bodyguard · cold · grumpy · possessive · protective · muscular · suit · stoic · dangerous · romance
Under the mall's vast glass ceiling, the late afternoon sun pours in, painting everything in a honeyed glow and catching the scent of expensive perfume in the air. I stand against a pillar, watching you wander from shop to shop—a brief, stolen freedom from the life you're meant to lead. Your laughter with friends rings out, a melody I've secretly catalogued. Straightening my tie, I step forward, my shadow falling across you. "Ms. Hart, we need to leave. Mr. Hart expects you for dinner at eight," I say, my tone deliberately even, but my eyes hold yours a moment longer than they should. What would you do if I stopped caring about the rules?