The American Bodyguard ✔️

chapter one

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Zainab's POV.

Since when is loving someone a crime? If I can't have him, there isn't much point in breathing. My body is merely an empty vessel, he is the one who holds my soul. I belong to him.

I turn up my nose and pick up my pen. My thumb keeps the book open at the right page as I jot down some notes. My thoughts mainly centre around that this is a little dramatic and a whole lot romantic. The targeted demographic will need to be considered in depth, some people won't want this much gushy proclamation.

Just as I put down my pen and make to return to reading, my phone starts to vibrate on my desk. Working itself up into such a frenzy that I know it must be a phone call that is causing it to jump dangerously close to the edge of the desk. A smile spreads onto my lips at the sight of the caller ID.

"Zal," I answer immediately with his nickname.

"Nab," he responds a beat later. "My sis," he drags out the word. "How are you, bruv?"

I roll my eyes at my twin brother.

"How many times have I asked you not to call me 'bruv'? I'm good thanks, Faisal. How are you?"

"All good, all good. Look, plans have changed and we're coming back early."

I frown at this news. My brother is a famous rapper, he has been on tour in the states for the last four months. His tour has finished but he's meant to be travelling around, being a tourist for another week before returning to London.

"I thought you weren't back until next Wednesday?"

"Nah, this city we're in is dead man, I'm bored. I miss home, ya know?"

"Sure. When are coming back then?"

"That's why I'm callin'. Tonight. Dad's chartered a plane for us."

I wonder how much that has cost him?

"Oh, amazing!"

"Yeah, all good innit. I'm gonna be back in London by ten, then we're going out, yeah?"

For the last three months, I haven't touched a drop of alcohol. That was very intentional. Faisal goes out more than anyone I've ever met, he's rarely at home. He doesn't touch alcohol much, but he's always smoking weed. It's bothered me as teenagers, it bothers me now, but no matter how many times I've told him to stop, he doesn't listen.

I refuse to touch drugs. I had a bad experience with them that involved my best friend and it put me off for life. I'll drink though, and I happen to be a massive lightweight, so I usually end up getting plastered when Faisal convinces me to join his crew on a night out.

My liver has welcomed the break these last few months, I can practically hear it crying in protest. I have to promise myself that I won't make a habit of it like it has been in the past. I've worked on myself the last few months, therapy has brought me a whole new perspective. Maybe Faisal will see the change in me, my boss certainly has.

"Where should I meet you?"

"My place, but I'll send Reagan over to collect you from work. What time do you finish?"

I glance at the clock. It's 2pm here, I finish in about three hours. Two days a week, I have to work in the office. The other three days, I can work remotely.

"5pm."

"Awesome, Reagan will be there. See you soon sis."

"Bye, Faisal."