The Bodyguard (discontinued)

34.

would you guys prefer more frequent updates but shorter chapters? or less frequent updates with longer chapters?

if i did shorter chapters i could update like twice a week and with longer chapters maybe once every week or week and a half?

let me know ✨

Jasper's Pov

I could've created a hole in the floor by how much I was pacing.

I'd practiced the speech more times than I could count. But neither the tedious repetition or the shitty cocktail I had earlier could calm my nerves.

"Being a part of this campaign for the last couple of months has given me not only an immense respect for those within the political sphere, but also an esteemed gratitude for my mother and women like her who are changing the world -"

I'd written it last night and it was every ounce of bullshit I had imagined. Writing about my mom in such high regard was enough to make me resent her even more than I already did — she chose me for the speech because she knew how much I'd hate it.

For Leslie or Lucas it would've been a walk in the park. If anything, they would've enjoyed the attention.

But she wanted to see me get up in front of hundreds of people and have no choice but to express my love for her.

I'd been ready for a while now — although I hadn't spoken to her in weeks, my mom insisted that someone come assist me with styling and grooming.

Although I looked the part of a respectable son — all styled hair, pressed suit and expensive jewelry — I didn't feel like myself.

I don't think I ever would as long as she made me keep up this act of doting son and loving brother — worlds away from the person I actually was or wanted to be.

Even farther from the son with a recovering drug addiction who'd tarnished the family image as well as the campaign.

Maybe I could prove her wrong. If I didn't let this affect me and if I could just make it through the night, she'd believe her reigns on me were slipping.

Still, the thought of leaving this hotel room at all tonight made me feel sick.

When a knock sounds, I don't know if I was relieved or more anxious.

I didn't even get the chance to tell them to leave, because the lock clicks before I get the chance.

When Leslie and Lucas walk in, I feel slightly more on edge and I didn't even bother asking how they had a key to my room.

"Jesus, Jasper," Leslie said worriedly. She looked eye eye catching in a floor length gown. She walked over to me and placed a cold manicured hand on my forehead. I shoo her away.

"Relax," she holds two of her hands up. Lucas sits down on the bed and watches me closely.

"I've never seen him this nervous before," she said.

"I know," Lucas grinned. "It's kinda entertaining."

I glare at the both of them conversing as if I'm not here.

"Would the two of you stop it?" I hiss, their presence becoming increasingly more aggravating.

Then they laugh. First at me, then at each other.

"Look, we just came to wish you good luck," Leslie mentions after they settle down.

"You'll be fine," Lucas adds. "But please stop pacing. You're making me nervous and you're going to quite literally break a sweat."