Falling For My Grumpy Bodyguard

Chapter 5

DAMIEN

Let me start by admitting that I had no business being in this house today. I should have just dropped the damn phone with a courier, gone to the meeting I already missed yesterday, and moved on with my very disciplined, very controlled, very quiet life. But no. Instead, I was standing in Vincent Beaumont’s living room, watching his daughter pout like someone had just taken away her candy, while the man himself offered me a job I didn’t apply for.

And the worst part? I was actually considering it.

This ought to be the part where I asked myself, Damien Graves, what the hell are you doing?

Because last night, I had told Leo, “Just one more look.” and that would be it. Just one more look at her face, and maybe my brain would stop replaying her voice, the way she yelled at me, the fire in her eyes. I never thought about anyone that way, let alone a spoiled rich girl who tossed dollar bills at me like I was some beggar. But something about her stuck with me, and it pissed me off more that I could not figure out why.

I should have just washed my hands clean of her business. Yet I found myself digging through her details for reasons I didn't want to accept. That was when I learned she was only twenty-three, fresh out of Columbia University with a degree in Economics. Raised by a single father her whole life. Dating Logan Pierce, the bastard who thought it was fine to raise a hand at her. No wonder she still tried to defend him, even when he was clearly in the wrong. That part made me want to put my fist through a wall again.

So yes, I could have sent a messenger to drop her phone while I moved on with my life. But anyway, here I was, Vincent looking his daughter dead in the eyes and saying, “You have no other choice here, Arielle.”

“This is absolutely ridiculous, Daddy!” Her high pitched voice nearly cracked the ceiling. “Everyone is going to laugh at me for having a shadow following me. It's humiliating.”

She was fuming, arms crossed so tight I was surprised they didn’t snap. Meanwhile, Vincent stayed calm, too calm for someone being yelled at by a human storm cloud. “Damien has shown transparency by returning your phone. He has discipline. He has strength. Above all, he is the only one I trust with your safety.”

Arielle stomped her foot on the floor. “You are just overreacting, Daddy. You know I can take care of myself.”

Vincent wheeled closer, voice firm. “Don’t accuse me of overreacting when I’m the one in this chair because of an attack. Be quiet and listen to me for once.” That silenced her for a whole five seconds before he turned to me again, as if his daughter’s protests were background noise. “There’s a guest room downstairs. You can move in for convenience, if you’re willing.”

I nodded once. “That’s fine.”

I could feel her glare burning into me, but I didn’t look at her yet. Vincent reached into his pocket and held out a card. “Send an email to this address. My secretary will reply with the details. You’ll be added to the payroll, part of the company and your salary will be settled.”

I took the card without saying a word while he wheeled himself toward the elevator.

“Daddy, this isn’t fair!” Arielle called after him, her voice sharp with desperation.

He did not even pause, too worn out from her protests. “I only want what is best for you, Darling. Let me be.” The elevator doors slid shut, ending their conversation.

I looked at the card in my hand, pretending to study the Beaumont Industries written in gold letters. Of course I knew the company. What I didn’t know was that there was a daughter attached, a daughter like this. Maybe I ignored details like that on purpose, because people like her were always trouble.

But then, like a spark catching flame, she stormed up to me.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She snapped, glaring up at me with those big brown eyes, like she was trying to shrink me down to her size. “I know you’re poor and desperate, but why would you accept to be my bodyguard? Why couldn’t you just say no?”

Poor? Desperate? My laugh nearly slipped out. Maybe it was my shirt. Leo did tell me to wear the blue one instead. I should have listened.

A smirk formed at the corner of my lips while I spoke, keeping my voice flat. “Like you said, I’m poor. I'm literally driving a sedan, so yeah—I could really use the money.”

She made a noise that sounded half like a growl and half like a groan. “Do not send an email, and if they message you, you better reject the offer.”

“Why should I listen to you?” I asked, a brow lifting in alignment.

“If you don't listen to me, I’ll make your life a living hell.”

I let the corner of my mouth twitch. “I don’t think hell works on me.”

She huffed, stomping her foot again. “Stop being difficult. How much do you want? Five grand? I’ll pay you off right now. You don’t even have to work for it. That's a win-win for both of us.”

I shook my head, my voice dropping low. “I don’t want your money, Arielle. I want to protect you.”

She blinked, thrown off for a second, before a scoff escaped her little lips. “Protect me? Who told you I needed protection? I can take care of myself.”

“No. You can’t.” I said, and my words landed heavy.

She flinched, eyes flashing with disbelief. “Excuse me?”

I stepped closer, but not too close yet. “Yesterday, you stepped into the wrong car.” My voice didn’t rise, it didn’t need to. “If I hadn’t been decent, you’d be kidnapped right now and held for ransom because you’re Vincent Beaumont’s daughter. That’s reality.”

Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. For once, she was silent. She knew I was right, and it showed.

Then she laughed a little too loud, covering her nerves “Oh, I get it now.” Her hands clapped once before she covered her mouth to stifle her chuckle. “You’re just like every other guy who thinks I’m hot and wants to be around me. But let me save you the trouble. You’re not even my type.”

I smirked, tilting my head. “Is that so?”

“Yes!” she snapped, her voice cracking. “Absolutely.”

I stepped forward slowly, and she instantly took a step back. I moved again, and so did she. Step by step, I closed the distance until her back pressed against the wall.

I lifted my hand and planted it against the wall above her head, closing the space between us until our faces were just inches apart, close enough to hear the hitch in her breath.

“Then why are you turning red?” My tone was calm, almost a whisper, but laced with amusement. “I thought I wasn’t your type.”

She swallowed hard, cheeks burning. “B-because… it's summer. The air is hot. And nothing–nothing can ever make me consider someone obnoxious like you.”

I leaned in just enough to make her press back against the wall, my breath brushing her ear. “Summer? Sure. But that last part…” I let the words linger, low and daring. “We’ll see about that.”

Then I pushed off the wall casually, straightened my shirt, and walked away as if the moment meant nothing.

“Asshole!” she yelled after me, voice cracking with frustration.

I hid my smirk, refusing to give her the satisfaction of turning back.