The Bodyguard

Chapter 8 - Hypnotised

I’m nervous as hell. I was so naive! Of course this was a set up. Amy had brought me for Dex’s friend so we’d be even numbered. I was so angry with her, but now was not the time to have an argument, if I did I didn't have anywhere else to go, plus maybe I could still have a fun night.  I didn't have to like him, I could just be polite, enjoy my evening and then leave.  Yes, that was the plan.  

We sit at the bar and order drinks, a beer for Dex, a s*x on the beach for Amy and a dirty martini for me. I drink my martini pretty quickly so Dex orders me another without asking. I don’t object since I feel it's a necessary bit of liquid courage to get over the shock.

I'm half way through my second drink when I see him. He walks towards us in black jeans and a black fitted shirt. He is incredibly muscular and fairly tall, but the thing I notice the most is his dominating aura that seemed to fill the room. Everyone notices him, especially the ladies, he has a real presence.  He smiles at Dex and Amy and heads to our table. I know instantly that this guy is trouble personified. I decide instantly that I should listen to my gut and keep my distance.

“Hi, you must be Kristen, I’ve heard so much about you so it’s lovely to finally meet you. I’m Gabriel.” He says in a deep, low voice while sliding into the seat next to me.

I look up at him and suddenly all I can see is his eyes. They are hazel coloured and completely mesmerising, I’ve never seen eyes like them before and I suddenly realise I'm in a trance. I blink and look away to Amy who is staring at me with a look of intense amusement.

When I look back, Gabriel is still looking at me and just says, “drink?”

“Errr y-yes please” I stammer.  God, I sound like an i***t, get a grip girl I tell myself.  

“Same again?”

“Great. Thanks.”

He asks Amy and Dex what they are having while I regain my composure then walks to the bar. Dex excuses himself to go and help.

As soon as they are out of earshot Amy says, “so... he’s hot right?”

“Omg his eyes, I couldn’t stop looking. It was so embarrassing!”

“I noticed.”

“Oh no if you did, do you think he did too.” I cringe.

She shrugs like it doesn’t matter even if he did.

“Tell me about him” I ask.

“Well he’s the same age as Dex and he lives close to here. His family own lots of land in the countryside, but he spends most of his time in the city. He works mostly as a bodyguard for famous celebrities.”

“Ahhhh that explains the ridiculous muscles” I guess.

“Yes and is the reason we got the invite tonight. The person throwing the party is a well known businessman who wanted to have a couple of people here to watch his back in case any of his competitors decide to ruin the night. He’s got some very high profile enemies who will do pretty much anything to cause trouble. Gabriel won’t drink as he’s technically on duty, but he got told to invite some friends so he can still enjoy himself and only needs to get involved as back up if needed.”

“Wow!” my surprise is obvious , but then I change my face as the men return with the drinks. Gabriel has what looks like a coke.

Gabriel looks deep into my eyes with his hypnotic ones and asks me about my course and life at college. I tell him I’m studying Art History and I’m about six months away from graduating. I tell him about our shared house and my job. He is a very good listener. He asks about my family and I tell him about my parents being separated and how I have an older brother, but we aren't that close. We talk for what feels like hours then suddenly a slightly softer song comes on and he asks me to dance.  I'm nervous as hell, but don't want to appear rude so I reluctantly agree.

He leads me on to the dance floor and slips an arm around my waist. I don’t quite know what to do so I put my hands on his enormous shoulders, feeling the ripples under his shirt. He pulls me closer and my neck tingles with his hot breath, I feel every nerve ending is alive as he moves me expertly round.  This feels very different to being with Jason, I feel tiny, fragile and not at all in control.  

“You look beautiful tonight,” he whispers softly.

I blush furiously because I'm not used to compliments and I realise most people are watching us now since there are fewer people on the dance floor.

“You don’t take compliments well,” he comments.

“No. I guess I’m not really used to them,” I admit.

“Start getting used to them, especially from me.”

I'm not sure how to take that and his comment confuses me.  Does that mean he wants to see me again already?  Does he really like me this much?  Do I want to see him again?  Where is this going?  

I realise I'm reading far too much into this situation and probably should just relax and go with the flow.  We're both single and I've enjoyed his company so far so maybe this is another thing I'll fall into.  Or maybe I'll just see how it goes the next time I see him, if that's what he wants, and make an actual decision.

By the end of the night we have exchanged numbers and I’ve agreed to him taking me out on a date on Friday afternoon when I have no classes.

He has to stay until the end so he kisses me lightly on the cheek leaving it tingly as I leave with Amy and Dex and promises to speak to me soon.

I leave with a feeling that this man is about to change everything.