A Knife on His Lap|| Bodyguard AU

Bored + Annoyed= Dangerous

~Alexie Ivanov~

Perhaps I should consider embracing the yoga routine that Nari practices daily for stretching. At first glance, it may appear effortless, but the tension evident in her muscles speaks volumes about the years of disciplined dedication she has invested to achieve such proficiency. Shaking my head, I recall Nari in those snug workout attire, contorting into poses that, if misunderstood, could be interpreted in a rather inappropriate manner. It doesn't seem like the ideal starting point for me. Don't get me wrong, it's mesmerizing to watch her perform those exercises, but mesmerizing her in my current state is not the wisest choice.

My body throbbed with discomfort, the persistent headache lingering for days as I stole a glance at my new imposing companion, the hulking figure known as "Roberto." Throughout the train ride, his proximity to me was unnerving; to an outsider, it might have appeared as if he were a devoted lover. In a moment of jest, I playfully called him "Wifey," only to receive a gruff response from the man. Needless to say, my attempt at humor earned me quizzical looks from those nearby.

As I sighed, my gaze shifted to the changing scenery. We had transitioned from the clamor of Paris to the breathtaking blues of Cannes. Despite the picturesque view, a sense of foreboding shadowed my appreciation. I couldn't allow myself too much happiness in this moment, for I was acutely aware that, in the coming days, this azure sea would transform into my temporary confinement—a beautiful but restrictive prison.

The roads eventually faded away, and it became evident that we had officially entered the playground of the wealthy and ostentatious. On one side, towering buildings showcased every conceivable luxury a person with deep pockets could desire—fashion, gourmet food, drugs, firearms, whores, you name it you'll have it. On the other side, the coastline was adorned with an impressive array of multimillion-dollar yachts, inviting those who tired of spending extravagantly on land to continue their indulgence at sea.

Ronald led the way, walking ahead of me, guiding us towards the yacht that would serve as my temporary residence for the next few days. I strolled nonchalantly, savoring the last few moments on solid ground, at least for the days ahead. With my hand casually tucked into my pocket, I surveyed the opulence surrounding me. It struck me as a lavish landfill, a vast sum of money spent not for genuine luxury but to ensnare unsuspecting individuals into a suffocating spiral of debt and unnecessary consumption.

He came to a halt in front of a luxury yacht named "Soleil Levant" – the rising sun. I couldn't help but wonder about the audacity of someone naming such a magnificent vessel with such an obnoxious title. My curiosity was quickly satisfied as a portly figure approached – Pierre Michel Laurent, Lady Lady Larorret's rather foolish cousin. I grunted disapprovingly at the display of his arrogance.

Moving towards the man, who seemed to believe he owned the entire pathway, I couldn't help but notice his unsteady demeanor as he extended his hand towards me. "Great, it's only morning, and this motherfucker is already drunk," I muttered under my breath. Without hesitation, I barged past him, causing him to grunt in pain from the impact of my shoulder against his.

On the way to the gangplank, a sleekly dressed man in black greeted me with a bow. "Good morning, Mr. Todd. I am Albert, and for this trip, I'll be your personal butler," he announced, to which I simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Ronald, standing beside him, chimed in next, "Please, Mr. Todd, hand me your cellular device and all electronics." My lips tightened as I stared at him. I anticipated tight security, but surrendering to this extent was unexpected. Sighing, I reluctantly handed over my phone and laptop. However, when Ronald's eyes fell on the digital watch adorning my wrist, I gritted my teeth, unclasped the device, and placed it in his outstretched palm. With that done, I made my way up to the deck, stealing a sideways glance to witness him pocket the watch, a smirk spreading across my lips. Did they believe someone like me could be so easily deceived? I adjusted my glasses, contemplating their miscalculation.