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.

Xavier's lips claim mine like a raging beast. His hands on my waist. Pulling me in like I would disappear if he let go. Neither did I want to be let go.

But I can't let this continue. How could I give in to him so easily?

I push him away and break free from his grasp.

"If you think you can distract me using your lips. Then think again." I say, quickly adjusting my dress. My face on my clothes, trying to ignore his look and hide my flushed face.

"Do you think I wanted to kiss you......?" He hesitates a bit. "I'm sorry, Princess. It won't happen again." His voice, cold again. His back to his bodyguard self.

"Insufferable." I mutter as I turn to walk out. He still calls me princess. Why does he always do this?

"What about the food,Sienna?" He asks. I don't face him. "I just lost my appetite." I blurt as I continue on my way out of the private booth.

The only thing I lost was my ability to resist this man. His words kept resounding in my ears like they were tattooed on my eardrums.

'Princess, I'd rather cut myself to bleed to death than watch you hurt.'

Damn, this man. He was my bodyguard and I can't be doing this with him. Worse, we stay in the same mansion. And as big as the house is, I keep bumping into him at a ridiculous rate.

I hear his shoes clicking on the marble floor behind me. Oh my Goodness. I can I feel his eyes on my back.

I try to walk as elegantly as I can. I can't falter. Not now. I won't let him inside my head.

I leave the restaurant, ignoring the greetings of everyone who looked my way.

I stood by the car, waiting for Xavier. Where was he? He appears from the door holding take-out bags. This nigga.

He was guarding my stomach more than the owner.

He opened the front passenger door for me. I shook my head. "I will stay at the back seat. Thank you." I cross my hands, waiting for him to open the back door.

He shrugs a little and opens the door for me. I get in. He places the bag of food on my thigh.

"You better find your appetite." He says and shuts the door. That motherfucker.

But I was still hungry as hell. I won't give him the satisfaction either.

It was already evening by the time we got back to the villa. I gathered my things and the take-out bag. Xavier opened the door, walked ahead of me until I got into the mansion. So pro-ish of him. I'm flattered.

I walked into my room, thankfully grandma or Nadia weren't in the living room to question me about my heck of a day.

I laid out the food on my desk and without further ado I began munching on the food. I didn't realize my belly was this empty.

The earthy aroma from the shaved black truffles in this Tagliatelle al Tartufo (Tagliatelle with truffles cream sauce) coated with cream sauce mixed with the golden strands of the Tagliatelle pasta.

This was divine. Ahh, he even got me a bottle of Barolo. The wine that sets the mood between intimacy and class.

I couldn't help but feel this wasn't just Xavier getting me food. This was him caring for me and telling me I deserved this.

I sighed. My thoughts have drifted to him again. No matter how delicious this dish was, I can't get the taste of his lips out of my mouth.

I hated how he sends mixed signals. He cares today and colds out tomorrow.

He kisses me today and maybe tomorrow he may ignore me.

"Excuse me, miss." A soft voice echoes through the door and interrupts my thoughts. It was the younger maid.

"Yes, how can I help you?"

"The huge mister asked if you were done. I was told to take the trash out."

Xavier did what now!

"Come in." I say lazily. She opened the door and strode in. I leave the desk area and head for my closet to change to my robe. Xavier is truly complicated.

I head to the bathroom, the shower pouring water on my skin. Cooling my body temperature. Finally I can breathe.

I trace my lips. And the kiss comes flashing back.

Was the kiss an instinct or did he mean it? Everything he said, did he mean it?

I relaxed my arms on the edge of the tub and let the water wash off my thoughts if possible for some minutes.

I finally pulled myself off the bath tub. Changed to comfy clothes. And sat at the cleaned up desk. I turn on my PC.

Teo had flooded me with emails. For the first time, I was happy to have much work to do. A distraction from my thoughts.

After a few hours, I heard Ma Nadia's voice outside my door and a knock.

"Come in, ma."

"It's time for dinner, child."

"Can I have mine brought up here instead, please." I plead.

"Ok dearest." She smiles and leaves.

As I face the monitor again. An email pops up.

I click on it.

It's from a burner account.

From: phoenixfalling@protonmail.com

Body: Do you still hear the blast in your dreams? The final sound before your eyes shuts.

It's moments like this we never forget.

I'm thrilled you are a partaker at this moment.

Next time, it won't be a warning. Not even your stupid bodyguard can save you. He will watch you bleed out.

I stare at the screen. Each sentence carries hatred and murderous intent. My hands are shaking vigorously on the mouse. My heart beats racing in my chest.

Suddenly I feel someone is in the room with me. I look around. I'm the only one. Like someone is holding a bow and arrow in front of me and I can't see him. I can't get up. My body is frozen in place. My palms are getting wet with sweat.

I shrieked when I heard a knock. I fell out from the chair and braced myself.

The door was forced open and I saw him.

Xavier.

Without a second thought, I ran to him. Held his still body while mine vibrated against his.

He grabbed me and pulled me closer. He rubbed my head, held my upper back and hushed me in a calm way.

He took me back into my room. He helped me to the balcony for fresh air.

"Princess, what happened? You look like someone broke in and fought with you." His voice, calm and soothing.

I breathed calmly, gathering the energy to answer him.

I stood, dragged him by his wrist to my PC. The astonishment on his face was enough proof that he understood the gravity of the message.

He turns to me. "Why didn't you say anything? When did they send this?"

"Just...now. I freaked out until you came here. Xavier, I want to ask you something." I start rubbing my forehead.

"What happened before and after the bombing? I need explanations. Video footage.... ," my voice cracks. "Speaking of footage, I saw one. You were running after someone and suddenly you left him. You didn't leave the building. What happened?"

I face him with a "start talking face."

He looks at me shocked. "I don't understand your angle here. You think I'm in on this."

I smirk. "Your bodyguard will watch you bleed out. Of course. I would ask you first!." I yell as I repeat the line in the threat.

"It's a threat. And of course they will say anything to get to you. Sienna, calm down." He tries to approach me.

I pull out my hand and wave at him not to step forward.

I slump on my bed. Xavier walks out to my balcony.

What even happened to the investigation on the bombing site.

"Xavier," he turns to face me. "How did the investigation turn out. I never asked." I ask him as I lift myself up.

"We didn't find anything. I and the security personnel searched the venue but everything was wiped out. They cleared all the traces.They had organized everything perfectly. No flaws." Xavier sounded disappointed.

Probably disappointed in himself, for not catching those men. But as I approached him. I saw a different emotion in his eyes. Anger or guilt?

"Why did you initially come to my room?" I ask trying to lift the mood.

He sighs. "I was on my way to grab some beer, when Nadia pleaded with me to get you your food. I left on the desk in front of your room as I opened your door." He explained.

"Oh ok. You can go now then. Thanks." I say, realizing we were in a room alone again.

"Yes, go carry your food. I'm a bodyguard not a maid." He said while groaning on his way out.

My lips were curving to a smile at his words when I slapped myself.

I got the tray of food outside my room, placed the food on my center table and returned to that email.

As I stared at the screen, I searched my memories for anyone i could have hurt this badly to want me dead. I couldn't think it picture anyone.

Who was this? And why did he want me dead?