Guarding tlThe Billionaire's Heart

The sound of glass shattering was not new in the Bennett mansion. It rang through the hallway like a sudden scream sharp, bright, and almost beautiful if destruction had a melody. Olivia Bennett stood barefoot on the marble floor, her breathing uneven as glittering shards surrounded her toes. A wine glass had slipped from her hand when she’d stumbled in, still dizzy from the party she had no desire to be at. Red wine poured on the white expensive coach, everywhere was a mess . She didn’t know how to clean, like it's part of her life. Her father walked in before she even looked up. Richard Bennett moved with the confidence of a man who owned half the city. Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a suit despite the late hour. His presence filled the hallway before he spoke Another accident? he asked,in a low tone I’m fine, Dad You’re drunk. She gave a breathy laugh. That’s one way to say ‘welcome home. You’re reckless, Olivia And you’re overbearing, she snapped too quickly. The silence that followed felt heavier than the argument itself. He didn’t shout,he didn't scold. That would’ve been easier Instead he spoke with the cold authority he gave to boardrooms. This ends tonight. Olivia’s heart thudded. What ends? Your carelessness. Your attitude, Your behavior,Your late-night events. Your constant need to fight me. He paused. And your safety is at risk. Her eyebrows pulled together. My safety Dad, please don’t start with the whole— He cut her off. Someone followed your car tonight. Her breath caught. A small tremor ran down her spine as she searched his eyes. He wasn’t exaggerating. Richard Bennett never played with danger. Who? she ask We don’t know yet. His hands slipped into his pockets but it didn’t hide the tension rolling off him. This was the third time. Olivia swallowed the lump rising in her throat. I wasn’t told about the first two. And that was my mistake, he said simply. I thought it was nothing but now I know better We’ve strengthened security, he continued. And first thing tomorrow morning, you’ll meet your new personal bodyguard. The word hit her like another shattering glass No,she said instantly. Absolutely not. I don't need a bodyguard. I can take care of myself,I’m not some child you need to lock behind guards. You are my daughter. His voice deepened, resolute. And you are the easiest way to hurt me. The words stole her breath for a moment. Richard Bennett was not a man who spoke in tenderness. Not a man who admitted fear. The confession rare and raw, left Olivia stunned. Still, the stubbornness in her rose fast fueled by the feeling that her life was no longer hers. I don’t need a babysitter, she said. You need protection, From what? From the things you pretend don’t exist. His eyes softened almost imperceptibly. Olivia, you can hate me all you want. But I will not risk losing you. Her stomach twisted. She looked away, blinking quickly. Emotions sat too close to the surface tonight, closer than she wanted her father to see. Listen Olivia, I am your father, and I want the best for you. Go to bed. We’ll talk more in the morning. Olivia didn’t move at first. It hit her, slowly and painfully: he was scared that something or someone was becoming a threat. And for once this wasn’t about control or disappointment. It was about fear. For her. That terrified her more than she wanted to admit. She stepped over the broken glass, ignoring the faint sting when a shard pricked her foot, and walked past him. His hand twitched like he wanted to stop her, but he didn’t. Goodnight, Olivia, he said. At night, she whispered back. Her bedroom was her sanctuary. A room large enough to be an apartment by itself soft cream walls, warm lights, shelves filled with books she actually read, The lights from the skyscrapers shimmered like stars trapped in glass. She closed the balcony doors behind her and got onto her bed, running her fingers through her hair. Someone followed your car tonight. The words keep repeating like a warning drum. Her life had always felt crowded with cameras, paparazzi, gossip pages that took a single careless moment and made it a story. But this was different. This felt personal. She wrapped her arms around her knees, hugging herself. Maybe she was reckless. Maybe she was tired of living by rules she never wrote. Maybe she just wanted to feel alive in a life planned for her since birth. But she wasn’t stupid. If there was a real threat, she needed to be careful. Still… a bodyguard? Someone glued to her side? Standing behind her in every room? Watching her every move? No. No, she hated the idea already. She lay back on the pillows, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow, a stranger would enter her life. A man who’d study her, follow her, maybe judge her like everyone else did. And she’d have no choice.Her eyes grew heavy. Sleep pulled her in slowly, leaving only one final thought. I hope he’s not the controlling type. Morning came with sunlight slipping through her curtains and a soft knock at her door. Olivia groaned, dragging the sheets over her head. She’d barely slept, her mind trapped between fear and annoyance. Olivia Her father’s voice. He’s here. Her heart dropped. Already? “Give me ten minutes," she called back. Five. The footsteps faded. She cursed under her breath and shot out of her bed.She brushed her hair quickly, then chose the first outfit she touched: high-waisted jeans, a fitted white top, and a loose beige blazer. Enough to look composed, not enough to look like she cared. She took a breath, forcing her heartbeat to slow. Downstairs, Richard stood by the entryway with a man she didn’t recognize. A tall figure. Broad shoulders. Dark hair cropped neatly. Black shirt tucked into black pants. A presence that filled the space even without him speaking. He stood with military stillness, hands behind his back, feet slightly apart, posture sharp and controlled. When he turned, Olivia felt something jolt softly inside her chest. His eyes deep, stormy gray locked onto hers. Steady. Unreadable. Like he’d already assessed the room and everyone in it, including her. Richard gestured to him. Olivia this is Gabriel your new bodyguard Gabriel, this is Olivia my daughter The name fit him too well. He didn’t smile. Didn’t soften. He simply nodded once. Miss Bennett. His voice was deep, smooth, and far too calm like nothing surprised him. Olivia straightened, her pride rising. You’re the… bodyguard? “Yes, he said, tone flat. Assigned to your protection starting today. She crossed her arms. And I don’t get a say in this? No, Richard said at the same time Gabriel said, Your safety is not optional. She stared at Gabriel. He met her stare without flinching. His eyes held no judgment, but also no patience. They studied her, not with desire or curiosity but calculation. Like he was already preparing for every way she might make his job difficult. Olivia felt an irritating spark. I’m not a child, she said. Gabriel’s face didn’t change. I never said you were. Then don’t treat me like one. Stop acting like one, he replied. The air in the room stilled. Richard cleared his throat as if he’d expected this. Gabriel will accompany you everywhere from now on. Work, events, social outings. You mean babysitting, Olivia muttered. Gabriel spoke before her father could. I don’t babysit. I protect. He stepped closer, just enough for her to feel his presence not threatening, not invasive, but firm. And protection begins with you understanding that danger is real. Whether you believe that or not. Olivia’s breath caught. Something about him, his voice, his stature, his unwavering calm forced her heart to beat in a strange rhythm. Not fear. Not attraction. Something… in between. Richard checked his watch. I have a meeting in the next 30 minutes. Gabriel shows her the new security protocols. Olivia, make sure you be in your best behavior He left without waiting for her response. Leaving her alone with the stone-faced stranger who would now be glued to her life. Gabriel watched her silently, waiting. She lifted her chin. You can give all the rules you want, but I’m not going to make this easy for you. Noted, he said simply. But you should know something. What? Gabriel stepped closer until she could see the faint scar near his jaw, the sharp cut of his cheekbones, the calm in his eyes that held no fear of her attitude. I don’t quit, And I don’t bend, he said. Her throat dried. So if there’s trouble, he finishes, voice low, I will be in front of you, not behind you. Olivia didn’t move. For the first time in a long time, she felt something unfamiliar. Safe. And she hated it. Because safety meant trust. And trust had never been something she gave easily.