MY ALPHA BODYGUARD

CHAPTER 6: THE INTRUDER

"Good evening, Sir Eris," Anjo greeted as Eris stepped into the condominium lobby. Anjo had been the building's security guard since Eris moved in, always kind and respectful, especially mindful of the privacy of the celebrities who lived there.

"Good evening, Sir Anjo," Eris responded with a warm smile, his eyes squinting in good humor.

"How was the concert?" Anjo asked.

"It was tiring, but super amazing and fun," Eris beamed, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

"Well, that's because you're the best, sir. That's why so many people love you," Anjo said with genuine admiration. His compliments always managed to brighten Eris's mood.

"Thanks, you're the best too," Eris replied, walking backward toward the elevator and giving a friendly wave before pressing the button. As the doors closed, he thought about how such simple interactions could ease the weight of his busy life.

---

"Tom, Brandon approached me the other day." Eris messaged his boyfriend.

"Why? What did he say?" Tom had replied quickly, his pulse quickening with worry.

"He threatened me. He told me to stay away from you."

Tom's heart sank. He and Erick had been so careful, but it seemed their secret was no longer safe.

"Brandon's kind, Erick. Maybe he was just in a bad mood." Tom tried to downplay it, not wanting to face the reality of the situation.

"I just thought, maybe it's time we tell everyone about us." Erick's words cut through Tom's defenses, and he could sense the exhaustion behind them.

"Erick, we've already talked about this." Tom's fingers hesitated before sending the message. He wasn't ready. Not yet.

"But how long are we going to keep hiding? Aren't you tired of this kind of relationship? Aren't you tired of being scared?" Erick's words were raw, filled with frustration and sadness.

Tom read the message, his stomach twisting in knots. "So, are you tired?" he typed back, deflecting the question, hoping Erick would let it go.

"Don't turn this back on me. Brandon threatened me, Tom. He hurt me. Will you not defend me against the friends you care so much about?" Erick's anger was clear now.

"They're my friends, Erick. If you just got along with them, there wouldn't be a problem." Tom felt the bitterness rise in his throat even as he sent the message, knowing it was unfair. But he didn't know how to navigate the confrontation.

"You know, you're the biggest coward I've ever met. You're never proud of yourself or of our relationship." Erick's message was like a punch in the gut, but Tom didn't respond. He couldn't.

---

Brandon stood by the pool, watching Tom walk away toward the showers. His irritation had been bubbling all day, fueled by the taunts of his teammates. Kyle's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.

"Bran!" Kyle called, a smirk on his face. "Did you talk to our Captain about his *girlfriend*?"

Brandon's eyes narrowed, already agitated. "What do you mean?" he asked, though he knew where this was going.

"Oh, I think it's not a *girl* but a *boy*," one of their teammates teased, causing a round of laughter.

Brandon's fists clenched in anger. Without a second thought, he turned and swung, landing a punch on Kyle's face. The sharp crack echoed in the locker room, and Kyle stumbled back, holding his bleeding lip.