Mr. Bodyguard

Part VIII

Andrea's delicate features were illuminated by the soft glow of the afternoon sun as she sat cross-legged on the small balcony outside her room. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the garden below, and Andrea closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and relishing the moment.

She wore a simple white sundress that flowed around her like a gentle wave, and her long, shiny-black hair was pulled back into a loose bun, held in place by a colorful scarf. Her skin was a milk-ish, white, and her eyes, a bright, chestnut-brown, sparkled with the joy of reading.

As she sipped on a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, Andrea lost herself in the pages of her book, her mind transported to another world. She occasionally paused to take a sip of her juice, the sweet, tangy flavor bursting in her mouth, and then continued reading, her fingers tracing the words on the page.

The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore mingled with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, creating a symphony of sounds that lulled Andrea into a peaceful state. She felt content, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the comfort of her own thoughts.

Andrea's phone rang, breaking the peaceful ambiance of the balcony. She glanced at the screen and saw it was Xavier, her loyal bodyguard. He was out for a couple of hours already for work outside. Smiling, she answered the call.

"Hey Xavier, how's everything going?" Andrea greeted warmly.

"Hello, Andrea. Everything is going smoothly here. Just checking in to see how you're doing," Xavier replied in his deep, reassuring voice.

"I'm doing great, thank you. Just enjoying some quiet time with a good book," Andrea said, while laying on her bed with a flutter in her heart and butterflies in her stomach.

"That sounds lovely. Make sure to enjoy the sunshine, but don't forget to stay hydrated and take breaks too," Xavier advised, always looking out for her well-being.

Their conversation went on with a lot of laughter and smiles till it ended. As she looks at the time, she feels secure knowing that it won’t be long for Xavier to come home soon.

As Andrea dozed off, she was suddenly jolted awake by a faint noise coming from downstairs. At first, she dismissed it as the wind but grew louder and distinct. Her heart pounded in her chest.

Andrea quickly got up from her bed and made her way to the nearest window, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. She saw a shadowy figure creeping through the back of her house, making their way into the house. Andrea realise that she's in danger when she remember that she forgot to lock the backdoor downstairs.

Andrea’s mind races as she realises Xavier’s not here and she'll be on her own. She quickly grabbed her phone and quietly slipped into her bathroom, grabbing a vase filled with water and a heavy lamp.

Andrea's shaking hands dialed Xavier's number. As the phone rang the third times, Xavier answered.

"Hey, missed me already?" He asked then chuckled.

Without wasting times with Xavier's joke, panic evident in her voice as she pleaded, "Xavier, please come home quickly!"

Silent hit him for a moment before he asked, "What happen?"

In a shaky voice she replied, "There's an intruder in the house."

Xavier's unease grew as he heard the fear in Andrea's voice. "I'm on my way, Andrea. Stay hidden and stay calm," he reassured her.

The phone call ended shortly. She then crept back into her room, hiding behind the bedroom door as she waited for the intruder to enter. She could hear the intruder's footsteps getting closer, and she saw a shadow moving from under the door. That is when she knew she had to act quickly.

Andrea held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. As the door creaked opened and the intruder walks in, Andrea sprang into action, throwing the vase of water at the intruder's face, blinding them. She then swung the heavy lamp, hitting the intruder on the head.

The intruder fell to the ground, groaning in pain. That is when Andrea sprinted out of the room, trying to leave the intruder there and save her self. But before she could run, her foot being pulled causing Andrea fall, bump her face on the floor.

Her head spinning and a blood run out from her nose. Her eyes getting blurrier too. As she turn facing the ceiling, she felt heavy on her stomach. It was blurry but she still can see a shadow sitting above her.

Suddenly, it was hard for her to breathe as her neck was being choked. Her eyes widened in terror as she struggled to break free, clawing desperately at his hands, but his grip only tightened further.

With words filled in hatred, the intruder said, "All of you should have died a long time ago when your family chose to brought downfall on us!"

Just when it felt like her world was fading to black, the sound of a gunshot rang out, causing the intruder to release her with a gasp of pain. Andrea cough, gasping for breath, tears streaming down her face as she looked up to see Xavier standing by the stairs with a gun in his hand.

The intruder staggered back, clutching his side where Xavier's bullet had struck him. He glared at Xavier with hatred in his eyes before collapsing to the ground with a thud, unconscious.

Xavier rushed to Andrea's side, his hands gentle as he checked her for injuries, his voice filled with concern, "Andrea, are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

Andrea nodded weakly, still shaking from the adrenaline and fear coursing through her. She reached out to clutch Xavier's hand, tears of relief streaming down her face, "I thought I was going to die."

Xavier's grip on her hand tightened. A disappointment filled him as he realised that he failed to protect Andrea from harm.

Andrea lay on a stretcher, her eyes filled with relief as the medical team tended to her, checking for injuries and offering comfort. Xavier stood nearby, his face grim as he spoke with the police, recounting the terrifying events that had transpired in the house.

"I came home to find the intruder attacking Andrea," Xavier explained, his voice steady with determination. "I had to act quickly to protect her. The intruder was armed and posed a serious threat."

The police listened attentively, taking notes as Xavier provided a detailed account of the incident. Andrea glanced over at him, grateful for his unwavering support and strength in the face of danger.

Knowing that Xavier was by her side, she felt a sense of security and reassurance that she would always be safe in his care.

***

The night welcomed them. Andrea, as she finished showering, the warmth of the water soothing her nerves after the harrowing events of the day. She walked down the stairs for a glass of water only to find Xavier sitting in the living room, bathed in the soft glow of the dim light, his expression solemn and distant.

Approaching him cautiously, Andrea's heart clenched with worry as she gently asked, "Xavier, what's wrong? You seem troubled."

Xavier looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and disappointment, causing a pang of concern to shoot through Andrea's chest. Without a word, he reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her while saying, "I'm sorry, Andrea."

Andrea's confusion grew as she nestled into his arms, her hands resting on his chest as she whispered, "Xavier, what are you sorry for? You haven't done anything wrong."

Xavier's voice was soft and filled with emotion as he spoke, his breath tickling against her ear, "I'm sorry for not being able to protect you better, for letting you be in danger today. I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to you."

Tears welled up in Andrea's eyes at his heartfelt confession, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for this man who cared for her so deeply. She caressed his cheek, her voice tender as she reassured him, "Xavier, you saved me tonight. You were my hero. There's nothing to forgive. If you weren't there that time, I would've died today."

Xavier's embrace tighten as he felt terribly sorry for his mistakes and careless for today. Even though Andrea said that it was okay, he still feels dissatisfied with himself. And for sure, the next time, he will always stay by her sides often and be alert on her surroundings even though it means to give himself for her.

***

As Andrea slipped into bed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, the memories of the day's events still fresh in her mind. She glanced over at Xavier, who was sitting on the couch, his eyes heavy with exhaustion.

"Xavier," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate your offer to stay up here with me tonight, but I don't want you to sleep on the couch. Please, come and sleep next to me. It will be more comfortable than seeing you sleeping there."

Xavier looked up at her with surprise but quickly nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and affection. As he climbed into bed beside her, Andrea felt a sense of comfort wash over her.

She reached out to take his hand in hers, feeling the warmth and strength that radiated from him. At first, Xavier was surprised but he didn't pulled back his hand if that's what makes her felt safe.

The room brightened by the moonlight that peeks through the window. Andrea's eyes caught Xavier's sleeping face. She smiled. He was sleeping safe and soundly means he is tired. She pulled their entangled hands closer to her chest. The feelings of safe wrapped around her. She felt grateful that he was there whenever she needed him to. And she knows that after this is better to listen to him when her life is on the line for dangers to come.

To be continued...