Page 10 of Bound to the Bodyguard

The night air was still as my fingers fumbled with the lock on my window, ensuring it was secure. Suddenly, the sharp, insistent buzz of my phone pierced the silence. I jolted, my heart hammering. I snatched the device from the bedside table, eyes widening at the sight of an unknown number flashing across the screen again.

“Hello?” My voice trembled despite the efforts to sound composed.

“Did you think closing the curtains would keep you safe, Raven?” The voice was cold, mocking—a serpent coiling through the wires. “It’s quaint how you cling to such fragile threads of hope.”

“Leave me alone!” I hissed, my fear twisting into anger. This couldn’t be happening—not here, not in my sanctuary.

“Anger suits you,” the voice continued, unfazed by my outburst. “But it won’t protect you. You’re alone, Raven. More alone than you realize.”

A chill ran down my spine. Was this a confession or another threat? My mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle. Who knew me so intimately to exploit my deepest fears?

“Who are you? Why are you doing this?”

“Goodnight, Raven,” the voice said, a whisper of silk and malice. “Sleep tight.”

The line went dead, leaving a haunting silence in its wake. My hand dropped to my side, the phone slipping from my grasp and thudding onto the carpet.

Sleep tight? It was a threat, a promise of something more—something worse—yet to come.

I stumbled to the door, flinging it open with a sense of desperation. The house was too quiet. The darkness of the hallway stretching before me like a gaping maw.

How was I supposed to get any sleep tonight? Even with police presence, I didn’t feel safe. All those scary movies I watched as a teenager came flooding back into my mind where the cop was guarding a house and they get their throat slit.

A knocked sounded at the door.

“Hey, I’m staying here tonight, but we’ve secured a full-time bodyguard for you starting tomorrow. Okay?”

Tears fell down my cheeks. This was all too much. Even for me.

Chapter 6

Jerome

The wrought-iron gates of the estate loomed before me as my black SUV rolled up the winding gravel driveway. I scanned the perimeter, noting the property and points of entry and exit.

Alex strode forward as I stepped out of the vehicle, extending a hand in greeting. “Mr. Dawson, thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“Please, call me Jerome.” His gaze flickered over him, filing away details. Expensive designer suit, Rolex watch, coiffed hair. Everything about the man seemed calculated.

“Jerome, then. As Raven’s agent and ex-husband, please ensure her safety at all times, and prevent any unwanted intrusions into her private life. Paparazzi have become bold and her stalker seems to be escalating.”

“Understood.”

Alex clasped my shoulder. “I’m glad we have an understanding. Raven’s schedule is demanding and her safety is non-negotiable. I trust I can count on your discretion and dedication?”

“You have my word.” My duty as Raven’s bodyguard now took top priority. Nothing would compromise her safety so long as she was under my protection. I had never failed an assignment yet, and this would be no exception. Raven Fields’ life was in my hands now, and I aimed to keep it that way.

“Good. There is one more thing you should know.” He lowered his voice. “Raven can be...difficult. She resents authority and chafes under restrictions. Do not be surprised if she actively works against you, questioning your judgment and testing your limits. Do you understand?”

“Rest assured, I have handled difficult clients before.”

“Not like Raven,” Alex said. “She will push every boundary and resist your recommendations at every turn. Do not let her stubbornness or charm distract you from your duty. You must keep her safe, even when she fights you every step of the way.”

“I am well aware of my responsibilities. There is no need to question my competence.”

Alex held up his hands in a placating gesture. “My apologies. I did not mean to offend. I only want to prepare you for what is to come.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “To be frank, I do not know who may be threatening her.”

“Then it seems I have my work cut out for me.” I’d dealt with difficult and secretive clients before, but none quite like the picture he was painting of Raven Fields. The woman he was describing didn’t seem like her. Especially the woman I helped protect just two nights ago. This assignment would certainly prove interesting, if nothing else. I only hoped the risks involved would not prove too taxing. Raven’s safety was my priority now, no matter the challenges.

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