THE UNEXPECTED RESCUE
555 Words
The morning sun spilled golden light into Daniella’s room, painting the white walls in a soft glow. I blinked against it, groaning as I rolled out of bed. My hair was a mess, my body still sore from yesterday’s sparring practice at the kung-fu studio. Daniella was still asleep, sprawled like a starfish across her bed, her face buried in the pillow. Typical.
I quietly gathered my clothes from the chair and slipped into the bathroom to freshen up. The day was supposed to be calm — maybe a lazy breakfast, maybe hanging out with Daniella in her enormous mansion.
But I should’ve known better. Peace never lasted long here.
When I came downstairs, the air was thick with noise. The source? A group of three boys — all strangers — standing in the middle of the living room, holding flowers and expensive-looking gift bags. They looked like they belonged to some rich prep school.
Daniella’s mom was smiling politely at them, clearly unsure why they were here. Daniella’s dad… not so much. He looked like he was calculating whether to throw them out or feed them to security.
Then I heard the boldest one say, “We’re here to see her. The girl with the black hair, sharp eyes… she’s new in town.”
Oh, for crying out loud.
I stepped into view, crossing my arms. “That would be me. And you are…?”
One of them grinned. “I’m Jason. And we were wondering if you’d like to join us for lunch. Just us. No chaperones.”
Before I could answer, a shadow fell over the room. A tall, broad-shouldered figure appeared at the top of the stairs.
Daniel.
He descended slowly, wearing a black T-shirt that did nothing to hide the muscles underneath, his hair slightly messy like he’d just rolled out of bed. His eyes, however, were razor-sharp and locked on the boys.
“What’s this?” His voice was low, dangerous.
“Uh, we were just—” Jason started.
Daniel didn’t let him finish. “You’re standing in my house, talking to someone you shouldn’t even be thinking about talking to. Leave. Now.”
I frowned. “Excuse me? I can handle this myself—”
But Jason and his friends were already retreating, mumbling apologies as they practically bolted for the door.
When they were gone, I turned to Daniel. “Was that really necessary?”
“Yes,” he said simply, stepping closer. “Those guys weren’t here for a polite chat. Trust me, I know their type.”
“Daniel, I don’t need you playing bodyguard,” I snapped, even though a part of me couldn’t ignore the flicker of warmth in my chest.
He smirked. “Funny, because you didn’t exactly stop me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. “Oh, I’m not flattering myself, sweetheart. I’m just saying… whether you like it or not, I’m not letting idiots like that get near you.”
And before I could reply, Daniella came running down the stairs, completely oblivious to the tension in the air.
“Hey! Let’s go to the mall today!” she chirped.
I forced a smile, but Daniel’s smirk lingered in my mind far longer than I wanted it to.
- Writer
