The Bodyguard's Temptress

Chapter 3

Natasha

My eyes dart around, searching for him. But as always, he eludes me unless he wants to be found. I know he's always watching, always ready to protect me, and the anticipation fills me with excitement, with life I thought I had lost nine months ago.

I confessed my feelings to him, but he made it clear that when he became my permanent bodyguard that nothing would ever happen between us. Even if he didn't work for my dad, he claimed I was only confused due to my trauma, and I deserved someone better.

Honestly, his rejection hurt like a bitch, but I accepted it, refusing to allow it to shatter me further. I think my crush is gone anyway, I think now I just like the way he protects me because there was a point in time when it was sorely lacking.

After three days of being continuously drugged and raped by my dad's enemy and his men, Knox came to my rescue me with his face covered in their blood. He wrapped me in a blanket, and allowed me to sob in his arms the entire way to the hospital.

I'm living a somewhat normal life now. I'll never be able to forget what happened to me, but I'll also never forget the kindness he showed me afterwards. I've thanked him over and over again for saving my life, but it still doesn't feel like enough. Maybe I should bake him some cupcakes. Or allow him to wreck my pussy with his cock...you know, just once...to thank him.

"Nat, are you even listening to me?" Brandon's voice breaks me out of my daze, and I blink up at him.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Fantasizing about your bodyguard again?" he asks teasingly, wiggling his eyebrows.

Yes.

Glaring at him, I feel heart rise to my cheeks. "No, don't be ridiculous," I snap, embarrassed he called me out like that. "I was just wondering if I accidentally left something at the bakery."

"Like what?" he drawls, casually brushing his hair out of his blue eyes.

My brain immediately malfunctions, and I avert my gaze from his. "Shut up," I mumble, picking up a cupcake from the table and shoving it into my mouth.

My best friend, Brandon, and I catered Marco's engagement party with a variety of desserts, including cakes, cupcakes, and puddings. It's our first real gig after opening our bakery, "Muffin But Trouble" just a month ago.

After I was kidnapped, I found solace in baking. It became my escape, my therapy. Dad eventually agreed to give me a loan to open a bakery, under one condition: Knox would stay on as my babysitter. I think Dad was just relieved to see me emerge from the confines of the hotel room I had made my sanctuary.

As Brandon and I chat near the dessert table, Dad approaches, his steps slow and assisted by his cane. With him is an elderly man I've never met. His features are lined with wrinkles, and whisps of white hair frame his face.

"Natalie, this is Johnathon Edwards. He was eager to meet you," Dad says with enthusiasm, his eyes unnaturally dilated from the night's 'festivities'.

I manage a polite smile. "Hello, Mr. Edwards. It's very nice to meet you," I reply, extending my hand, inwardly cringing as he plants a kiss on it.

Mr. Edwards grins. "Lovely to meet you, Ms. Marino. May I have this next dance?"

Brandon side eyes me, and I can practically see the hidden disgust on his features.

No.

"Sure." I allow the man to guide me to the dance floor, where we waltz slowly to the strains of classical music. I'm not sure why he wanted to dance with me specifically, but he seems nice enough. Maybe I remind him of his granddaughter or something.