Selene
It seemed Axel was finally okay with me accompanying him as his bodyguard in public. After days of back-to-back work, today he decided to unwind at Casanova, one of the most exclusive lounges in the city. And, of course, I tagged along — not as a guest, but as his silent shadow.
When we arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter. The dim lighting, velvet couches, and the faint scent of expensive cologne filled the space. Axel's friends were already there, lounging like kings. As soon as they spotted him, their cheers echoed through the lounge.
"Axel! There he is!" one of them called out, raising his glass.
"Finally decided to have a little fun?" another smirked, eyeing the women dancing at the far end of the lounge.
I kept my position a few steps behind Axel, scanning the room. My eyes never stayed in one place for too long, making mental notes of exits and potential threats. That was my job. Not getting caught up in their world of endless champagne and careless laughter.
But despite my focus, I couldn't ignore the lingering stares. Most of the women's eyes trailed after Axel, their intentions written all over their faces. They whispered to one another, giggling, no doubt fantasizing about the country's most eligible bachelor.
"Hey, Axel, who's the new addition?" One of the guys nodded toward me, grinning.
"Bodyguard," Axel replied nonchalantly, grabbing a drink from a nearby waiter.
"Bodyguard? Damn. Must be nice to have her following you around."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I'd heard comments like these before. The assumptions. The objectification. As if my presence was for decoration rather than protection. But I stayed silent, my posture steady.
"She's the best," Axel's voice broke through, a smug smirk tugging at his lips. "Doesn't miss a thing."
There it was. That subtle mockery. Like he was daring me to react. But I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Not today.
"Enjoy your night, Mr. Monroe," I said calmly, my voice even. "I'll be around."
He simply smirked, swirling his drink. "I'm counting on it, Selene."
While Axel was inside, chatting away with his friends, I stood by the entrance, keeping a close eye on the surroundings. The thumping bass of the music vibrated through the walls, and the sound of laughter echoed from within. I remained alert, scanning the area.
But then, one of Axel's friends decided to make his way toward me.
"Hi, Ms. Bodyguard," he said, a cocky grin plastered across his face. He held a glass of whiskey, the ice clinking as he swirled it. "I'm Jackson."
"Good for you," I replied flatly, barely sparing him a glance.
"Can I offer you a drink?" His voice dripped with charm, but I wasn't interested.
"No need," I responded curtly, keeping my hands folded in front of me.
"Oh, come on, Miss Serious," Jackson chuckled, stepping closer. "You don't have to be on duty all the time. Just relax. Enjoy yourself."
I gave him a pointed look, my expression as unreadable as ever. "I'm on duty, Mr. Jackson."
His grin faltered slightly, but the amusement never left his eyes. "Duty, huh? Well, I guess Axel's got himself a guard who takes her job a little too seriously."
I didn't bother replying. People like Jackson loved attention, and the best way to deal with them was to offer none.
Selene
Just as I turned away, Jackson's hand suddenly shot out, grabbing my wrist. His touch was firm, and I immediately tensed. I hated being touched without consent — a bitter reminder of the past I tried so hard to bury.
"I said, relax a little," he smirked, his fingers tightening around my wrist. "You're too uptight, Ms. Bodyguard."
My jaw clenched, and before I could respond or pull away, a strong hand gripped Jackson's wrist, forcing him to release me. The strength behind the hold was unmistakable.
It was Axel.
"Is there a problem, Jackson?" Axel's voice was low, dangerously calm. His icy gaze locked on his so-called friend, the easy-going charm he usually wore nowhere to be seen.
Jackson winced, attempting to laugh it off. "Hey, man, I was just joking. No harm done."
Axel didn't budge. "Doesn't look like she found it funny." His grip remained firm, a silent warning.
I took a step back, steadying myself. The tension in the air was palpable. People around us started to notice, whispers spreading like wildfire.
"Let go, Axel," Jackson muttered, clearly uncomfortable now.
"Apologize," Axel demanded, his voice unwavering.
Jackson's eyes flicked to mine, then back to Axel. "Sorry," he mumbled, though the insincerity was obvious.
"Get lost," Axel growled, finally releasing his grip. Jackson stumbled back, rubbing his wrist before quickly disappearing into the crowd.
For a moment, Axel said nothing. Then he turned toward me, his intense gaze softening just a fraction.
"You okay?"
I nodded, even though my heart was still pounding. "I could've handled it."
"I know," Axel replied, his lips curling into the faintest smirk. "But I couldn't resist. After all, you're my bodyguard. That means I look out for you too."
I scoffed, though a part of me hated how his words stirred something within me. "Don't get used to it, Mr. Monroe."
He grinned. "Too late."