CHAPTER FOUR

Chantelle's POV

I tugged at the heavy neckpiece I wore, feeling its heavy weight suffocating me.

I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror.

I was at Father's event. He had set it up for me to get acquitted with the big people in the business of food processing; but I knew it was an excuse to know what his competitors were up to and for the women married to some of these billionaires, to show pictures of their new yacht or new luxury home. These men and women could boast of billions to their name.

I was so not ready for this, but I had to go because of Father's continuous threats.

He held me by his side, introducing me to his business associates. To say I was bored would be an understatement. I had always known since I was a child to keep a smile on my face at these events, no matter how differently I felt.

“This is Megan Miller. She's my beloved daughter and she'll be taking over Miller Industries one day as my heir.” He kept introducing me.

Those words were a heavyweight and a burden. I tugged at my neck-piece again.

I played my part saying, Lovely to meet you, Nice outfit, Oh I've heard of you! — at appropriate times.

By the second hour, I couldn't remember the names of the people I had met that night.

I was already on my fourth glass of champagne by then. Father gave me a disapproving look that said he didn't want to be embarrassed by me and I rolled my eyes.

“I need to pee.” I had whispered to Jace who was guarding me directly for the night. Because it was an event, I had three bodyguards with me. Each stationed at different corners of the hall, watching out for potential threats.

Jace accompanied me to the bathroom. He watched me curiously by the door, as I got out to wash my hands by the sink. Now would have been the time to make sly remarks, but I was not in the mood.

Suddenly, the room spun and I nearly lost my balance. Jace was there in a flash to catch me before I slipped on the floor.

His hand was on my waist and I flinched from the touch.

The heat from his body was so intense that it seemed to burn through my gown through his touch.

I was lost in those chestnut-colored eyes for a second.

His eyes were filled with concern and that brought me back to my senses.

I stepped away from him and held a hand up to him to stop him from coming any closer. “I'm fine.” I touched my forehead with my palm. “I just feel lightheaded, that's all.”

I tugged at the neck-piece once again. It felt like a swarm of ants was crawling all over my body. I wasn't ready. I didn't want to become Father, but I knew these events would not stop. This was to be my life.

I started hyperventilating, “I… I can't… I can't breathe…” I was leaning on the sink now, holding my neck. I held onto the sink with my other hand until my knuckles turned white.

Jace was there again, but his fingers were on my neck this time, taking off the neck-piece. His finger brushed my neck in the faintest of touches but it drew a shudder from me.

He held me, saying, “You're okay… I've got you… It's gonna be fine…” He kept whispering until I was calm.

I must have been in the powder room for longer than necessary, and I knew Father would send for me very soon. I leaned into those strong arms. I would feel embarrassed later, but I needed this, right now.

Looking into those eyes, I knew Jace meant every word he said.

~~~

Jace's POV

I knew I shouldn't have touched her.

But I did it anyway.

TWICE!

I knew it would encourage her flirtatious attitude but seeing her that unstable made me feel a sense of duty.

I had seen different sides to Chantelle that night. She made casual chit chat with the people Miller introduced to her, and she kept a smile on her face all night.

She seemed to have an aura that made people love her and I could definitely see her running the company one day.

The job of a bodyguard didn't include controlling what my charge did. I watched her take glasses of champagne all night with a wary eye.

But I also saw the side of her breaking down and she looked for the first time like a small child who was in much distress.

Seeing her in the restroom had shown me how vulnerable she could be and that the entire night and her smiles were all an act.

I started to wonder who Chantelle really was. She was so different from anyone I had ever met and just as unpredictable.

I was about to say a word to Miller so I could get her home, but she stopped me as we came out of the restroom.

“Don't say a word of this to anyone!” All traces of the broken girl I had seen just a few minutes before were gone.

I must have looked like I was about to say something about telling her father because she repeated, “Anyone!”

“Understood Ms Miller— Chantelle.” I corrected.

After the night's activities, we headed to the Miller estate.

I had to be in the tail car and not in the same car as Chantelle because Miller insisted she ride with him.

The passenger's seat in front was occupied by Louis Hale, Miller's bodyguard. Louis must have worked with Miller for about twenty years.

We got home at eleven ish and just when I was about to retire for the night, my charge decided the night was not over for her.

“I'm going out,” she said as soon as she separated from her father. She hadn't even gotten changed.

Logan groaned, “Chantelle, you don't want to get in trouble with Mr Miller.”

Chantelle tsked and frowned, “Oh please! I'm with you guys, what could happen?”

I didn't want to protest, “Are you sure?" I said instead.

She headed to the car without responding and turned to face us, “Are you coming or not?"

Jordan was the first to move.

I sighed and followed, not knowing how much of this impulsive behavior I could take.