The second we’re outside, I spin fast. Jesse comes crashing into me, and I grab him by the shoulders, straightening him so I can glare at his face.

“You see?” I hiss. “I told you…”

“You told me what??” He huffs, brows zipping together in confusion.

“This is what happens when you’re nice to strangers,” I bark. Jesse gapes at me for a moment before letting a giggle slip out. “I’m sorry… Is this funny to you??”

“James,” he breathes, shaking his head. “You can’t just assume every stranger is going to want to fuck you.” He laughs. “Unfortunately, you have to give them the opportunity to hit on you so you can decline.”

“I don’t fucking care, Jesse,” I seethe. “I could’ve called it from a mile away. Those dudes aren’t looking for friends. They’re looking for a sexy young toy to spit-roast on their Christmas vacation. They’d settle for me being there, but trust me, they wanted you. And they can’t have you.” I inch up to his face. “They will never have you.”

His breathing shallows, lips parted and trembling a little as his wide golden eyes sparkle up at me.

“You’re really mad…?” he whispers.

“Yes… I’m really fucking mad, Jesse.” The scorch in my gaze holds his. “I’m gonna need you to not be so trusting. That those fuck-heads would even think they had a chance of getting near you makes me feel murderous.”

And now he’s blinking at me, cheeks flushing again, but in a different way.

There’s guilt and remorse in his eyes, and it stabs at my gut just a little. I shouldn’t be scolding him for being nice. Plus, it’s not like he would have gone anywhere with those guys alone.

At least I hope not…

But still, I’m worked the hell up right now. Strangers hit on my kid. My… partner.

“I told you, I was just trying to be nice, baby…” he whines quietly, with a pout on his soft lips that’s driving me insane. “I promise. I would never have agreed to that…”

“I know, Jess,” I hum, closing my eyes for a moment while I remember to breathe, pinching the bridge of my nose. “But you were letting them ply you with booze…”

“Only because you were with me!” He gasps. “I swear to God, James, I would never…” His voice trails as he stares up at me, visibly upset now, worrying his lower lip between his teeth. “I trust you with my life. You’re my guardian…” He clears his throat. “My protector. You always have been. Since I was a little kid, I never had to worry about feeling unsafe.” He eases himself in closer to me, toying with the hem of my shirt. “As long as you’re around, nothing will ever hurt me.”