out.”

This is the fifth time Lo has shooed his son out of the kitchen. Maximoff narrows a glare onto me like, do something.

I lean on the counter. “You can’t be a part of everything, wolf scout.”

“Says you,” he refutes. “I say I can.”

“At least now we know who’s smarter.”

“Me—”

“Farrow and I have this under control,” his dad cuts him off. “Him and me—we’re talking. Go spend time with your mom. The one who nudged you awake when you slept as a baby. All because she was afraid you weren’t breathing.”

“Alright.” Maximoff straightens up and shoots me a look like don’t let him know we’re together.

No shit.

After he disappears, Lo asks me, “How’s the security working next week with the tents?” He means at the Camp-Away. One week left.

I removed my radio tonight, but Donnelly has been counting down to the raffle’s closing. We’ll have randomly chosen the 300 entrants by midnight. Then, we all have the arduous task of vetting them in seven days. I’m of the mindset that if any fucker slips through, we’ll handle it at the camp.

Preferably with no fists.

I’ve already had four bodyguards tell me, “Better get ready to grab Maximoff,” believing I’ll need to drag him out of a fight. Everything’s now shaded in a new light. I’d drag my boyfriend away from a fight. Not just my client.

My boyfriend.

I sense an emotional current racing through my veins. At a much higher voltage.

I shake salt into the pot of water. “Since Maximoff, Jane, and Sulli are the only ones attending the Camp-Away, besides the raffle guests, we’ll put most of the security on those three at night,” I start explaining the sleeping arrangements to Lo.