Who's This Bodyguard Of Mine?

~Dorla

“Wake up, sleepy head.”

The soft voice pulled me from sleep. For a second I thought I was dreaming, that voice sounded exactly like Lily’s. But why would she be here?

My eyes fluttered open. Lily was standing beside the bed, arms crossed, wearing an amused smile.

I bolted upright and screamed. “Lily?! How the hell did I get here?!”

She laughed lightly and sat on the edge of the bed. “You don’t remember? You showed up at my door at like 3 a.m., banging like a mad woman being chased by a tiger. You were a complete mess, crying, drunk, and talking nonsense about betrayal and hot bodyguards. I barely got you inside before you passed out on my couch.”

Everything came rushing back in one humiliating wave. The bar. The fight. Arnold saved me. The hotel. The kiss.

Oh God.

I groaned and flopped back onto the pillow, covering my face with both hands. Shame burned through me like fire.

“I can’t believe I did that…” I whispered. “That wasn’t even me. It was the alcohol. I swear.”

Lily raised an eyebrow. “So… the part where you kissed your dad’s scary bodyguard and then ran away like a thief? That was the alcohol too?”

I peeked through my fingers, mortified. “Please tell me I didn’t say all that out loud.”

“You did. Multiple times.”

I let out a helpless sigh and stared at the ceiling. Arnold… What the hell was he facing right now?

By now my father must have realized I never came home. He would probably be furious. And Arnold? He would be the one who has to explain why his boss’s daughter disappeared after he was supposed to be guarding her.

I'm screwed.

"I'm sorry about Jason and…" Lily started, but I quickly raised my hand to stop her.

“Don’t mention that bastard’s name in front of me again, please. Just forget him.”

Lily paused, studying my face for a moment before her voice softened. “Okay… but what about the bodyguard? Is it true? You really kissed him?”

I nodded slowly, biting my lip.

She sighed heavily, looking worried. “Dorla, you know this. Your father can kill him just for staring at you in the wrong way. And you’re talking about…”

“I love him, Lily,” I cut in, my voice quiet but firm. “I don’t know how it happened, but I do. I’ve been falling for him for years… quietly, secretly. The heartbreak Jason gave me yesterday just pushed everything I feel for Arnold to the surface. I know it’s dangerous. I know it’s forbidden. But I swear… I really love him.”

Lily stared at me, eyes wide with a mix of shock and concern.

She finally shook her head slowly. “Girl… you’re playing with fire.”

After Lily left, I dragged myself into the bathroom. The hot water poured over me as I stood beneath the shower.

When I finally stepped out, I wrapped a towel around myself and stared at my reflection for a moment. My eyes were swollen, my face pale, but there was no time to dwell on it.

I opened Lily’s closet and grabbed one of her outfits, a pair of baggy jeans and a simple crop top. It wasn’t exactly my style, but it would do for now.

After getting dressed, I slipped on a pair of sneakers and grabbed my phone.

“I have to get my car,” I muttered.

A few minutes later, I was inside a cab heading back to the bar where I had left my Porsche the night before.

Thankfully, it was still there. I found my key just meters away from the car.

Relief washed over me as I unlocked the door and slid into the driver’s seat. I started the engine and drove home.

But the moment I reached the mansion gates, my heart skipped. Seven black cars were lined up outside, and standing at the center of them was my father.

He was already stepping out of his car the moment he saw mine pull in. My breath caught in my throat.

I quickly stepped out of the Porsche, and before I even realized what I was doing, I ran toward him.

“Dad…”

The moment I reached him, I threw myself into his arms. The tears I had been holding back all day finally broke free.

He caught me tightly, one strong hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on my back while the other gently stroked my hair.

“Shh, my princess,” he murmured, voice low and comforting. “It’s okay. You’re home now. I’ve got you.”

I cried against his chest like a little girl again. His strong arms wrapped around me.

“It’s alright,” he murmured softly, “I’m here now.”

His voice was calm, steady, the same voice that had always made the world feel a little safer.

But something told me he already knew what happened to me.

And in my father’s world…. When someone hurt his daughter, they didn’t walk away unharmed.

________

After a long, beautiful nap, I finally dragged myself out of bed. The delicious aroma of home cooked food wafted through the house, rich tomato stew, grilled chicken, and fresh jollof rice. God, I had missed this taste for the past 24 hours.

I made my way to the dining table where my father was already seated. He looked up as I approached, his expression softening.

“How are you feeling, princess?” he asked gently.

I forced a small smile and sat down. “I’m okay, Dad.”

He nodded, watching me for a moment before speaking again. “Hand over your three car keys. Including the power bike key.”

I paused, fork halfway to my mouth. “Why?”

“There’s no more debate about getting a personal bodyguard,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “It’s essential now. What would I have done if Arnold wasn’t lucky enough to be at that bar last night? I could have lost you, Dorla.”

My stomach twisted. The memory of last night flashed through my mind, the bar, the attackers, Arnold’s strong arms carrying me. I quickly nodded.

“I understand,” I said quietly. “I’d be foolish to refuse after what happened yesterday.”

Dad’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “Good. The bodyguard will drive you everywhere from now on. He goes where you go. No exceptions.”

I pushed my plate slightly and looked at my father, trying to sound casual.

“So… who’s this bodyguard of mine?”

Dad didn’t even hesitate. He took a sip of water and answered calmly, “Of course I picked the strongest out of all my men. Arnold Black Russo.”

Fuck.

My heart slammed against my ribs. Why him? Of all the guards my father had, why did it have to be Arnold?

I had spent the whole night convincing myself I would stay far away from him after what happened in that hotel room. I swore I’d keep my distance, bury whatever crazy feelings I had for him. And now fate was laughing in my face.

He was going to be everywhere I went. Every single day. Every hour. Every moment.

Arnold Black Russo, the man I had secretly crushed on for years, the man I had kissed like a desperate fool last night was now officially my shadow.

I forced my expression to stay neutral, but inside my stomach was doing wild flips.

“Oh… okay,” I managed to say, my voice quieter than I wanted.

Dad nodded, completely unaware of the storm raging in my chest. “Starting tomorrow morning. He’ll drive you wherever you need to go. No arguments.”

I swallowed hard and nodded slowly. This was going to be torture.

“By the way, I’m leaving tomorrow morning for a week long meeting in Sicily. I have an important business with the other families. I won’t be reachable most of the time, so Arnold will be fully in charge of your safety and the whole house while I’m gone.”

He reached over and gently squeezed my hand. “Stay close to him, princess. No unnecessary risks. I need to know you’re safe.”

I swallowed hard and nodded, my mind already spinning.

A whole week alone with Arnold.