THE BODYGUARD's SECRET

Avaline Monroe had never felt this way before. Her life had always flowed smoothly-filled with lavish parties, exclusive vacations, and limitless luxury. But tonight, something changed everything.

Her steps trembled as she entered her father's study on the third floor of the Monroe mansion. The large window behind the desk showcased the glittering night sky, but its beauty couldn't soothe the unease in her chest. In front of her, James Monroe, a middle-aged man with lines of tension on his face, sat silently with an unreadable expression.

"So, what does this mean, Dad?" Avaline's voice shook as she reread the document in her hands. "I have to be guarded by a bodyguard? At all times?"

James Monroe let out a deep sigh before meeting his daughter's gaze seriously. "This isn't up for negotiation, Ava. I've received threats. Not just against me, but against you too."

Avaline rolled her eyes, trying to suppress the frustration building inside her. "What kind of threats this time? Business? Politics? Or just someone who doesn't like you?"

James tapped his fingers on the mahogany desk. "I can't tell you all the details. Just know that this is serious."

"I can take care of myself," Avaline argued, crossing her arms over her chest.

Before her father could respond, the door creaked open. Someone stepped into the room, his movements controlled and deliberate. Avaline turned, and her eyes immediately locked onto a tall man dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and behind the sunglasses perched on his nose, there was an undeniable sharpness.

Lucas Ward.

Her father had warned her that this man would be her personal bodyguard, but Avaline hadn't expected him to look this intimidating.

"Lucas will ensure your safety," James stated flatly. "From now on, he'll be with you at all times."

Avaline scoffed. "At all times? You mean he'll follow me everywhere? Even to my bedroom?"

Lucas remained silent, his expression unchanging. But James shot his daughter a sharp look. "Don't be childish, Ava. He'll maintain the necessary boundaries."

"I don't need this kind of surveillance," Avaline muttered. "I can handle my own problems."

Lucas finally spoke, his voice deep and cold. "This isn't about what you want, Miss Monroe. It's about what's necessary to keep you safe."

Avaline froze for a moment, caught off guard by his audacity to speak to her like that.

Her gaze studied him, searching for a flaw, something that made him less than perfect. But there was nothing. His jaw was strong, his frame powerful beneath that expensive suit, and there was something in his stare that made her heart beat just a little faster-not out of fear, but out of a dangerous curiosity.

She quickly shoved the thought aside.

"Fine," she finally said, her voice laced with reluctance. "But don't think this will be easy for you, Mr. Bodyguard."

Lucas didn't react. He simply stood there, expressionless. But in his eyes, there was something that almost made Avaline shiver.

Something dangerous.

The next day, Avaline tried to act normal. As if there wasn't a towering man with a statue-like presence constantly following her. But ignoring Lucas Ward was impossible.

As she walked through the mansion's corridors, he was always close enough to protect her but far enough not to intrude. His steps were silent, his movements perfectly controlled.

When Avaline made her way to the dining room, Lucas was already there, standing in the corner with his arms crossed over his chest.

"My God, you're like a shadow I can't escape," Avaline muttered as she took her seat.

Lucas didn't respond, remaining as still as ever.

"I want to go out today," Avaline announced, meeting his gaze deliberately. "I want to go to a club."

Lucas finally moved. He stepped forward, leaning slightly toward her.

"No."

Avaline blinked, startled by the blunt response. "No? You're forbidding me?"

"Yes."

"And who are you to decide where I can or cannot go?"

Lucas's eyes darkened. "I'm here to protect you. The club isn't safe right now."

Avaline let out a loud sigh. "You really do enjoy torturing me, don't you?"

Lucas said nothing.

In the end, Avaline still went-with Lucas following her.

The nightclub was alive with neon lights and pounding music. Avaline sat in the VIP lounge, a martini in her hand. Around her, her friends laughed and chatted, but her mind was fixated on the man standing near the entrance, watching her with that unwavering gaze.

Lucas was never far.

When a handsome man in an expensive suit approached her, Avaline smirked slightly. She wanted to see how Lucas would react.

"Hey, Avaline," the man said in a smooth, flirtatious tone. "Mind if I keep you company tonight?"

Before Avaline could answer, Lucas had already moved. In an instant, the man stepped back, his expression shifting to one of fear.

Lucas hadn't done anything-he had simply looked at him. But there was something in that cold stare that made it clear: approaching Avaline Monroe was a bad idea.

"I can handle myself, Lucas," Avaline said after the man scurried away.

Lucas's gaze didn't waver. "I'm not here to question your abilities, Miss Monroe. I'm here to make sure you stay alive."

Avaline stepped closer, challenging him. "And what if I want to live my life my own way?"

Lucas didn't back away, but something in his eyes shifted. As if he was holding something back.

"I won't let you take unnecessary risks," he said quietly, his tone firm and unwavering.

For the first time, Avaline sensed there was more behind his professionalism.

A secret.

A temptation yet to be uncovered.

And she swore she would find out what it was.