The Bodyguard

He pulls me into a tight embrace, and his eyes lock onto mine

This man...I don't know what it is about him, but I just can't seem to stay away. If this is wrong, then I don't want to be right. I-I want.......

He leans in until our lips just barely brush, sending tingles down my spine

What do you want, baby?

I look straight into his eyes and take a deep breath, aware my answer will change everything between us. But before I can admit what's been on my mind ever since I met him, a different, familiar voice chills me straight to the bone.

What's going on here?!

Is that my husband??

Ten days ago...

Although being a senator's wife has its perks, the downsides are far greater. Every moment of my life is planned out and scrutinised every wrinkle scoffed at

Good morning, Jessica

I flash a wide smile at the receptionist, who looks almost startled to see me. Her cheeks are flushed, and her mouth remains open right until the elevator doors close between us

What's up with her?

As soon as I reach the third floor, I walk straight into Eli's office and glance down at my watch

Eli and I are supposed to have a sit-down interview with National News today to discuss his campaign

we're running a bit late - we'll have to hurry if we want to make it on time

I open my mouth to announce my arrival, but the sight before me stops me in my tracks

Is that Lora, His assistant? No wait, I think her name is Lexa

She's half sitting on the edge of the desk, facing my husband. When I noticed her hand rubbing him between his legs, it didn't take me long to realise what was going on

I watch through the thinly veiled fascination as the woman in question straddled my husband on his office chair

She's much more attractive than the last one

Eli's chapped lips are kissing her exposed shoulder while her head is thrown back and her eyes close in pleasure

Oh, please I've felt those lips on my skin before. There's no way it feels that good

She moans loudly as his hand begins to move up her thigh. They are so wrapped up in one another that they haven't even noticed I'm standing in the doorway. Just as he starts to slide down her panties, I clear my throat

Eli, are you ready to go?

Kiara!!!

Eli immediately stands up, which sends Lana tumbling to the ground

Ouch!

It didn't take her long to get back on her feet, and her eyes grew wide when she noticed me

Mrs.Nelson! It's so nice to see you again!

I nod in her direction

Lexa

Oh, it's Lana actually, ma'am. But that's close enough! Wow, you look lovely, Mrs.Nelson!

Lana adjusts her blouse, then runs her hand through her hair, Giving me a big, nervous smile.

Poor girl! She can't believe this is the first time I've walked in on something like this, can she?

I forgot you were coming, darling. Time must've gotten away from me. we have that....?

The interview with National News, sir

Eli shoots her a smirk and she blushes

What exactly had you so preoccupied, dear?

or should I say who?

You know, the usual. I'm up to my neck in paperwork lately

of course. And what was Lexa doing in here?

Ms.Hale was just helping me - -

There it is!!

Lana bends down and picks up something off the floor

I found my earrings! I know I lost it in here yesterday.

Ah, there we go

Legal, sweetheart, that's a piece of rice from the lunch I packed my husband. He's a bit of a messy eater, so I'm sure there's more where that came from

Eli narrows his eyes at me, and Lana's face heats up with embarrassment

Wow, I guess you're right. it must be in here somewhere

I resist the urge to roll my eyes

Maybe it got stuck in my husband's zipper

Kaira!

What? Maybe you should zip it up if you don't want to draw attention to it. That would be awkward to look at on National Television

I should get back to work. I don't want to take up any more of your time. Let me know if you need, anything Mrs.Nelson

Thank you, Lana

oh! Before I go, here's your mail, sir!

Lana places a stack of letters on Eli's desk and then quickly hurries out of the door

Was that necessary?

No, I suppose not. Hasn't anyone ever told you not to sleep with your staff? how unprofessional.

Eli rolls his eyes, then changes the subject

Have you gone over the answers I gave you for the interview? I left a list on the counter in the kitchen

I looked at the list, yes

And?

Don't worry, I know my role. I'll recite the answers by heart

Eli glares at me

I lucked out marrying you, Didn't I? Always so obedient and reliable

I aim to please

Eli picks up the stack of letters from his desk

We should get going

Just let me go through these letters, and then we can leave

Eli throws several letters into the trash without even giving them a second glance. When he gets to an unlabelled envelope, he paused

Eli, we don't have time for this

stop nagging, will you?

He opens the letter and unfolds the paper inside of it, reading the content carefully. His face turns white, and he looks up at me in alarm

The interview is cancelled. You need to leave. Right now

Excuse - -

Don't argue with me, Kiara! Go straight home, I have something that I need to deal with

I have never seen him so worked up. He almost looks....afraid?

Against my better judgment, I listen to Eli and head back home.

It's been hours since I got home and still no sign of Eli. I spoke with National News and explained that we needed to reschedule - to say they weren't happy about it would be an understatement

Is this really how my life was supposed to turn out? From a Harvard graduate to a trophy wife? Pathetic. And I can't do anything about it. Whenever I brought up the idea of divorce, Eli became infuriated. "It's bad publicity"! he would tell me. So now I'm stuck in a loveless marriage, for what? the rest of my life?

A look of determination crosses my face

No. I can't live this way anymore. I'm not some weak little housewife. The minute he gets home, I'm demanding a divorce - Whether he wants it or not

Just as I think that Eli comes through the door...And leaves it open for some reason

Close the door, Please. it's really cold outside

don't be so impatient. There's someone I'd like you to meet. This is Warren Garcia. He's an ex-SEAL and is the top man on my security team

In walks a strong, Imposing man with a sharp jawline and an equally sharp expression. His face is serious, but his eyes are piercing

okay...why is he in our house, Eli?

Warren is going to be your personal Bodyguard

My Bodyguard?! What the hell is going on?

I received this letter today

Eli hands me an envelope, and I open it. Inside of it is a neatly typed letter and a handful of pictures. I shiver when I realise the pictures are of me at the store, me out in the street, and even me asleep on our couch

what is this, Eli?

Just read the letter

Dear Mr.Nelson.....Here's proof that we not only know where she is at all times....but we can also get into your house without you even knowing. If you don't drop your campaign, your wife's days are numbered. Consider yourself wanted.

There's no signature on the bottom of the letter

What is this?! Is this some kind of sick joke?

it's nothing to be concerned about

nothing to be concerned about? Eli, There's a picture of me sleeping on our couch. They were in the house while I was taking a nap. How is that not concerning to you

The Bodyguards eyes flicker over to me, but he stays quiet

These things happen all the time. Most high-profile senators and members of Congress are used to receiving death threats. They get them daily

Then what's with the Bodyguard?

Eli shrugs

I'd look like an asshole if I didn't take them at least a little seriously. Especially since the letter has been leaked to the public

I gasp

What?! How?!

Eli checks his watch with a bored expression on his face

I had to tell National News why we cancelled the interview on short notice

I stare at him in shock

why would you do something so foolish? I texted you and told you I'd already contacted them about the interview. Everything was fine!

Calm down, Kiara. Those people are like vultures. I needed to give them something, otherwise they'd never have agreed to reschedule

He doesn't seem to realise what he did

Eli, I'd already rescheduled! I have everything handled! what if you just put me in even more danger? Does my life mean so little to you?

Jesus

Eli laughs and his patronising eyes roll over me

There's no need to be so dramatic all the time dear

And what if I don't want a Bodyguard

I don't care what you want. I am your husband. what I say goes

You sound ridiculous. This is a marriage, not a dictatorship

Regardless, this is how it's going to be until the matter is dealt with. starting first thing in the morning, Warren will be watching every move. He'll be reporting back to me with any suspicious

Like a glorified babysitter, then?

Eli chuckles

If you'd like to look at it that way, then yes. As long as he's with you, there's nothing to be worried about. I have to get back to work now

Eli, I want a divorce

Not now, Kiara

And with those words, he takes off and walks out of the door

Great. Not only am I trapped in this loveless marriage.....but what little freedom I did have has just been taken away from me. The minute these threats are no longer an issue. I'm done. I won't degrade myself any longer by staying married to this pretentious asshole.

I glacé at the stranger who's just standing there silently. I try to ignore the ridiculous bulk of his muscles and look anywhere but at his..whole torose

Warren, was it?

Yes, ma'am

Well, Warren.....I guess you and I are going to have a lot of fun

..........

The only answer I got was a nod

The next morning. My new shadow follows me everywhere

if you're going to walk so close to me, the least you can do is hold a conversation. otherwise, you just look like a creepy stalker following me around.

yes, ma'am

How can someone be so....quiet? Doesn't he ever get bored? I've been trying all morning to start a conversation with him, but the only responses I've gotten have been short sentences or one-word sentence

Are you always this quiet? or is it just me who brings out the exciting side of you?

Warren's lip twitches up before he composes himself again

Just doing my job, ma'am

I see my favourite coffee shop across the street, and I head towards it

Maybe some breakfast will loosen you up

I smile as I lead the way

Ten minutes later, we sit down at an unoccupied table with our order

Not much of a breakfast man, I take it?

coffee is just fine

And you drink it black. How very predictable

He raises an eyebrow at me

what? don't give me that look

is there something wrong with being predictable

I pause for a moment.... that's the longest sentence he's said to me all morning

I suppose not. Predictable at least means that you're punctual and reliable, which are great qualities to have. it's fine as long as you still have fun sometimes, you know?

Warren sips his coffee

sometimes I add cream just to liven things up a bit

I laugh

Yes, how very daring of you

I guess he does have a sense of humour

He hesitates for a second like he's unsure whether it's rude or not, but then he decides to speak

You only ordered a latte yourself. is that your usual routine

You notice things, don't you? But you're right. I usually order something to eat, too. It's just....this anonymous threat has shaken me up a bit. it's hard to believe someone would threaten Eli with my life. if they were someone close to him, they would know it is pointless. he doesn't care what happens to me

I force myself to smile

sorry about that. I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable

Not at all, ma'am. Relationships....have their challenges

You sound like you've gone through some. Is your girlfriend upset you have to be away so often? sorry if I'm being nosy

I don't have time for relationships right now. My priorities lie elsewhere

That's smart

I fiddle with the coffee cup in my hand

can we take this to go? I'd like to go home now

of course

it isn't long before we're back in the house. Warren finished his coffee before we even left the coffee shop, so I put mine on the table. I try to think of something to ask him

Have you ever tried - - -

Wait. somethings wrong

suddenly, a gunshot pierces through the air! The vase on the counter shatters, and the glass fragments fly everywhere. Terrified, I cover my head with my hands as the hurlers continue to rain down. Warren tackles me to the ground, and I feel the whoosh of air as one nearly grazes my arm. I look at him with my eyes wide open, and I realise that he just saved me from getting shot!

we need to leave!

He pulls me up and shields me with his body as we start running toward my bedroom. I feel a rush of blood pressure in my ears, my heart loudly thumping with fright, and I run as fast as I can. But then a sharp pain slices through my shoulder, and I trip. Warren is quick to react

Take my hand!

He extends his arm and offers it to me, his eyes asking me to trust him. I reach it and grab his hand without any hesitation. Warren's other arm slides underneath me tight and he lifts me, holding me bridal style. My arms automatically wrapped around his neck, and I Buried my face in his chest. Just before we make it around the corner, he grunts in pain and stumbles

Warren?! Are you okay?

He didn't answer me, but his mouth was set in a firm line. We make it into my bedroom closet where he slams the door shut behind us and sets me down on my feet

I have to go back there

But you'll get shot!

Nonsense. I've been through much worse than this

Even though his words are confident, I still sense slight hesitation in his body language

The shooter can't get to us here. If you go out, you'll be at a huge disadvantage

He shifts his body, and his hand accidentally grazes my breast, causing my heart to skip a beat. he immediately averts his eyes and tries to step away

Sorry. This closet is too small for two of us

your muscles take up too much space

He didn't say anything, but the corner of his mouth turned up. He reaches for the noble

Would I mind sharing this hiding spot with him?

Good luck, Warren. please take care.....

You can have faith in me Mrs, Nelson. Stay put

And with those words, he leaves me alone in the closet

I hope he's going to be okay

Gunfire echoes as bullets hit the wall behind me. I cover my ears and let out a scream

Warren!

There is no reply. The sound of gunfire eventually dies out, and the goosebumps on my skin slowly fade away. still; I stay where I am - I could put Warren in even greater danger if I leave. Minutes pass slowly. I strain to hear a single sound but there is nothing. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Warren comes back

Warren! Are you okay? I heard shots

I'm fine. But I need to make sure it's safe to leave. can you wait here for a few more minutes

of course

Warren opens the door and goes out

someone was trying to kill me. But Warren saved me. Maybe it isn't a bad thing having him as my Bodyguard

I can't help but wonder what Eli would've done in this situation. Snorting, I realise he probably would've used me as a shield. or maybe even offered them a deal......my life for his safety

How is it that two men can be so incredibly different? While Eli is selfish and full of empty words, Warren is a man of action and integrity. Despite being in danger himself, he still did everything he could to protect me. Being married to Eli has almost made me forget that there are decent men out there

Men like Warren

What was that?

N - nothing!

I didn't even notice him come back!

You can come out

Are they gone?

Yes. They escaped

Warren glances at me and freezes

is that blood?

my eyes widen, and I follow his own down to my shoulder. He walks over and gently holds my arm to get a better look

Looks like it's just been grazed. I still need to disinfect it though

There's a small first aid kit in the bathroom

Warren nods and walks out of the bedroom. Merely two minutes later, he's back with the kit

Is it going to hurt?

I'll try to make it as painless as possible, Mrs Nelson

Warren pulls out gauze and disinfectant spray from the kit and begins to expertly clean the wound. As I watch him, a thought suddenly dawns on me

I could've died

Warren tenses, but quickly resumes wrapping my shoulder with the gauze

someone is trying to kill me

I can feel myself getting scared

My only crime was marrying a senator. is that something people want me to die over?

I start shaking

This isn't a prank...I'm going to.....I'm going to be...

Listen to me, Mrs Nelson

Warren stands up and crosses his arm over his chest

I was hired to protect you, and that's exactly what I intend to do

You can't be with me all the time! What happens when you go home? They came into my HOUSE!

I don't think you understand exactly what your husband is paying me to do

He steps closer to me

My only job, my only purpose right now is to protect you at all costs. I'm not leaving your side. Ever

Something about the way he was looking at me sent shivers throughout my body. When I speak again, My voice sounds almost optimistic

Ever?

A small smile plays along Warren's lips

Until your husband says otherwise. But you should know, that it would make my job a hell of a lot easier if you listened to my instructions

As If on cue, the door to the room bursts open, and a man rushes inside. Warrens spins and immediately draws his gun, ready to fire

WHOA!

Eli's eyes bug out in shock, and he flies backwards, using the door as a shield

Mr.Garcia! Put your weapon down right now!

Warren immediately lowers his gun

sorry, sir. we took on some gunfire. You can never be too careful

Eli nods

I received word from our neighbours that there were gunshots heard from our house. What the hell happened?

Someone broke into the house

Jesus

Eli runs his hand through his hair

Good thing I wasn't too far away. I got here as soon as I could. Did they break anything? steal anything?

Warren glares at him. it takes me a second to remember why it's not normal to care more about your possessions than your wife

They were aiming at Mrs.Nelson, but she's come out of it mostly unscathed. She's only gotten some minor injuries

He glances back in my direction and Eli follows his gaze. His eyes hone in on the gauze around my arm

My wife was shot?!

Yes, I was shot! And you know what? You should've taken that threat a little more seriously, Eli! you had me believing it wasn't real! But whoever is behind it is trying to KILL me!

Eli turns his Furious glare towards Warren

How could you let this happen?!

Eli, he saved me!

Shut up, Kiara!

it won't happen again, sir

You weren't doing your job!

What is wrong with you? If he hadn't been with me, I would've been killed!

It isn't safe for you to be in this area anymore. And since they've gotten into our home, I have no other choice

What are you talking about?

Eli's eyes set on me, and I feel cold shivers run down my spine

I'm sending you away with Warren