Selene
I roamed around the building, of course, for security purposes. The cool morning breeze brushed against my face as I scanned the area. Suddenly, I noticed someone running from the car parking area. My instincts kicked in, and I quickly moved towards the spot, but after a thorough check, I found nothing suspicious. Maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me, or perhaps someone in a hurry. With no further concerns, I casually resumed my rounds and made my way back to the security room.
As I settled in, my eyes shifted to the laptop screen. Axel was in the hall, fully dressed in one of his tailored suits, exuding that signature charm. He seemed ready for another day at the office. His usual preference was his favorite sleek black sports car, and I knew it wouldn't be long before he left. I adjusted the camera angles, ensuring all views were clear.
But today, something was different. Instead of his usual black sports car, Axel took a red one. Maybe he wanted a change. I brushed it off until my phone buzzed. It was the driver.
"Ms. Voss, just a heads-up. I took Axel's black car for service. Also, I heard Carl's back. He's an old friend of Mr. Monroe."
Carl? The name rang no bells, but the uneasiness in the driver's voice caught my attention.
"Carl said if Axel takes the black car today, an accident might happen."
"What?" My heart sank.
That sudden movement I saw in the parking lot this morning—it wasn't just someone rushing by. It might have been someone tampering with the car. The pieces were falling into place, and none of it felt like a fan's desperate act. This was different.
I clenched my jaw. Someone wanted to harm Axel, and I couldn't let that happen. From now on, I needed to be more cautious. Every move he made would be under my watch..
Isabella called me in the morning to inform me that Axel had a photoshoot for his company's cosmetic product. She insisted that I should accompany him, not in the shadows, but visibly by his side.
Apparently, Axel had already made it clear to his mother that he was fine with me accompanying him, but no other bodyguards. Only Selene.
The thought of standing by Axel's side, in full view, didn't sit well with me. But orders were orders, and I wasn't one to back down.
As I was getting ready, I heard a knock at the door. When I opened it, it was Axel.
"I'm already ready to go," I said, adjusting my jacket.
"I thought I'd ride in another car," I added, hoping to keep some distance.
But Axel had other plans. He flashed a knowing smirk and said, "No need. You're coming with me."
Before I could protest, he turned and walked away, leaving me no choice but to follow.
We settled into the sleek black car, the hum of the engine breaking the silence. For a while, neither of us spoke. The tension hung in the air, thick and unspoken.
But Axel, never one to stay quiet for long, finally broke the silence.
"So, Selene," he drawled, his voice laced with amusement. "Are you always this serious, or is it just when you're around me?"
I shot him a sideways glance. "I'm just doing my job, Mr. Monroe."
"Axel," he corrected, his grin widening. "You should get used to calling me that. We're going to be spending a lot of time together."
As the car sped through the city, Axel's eyes glinted with mischief. I could already tell he was planning to get on my nerves.
"You know, Selene," he began, his voice dripping with amusement. "You're the most serious bodyguard I've ever had. No sunglasses, no earpiece, not even a stiff, intimidating posture. Are you sure you're not just pretending to be one?"
I rolled my eyes. "Sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Monroe. I left my secret agent gadgets at home."
"Axel," he corrected with a grin. "Come on, you can say it. Ah-xel. It won't bite."
"Noted," I replied flatly, looking out the window.
He wasn't done. "Do you ever smile, Selene? Or is that against your 'strictly professional bodyguard code'? Maybe you'll crack one if I start singing?"
"I'd rather jump out of the moving car," I muttered under my breath.
He laughed, thoroughly enjoying himself. "That's the spirit! See, we're bonding already. Next thing you know, you'll be asking for my autograph."
"Right after I frame it as a reminder of the worst assignment I've ever had," I shot back.
"Ouch. Harsh." He placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "And here I thought we were becoming friends. Guess I'll just have to try harder."
"Please don't," I deadpanned, though I couldn't ignore the small smirk tugging at the corner of my lips.
I wore a simple pair of pants and a formal shirt, nothing fancy — just practical for the day. Meanwhile, Axel, as always, looked strikingly hot in his casual outfit. Even in something so effortlessly thrown together, he had that undeniable charm that made heads turn.
He, of course, knew it. The smug grin plastered on his face as he caught me glancing at him only fueled his confidence.
"Like what you see, Selene?" he teased, adjusting his shirt deliberately.
"Just making sure my client isn't dressed like a clown," I shot back, refusing to give him the satisfaction.
"Harsh. But I'll take it." He smirked. "After all, I'd hate to disappoint my 'silent guardian.'"
As we reached our location, I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of the car. Scanning the surroundings, I instinctively switched into protective mode.
"Stay here, Axel," I instructed firmly. "I'll check the area first. Once I'm sure it's safe, you can come out."
But, of course, Axel had other plans. He leaned back comfortably, a smug look on his face. "No way. I'm not sitting here like some helpless damsel while you play secret agent."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Axel, this isn't a debate. It's protocol."
"And I'm stubborn," he shot back, stepping out of the car before I could argue further. "You'll just have to deal with it, guardian."
I clenched my jaw, glaring at him. "You're impossible."
"And yet, here I am," he grinned. "Still alive, thanks to my stubbornness."
"Or despite it," I muttered under my breath, already regretting the day ahead.