The Bodyguard (GxG)

The Offer

Mia Stone sat in the back corner of the small café, nursing a lukewarm cup of coffee that had long since lost its flavor. She stared out the rain-streaked window, watching as the city buzzed around her, a stark contrast to the stillness she felt inside. It had been nearly six months since she left the police force, and life had become a routine of monotonous days blending into sleepless nights. She was used to the action, the adrenaline, the sense of purpose that came with wearing the badge. But now, all she had were memories and an uncertain future.

The chime of the doorbell snapped her back to the present. She glanced up to see a tall man in a tailored suit entering the café, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on her. He moved with the confidence of someone who was used to getting what he wanted, and as he approached, Mia could tell he wasn't just another businessman.

"Mia Stone?" he asked, his voice smooth but commanding.

"That's me," she replied, leaning back in her chair and taking in the stranger. His suit screamed money, and the subtle glint of a gold watch on his wrist didn't go unnoticed.

"I'm James Carter," he said, offering his hand. "I appreciate you agreeing to meet with me on such short notice."

Mia shook his hand, noting the firm grip. "You didn't really give me a choice. Your message was pretty insistent."

James smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I apologize if I came off as pushy, but I have a proposition for you—one I believe you'll find hard to refuse."

Mia raised an eyebrow. "I'm not interested in getting back into law enforcement, if that's what you're offering."

James shook his head. "Not quite. I'm here on behalf of Robert Langston."

Mia's interest piqued. Robert Langston was a name that carried weight in the city—a billionaire entrepreneur with his fingers in more industries than she could count. If he wanted something, he usually got it.

"What does Langston want with me?" she asked, keeping her tone casual, though her mind was already racing through possibilities.

"It's not what he wants, but rather what he needs," James corrected. "Mr. Langston has a daughter, Emily. She's twenty years old and, as you can imagine, her father's wealth and status have made her a target. Recently, there have been threats—serious ones. He needs someone capable of protecting her, someone with your skills."

Mia's expression remained unreadable, but her thoughts churned. She had heard of Emily Langston—seen her face on magazine covers, read about her in tabloids. The idea of being a glorified babysitter didn't exactly thrill her.

"I'm sure Langston can afford the best private security money can buy," Mia said, her tone skeptical. "Why come to me?"

"Because you're not just any security," James replied smoothly. "You have experience, instincts that can't be taught. And, more importantly, you're not tied to any agency. You're independent, which means you can be discreet."

Mia considered his words. She had always prided herself on her ability to read people, to sense when something wasn't right. And something about this offer didn't sit well with her.

"What aren't you telling me?" she asked, leaning forward slightly. "If this is just about protecting his daughter, why the urgency? Why not hire a team?"

James's eyes flickered with something—was it hesitation? "Mr. Langston prefers to keep this matter... private. There's more at stake than just his daughter's safety. I'm not at liberty to discuss the details, but I assure you, if you take this job, you'll be compensated well beyond what any agency could offer."

Mia paused, weighing her options. The truth was, she could use the money. Her savings were dwindling, and she had no real plan for what came next. But taking this job meant stepping into a world she had deliberately left behind—a world of danger, uncertainty, and moral gray areas.

She took a deep breath and met James's gaze. "I'll need more information before I agree to anything."

James nodded, as if expecting this. "Of course. Mr. Langston would like to meet with you personally to discuss the specifics. Can you come to his estate tomorrow morning?"

Mia hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "I'll be there."

James stood, pulling a business card from his pocket and placing it on the table. "Ten o'clock. Don't be late."

With that, he turned and walked out of the café, leaving Mia alone with her thoughts. She picked up the card, running her fingers over the embossed lettering.

Tomorrow, she would step into Robert Langston's world. Whether she liked it or not, this was a new beginning—one that could either give her the fresh start she needed or pull her deeper into the shadows she had tried so hard to escape.

As the rain continued to pour outside, Mia couldn't help but feel that storm clouds were gathering in more ways than one.