Introduction
Federica's Pov
I stood by the tall window in my father’s study, staring out at the city lights below. The penthouse felt like a beautiful prison tonight. Everything in our world looked perfect on the outside, expensive furniture, crystal chandeliers, and guards everywhere, but I knew better. Being Richard Smith’s only daughter meant one thing: I was never truly free.
“Federica,” my father called in his deep, commanding voice. “Come here.”
I turned around slowly, flipping my long dark hair over my shoulder. Dad sat behind his massive oak desk, looking tired but still sharp in his tailored black suit. At fifty-five, Richard Smith was one of the most powerful men in the city. People whispered about his connections to underground businesses, deals that could make or break empires. To me, he was just Dad, strict, protective, and sometimes suffocating.
“Yes, Father?” I asked, trying to sound sweet even though I was already annoyed. I had plans tonight. A party with friends. Dancing. Maybe flirting with someone who didn’t treat me like fragile glass.
Dad leaned back in his chair. “There’s been another threat. The Unix family is getting bolder. They almost got to you last week outside the university. I won’t take any more chances.”
I rolled my eyes. “It was probably nothing. You worry too much.”
His expression hardened. “This isn’t up for discussion. I’ve hired a new personal bodyguard for you. He starts tonight.”
The door to the study opened before I could argue. Two men stepped in, but my eyes locked on only one.
He was tall, easily over six feet, with broad shoulders that filled out his dark suit perfectly. His hair was short and dark, with a few silver strands at the sides. His face was strong, with a sharp jawline and intense eyes that seemed to notice everything. He looked around thirty-eight or forty, much older than me. There was something dangerous about him, like a wolf dressed in expensive clothes.
“Federica,” my father said, “this is Sébastien Laris. He’s ex-special forces and one of the best in the business. He will be with you at all times — university, shopping, parties, everything. No arguments.”
Sébastien stepped forward and gave a small, polite nod. His voice was low and smooth with a slight French accent when he spoke. “Miss Smith. It’s an honor to protect you.”
I crossed my arms and looked him up and down. He was handsome in a rough, mature way that made my stomach flutter a little, but I pushed that feeling away. Another bodyguard. Another man who would follow me like a shadow and ruin all my fun.
“I don’t need a babysitter,” I said, lifting my chin. “Especially not one who looks like he wants to lock me in a cage.”
Sébastien’s eyes met mine directly. For a second, something dark and intense flashed in them, but his face stayed calm. “I’m here to keep you safe, not to control your life, Miss.”
My father stood up. “That’s enough, Federica. Sébastien has my full trust. You will treat him with respect. Now, go get ready for whatever you have planned tonight. He will drive you.”
I wanted to argue more, but I knew that look on Dad’s face. It meant the decision was final. I turned on my heels and walked out of the study, feeling Sébastien’s presence right behind me like a quiet storm.
In the hallway, I stopped and faced him. He was even taller up close. I had to tilt my head back to look at his face. He smelled faintly of expensive cologne. It made my heart beat a little faster, which only made me more irritated.
“Are you going to follow me everywhere? Even to the bathroom?” I asked, trying to sound bratty.
A tiny smirk touched the corner of his mouth, gone so fast I almost missed it. “Only if necessary. My job is to protect you, not make you uncomfortable… unless your safety requires it.”
His voice was calm, but there was a commanding edge to it that sent a strange shiver down my spine. I turned away quickly and headed toward my bedroom. “Whatever. Just stay out of my way.”
As I changed into a short red dress that hugged my curves, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Sébastien Laurent. He wasn’t like the other bodyguards my father had hired before — young, easy to ignore, or too scared of my dad to speak. This one felt different. Older. Stronger. More… in control.
I slipped on my heels and looked at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were a little flushed. Get it together, Federica, I told myself. He’s just another employee. Nothing more.
When I stepped out, Sébastien was waiting in the living room, hands clasped in front of him. His eyes swept over me once, slow, before returning to my face. I thought I saw his jaw tighten slightly.
“Ready, Miss Smith?”
I walked past him toward the private elevator. “Try to keep up, Sébastien.”
The ride down to the garage was quiet. Too quiet. I could feel the heat of his body behind me. When the doors opened, he moved ahead first, checking the area before letting me step out. Professional. Careful.
He opened the door of a sleek black car for me. As I slid into the passenger seat, his hand brushed lightly against my arm to steady me. Just a small touch, but it felt warm and strong.
I looked up at him. For a moment, our eyes locked again. His gaze was steady, almost too intense, like he could see past my spoiled attitude to something deeper.
“Seatbelt,” he said quietly.
I clicked it on, my heart beating faster than I wanted to admit. This was going to be a long night.
As the car pulled out into the busy city streets, I glanced at his hands on the wheel, big, veined, and capable. I quickly looked away, staring out the window instead.
He’s just the bodyguard, I reminded myself.
But deep down, something told me Sébastien was going to change everything.