The bodyguard

The meeting

Since the death of his wife, Wilmer has struggled to find a taste for life, trying as best he can to look after his daughter, but his deep sadness never leaves him alone.

He lives modestly in a flat in Brooklyn and spends every month putting his daughter through private school. So when his company called him to become a bodyguard for Nick Jonas's wife, he couldn't refuse the opportunity.

The job required him to be available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, as and when the client needed him, but the pay was generous. He simply couldn't say no. Although he had his doubts about his client's husband, particularly because of the polluted water scandal that left dozens of people dead, he couldn't say no to the money, he had to think about his daughter and her future.

He arrived at 11am in front of the hotel. The security guards at the entrance didn't let just anyone in and he had to leave all his information behind, even with his security company badge and work contract in hand.

He observed the hotel lobby and its population, all impeccably ready and dressed in designer clothes. He could feel the difference between himself and these people. As if everyone already knew that he was one of the staff and not an occupant of one of its sumptuous suites.

Before arriving, he had done some research on his client. Demetria Devonne Lovato, 28, mother of two and fashion designer. A perfect life, a great career and big ambitions. In just a few years she had managed to establish her brand in more than 5 countries and rival the big luxury houses. According to her colleagues and entourage, she is a woman of power, discreet and talented.
She is described as the woman behind her husband's empire by some magazines and as the trophy wife by others.

Wilmer POV:

I had hardly set foot in the private flat when I was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place. Everything was perfectly decorated and a majestic chandelier hung over my head. We clearly didn't live in the same world.

"You are Mr Valderrama, aren't you?" asked what appeared to be the housekeeper. An old woman with a Russian accent.

"Yes, please, call me Wilmer.

"Very well, Nice to meet you, I'm Irina. I shook her hand and followed her into what seemed to be a labyrinth. The living room must have been twice the size of my flat.

When my eyes landed on her, I discovered with pleasure and intimidation the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life. Her golden skin, hazel eyes, freckles, short curly hair and hourglass body. Focus, Wilmer, you're at work.

She was wearing a black shirt with a green pencil skirt that showed off her small waist and heels with the famous red sole.

"Hello Mrs Jonas", I said as I stood in front of her.

"Hello, Wilmer, isn't it?" "That's right" "Welcome, thank you for responding so quickly I know it's not easy with Christmas coming up" I smile then she continues. "I assume you're aware of the letters I receive each week and their rather explicit content?" "Yes, ma'am.

Sordid letters detailing extremely violent gang rapes, methods of torture and very crude insults. That's also why I'd agreed to take on the mission so quickly, this woman really needed protection.

"Well, I'll need you wherever I go and that means a steady pace, lots of overtime and also no delays." She had now crossed her legs and was looking straight at me. Very intimidating.

"It's not a problem for me, I know what I'm getting into".

"Perfect, in that case I'll ask my assistant to send you my schedule for the next few days.Do you have any questions?"

"No, I think everything's clear, Madam, do you...? Any special requests that the agency didn't think to mention to me?

"I have one rule: don't make me repeat myself.

I felt like a child being scolded by his teacher, the natural authority of this woman. That was something.

Demi POV:

Nick had just left for work and I had to finish getting ready. I was going to meet my bodyguard today. At first I was totally against the idea and as the letters went on and got crazier, I realised how necessary it was.

I was annoyed with Nick, the whole oil thing is tarnishing my reputation. What a joke! I've been working for years to create clothes using the best environmentally-friendly materials and my husband pollutes like crazy. He didn't even have any remorse. I know that business is business, but I have my limits.

Once I was ready, I made myself comfortable in the living room and waited for my guest. I hope he'll be on time, I hate waiting.

A Hispanic man of average height approached me. The closer he got, the more I could see his face, his handsome face. He was very pleasant to look at.

But that's not why he's here, Demi! He's here to ensure your safety.

After a few formal questions, he took me to work.

Between meetings and files, I watched him impatiently waiting for my orders. I could see a wedding ring on his hand and a photo of a little girl on his phone screen. Yes, I do pay attention to detail.

"Wilmer? "Yes ma'am? "Where are you from?" "hmm Venezuela and Colombia Why ?" "Great, I've got this contract in Spanish and I don't understand a word. Can you help me please ??" "Of course, I'd be delighted to help you".

He took the contract in his hand and translated it for me sentence by sentence. His accent was quite cute. Usually I found it rather unpleasant in someone, but with him I liked it.

Suddenly the door opened and it was Nick. "Who is he?" "Hello to you too my love" "Very funny, I've been trying to reach you for several hours and you haven't answered." "It's Wilmer, the bodyguard you hired.That's it, do you remember?" "Oh and now the bodyguards are helping you do your contracts?" "It's in Spanish" "Never mind, I need to speak to you in private"

I looked at Wilmer to ask him to leave.

"So, what's going on?" "I have to leave for Chicago tonight. I've got a meeting with some shareholders" "Wow, and you came all the way out here to tell me? Boy, I'm a lucky lady !"

"You can't be serious for a moment. I'm trying to save my company, dammit!" "I suppose you'll not be able to pick up the kids?" he nods."Is that all?" He nodded and kissed me before slamming me against the wall. "Not here... not at work" "You used to like it" he pulled up my skirt and ran his hand up my lace thong. I pushed him away.

"You should go pack your suitcase"

Wilmer POV:

He was exactly what I expected. A man full of himself and a real dickhead. He treated me with contempt and the way he spoke to Demi didn't seem right. I didn't know her very well but after a day at her side, I wondered what she was doing with a man like that. She was intelligent, respectful and talented. And he was a real shark.

After her day's work we went to pick up her children. They were adorable and Demi seemed to be very close to them. At work she shines, but with them she lights up the whole sky.

Her two children had fallen asleep in the car and she didn't have the courage to wake them up. So I helped her take them to their room.

"You're welcome, ma'am."

" Oh..Wilmer, you can call me Demi, we're going to be together every day, I think we can afford to be on a first name basis."

"All right, Demi," I said, smiling.

"I'll see you tomorrow at 9.

"Good night Demi, see you tomorrow".

What a day, I couldn't wait to get home but above all I couldn't wait to see her again tomorrow.