The force of Rusty's hug caught Jim by surprise and nearly knocked him off balance, thankfully it only look a half step backwards to keep the two of them standing upright as he wrapped an arm around the younger man, not missing the tension that thrummed through his body or the palpable relief that was now radiating from him. As a result, he couldn't help frowning a little and the look he gave Pippa at her question was a far cry from his usual easy going expression. "And three can be a crowd," he replied, twisting slightly so his body was between her and Rusty. "Especially if one person isn't playing nice."