Who could have thought I would end up as a bodyguard to Sienna Moretti, that bratty little lady who could drive a saint to sin. She has a mouth that never stops testing my patience, a tone that makes every instruction sound like a challenge, and a personality that could set fire to ice.

Yet no matter how much I try to focus on my job, my eyes always betray me. Her body is something else entirely.

Every curve is mouth watering , every sway of her hips feels like a dare, and every time she walks past, I find myself remembering that my job requires discipline I am not sure I still have.

Her legs are long and toned, her waist is a perfect curve, and her lips have that dangerous mix of softness and sharpness that could undo a man if he stared too long.

Sienna Moretti was going to be the death of me. I had not even worked with her for two weeks and she was already pushing me to my limit.

I have guarded powerful men with enemies in every corner, wealthy families with egos bigger than their empires, and celebrities who believed the world revolved around them, but none of them managed to get under my skin the way she does.

After the so-called "room incident," when I walked in and caught her half dressed, she decided I was the enemy.

From that moment, it felt like she vowed to ignore every instruction I gave her. She calls me "pervert" with a smirk, like she knows it gets to me, and I have to admit it takes every ounce of self-control not to react the way she probably wants me to.

I was given my quarters. A living room and a bedroom, which had a massive wardrobe, with the kitchen, bathroom and balcony.

I didn't know what the kitchen was for since the chef does all the cooking. But I guess, I can still cook my food if I wanted.

They had a mini gym. Or so they called it. This place was like a full gym center. Sienna doesn't always use it.

So I am helping her out- she really needs to keep fit since she was in danger.

Today, we are at a club with her friend, Lucia Gusto. They are dancing and drinking- barely though. She was sober enough to cause chaos. Lucia walks over and leans on me.

"Sienna, you got yourself one hell of a man here. Doesn't he dance?" She wasn't drunk and her voice was so flirtatious. I move her away from my shoulders, lightly.

Sienna approaches me. "Don't you know how to treat a lady? How could you push her like that?"

She turned to Lucia, "Are you ok? This boring numbskull is my bodyguard thanks to that threat."

Lucia, who had resumed dancing, gasped. "Nobody would believe that. He would pass for your boyfriend. You know." Lucia giggles.

They continue whispering about me while dancing and I can't help but notice the way Sienna dances.

She moves with the beat, not just the song. The way she moves her waist in slow, confident circles.

Her hair dances following the way she moves her body.

The laughter from those succulent lips filling up the room.

I had this work ethic. I had disciplined myself enough to never let myself get distracted by a female client. And it has helped me get my wonderful reputation.

But with Sienna, it was a different story. From the day I received her info, including her picture, I knew this one was going to be difficult. My instincts told me to refuse the job. But here I am. Watching the swaying body of my client, I had no business noticing.

A man approached them as they danced. Sienna pulled a serious face and pushed the man lightly and changed their dancing location. The man laughed and approached again. Sienna shot him a mean look and pushed him harder this time. That's my girl.

The disgusting man approached again but was reaching for her neck. Suddenly, I found myself in between them. I punched the man on the nose. He collapsed, nose bleeding and eyes rolling back. The whole club fell silent.

I knelt, checked his pulse, the fucker was alive. I grabbed Sienna, whose face was mortified and speechless, by the hand and dragged her out of the club. She dragged her friend in turn. Once we were outside, she pulled her hands out.

"Why did you do that? What if he died? I had the situation under control." She yelled at me. Her fiery eyes ready to set me ablaze. I stood my ground and kept staring at this tiny person scream.

"He was about to pull you by your neck. And exactly how were you going to control that?" I asked calmly, returning a calm gaze to her fiery hazel eyes.

"You know what? Fuck you. Lucia, let's go." Sienna pulled Lucia, who had been staring at us the whole time.

I followed them with a smirk on my face as I remembered her attempts to push the fool at the bar while watching her back.

She looked back and saw me still following them. They hastened their steps. And then started running. Damn it.

This girl.

"Sienna, stop there!!!" I screamed as they ran into a taxi that was about to leave.

I prefer babysitting a toddler to this stubborn adult.

Good thing I had that chip installed on her phone and bags. I flagged down a cab and followed them. Their car stopped at the park. I went to the park. I followed the red dot on my phone, until my blue dot got close enough and then I saw her. Sitting alone by the fountain.

Her hands inside the water and her little body curled up on the floor.

Lucia must have continued on the taxi home.

She looked sad. She can't be sad after making me chase her.

"Sienna, let's go home." My voice came out cold.

"I knew you would still find me. But I'm not going anywhere with you." She said without looking at me.

"Yes, you are. It's getting very late."

"So what. I said I'm not going."

I walked up to her, close enough that we were inches away from each other.

"Listen Sienna, I'm the one protecting you here. If anything happens to you I get the blame. So you are going to have to do as I say. You can't go anywhere without me. Got it?" I look at her with cold eyes. I see her shiver a little.

Good. Message delivered. But I didn't like the way it felt.

"I hate you so much, Xavier." She says getting up. "From this moment, get out of my face. You don't get to talk to me. You are not in charge of me, bodyguard or not." She hissed and began walking out of the park.

Then came something unexpected, "thanks for the club." I was a little stunned. She could appreciate someone. I almost smiled. What was happening to me?

The driver was waiting outside the park. I had called him on my way here. She walked to the car and got in. I entered the passenger side of the front seat, she was at the back. Her eyes on her phone.

The driver picked up the pace and soon we were at the villa.

She got down first. Then stopped at the entrance. She looked back at me, searched her bag and brought out something golden.

"I found this close to the door that day you smashed-" I seized it from her hands. I opened the locket and looked at her.

Her eyes were widened in shock. "Did you open it?" I asked walking close to her.

"No, I didn't." She said with an uncomfortable body gesture.

"Good. Even if you see any of my personal belongings in the pit of hell burning. Do not touch it. Do I make myself clear?" My voice- low and commanding.

"Fine. Jesus. So much for a good deed. You really are an asshole." She hissed as she stormed through the front door.

I hope she really didn't open this locket. I have to be more careful.

I got inside my room and groaned for being so careless.

I opened the locket and smiled.

A painful smile. It was still intact. No crack.

Then I looked at the mansion in front of me. Sienna's window. No light.

I clutched the locket a little longer before dropping it and going to freshen up.

"Just a little longer." I say to myself.

Two bad things that could happen to me and were actually happening.

One was having a hot, charming and heaven sent but grumpy man for a bodyguard.

The second one was actually living with said bodyguard.

I am at my room's balcony, pretending to read a book I have read a hundred times, while watching Xavier jog around the large compound. His shirt was soaked, sweat dripping from his face, his chest heaving up and down slowly like in a fitness commercial.

But he doesn't take off that shirt. He must always ruin his beauty with something.

If he was going to workout in public and look hot, why not show people what they want to see.

If not there was a mini gym in the villa.

He stopped for a water break.

Looked up. Our eyes met. I immediately lifted my book. Hoping he doesn't realize I was looking at him.

I peeped from the top of my book to check on him and he wasn't there anymore. How sad, typical.

I sat back on my seat and my thoughts wandered back to last night. That locket.

I should have checked it out. It was so important to him. The way he grabbed it from my hand....

My phone buzzes. My reminder for a meeting I had to attend for my foundation in the afternoon.

And also a text from........ Xavier? I scoff- but surprised.

"Are you done ogling me, princess?"

Oh my God. This guy has no shame. And I wasn't ogling.

"I wasn't ogling." I text back.

"Yes, you weren't. See you later princess."

I scoff again while staring at the text. This motherfucker. Who did he think he was? I ogled him. I rather ogle a troll. I threw the phone on my lap.

I walked out of my room to the kitchen to grab a snack and wow. Of all people to run into.

I ignored his presence and got to the cabinet where chips are kept, then to the fridge.

"Do you need a drink?" He said like nothing happened yesterday. I closed the fridge and eyed him.

"What?" He asked.

"Really, you are going to behave like you didn't try to drag out my hand and threaten me because of a locket? And you are supposed to be my bodyguard." I stand, facing him with my arms folded.

"Okay," he breathes. "I'm sorry for yesterday and thank you for giving me the locket." His voice was low and cool. Not his normal Xavier style.

And now my belly is doing that stupid fluttery thing.

He nods, drinks coffee with no explanation like it's not a big deal. That's it.

And somehow that makes him look so attractive. God, I hate this man.

"I have a meeting soon." I say leaving the kitchen.

"I know I'm driving you." He shoots back.

"You know, you are so terrible at apologies." I walk out and see my grandma smiling in the living room.

"What?" I said, trying to feign ignorance.

"Nothing. Just an elder smiling." she continues smiling at the television.

"Okay, then. Keep smiling, Elder. It looks good on you."

A few moments later, I'm all dressed up to leave and Xavier opens the passenger door for me.

I mouth "touche" to him and he smiles. He gets in and we drive out of the compound.

I tried my best to not glance at this fine annoying man by my side. He is just there. Driving with one hand on the wheel. Tapping the other hand on his lap like he was in control of everything.

"You didn't sleep last night?" That came out of nowhere. Did he just start a conversation?

Heat crawled up my cheeks. "How do you know that? Are you now watching me when I'm sleeping? Because that's not creepy." I fold my arms and look at him.

"I just observed," he simply says, "you look restless. And when will you understand that I'm being paid to watch you?" His eyes are still on the road.

"When you understand that I hate your presence here." I fire back.

"You say that and you still ogle me in the morning, princess."

He smirks.

I really hate this man.

And princess? What the heck is that?

The car stops. We are at our destination.

"I rather ogle a troll than you. As good looking as you may be. You have a bad character. And that's what matters." I came down and closed the door.

Heavens, the man gets me so pissed.

I walked towards the entrance with a smile and my P.A, Teo, approached me. "Good day, Ms. Sienna. How are you doing? You look tired." Teo says all at once, practically jogging but with words. Classic Teo.

"I'm great Teo. Nothing new." We were in the venue now. Glass walls. Air conditioning and smiles on every face.

Xavier is a few steps behind me. It was so crowded in here. Weirdly, I feel safe knowing he was around. Like my body trusts him more than I do.

Teo hands me the event program.

"You are to make a short speech. Then the press the ask you a few questions about the foundation." He stops and looks at me. "You will fine, my love." Then gives me an encouraging smile.

I tap his shoulder then his cheeks. "Thank you so much Teo." Teo was basically my work best friend. When he is with me. I have little to worry about.

I get ready to climb the stairs.

I notice Xavier looking more serious and tense than usual. Feeling watched, he traces the eyes and finds mine. He mouths "break a leg." And I scorn him and huff.

I am on stage. Lights, camera and a microphone pointing at me. And somewhere out there Xavier's broody eyes.

I cleared my throat and started my speech. I have been practicing for some days now. Short, simple and straight to the point.

"Thank you all for being here today. I really appreciate it. We are gathered here for a good cause from my foundation. The foundation was built not just on privilege but on purpose. We do not just write checks- we show up. We care. And that's exactly what we plan to keep to keep doing......."

After a few more sentences and there were claps everywhere. And I bowed.

And now. Time for questions. Mostly easy.

Then I notice a little uproar. I see Xavier running after a man, screaming "Teo, get her off that stage!!"

The place turns to a frenzy. I am frozen in place on stage. I see Xavier running towards me now. He is screaming something at me. I don't hear him.

Teo grabs me. I finally move. And suddenly.

BOOM!!

An explosion on stage. Screams echo. My ear rings. Then darkness.

I heard faint sounds like echoes slowly turning to beeps and soft voices. My eyelids were so heavy, I tried to lift them but I couldn't.

I slowly tried again and then a flash of white light hit me and I shut them again. I tried opening them again and everything was blurry. My eyes were still adjusting from being shut for God knows how long.

The figures in front started taking form. From bubbly distant irregular shapes to structures. I was in my room.

"Ma'am, she is waking up." I heard an unfamiliar voice. Then footsteps. Then I saw grandma.

Tears welled up in her eyes with trembling lips "Cara, how are you? Oh, my baby." She held my hands and repeatedly kissed them.

"Gr..Grand...Grandma...ahh," I winced as I was trying to hug her. "Don't move Cara. The nurse will help you." She said, shaking her head.

One look at her, I knew she had been crying. "I'm okay, granny. I'm here. Stop crying." I sounded so fragile.

"I know Cara, I'm happy you are alive and okay." She says, wiping off her tears.

I look around. "What about Xavier? How is Teo? How am I even in my room?"

She clears her throat. "Teo is doing okay. It wasn't a serious explosion. But the Police and Xavier think it might be a warning from whoever was sending that text to you. And that you need to be careful," I give a sigh of relief as grandma continues with her narration.

"Thankfully, Teo dragged you away from the bomb, so you both were not in much danger. Xavier is at the scene with your dad. They have both been restless." She coughs and her eyes slowly tear up.

"Xavier's demeanor even changed, my child. That poor boy, he has been apologizing to your dad since he drove you home unconscious." She sighed.

"How long have I been knocked out, granny?" Curiosity taking over.

"A few hours." Then, she smiled, "I will call your dad, and tell Giula to prepare something for you to eat." She leaned in and kissed my forehead. I smiled back at her. My heart warmed up. I was grateful for having such a loving family.

I watched her disappear through the door, her presence lingering like a warm hug.

"Miss, I have to check your vitals now. Then you can rest a bit." The smiley faced nurse said.

I nodded and allowed her to check whatever she wanted.

I laid back in bed and my thoughts wandered back to that day, yesterday afternoon.

I was answering questions, then I saw Xavier running after someone. My head started aching.

I decided to close my eyes and rest as the nurse instructed.

The next time my eyes opened, I heard my father's voice.

"Ahh, Tesoro Mio, you are awake. Finally, how are you?" He was trying so hard to keep his voice steady.

I smiled. "I'm good, Dad. Just a headache. But I'm okay." I must have gotten everyone worked up again.

I still don't see any sign of Xavier.

"Get dressed and join us at dinner. We are waiting for you. Okay?" He rubbed my hands, kissed them and left the room.

I sighed. Everyone was worrying about me and yet, I was worrying about the one guy who was probably hunting the people who dared to hurt me.

The nurse had left. It was the housekeeper, Ms. Dalia, who is helping me now.

"Take it easy there, dearest." She said with a calm voice as she led me to the bathroom.

Ms. Giula and Dalia were the oldest staff members of our family. I took them as relatives too. Funny how everyone in my family has a nickname for me.

"Ms. Dalia," I called her as I entered the bathtub, "Have you seen, Xavier?" trying to sound casual.

"No, dearest. He only comes in when he wants to see your father. After that he heads back to his quarters." She says before leaving the bathroom.

Hmm. Straight back to his quarters. Does he even care if I'm alive.

After freshening up, we had dinner. I, Dad and Granny. It was lovely. My dad assured me that I was safe now.

Food, love and laughs but I was thinking of someone I shouldn't. He hadn't even come to check on me.

I was seated in the gazebo. The cool night breeze hitting my skin. I wrapped my arms around my body and let the silence settle. The stars were out.

Then I heard footsteps approaching. I didn't feel the need to look at the person approaching.

"Sienna, your father wants you inside. It's getting cold and you are recovering." The professionalism in his voice was killing me. No emotion. No 'how are you?'.

And this is the man I worried about all day.

"Really? Xavier? You are going to be like that?" He turned around and looked at him. Black outfit.

"Be like what? Your bodyguard, yes." His voice cracked a little behind his commanding mask.

"I'm happy you're ok. But you have to go inside now."

My eyes widen. I was dumbfounded.

Yes. That what he was. A bodyguard.

I try to steady my voice.

"im glad you remember. You are a bodyguard not my boss. I am going because my dad asked for me." I said while walking past him. He just fell in step behind me without a comeback or a word. Fool.

I should have just stayed in bed. Why was I so worried about him? He was my bodyguard. If anything it should be vice versa.

Once inside, I kissed dad and grandma good night. But I wasn't going to bed.

I was checking out the CCTV footage videos of the explosion. Before the explosion someone was walking away from the stage.

Xavier noticed and started approaching before the guy started running. Xavier was really chasing after someone.

My phone vibrated and lit up.

"You up? How are you, Sienna?" It was Lucia.

I smiled, wishing it was someone else.

"I'm okay. Nothing serious." I replied.

"Can you come over to the office tomorrow? I need your expertise on my brand's final touches before its launch." She texted back.

"Oh, yes, girrll. Congrats again. I have a reason to leave this house. Everyone is treating me like a baby." My heart literally jumped for joy at this request.

"Even, hot bodyguard guy?" She texts. This girl, I laugh inwardly.

"I will visit you tomorrow, good night." I drop the phone on the bed. I'm pretty sure she was laughing at the way I ignored her question.

Xavier crosses my thoughts again. Why do I always think about him? Why did I want him to say sweet things to me today?

I groan and curl on the bed. I leave my bed for the balcony. I can't sleep.

I notice movement. Thanks to the lit up compound, you can see anyone clearly.

It's Xavier, Dad and the security personnel and Mr. Leo. Maybe going through security details in the house.

My eyes are fixed on Xavier.

His hair dancing with the wind. His unbuttoned shirt.

Grandma wasn't kidding. He looked colder now...like the explosion had removed whatever shred of humanity he had inside.

He didn't even call me princess today. I have to stop. He is just a bodyguard. He said so himself.

He moves his head towards my direction as if noticing that someone was watching them- him.

I ran into my room. What is my problem? It's dark. He can't see me.

I'm going crazy. I need to keep Xavier from my head.

Ouch. My head was throbbing.

I laid back on my bed. Before I knew it. I drifted to sleep.