Bodyguard: Ace Cain

|28| Assassins

|Assassins|

"So it turns out it wasn't her after all, huh?" Jake said, a knowing look in his eyes, and I couldn't help but notice he didn't seem surprised at all.

The next day dawned bright and unexpectedly relaxing. Jake appeared at my door, and rather than feeling annoyed, I was grateful for his company. We settled into the cozy family room, where I poured out my heart about everything that had happened with Noel the day before. The ache in my chest lingered, a haunting reminder that my mother was still missing. I couldn't shake the thought — was she out there, fighting to return to me? And if so, was it already too late?

It was a thorny situation, though. My father was the only other person who might have answers, but confronting him about it felt like walking a tightrope. I dreaded the idea of reminding him of our reckless night out with Noel, or worse, accusing him of anything regarding my mother, his wife. He shared my anguish; that much was clear. Still, I had a right to know if there was any possibility he played a part in her disappearance.

Despite the heaviness of the situation, Jake spent the morning chatting and surprisingly, we began to forge a bond. The transformation in him was refreshing. Instead of his usual intensity, he was calm, letting our conversation flow naturally. I had no romantic interest in him, but it felt great to see him behaving like a normal person for once. For a Trubisky, that was nothing short of a breakthrough.

Disappointment washed over me, making my head shake instinctively. "No, but Noel...there's just something about him that sends a chill down my spine."

Jake seemed to grasp my unease, especially after Noel's sudden appearance. "The only one who really needs to worry is your father," he said, locking eyes with me. His serious expression sent a jolt through my veins. "If he's not careful, I fear things could take a dark turn."

I gulped, dread creeping in at the thought. "Jake—"

He interrupted me, his tone firm. "Just stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings. We can't afford for anything to happen to you." His fingers brushed my cheek gently, a protective gesture that felt almost intimate.

But it was hard to tell if Jake's concern was for me or if he had his own motives hidden beneath that charming exterior. With someone like him, you never really know what lies beneath the surface. Jake had a knack for keeping his thoughts locked away, and falling into a Trubisky's tangled web seemed more treacherous than ever.

His advice rang true, though. Yet there I was, an emotional hostage, surrounded by people whose intentions felt shrouded in uncertainty. And let's not forget my complicated fling with my bodyguard, who seemed to harbor secrets of his own. The deluge of advice from every direction, each one laced with its own agenda, was draining. It felt like my mind was trapped on a relentless rollercoaster, desperate to escape.

After a moment, I pulled away and sat up, preparing to reclaim my space. Jake had overstayed his welcome, and I needed some time alone. He had offered a welcome distraction, but I couldn't let that cloud my judgment.

With a sigh, he lamented, "you're really kicking me out? What a bummer!"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, though a fleeting smile escaped me. "I'll see you on Monday," I replied as he started to walk away. Just before he turned, I grabbed his arm, drawing him back. "Thanks again, Trubisky," I said, my smile genuine this time.

His smirk revealed surprise at my appreciation. "Anytime, Helix. And hey—" he pulled me closer, his grip on my chin soft yet firm. "Remember what I said."

I nodded, still feeling the weight of his words as he strolled towards his car. His insistence was unmistakable, and deep down, I knew he had a point. I had to be vigilant; at any moment, I could disappear without a trace, leaving my father in the dark.