Axel
This had to be a joke.
I stared at the security report in my hands, reading the words over and over, but they didn't change. My mother had hired a female bodyguard.
Of all the foolish decisions she had ever made, this had to be the worst.
I tossed the file onto my desk with an exasperated sigh, leaning back in my chair. "Unbelievable," I muttered under my breath.
I didn't need a bodyguard in the first place. Yes, there had been an incident. Yes, I had almost died. But I wasn't some helpless rich boy who needed babysitting. And even if I did require protection, what the hell was a woman going to do if another psycho decided to attack me? Talk them down? Wave a taser at them?
I could already hear the media's reaction. The Axel Monroe now needs a woman to protect him? The thought alone made my jaw clench.
I ran a hand through my hair, my frustration only growing. My mother must have lost her mind. Hiring a bodyguard was one thing, but choosing a woman just because she thought it would help manage my female fans better?
Ridiculous.
I grabbed my phone and dialed her number. She picked up after just two rings.
"Axel," she greeted smoothly, as if she hadn't just made the dumbest decision of the year.
"Tell me you're joking," I said bluntly.
There was a slight pause. "About what?"
"You know exactly what," I snapped. "This female bodyguard nonsense. I'm not a child, Mother. I don't need a damn babysitter—especially not one who'll probably run away at the first sign of trouble."
She sighed, as if she had expected this reaction. "Selene Voss is one of the best in BlackShield Security. She has been trained to handle any situation."
I laughed dryly. "Right. And what's she going to do if a six-foot, two-hundred-pound man charges at me with a knife? Lecture him about self-control?"
"She's more than capable," my mother replied, her tone firm. "And she's not here to interfere with your life, Axel. She knows her boundaries. Her job is simple—observe, assess threats, and protect when necessary. That's all."
"She will only look at you from the shadows and won't disturb your routine," my mother added. "You won't even notice her presence unless there's a threat."
I leaned forward, gripping the edge of my desk. "And I wouldn't underestimate me either," I countered. "Because I'll make sure she quits as early as possible."
Another pause. Then, my mother spoke again, calm and unwavering. "You can try, Axel. But something tells me this time, you won't have it your way."
I clenched my jaw as the call ended, irritation coursing through me.
Fine. If my mother wanted to play this game, I'd play.
Selene Voss wouldn't last a month under my roof.
---
Later That Evening
I had barely settled into my usual evening routine when a knock at my office door interrupted me.
"Come in," I called out, expecting my assistant or maybe my security chief.
The door swung open, and my eyes narrowed slightly as I took in the figure standing before me.
A woman. Tall. fitted uniform. A sharp, unreadable expression.
Her posture was straight, her eyes assessing me just as much as I was assessing her.
She took a step forward, her voice firm and even. "Hello, Mr. Monroe. I'm your new bodyguard, Selene Voss."
I leaned back in my chair, a slow smirk tugging at my lips. So, this was the infamous bodyguard my mother had forced on me.
I let my gaze sweep over her, deliberately slow. "Are you?" I mused, tilting my head. "You don't look like much of a bodyguard to me."
She didn't flinch. "That's not for you to decide," she replied coolly. "I've been given clear instructions—to ensure your safety while staying out of your way. I won't interfere with your life, but if there's a threat, I will handle it."
I chuckled, resting my elbows on my desk. "That's cute. You actually think you can keep up with me?"
Her expression didn't change. "I don't think, Mr. Monroe. I know."
I raised an eyebrow at her confidence. Amusing.
"Well then," I drawled, standing up and walking around my desk until I was inches away from her. "Let's see how long you last."
Her eyes met mine, unwavering.
"My mother said you'll only look at me from the shadows and won't disturb my routine," I continued, my smirk widening. "Let's see if you can actually follow that."
Selene remained unfazed. "I'll do my job. Whether you like it or not."
Interesting.
"I will join duty from tomorrow, Mr. Monroe. Thank you for giving me your time."
Without waiting for my response, she turned and walked out of my office.
I watched her leave, my smirk widening.