The Bodyguard

Chapter 20

THEO

That prick Royce thought I wouldn't be able to get free. The joke was on him. With all my years of training and one of my best friends' hands being free, we took the five men surrounding us out as soon as Royce left the room. If it weren't for Arianna firing Daniel's gun she found in the hall, it wouldn't have distracted them. I wanted to get free quicker, but I have learned my lesson over the years, so I had to wait.

Arianna ended up going to the hospital with Oliver and Daniel, who both were still alive, but barely. Archer came with me, and our mission was to hunt down Royce. He wasn't going to get away with this. I knew he was filling Tori's head with lies. Yes, I did make her a promise, but I knew one thing, and that was I would not let her die. Not on my watch.

When Patterson learned what happened, he was infuriated because I left Tori's side. I sure as hell wouldn't bring her with me toward the danger. I didn't know what was happening downstairs, and if I hadn't gone, the others might be dead too. By the time they arrived at Tori's room, we both could've been dead. We were outnumbered by a lot tonight. By a lot, I mean there were twelve intruders.

I'm coming to find you, Tori. I swear to you.

TORI

I don't know when I was drugged or with what, but at some point, from leaving my house to wherever I am, it happened.

Royce had me locked in a room with a cot. There were no windows, and only one light bulb was on the ceiling. There was nothing I could use to get myself out of here. I was trapped.

The door wiggled open, and I backed into the corner, still wearing the same outfit. It had to be morning by now.

"Ah, you're awake. I'm so glad. I need you to help me with something," Royce said.

"Why would I help you?"

"If you want to be free, then you can help. If not, I'll keep you as my prize. No one will find you here."

Someone will find me. I'm the President's daughter. Everyone will be searching for me.

"What do you need help with?"

"I need you to lure Brielle here. I want to make a trade. I've always wanted her, not you."

"So why didn't you take her in the first place?!"

"She lives with Patterson in the White House. Do you know how impossible it is to get in there? I'd be dead in seconds. The main reason I took you was for being taken away from Brielle. I love her."

"You love her?"

Royce nodded. "She's so beautiful. Much more than you. I'd die for Brielle. When Patterson made me go, I hated it. I kept trying to see her, but he wouldn't allow me near her. I miss the smell of her perfume when she stood next to me."

By looking at Royce, I knew he was older than Brielle. She was only twenty years old, and he looked older than that. There is no way she fell for someone like him. I know I didn't know her all that well, but I think I know enough. "Royce, how old are you? And how did you meet Brielle?"

"I met her at a college party when she was seventeen. She's been taking design classes and learning to make clothes."

"You didn't answer my question. Royce, how old are you? How old were you when you met Brielle?"

Royce frowned. "I don't know why it's relevant, but I was twenty-five. She loves me, too. Brielle was all over me then. We slept together." Royce smiled. He was reminiscing on the past.

My eyes widened. "You slept together when she was seventeen?! Royce, she was still underage!"

Royce shrugged. "Who gives a shit. She wanted me, and I wanted her."