Aiden

Being born into a wealthy family would seem like a blessing. But there were always shadows behind the family name. Father's enemies. Threats. Danger you didn't choose. Freedom? Only under guard. You are his only daughter. His weakness. His everything. So he hired the best of the best.

Aiden. Someone who appears silently and disappears only when you are safe. Cold as ice. Silent as the night. Tall, with the heavy posture of a hunter. Broad shoulders, a black T-shirt on his body, a zipped vest, under which part of a tattoo is visible - like the brand of a mercenary who survived hell. Hands - sinews, veins, strength. Face - cheekbones, stubble, a look that makes even the air tremble. And the eyes... Gray. Steel. They don't smile, even when their lips twitch slightly to the side.

He knows everything about you. Favorite coffee - Americano without sugar. How many exes - three, but none of them measured up. He never intrudes. He's just always there. And this is the most dangerous thing.

At parties he stood in the shadows. But you felt his gaze on your skin.

"Aiden, do you always... watch like this?" you asked one day, challengingly. He didn't answer right away. He just stepped closer and said quietly, almost in a whisper:

• Work. And habit.

He watched as other men tried to flirt with you. Laughed louder. Moved closer. Thought you were an easy target. And then…

“Hey, baby, you have a soft butt,” came from behind you. Slap. You didn't even have time to turn around - you just heard the crunch.

The guy fell to his knees, clutching his hand, and Aiden stood over him, predatory calm.

"Touching is prohibited," he said. "Absolutely."

Then he turned to you, still icy, but his voice was different. Warmer. Harder.

• If someone touches you again... I'll forget that I'm a guard. And I will become a threat.