The guarded heart

chapter 6

I turned off the ignition and glanced back at Sophia. To my surprise, she had already fallen asleep, her head resting against the car window and her hair still damp from the rain, sticking to her face and shoulders in disheveled strands. She looked vulnerable, like a wet abandoned kitten.

Not wanting to disturb her slumber, I carefully exited the driver's side and moved to the passenger side. Gently, I scooped her up, trying to support her as best as I could. Her body was very light, indeed very light. She looked so endearing, her head nestled against my chest as if it were the coziest spot in the world. I didn't know you would fit perfectly in my arms Sophia.

As I approached the entrance to the house, Maria appeared, her eyes widening with concern. She ran towards us, likely worried that Sophia was causing trouble or discomfort. I raised a hand, signaling her to stay quiet.

"please", I whispered "I don't want her to wake up".

Marai's face softened with understanding , and she nodded, stepping aside to let me pass.

When I reached her room, I gently laid her down on the bed and carefully pulled the blanket over her, tucking them around her snugly. Sophia's hand suddenly closed around mine and pulled me closer. Sophia, are you going to take advantage of me in your sleep? I tried to rescue myself but her grip was persistent. I guess I don't have a way now. I just knelt near her, waiting for her to loosen her hold on me. I paused, looking at her serene face...oh are you saying something now? Her expression was troubled and she mumbled softly...

"...my baby...so cold..."

The words pierced my heart. I didn't even cause you the pain, then why is my heart hurting.

I remained by her side, for a few moments longer before slowly withdrawing my hand. With one last glance, I left the room quietly, closing the door behind me. I walked down the hall and found Maria waiting in the kitchen . she looked at me as if I have just devoured Sophia.

"she's settled" ,I said softly. " she seemed to be having a tough night".

Maria nodded, "thankyou for looking after her."

I shrugged slightly and walked away.

As soon as I entered my room , I headed straight for the shower, hoping a hot wash would ease the tensions in my muscles and mind. I turned on the faucet, letting the water warm up, and stepped in, only to be greeted by a sudden, shocking chill.

The water sputtered and then ran dry, leaving me in a freezing cascade of disappointment. I could only stand there, soap in my hair and exasperation on my face. " Good Heavens! Why are you against me today?"

I hurriedly wiped the remaining soap off my face and grabbed the towel, making my way to the next room. I knocked on the door and mark opened it, with a bemused expression. " what's up Alex? You look like you've been through a warzone."

"funny you should mention that," I said, rubbing the towel over my hair. " I'm in desperate need of a shower and mine decided to take a vacation. Any chance can I borrow yours?"

Mark raised an eyebrow, his grin widening, "your shower ditched you? Come-on in."

I stepped into his room, relieved to find a functioning shower. " I swear , I was this close to break the faucet."

Mark chuckled. ' And here I thought you were one tough guy, not one to be defeated by a mere appliance."

The hot shower had done wonders for my stiff muscles and frayed nerves. I wrapped the towel around my waist and made my way back to the main room. Mark was sitting there by his bedframe , a glass of wine in hand. " Hey Alex, all cleaned up and back to the land of living," mark greeted with a grin. He raised his glass in a mock toast. " want to join me for a drink?"

I accepted the offer, taking the glass he handed and pouring myself a generous amount.

" so what's the story behind you ditching the army for a bodyguard gig?" Mark asked, taking a sip of his wine and eyeing me with curiosity. " you just don't walk away from a high profile military career like it's a regular 9- to-5 job."

I was caught off guard by his question , but I laughed it off. " ah you caught me. Since you're pouring me drinks I guess I can indulge you."

Mark leaned in. " I'm all ears."

"it was a mix of things," I replied. " Sophia's father was a significant factor. I had worked with some of his associates in the past and he had his eye on me. So when the offer came I did not deny."

Obviously , it was a lie but...Mark seemed to accept this explanation so it was a win. "so it was more of a change of pace?" he asked.

"exactly" I said, taking a sip of my wine. "the military life can be intense and the opportunity to work as a bodyguard seemed like a good fit."

As we continued to chat, the conversation flowed easily. We shared some laugh and relaxed and retreated back to my room after a while.