Defender's Heartbeat

Chapter 7

Manuel

The next time I got my leave, I explained to Enzo that I would return in three days and that he should be a good boy while I was gone. I told him he must eat and drink milk until I returned unless he wanted to go to the hospital again. As I was leaving, Enzo started crying and tried to follow me, not wanting me to go. The other bodyguard had to restrain him to prevent him from coming after me.

During my short time at home, I tried to enjoy the vacation with Rachel. We watched TV together, walked in a nearby park, and ate out at restaurants. Despite my efforts to hide it, Rachel sensed that I was worried about something, but I told her it was work-related stress. I didn't want to burden her with my concerns about Enzo.

I avoided sharing details about my job or the Perez family with Rachel, believing it might be better for her. The mere thought of them made me feel sick, except my little boss was the only person I cared about in that family.

When I was alone, I wondered if Enzo was eating enough, if he was getting scared at night and crying, if he was looking for me, or if he had gotten sick again. I felt guilty for not being with him and constantly checked my phone, even though I knew I wouldn't receive any messages or calls from the mansion. Sometimes, I busied myself with household chores to distract myself from thinking about Enzo. Rachel appreciated my help cleaning the house, cooking, and fixing things, always thanking me with kisses and hugs.

After three days, I returned to the mansion and found Enzo playing football outside with Pedro. Enzo was wearing little black shorts and a white T-shirt covered in dirt. His hair was messy. He seemed excited to be playing with his older brother.

I guessed that Gerardo might not be at home, as Pedro would not play with Enzo if he were. When Enzo saw me, he ran towards me, shouting "Papa" very loudly, and for a few minutes, I forgot about the whole world. I quickly squatted down, opening my arms to embrace my baby. As soon as his little body hit mine and his little arms wrapped around my neck, I felt relieved. I picked him up, hugging him tightly and inhaling his scent. I had missed him so much during those three days and was happy to see him healthy and content. My anxiety and guilt washed away, seeing that he was cheerful and well. As I hugged him, I realized how much I had missed him, hardly believing it myself.

"Did you miss me, baby?" I asked.

"Papa," he said in his sweet little voice.

"Papa missed you so much," I said, kissing his cheek.

"What did he call you?" Pedro asked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. He stared at me with an intense, questioning look, crossing his arms over his chest as his gaze darted between Enzo and me.

I was busted. I had been so focused on Enzo that I had forgotten Pedro was there. When I realized he had witnessed everything, a sudden, overwhelming sensation gripped me, making me feel like my entire body was on fire. I didn't say anything out of fear, feeling a lump in my throat. I slowly put Enzo down, but he immediately started jumping up and down, repeatedly calling out "Papa" with his arms outstretched, begging me to pick him up again.

Pedro glared at me, his eyes filled with anger.

"That's your bodyguard, not your Papa," Pedro snapped at Enzo. Enzo didn't understand the meaning of "bodyguard," but he sensed Pedro's anger from his tone. In response, Enzo hit Pedro's leg with his tiny hand.

Pedro stormed into the mansion while Enzo hugged my leg, pleading with me to pick him up.

"Don't call me Papa when others are around, okay?" I whispered as I lifted him into my arms. I didn't want to anger anyone else, knowing everyone probably hated me by now. Enzo was the only reason I remained there.