Hosie~ One Shots

Guarded Hearts

Hope Mikaelson stood tall and vigilant at the edge of the lavish ballroom, her eyes scanning the crowd with practiced precision. As a highly trained bodyguard, she had seen it all—threats, dangers, and the complexities of human nature. But tonight, her focus was singular: Josie Saltzman, the daughter of a prominent diplomat, who was the centerpiece of the event.

Josie stood out in the crowd, not just because of her striking beauty, but because of the genuine warmth she exuded. Her laughter was a melody that Hope had come to recognize, and her smile could light up the darkest room. Hope watched as Josie moved gracefully among the guests, her golden dress shimmering under the chandelier lights.

It had been six months since Hope was assigned to protect Josie, and in that time, she had come to know every nuance of her behavior. Josie was kind, intelligent, and uncommonly brave. What Hope hadn't anticipated was the growing feelings she had developed for her charge—feelings that went far beyond professional duty.

Hope shook off her thoughts, reminding herself of her responsibility. She couldn't afford distractions. As Josie's bodyguard, her primary goal was to ensure her safety.

The evening progressed without incident, and soon it was time for Josie to retire for the night. Hope escorted her to her suite, keeping a careful eye on their surroundings. Once inside, Josie turned to Hope, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude.

"Thank you, Hope. I feel so much safer with you around," Josie said, her voice sincere.

"It's my job," Hope replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. "But I'm glad you feel that way."

Josie hesitated, then stepped closer. "I mean it. You've become more than just a bodyguard to me. You're... a friend."

Hope's heart skipped a beat. "I'm glad you think so, Josie. I care about you, too."

The moment lingered, their eyes locked, and Hope could feel the air between them crackling with unspoken emotion. She wanted to reach out, to touch Josie's hand, but she held back, the line between duty and desire too blurred to cross.

Days turned into weeks, and the bond between them grew stronger. Hope found herself drawn to Josie's presence, savoring every moment they spent together. Josie, in turn, seemed to seek out Hope's company more and more, sharing stories, dreams, and laughter.

One evening, after a particularly close call with an overzealous paparazzi, Josie invited Hope to join her for a quiet dinner in her suite. They sat on the balcony, the city lights twinkling below them, casting a soft glow over their faces.

"You never talk about yourself, Hope," Josie said, her eyes curious. "What made you choose this life?"

Hope smiled faintly, taking a sip of her wine. "It wasn't really a choice. It's what I'm good at. Protecting people, making sure they're safe."

"But who protects you?" Josie asked softly, her gaze intense.

Hope looked away, the question striking deeper than she expected. "I guess I don't really think about that. I don't let people get too close."

Josie reached out, placing her hand over Hope's. "Maybe you should. Everyone deserves someone they can rely on."

Hope looked down at their joined hands, her heart pounding. She had never felt this vulnerable, this exposed. "Josie, I... I can't. It's too dangerous. For you and for me."

Josie's eyes softened with understanding. "Hope, I trust you. With my life. And I know you feel something for me. Don't you?"

Hope swallowed hard, the truth too powerful to deny. "Yes. I do. But it scares me. I don't want to put you in any more danger."