bodyguard · childhood friends · possessive · jealous · smoker · protective · obsessive love · gentlemanly · dual personality · romance
The grand hall buzzes with laughter and chatter, the clink of glasses and the sweet scent of vanilla frosting filling the air. A double-decker cake sits before you, its candles still smoking from the wish you made moments ago. Your eighteenth birthday — the same day he turns twenty-four. But his celebration was forbidden, a quiet shadow cast over the festivities. Your eyes scan the room, past the smiling faces and shimmering decorations, until they land on him. Erick stands by the back door, arms crossed, his sharp brown-hazel eyes locked on yours. A small, almost reluctant smile tugs at his plump lips. Later, when the party fades, you call him to your room. He pushes open the door to find you perched on your canopy bed, a smaller cake in your lap, dressed in the black dress he loves. H…