A Knife on His Lap|| Bodyguard AU

Madhuri

~Third Person POV~

The girl surveyed her surroundings, her eyes gliding over the passing scenery. It had been months since she last set foot on this land, and the familiarity brought a sense of tranquility. As she approached an old community with vintage villas dotting the landscape, each structure uniquely captivating, she couldn't help but feel drawn to the architectural beauty around her. However, she couldn't afford to let her guard down. Despite agreeing to carry out the bidding of the man who approached her, his gentleness and kindness couldn't erase the scars of betrayal from the past. She was no longer the naive girl who left India with dreams and hope, shattered by the very man meant to protect her.

Regardless, she understood the limited choices before her. It was either comply with the man's requests or face the ominous prospect of being confined on a yacht, treated as a commodity by the rich, only to be discarded into an even darker fate once her utility was exhausted.

Sighing, she lifted her gaze to the sky, where small petals of sunlight kissed the edge of the ocean. This daily spectacle became her solace, a gentle reminder that she was alive, and perhaps, one day, she could emerge from the shadows like the rising sun. She stole a moment to look at herself, finding comfort in her t-shirt and jeans. It was a far cry from the nakedness she had endured in the past few months. However, she remembered a time in her life when even this modest outfit might have been considered shameful in her life.

As she reflected on the horrors of the previous day, the contrast between her current state and the darkness she had experienced was stark. Despite being new to this world and receiving warnings from the other girls about the depraved parties the rich indulged in, she had managed to avoid being part of them—until yesterday. She couldn't deny the truth, and throughout the night, she remained on edge, haunted by the words of her soul brother echoing in her mind.

Gratitude welled up within her for the man who treated her with kindness. It had been an extended period since any man had shown her such consideration. However, years of living in the shadows, being a mere reflection of someone else, had honed her judgment skills. This ability to read people had become a crucial survival tool for her. When Alexie approached her with his kindness, she couldn't ignore the underlying caution that accompanied her appreciation. Despite the warmth in his eyes when he spoke to her, she sensed an air of crudeness and cunning that enveloped him in dealings with others. She understood all too well that one misstep could sever the fragile connection she had with him.

The taxi, ushered by the butler, came to a stop in front of a grand iron gate adorned with intricate and beautiful embroidery. Beyond the gate lay a breathtaking view, a mahogany villa with patterns that traced back to the 18th century. It stood as a true marvel before the girl's eyes. Opening her purse, she carefully examined its contents: a letter meant for the villa's owner, a card provided by Alexie, and a stack of bills. Following the butler's instructions, she gulped and counted the money before handing it to the cab driver. As the taxi disappeared down the lane, she slid out and took in the mesmerizing sight of the villa.

Gulping once more, she absorbed the luxurious ambiance surrounding her. Despite having witnessed many extravagant indulgences, this villa exuded a unique combination of class and warmth that surpassed the opulence of the yacht where she had spent the last few months.

She glanced around the empty streets, searching for any sign of someone's presence. Finding none, she weighed her options. The decision was before her: she could enter the villa, taking the risk laid out for her, or she could use the bills and make a run for it, starting anew. Counting the bills in her purse, she knew the latter was a viable option. A sense of dilemma settled within her, for it had been a very long time since she had taken control of her own decisions.