Between Bullets and Breath

Chapter 2: The Assignment

The rain hadn’t stopped since the meeting. It fell hard against the windows of the mansion, a steady rhythm that filled the silence of Marcus Vance office.

Lucien stood by the window, hands behind his back. The gray light made his sharp features looked colder, almost distant. Behind him, Marcus poured himself a drink.

“Whoever hit us last night wasn’t after the shipment.” Marcus said slowly.

Lucien eyes stayed on the rain. “Then what were they after?”

Marcus turned. “My daughter.”

Lucien’s head tilted slightly. It wasn’t easy to surprise him, but those words did.

“We found one of the attackers alive,” Marcus continued. “He talked before he bled out. Said someone paid them to send a message not to me

but Elara.”

Lucien frowned. “She has no enemies.”

Marcus sighed. “You’d be surprised how dangerous information can be. She’s been handling communications between families maybe she heard something she shouldn’t have.”

He placed the glass down. “I need someone I can trust to protect her.

Lucien nodded once. “Understood.”

Marcus studied him. “Good. But you won’t be alone.”

Lucien turned. “Meaning?”

The door opened before Marcus could answer. Rafael stepped in, brushing rain off his jacket, smirk already in place.

“You called for backup, old man?” Rafael asked, shaking his head slightly. “Didn’t think you’d miss me that quick.”

Marcus’s tone was calm but firm. “I’m assigning you and Lucien to Elara’s protection detail. You’ll watch her day and night until I say otherwise.”

Rafael froze for a moment, then gave a low laugh. “You’re serious?”

Lucien jaw tightened. “This is a mistake.”

“I agree,” Rafael said quickly, crossing his arms. “The last thing I need is a babysitting job. Especially not with him.”

Marcus’s eyes hardened. “You both work for me. If either of you refuses, you’ll both be replaced permanently.”

Silence filled the room.

Lucien eyes met Rafael own. Neither spoke, but the tension was thick enough to cut through.

Finally, Lucien exhaled. “When do we start?”

“Tonight,” Marcus said. “Elara will be at east wing, you’ll stay close, rotate shifts if you must, but she doesn’t walk alone. Understood?”

Rafael rolled his neck with a sigh. “Fine. But if he tries to give me orders, I’m not listening.”

Lucien didn’t even glance at him. “You never listen. That’s why things keep burning around you.”

Rafael grinned. “Yeah? Maybe fire’s the only thing that keeps you warm.”

Marcus raised a hand. “Enough. This isn’t about either of you. Protect her or don’t bother coming back.”

The warning was clear. The conversation ended.

That night, Elara found them waiting outside her study. Lucien stood like a shadow against the wall, straight and silent. Rafael leaned lazily on the doorframe, spinning a small knife between his fingers.

She paused, looking from one to the other. “My father really sent both of you?”

“Unfortunately.” Rafael said.

Lucien spoke without looking up. “We’ll begin a schedule. You’ll inform us before leaving any room.”

Elara arched a brow. “And if I don’t?”

Lucien met her eyes calm, unblinking. “Then you’ll make our job harder. I don’t recommend it.”

Rafael chuckled. “Translation, he’ll follow you like a ghost until you do.”

Elara lips twitched. “And you?”

“I’ll probably annoy you to death.” Rafael said flashing a grin.

Lucien shot him a sharp look. “This isn’t a game.”

Rafael shrugged. “Could’ve fooled me.”

Elara watched them, her expression unreadable. “You two are going to kill each other before anyone else gets the chance.”

“Maybe,” Rafael said, still smiling. “But at least he’ll go first.”

Lucien didn’t reply. He turned Elara. I’ll check the perimeter.”

When he left, Rafael’s grin faded a little. He leaned closer to her. “You shouldn’t get close to him.”

Elara tilted her head. “Why?”

“Because,” Rafael said quietly, eyes dark, “he doesn’t see people. He sees problems to solve. And people like that? They don’t stop until something breaks.”

She held his gaze for a moment. “Maybe he’s not the only one like that.”

Rafael smiled faintly. “Maybe not.”

Before she could reply, Lucien returned. His presence was quiet but sharp like the air shifted when he entered the room.

“Everything’s clear,” he said simply. “You should rest. We’ll take turns watching the hall.”

Elara hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you.”

As she walked away, Rafael muttered under his breath. “You sure this about protection, Vale?”

Lucien didn’t respond.

And in that silence, Rafael realized it. Lucien wasn’t guarding wasn’t just guarding Elara. He was already drawn to her.

Rafael’s jaw tightened. “This just got interesting.”