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.

Just a day after the explosion, Sienna was already having arguments, working and visiting her friend.

She had argued with her dad about going out while recovering, got updated with Teo on office work and emails. Now we were on our way to Lucia's family company.

She should be in bed, resting. She should be listening to someone. Maybe, me.

But Sienna only listens when it suits her. And worse- I admire the fire in those hazel eyes. I can't even get angry at her.

I drove like a mad man when Senor Romano said to bring her home and not the hospital. She looked almost lifeless.

Carrying her to the room in my arms like she would disappear if I blinked.

Like a piece of me had been ripped out. She wasn't breathing or laughing or insulting me. I clenched my fists on the steering wheel.

I have seen lifeless bodies more times than I can count. But watching her lie there that day. It was like something undescribable. An experience I didn't want to go through again.

We drove into the parking lot of the company. She pcame down and disappeared into the building without a word and without a glance back. Not that I longed for it.

I got down, adjusted my fit and followed suit. I got in, walked to the receptionist, who was frozen staring at my face.

I was used to stares. Most people looked like they wanted something from me. She looked like she couldn't speak.

"Good morning, where can I find Ms. Lucia's office?" I ask subtly.

"Last floor by the left." She answered as if hypnotized. She didn't bother asking if I had an appointment. Such incompetence.

The elevator dings and I get out. I sat in the lobby. I could see Sienna from there, thanks to the glass walls. Beautiful. Elegant. Feisty.

That very day we met at the house, as her hazel eyes fell on mine- I got hard. No warning. Just a silent war I have been losing.

She leaned over to whisper something to Lucia, laughing over the laptop. I caught sight of her slender neck- soft, exposed. I look away before I lose control of myself.

A few hours later they were coming out. I get up to follow Sienna. She walks past me like I wasn't there. Lucia stops at the elevator, turns to me and smiles.

"You would want to follow her quickly, she might run away again." She says with a smug smile, pointing at the elevator.

I walk past her into the elevator. Sienna blows Lucia a kiss and the elevator closes. And opens way for an awkward silence between us.

She wants to say something, a lot actually. She keeps clenching her fists. Good. I'm not the only one who wants to do things.

The elevator opens. We walk out, she moves like she wants to get away from me as soon as possible. Unfortunately, she is stuck with me. We get into the car.

"Let's go to a restaurant." I say as I roar the engine to life.

"Why? For what?" She looks at me with her side eye.

"Because you didn't have breakfast and you won't skip lunch on my watch while you are recovering." She opens her mouth to protest. "Don't say you had chips."

She looks at me defeated, sighs and picks up her phone.

We got to her favorite 5-star restaurant. Trattoria Nera.

An elite restaurant with an elite and hidden gem vibe.

Sienna and I went into the building. The hostess immediately recognized her. Definitely. She had literally been coming here since she started walking in heels.

"Ms. Moretti, what would you like to have?" the hostess said with a smile plastered on her face.

"Get us something warm for a start." The hostess nods and leaves. Another man dressed in a waiter's outfit led us through a dimly lit hallway to a private booth, with the city' s view behind us.

She sat across from me. Legs crossed- trying to stay composed and unshaken.

But I have studied her well enough.

"Something warm. So you were hungry." I said coolly.

"Stop pretending to care about me and just be my paid bodyguard. Please." She hissed.

Well, I didn't expect that outburst.

"Okay. Just a paid bodyguard." I just don't understand her. What is she so upset about?

The silence between us was louder than the restaurant music. I was grateful when the waiters came in with the starter.

Warm garlic bread with herbs and a side of whipped buratta. Pane all'Agilo.

Sienna smiled and started eating. It's like she forgot I was here.

But she was stabbing the bread like it had offended personally. Maybe that's how she planned to stab me.

"The day before yesterday, you laid almost lifeless on your bed." I said quietly.

She slowly lifts her head to look at me.

"And today you are pushing everyone away. Why? What happened?" Calm talk is not my style. I haven't spoken to anyone like this in a long time.

"Are you a therapist now?" She says with widened eyes.

"Look, I have seen people die and I promised myself not to let a client die. And seeing you that day." My voice was almost cracking. I stopped. And took a bite of my bread.

"Just don't do that." I say.

"Do what?" She shoots back.

"Pretend you're ok? I have seen it plenty of times."

She drops her spoon. And stares at me- angry, confused, vulnerable.

"I see, you just want a clean record. Well, I can have my Dad prepare a trophy for you. Best bodyguard with no death records." She snaps, moves the chair back and attempts to stand.

I stretch my hand and pull her down. Thank God we are in a private booth.

She gives me a stern look.

"Get your hands off me Xavier. Why are you acting like you care?" She says pulling my hands off.

"You didn't seem bothered yesterday. And now you are all caring." She says- her voice sharp.

"So that's what this is." I say, getting up while still holding her.

"Stop this, Xavier. And leave me alone. Asshole."

She manages to get freed. She gets up again and tries to leave the booth.

I move fast and pull her by the waist. She turns fiercely.

"Let me go." She winces.

Her scent, intoxicating the last inch of self control I had left. The feel of her tiny waist on my large palm.

Sienna ruins me in ways I can't even imagine.

She stopped moving. My eyes locked with hers.

"Xavier, why are you doing this?" She asks so softly. I know she feels what I feel.

"Princess, I'd rather cut myself to bleed to death than watch you hurt. You don't even get to hurt yourself on my watch." I say, removing the hair on her face.

The air shifts. Dangerously. Heated.

We move simultaneously.

I grab the back of her hair. Her breath hitched. She didn't push me away this time.

I lowered my head slowly, giving her time to stop me. She didn't.

And with no hesitation. I pull her face into mine. Our lips crashed.

Not sweet. Hot.

Not careful. Reckless with desperation.

She kissed me like she hated me. Like she needed to forget everything.

Like her pain had found a target it could burn through.

Me.

I let her.

If this was a war, I would let her win a million times over.