The Bodyguard (GxG)

A night out

The city came alive at night, a pulsating rhythm of neon lights and thumping bass that drew people from every corner like moths to a flame. Mia had never been one for the nightlife, preferring the quiet solitude of her apartment or the occasional dive bar where she could unwind without attracting attention. But tonight was different. Tonight, she was on duty, and her charge was none other than Emily Langston.

It had been a week since Mia took the job, and in that time, she had quickly learned that Emily was determined to test her patience at every turn. The young woman had an almost uncanny ability to find trouble, and tonight, she seemed particularly intent on it.

Mia stood outside the entrance of one of the city's most exclusive nightclubs, her eyes scanning the crowd of partygoers waiting to get in. The line snaked around the block, filled with people eager to be seen in a place where entry was a privilege reserved for the rich and connected. Inside, the music was already pounding, a deep bass that Mia could feel vibrating through the soles of her boots.

Emily, of course, had breezed right past the line, her name enough to grant her immediate access. Mia had followed close behind, receiving curious glances from the bouncers but no resistance. Now, she was inside the club, trying to keep a low profile while also keeping an eye on her charge.

The interior of the club was a maze of flashing lights and dark corners, with a dance floor that seemed to pulse with energy. Bodies moved in sync with the music, a sea of glittering dresses and tailored suits. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the tang of alcohol, and Mia had to focus to keep her senses sharp.

She spotted Emily almost immediately. The blonde was at the center of attention, surrounded by a group of equally glamorous friends. They were seated in a VIP section, a roped-off area overlooking the dance floor, where they sipped on cocktails and laughed as if they didn't have a care in the world. Emily was dressed to kill, in a sleek black dress that hugged her figure and heels that made her tower over most of the people around her. She looked every bit the wealthy socialite, but Mia could see the edge beneath the surface—the restlessness that came from trying to drown out something deeper.

Mia found a spot nearby where she could watch without drawing too much attention. She wasn't there to interfere, just to ensure Emily stayed safe. But as the night wore on, it became clear that staying out of trouble was not on Emily's agenda.

After a few rounds of drinks, Emily and her friends moved to the dance floor. The music had shifted to something more intense, a beat that seemed to resonate with the reckless energy in the room. Emily danced with abandon, her movements fluid and free, but there was something almost desperate in the way she threw herself into the music. Mia kept her distance, watching as Emily flirted with strangers, her laughter growing louder, more forced.

Then, Mia saw it—the moment things started to go south. A man, tall and built like a linebacker, had been eyeing Emily from across the room. He was good-looking in a rough sort of way, but there was something off about him, something that put Mia on edge. As he moved toward Emily, cutting through the crowd with predatory ease, Mia's instincts flared. She pushed through the throngs of people, closing the distance between herself and Emily.

The man reached Emily just as she was spinning away from one of her friends. He grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close with a grin that was more possessive than charming. Emily laughed, clearly intoxicated, and didn't seem to mind at first, but Mia could see the change in her eyes—the slight widening that indicated she wasn't entirely comfortable.

Mia was at their side in seconds. "Time to go, Emily," she said, her voice firm but calm.

Emily blinked up at her, her expression turning from confusion to irritation. "Oh, come on, Mia. I'm just having fun."

"Let go of her," Mia said, her gaze locking on the man.

The man's grin faded, replaced by a scowl. "What's your problem? We're just dancing."

"Let go, or you'll have a real problem," Mia said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Emily's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she didn't protest when Mia stepped between her and the man. The man sized Mia up, his bravado flickering as he realized she wasn't going to back down.

"Fine," he muttered, releasing Emily with a rough shove. "Wasn't worth it anyway."

Mia didn't move until the man disappeared back into the crowd. Then, she turned to Emily, who was swaying slightly on her feet, her earlier bravado replaced by a weary defiance.

"I don't need you to babysit me," Emily snapped, though her voice was softer now, almost vulnerable.

"Maybe not," Mia said, "but I'm not here to take chances. Let's get you home."

Emily hesitated, her eyes searching Mia's face as if trying to find a reason to argue. But whatever she saw there made her pause, and after a long moment, she sighed.

"Fine," she muttered. "Let's go."

Mia guided Emily out of the club, one hand on her arm to keep her steady. As they stepped into the cool night air, Mia could feel Emily's tension slowly ebbing away, replaced by a weary silence.

The drive back to the Langston estate was quiet, the only sound the hum of the engine and the occasional sniffle from Emily. When they arrived, Mia helped her out of the car and up the stairs to the front door. Emily fumbled with her keys for a moment before Mia gently took them and unlocked the door.

Emily paused in the doorway, turning to look at Mia. "Why do you even care?" she asked, her voice small, almost childlike.

Mia met her gaze, seeing the cracks in the armor Emily wore so well. "It's my job," Mia said simply, though she knew it was more than that. "And I'm good at it."

Emily stared at her for a moment longer, then nodded, as if accepting something she wasn't ready to say out loud. Without another word, she stepped inside, the door closing softly behind her.

Mia stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door. The night had revealed more than she had anticipated—not just about Emily, but about the responsibility she had taken on. Emily was more than just a job, more than just a spoiled rich girl. She was someone who needed protection, not just from the threats her father worried about, but from herself.

And Mia was determined to provide it, whether Emily liked it or not.