Sébastien’s pov
The engine hummed softly as I drove through the quiet city streets. The lights from passing buildings flickered across Federica’s face. She sat pressed against the passenger door, legs squeezed tightly together, staring out the window like the city view was the most interesting thing in the world. I could see the flush on her cheeks even in the dim light. My words from earlier still hung heavy between us.
I gripped the steering wheel tighter. *What the hell were you thinking, Laris?* Pinning Richard Smith’s daughter against the car and whispering those filthy things… It was reckless. Unprofessional. But the way she had looked at me — shocked, aroused, breathing fast — had made something primal wake up inside me. I had felt her body tremble. I had smelled her scent. And now my c**k was still half-hard, reminding me of how badly I wanted more.
I forced my eyes back on the road. There were more important things than my growing desire. The Unix family was not playing games. My contacts had sent a message earlier tonight — one of their scouts had been seen near the club. Nothing direct, but close enough to make me extra alert.
“Miss Smith,” I said quietly, breaking the silence, “did you notice anyone unusual at the club tonight? Someone watching you too closely?”
She turned her head slightly, still avoiding my eyes. “No… why? Are you being paranoid now?”
“Not paranoid. Careful,” I replied. “Your father didn’t hire me for nothing. The Unix family has been making moves. I need you to tell me if anything feels off.”
Federica let out a soft sigh. “Everything feels off lately. I can’t even enjoy one night with my friends without feeling like I’m in a cage.” Her voice was a little slurred from the drinks. She was still tipsy, which made her more honest. “Ruby gets to go on a cruise and relax. Me? I get a bodyguard who pins me against cars and says… those things.”
I glanced over at her. A small, dangerous smile tugged at my lips. “You didn’t seem to hate those things.”
She crossed her arms and looked away again, but I saw her thighs press even tighter together. Good. Let her feel it. Let her remember.
The drive was longer than usual because I took a different route, just in case. As we passed a quiet park overlooking the river, I pulled the car over slowly and stopped.
“What are you doing?” Federica asked, sitting up straighter.
“Giving you the fresh air you wanted earlier,” I said simply. “And checking the surroundings.” I stepped out first, scanned the area carefully, then opened her door. “You can step out for a minute. But stay close.”
She hesitated, then got out. The cool night breeze moved her hair. She walked a few steps toward the railing that overlooked the dark water and city lights. I stayed right behind her, close enough to protect, far enough to give her space.
“It’s beautiful here,” she whispered after a moment. “I never get to see the city like this. Just… peacefully.”
I stood beside her, hands in my pockets. “Beauty can be dangerous. That’s why I’m here.”
She turned to look at me. Her eyes were bright, a mix of alcohol and curiosity. “Why do you do this job? You seem too… intense for just following rich girls around.”
I looked out at the water. “I used to serve in special forces. Saw too many bad things. Now I protect people so they don’t have to see those things.” I paused, then added honestly, “But you’re different. You make it hard to stay focused.”
Federica bit her lip. For a second, the tension between us felt electric again. I could have pulled her close right there. Instead, I stepped back.
“We should go. Your father will be waiting.”
The rest of the drive was quieter. Federica leaned her head against the window and eventually closed her eyes. By the time we reached the underground garage of the penthouse, she was half-asleep. I parked the car and gently touched her shoulder.
“Miss Smith, we’re home.”
She stirred, looking soft and vulnerable for a moment. Then her walls came back up. She got out quickly, but she was still unsteady on her feet. I offered my arm, but she ignored it and walked toward the private elevator.
Inside the elevator, the small space made the air feel thick again. She swayed a little. This time when she stumbled, I caught her around the waist without thinking. Her back pressed against my chest for a few seconds.
“I said stay away,” she mumbled, but there was less fight in her voice now.
“You’re going to fall and hurt yourself,” I said close to her ear. “Let me help you to your room. Then I’ll leave you alone.”
She didn’t argue. We walked down the hallway like that — me supporting her gently, her trying to pretend she didn’t need it. When we reached her bedroom door, she stopped and looked up at me.
For a long moment, neither of us spoke. Her eyes dropped to my lips, then back to my eyes. My body reacted strongly. I wanted to push her inside that room, lock the door, and show her exactly what her teasing did to me. Instead, I stepped back.
“Goodnight, Federica,” I said, using her first name for the first time. My voice was low. “Sleep well. I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”
She opened her door, paused, and glanced back at me one more time before disappearing inside. I heard the lock click.
I stood in the hallway for a few minutes, breathing slowly to calm myself. This girl was getting under my skin faster than I expected. She was spoiled, rebellious, and far too tempting. But there was also something real and lonely underneath her attitude. I wanted to protect her. And, if I was being honest with myself, I wanted to claim her.
My phone buzzed. A message from one of my contacts:
*Unix scouts spotted two blocks from the penthouse. Stay alert.*
I deleted the message and leaned against the wall opposite her door. Sleep would have to wait. Tonight, I would guard her personally. No one was getting near Federica Smith.
Not the Unix family.
And definitely not my own growing hunger for the girl I was supposed to only protect.