Mr. Bodyguard

Part VII

The sun began to set, Xavier sat in the dim lit living room, his gaze lingered on the closed door. He had been waiting for hours since Andrea went out. His mind replaying the heated exchange with Andrea. The room felt emptier than usual, the echoes of their argument still resonating in the air. He was hired as a bodyguard to protect Andrea from any harm, but now he realised that he had grown increasingly possessive of her over time. He had seen how the other guys would looked at her, the way their eyes followed her every movement and it makes him mad just to think about what's on their mind.

He couldn't bear the thought of anyone else touching her, or anyone else being near her when she was supposed to belong only to him. His heart pounding with mixture of fury and jealousy on the thought of Andrea going out with some other guys that she just met.

A glass of whiskey in hand, he sat in solitude, nursing not only the drink but also the wounds inflicted by the harsh words exchanged. The pain lingered, etched across his features. but his sense of duty compelled him to wait for Andrea's return. The anticipation in his heart mirrored the tumultuous waves crashing against the shore outside.

Xavier paced back and forth in the room, consumed by anxiety, the weight of waiting pressing on him. The silence was shattered by faint footsteps, triggering a surge of tension. In a moment of instinctual defense, he retrieved his gun, heart pounding, and pointed it at the door. As the door creaked open, Xavier narrowed his gaze scanned the entrance, ready for any threat. The dim light cash shadows, heightening the suspense. When Andrea stepped into view, he sigh of relief.

***

Standing in front of her house with Gabriel, Andrea felt a sense of gratitude for the day's adventures. The evening sky painted hues in orange and red, setting the backdrop for their farewell.

"Thank you for today, Gabriel," she expressed with a genuine smile, "I had a great time." Her eyes reflecting the warmth of the shared moments. The uncharted journey through the ocean had offered a reprieve from the complexities that surrounded her.

"Me too, Andrea," he said, a sincere smile playing on his lips.

"It was a much-needed break from everything."

Gabriel's gaze holding a hint of promise, added, "We should do this again sometime. Maybe I can show you more great places in the city."

Andrea's eyes lit up at the prospect, "I'd love that. Next time, we'll visit even more places together."

The sweet exchange carried a warmth that transcended the complexities of Andrea's world. As the evening embraced the moment, they said their goodbyes. Andrea wave at him and her eyes followed as his shadows disappears.

Andrea's cheerful demeanor faded as she opened the door, only to be met with shock of Xavier pointing his gun directly at her. The air in the doorway grew heavy with tension as their eyes locked, a charge silence enveloping the space between them

"Woah!" Andrea flinched, "What's going on here?" She questioned, the unease in her voice cutting through the stillness.

Xavier felt relief, he slowly lowered the gun.

"I thought there's an intruder. I was getting prepared," he said, the intensity of his awareness laid bare. His eyes held a concern, "Where did you go that you just got home this late?" he questioned, his voice a blend of curiosity and a simmering unease.

Andrea, feeling the weight of his scrutiny, hesitated for a moment before responding, "We went diving. We had fun exploring the ocean."

Xavier's jaw tightened. He slowly walk towards her. "Fun?" he repeated incredulously. "Andrea, you know better than to put yourself in danger like that." Andrea shrugged helplessly.

Andrea was about to step into the house when stumble but gladly, she didn't fall as Xavier caught her first. He help her stand up straight. While she was closer to him, her nose caught a smell of alcohol. She looked up, facing him as she stand straight. Their eyes met. Sensing the weight of guilt, Andrea took a deep breath, looking at Xavier with with a genuine expression of remorse.

"I'm sorry, Xavier. I didn't mean for it to turn into a fight. I appreciate that you're just doing your job, looking out for me," she apologized, her eyes reflecting sincerity.

Xavier, still grappling with the tension, softened at her words. "I just want to keep you safe," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his gaze.

"I understand that. I promise not to make harsh decisions on my own again. Let's make peace," Andrea suggested, extending an olive branch in an attempt to bridge the gap between them.

He sighs then leans his head onto her shoulder. Andrea was surprised that she just standing frozen there, didn't know how to react, she gave up in doing anything. Sometimes, she couldn’t even understand him. One time, he acted very protective and another time, he can be as gentle as a tamed beast.

Xavier gently wraps his arms around her waist and slowly pulls her close. He couldn’t help but hold her tightly against him. He knew how she felt in those whole years, trap in an empty space without anyone much around to fill her loneliness. She’s fragile and can be vulnerable sometimes. And he couldn't help but feel a sense of possessiveness and jealousy knowing that she’s going with some other guy.

As he held her close, he knew clearly that he can’t control every aspect of this girl's life, that she was a grown woman who could make her own choices now. But he also knew that he will do anything just to keep her safe and happy, no matter if his life becomes the token in a gamble of every fight. And as he drifted away with his emotions, with Andrea wrapped in his arms, he vowed to always be there for her, no matter what challenges or danger lay ahead.

***

As the sun began to peek over the horizon, the sound of birds singing and the dancing waves of the ocean filled in the air. The beach house was bathed in a soft golden light, casting a warm glow over the space. In the centre of it all, a young woman sitting at a small dining table, sipping on steaming cups of aromatic tea.

Andrea takes a peek at Xavier, who's been busy with his phone and just got back from the gym. She slightly feels awkward with him since he acted strange yesterday. She even remembers how he’s being soft spoken and being all of a sudden quiet. He even helps her dealing with the daily routine as the princess of a wealthy family.

He had been by her side for years, even though they're not in each others good terms but at least he's protecting her from harm and keeping her safe. Since then, he had become her confidant and safest place. But lately, there has been something odd in their relationship.

As they sat across from each other, Andrea couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her chest as she gazed deep into Xavier’s light brown eyes. His rugged features were softened by the morning light, and she found herself lost in his gaze. Xavier returned her stare with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

“Good morning, Andrea,” Xavier said with his low and husky voice. “How's your last night sleep?”Andrea smiled, feeling her cheeks flush with colour.

“I slept well, thank you for asking,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “And you?”

Xavier grinned, revealing a set of white teeth that contrasted against his tan complexion and took out a water bottle out from the fridge.

“I sleep well too,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “But I have to admit, I slept better knowing that you came back home safe last night.”

Andrea can feel her heart just skip a beat. She feels like Xavier is more than just her bodyguard when he’s acting warm like that. Even her heart can’t let go the feeling of him being around now.

Xavier walked slowly by the side of the table, took her hand and gently held it. She was nervous and shy at first but she didn’t avoid it this time. She can feel his rough fingers intertwine with hers. She can feel her heart swell with warmth over his act.

“Thank you for being here with me and willing to look out for me,” she said softly while her fingers running around the mouth of the coffee cup. “I don’t know what I would do without you.” she said again while looking into his eyes. Xavier squeezed her hand gently, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Well, you don’t need to find out,” he said firmly. “I will always be right here for you. Always.” He smiled.

As they stayed like that in silence for a moment longer, Andrea felt grateful for him in some way and somehow, she could feel where they were going if they kept acting like this. She could feel in the corner of her heart that something had blossomed between them.

But she also knows how this will be impossible for them too. They were just two people who were trying to find something in between the front lines of danger and uncertainty but they were determined to hold onto each other so they’ll find what they’ve searching for.

To be continued…