The Bodyguard

Chapter 1

TORI

Being an actress who lives in Hollywood is wild. Every day is an experience with unforgettable stories I will share for the rest of my life. Thanks to the paparazzi, the world usually sees my every step. I know the paparazzi will share any story they get their hands on even if they have to put a spin on it. 

Today news unfolded I knew nothing about leaving me in complete shock. How those that work in my line of expertise got a hold of it is beyond me. My reaction was utterly genuine, and it was broadcast live to the entire world as I stood on stage accepting the award for best actress.

*A few hours ago*

Logan, my boyfriend, approached from behind and kissed my neck, prompting a smile. As I turned around, I saw him in his black-and-white suit, prepared for the red carpet event.

"You look stunning," Logan remarked. He grasped my hand and twirled me, taking in the sight of my black, glittering gown with straps cascading down my shoulders.

I felt my cheeks warm with a blush. "Thank you. Are we ready to leave?"

Logan nodded. "Yes, dear, the limo is waiting for us outside."

He took my hand and led me to the limousine, assisting me inside to preserve the integrity of my dress. We settled in the back, hands entwined, as he gently caressed mine with his thumb in a soothing motion.

Upon our arrival on the red carpet, Logan and I stood united as cameras flashed from every direction. Hand in hand, we occasionally shared a kiss for the cameras. Our on and off-screen unity only deepened the fans' adoration for us.

We made our way to the front of the auditorium, taking our assigned seats as others like us started filling the surrounding rows.

The awards ceremony commenced, and the room echoed with applause for each nominee and winner. However, my heart raced when they announced my name as a nominee for Best Actress. My sole film role had been alongside my co-star Sam Carter in Falling Deeper, a box-office success. The nomination was unexpected, yet there I was.

The announcement came: "And the winner for Best Actress is Tori Manson for Falling Deeper!"

"You did it, dear. You won!"

Surprise widened my eyes as Logan's lips met mine. Grasping his hand, I pulled him onto the stage where I stood before thousands, all who aspired for an award like the one I held.

"Wow, I am honored to stand here with this award. I want to thank the movie's producers, particularly my co-star Sam. Working with Sam made filming this movie a breeze. And to Logan, my boyfriend, who is always there for me—thank you for your unwavering support. Thank you, everyone!"

"Thank you, Miss Manson. Do you have anything to say about your father being the President of The United States?"

I frowned, confused by the question. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Your father, Patterson Manson, has just won the election and is now the President. Is there anything you'd like to say about that?"

My frown deepened. "I'd like to say good luck to him. I've never met my father because he ran out on me and my mother right after I was born. Patterson was scared to raise a family and left. What makes you people think he isn't scared to run our country? What makes you think he won't leave?"

The microphone was removed, and Logan assisted me off the stage as others shoved us off. I was in disbelief that after all these years, I was hearing about my father.

"How did they discover my father's identity? Only a select few know him, and how was I oblivious that he would become President?"

 Logan placed his hands on my shoulders, his dark green eyes gazing into mine. "I'm not sure, dear, but everything will turn out fine. Let's leave this place and celebrate. You're a winner."

I exhaled deeply. "Just like my father."

*Now*

Logan and I did not go out to celebrate my accomplishment. Instead, he left me to celebrate with his friends when he didn't win anything. Some boyfriend he is.

Exiting the auditorium alone, I held up my black, glittering gown with my hands to avoid tripping. The back door I left out of was free of paparazzi, which was a relief. I didn't need anyone asking where Logan was or why I was sneaking away before celebrating my award. My limo was only around the corner, and I was sure I could make it there without being noticed. 

My heels clicked as I walked, but they stopped short when I saw a group of men outside my limo. They weren't holding cameras, but they were dressed up in suits. I didn't want to go through them to get into my vehicle, but it seemed I had no choice. My driver had gone off with another driver and wasn't scheduled to be back until later. I'd feel fine in a quiet car alone for a few hours. 

"Excuse me, gentleman, I need to get into my car," I said politely. 

The men turned around, each holding an alcoholic beverage, exuding a strong odor.

"Oh shit, guys, it is her limo. It's the famous Victoria Manson," one man said. He took a long swig of his drink and then rolled the beer bottle down the street. What an idiot.

The men moved out of my way and let me enter my vehicle, but it was hard not to listen to their conversation, and I was having enough of it. I had only been sitting for a few minutes when I decided to get back up and put these men in their places.

"You realize I can hear you, right? All of you are parading around my car as if it will get you somewhere. Understand this. A woman like me would never be with any man that tears down a woman. You should be ashamed of the words that come out of your mouth. What if you had a daughter, and this was happening to her?"

Some men were silent and chose to walk away, but four stayed and laughed in my face. One man touched my hair, and I immediately smacked his hand away.

"Oh, you want to play hard to get huh?" 

The man backed me up against the limo, and I looked around for anyone to help me, yet I found myself alone on the street with four drunk men. 

The other three men stood around their friend as he laughed and kissed my neck. I tried to push him off and scream, but he clamped his hand over my mouth. 

"Shh, don't worry."

The man lifted my dress, and I kicked him. It was no use because his friends pinned me down. I squeezed my eyes shut as I heard the belt buckle of his pants being undone. Tears streamed down my face as my screams were muffled. 

I was humiliated. "You'll remember this for the rest of your life," he said.

Suddenly, someone struck the man from behind, causing me to plummet face-first onto the concrete. "Don't ever touch her again," the man mumbled.

I did not attempt to rise and flee; I was unable. With my eyes shut, I listened to the crescendo of groans and wails of pain until it was silent. 

"Miss, are you alright?" 

When I opened my eyes, I could barely see the man's figure standing before me because of the darkness, but I could see his eyes. They were blue with green specks. The man extended his hand, and I took it to sit up straight. I cried as I looked at the sight of my dress—ripped and covered in dirt. 

The man's hand brushed my cheek, revealing blood and more dirt. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up," he said.

I shook my head. "I don't know you." I wiped away my tears, and the man helped me. Although I stumbled, he held me close so I didn't fall.

"My name is Theo. I promise I won't hurt you. I only want to help."

I nodded. "Okay."

Accepting help from a man I don't know can't be so bad.

Right?