A Knife on His Lap|| Bodyguard AU

Strip or I will make you

~Nariya Patel~

The chime of the clock, combined with the aroma of vintage paper, created a perfect study atmosphere. My eyes remained fixated on the screen as I navigated through numerous theoretical documents. Earlier, after waking up from an afternoon nap, reinvigorated with newfound energy, I decided to utilize the library computer to channel this vitality into something productive. With exams just around the corner, it felt like the opportune time to revise and plan ahead. Yet, studies weren't the sole occupant of my thoughts. Finances were another matter that preoccupied much of my thinking.

I might have agreed to stay with this man—sorry, the Great Lord of the Manor, Sire Alexie I, the slayer of evil incarnations, savior of the princess, charmer of the King, he who is named by all ladies as the Ice Duke. His cold nature targeted towards all, but when he meets the princess, he melts, blossoming their love... A snicker left my lips at the absurdity. I need to stop and think about more important matters, much more important than this. I could find a part-time job; however, I was still not allowed to do an internship for one more semester. This pompous rule was what had put my brilliant talent to waste in a supermarket, counting pennies to make ends meet.

I heard a knock on the double door as the handle slowly opened his head now perfectly healed peeked in as he said "Nari, I brought you some hot chocolate."

My eyes widen as I remioneded myself, eye contact, nodding I said "Yes, thankyou" He came in to place it on my desk and proceed to go out, but I called out. "Um, Lord...." This made his brows jerk a bit as he turned around a bit baffled. I bit my laughter, I don't know how or why, even though every cell in my body screamed that was every way possible contrary to my target, yet, his face, the tightening of jaws, it made me want it more, want him more.

I continued "I was wondering that day.." I trailed off the understanding clear in his eyes which day I was referring to I continued "did you find my cell phone and luggage?"

Blinking, he looked at me. "I placed your luggage in the wardrobe..." I mouthed an "oh" at that; the day I saw the expensive wardrobe, I never bothered to venture much. "As for your phone, well, it was broken, so it's currently being repaired."

Relief washed over my features. I certainly was in no position to afford a new phone, and the option to get it from this man was out of the books; no way could I accept that. Most importantly, that phone consisted of many precious memories. I couldn't afford to lose them, no matter what. A smile bloomed on my lips at the thought, and I said, daring a bit more, "Thank you." I looked at him, my eyes hooded in poise, and added, "My lord."

I could tell he was biting the insides of his cheeks to control his demons. With a curt nod, he walked out. I licked my lips; I was not a flirting nymph, but the thought of melting the Ice Duke induced a hint of mischief in my mind.

Several hours had passed since I finished. As I stretched my taut muscles, back pain reminded me of reality. I wished for one of my injured parts to heal so I could resume my yoga routine. Hunger demanded my attention as I made my way out, finding Nyx meowing at my feet. I looked around; the Lord's presence was nowhere to be found. Heading towards the kitchen and fetching a glass of water, I noticed a note awaiting my arrival. As I read, it revealed:

"Nari, I am busy with some work; the dinner is in the fridge—reheat it before consuming. Also, can you feed Nyx one packet of wet food, placed in the lower compartment of the left side of the island. Thanks.

Your Lord."

My eyes widened as I spat the contents of my mouth onto the kitchen counter, startling Nyx as she jumped away in surprise. I laughed, the back of my throat hurting when I did so, and started coughing instead. Tears welled up in my eyes; it had been a very refreshing laugh after a very long time. After what seemed like an eternity, my breathing calmed down a bit. I glanced at the crockpot and opened its lid to reveal a beautiful, spicy Thupka awaiting me. I had only had it once before, a Tibetan dish made of spicy tangy broth with noodles in it. This time, I guessed Chef Lord had used buckwheat noodles, like many monasteries do in Tibetan and Northern regions of India.