The Bodyguard

chapter 3

The next morning, Alexander roused me from my sleep with a chuckle, and I groaned, requesting an additional 5 minutes.

"No can do. We have an airport to get to. Get dressed, and I'll grab us breakfast at the airport. Which bags can I take?" he inquired.

"The two duffle bags. Just leave me the backpack," I replied, sitting up and stretching. As he looked over, he noticed my pert n*****s visible through my shirt. I blushed embarrassed. Swiftly averting his eyes, he blushed, grabbed the bags, and left. I completed her morning routine, stowing everything else in my backpack before joining him in the living room.

Alexander waited in the living room, holding a bag in his hands.

"Ready?" he asked. I nodded, and they both headed to the car. He stowed his bag in the trunk before moving to open my door.

"Can I ask you something?" I inquire, gazing at the ground. He detected guilt and sadness in my eyes.

"Of course. What do you want to ask?" he prompted, looking at me, sensing he knew what I was about to ask.

"Did they find him? You know, his body," I asked, on the verge of tears. I prayed the answer was yes so he could be laid to rest peacefully.

"Yes, they found his body in the abandoned building, along with several members of the Aldo mafia. There will be a trial, and since you're the only witness, the lawyers and officers involved suggest you stand trial. Given the circumstances, I proposed that you shouldn't be physically present in the courtroom. Instead, we'll arrange a live video call with your voice altered and identity hidden. That is if you agree to stand trial," he explained, looking at me.

"I agree. I want to stand trial," I said eagerly.

"Very well. I'll inform everyone," he stated.

"Mr. Mathews, thank you," I expressed, offering him a small smile.

"Please, just call me Alexander," he insisted, returning the smile.

"Okay, Alexander," I agree. He took my hand, guiding me to sit in the car. Despite the sparkle in my eyes, he knew he needed to focus on getting to the airport and keeping me safe.

The car ride lingered in silence until they returned the rental car, making our way into the airport. Alexander efficiently secured tickets and managed the baggage check. After navigating through security, we found a restaurant to settle in, ordering food and drinks as we awaited our boarding time.

"So, you mentioned earlier that I was supposed to help you with something," I stated.

"Yes. We'll be heading to my home. The thing is, my parents also live there. Every time I do go home, they always try to set me up on blind dates," he explained, pausing to ensure I was following the conversation.

"Okay. What does that have to do with me and how can I help you?" I question.

"Well, I'd like you to pretend to be my girlfriend while we're there. After the trial, you're free to go back to your normal life," he proposed, awaiting my reaction. Attempting to keep a serious face, I ended up snorting and then chuckled.

"What's so funny?" he inquired.

"So, you want to use me so you don't have to go on blind dates," I teased with another giggle.

"I don't see how this is funny, but I suppose you could look at it that way. I thought it might be easier than explaining to my parents why I brought a random woman home. Plus, I have to keep you safe until this trial is over. Avoiding the dates was just a bonus," he explained, hearing me laugh again.

"I think this was all for the blind dates. I don't mind helping you," I say, smiling at him. "You'll have to tell me more about yourself—things like your birthday, your interests, how we met, when, and how long we've been dating," I add, looking at him, my giggle fit finally over.

"I took the liberty of compiling everything. Feel free to make any adjustments to our story," he mentioned, handing her a neatly organized notebook.

"Wow, you really thought this through, huh?" I remark, flipping open the notebook. He merely shrugged.

Once our flight began boarding, we settled into two adjacent seats towards the front, strategically chosen for more privacy.

"I secured first-class seats, considering it's your first flight and to provide us with more space. Only these two seats are next to each other. Would you like the window seat?" he offered. I nodded eagerly, taking my place by the window and gazing outside.

As the plane started its ascent, he repeatedly checked if I was okay. My response remained a simple "I'm fine," my attention fixed on the unfolding scenery outside. At some point, fatigue overcame me, and my head gently found its way onto Alexander's shoulder.

He stole a brief glance at me before smiling. After a while, he, too, succumbed to sleep, his head resting on mine. To any onlooker, it appeared as though we were an adorable couple who had peacefully drifted off together.