Guarded (Lloyd Hansen AU) 18+

5

Lloyd

Unfortunately for Little Miss Espresso, this is a fight that she's not gonna be winning. I'm here to do a job - not argue over whether I'm blocking her from getting a tan. I could be doing more important things right now, like being on calls, meetings - but instead I'm stuck in a guesthouse in LA.

"Ok, so you guys are on the night watch, you man the cameras, make your checks of the property. Even so much as a twig breaking, I want you guys making sure it's not someone getting in". I instruct the two guys who are taking the night shift tonight. No one is getting within ten feet of the gates if I have my way.

"Yes sir". They nod and I end the meeting. "Tomorrow we're gonna go through the protocols for the tour. It's gonna be big, there's gonna be people fighting to get to her. We get her in and out safely without a hitch. We've gotta make sure everything goes like damn clockwork".

I like to think of myself as a man with precision in everything I do. No expense spared. No time wasted. Fuck around and find out basically. I'm not here for a good time, I have a rep to maintain - the best in the damn business that's what. Like hell am I gonna have anyone change that. I'm all business just like my dad was.

My phone rings and I see Suzanne's name flash up. Another time waster. She's meant to be my damn assistant but to be honest, she does a shit job of it. She tends to enjoy questioning my decisions more than anything. I'm surprised I haven't fired her ass yet, but I haven't exactly found the time. Besides, it would mean then rehiring and that's a long enough process as it is. "What is it now?" I answer snappily.

"I've been trying to reach you all day, where the hell have you been?"

"Oh I don't know, perhaps getting the team sorted for Bronte Wilford's tour and whatnot? Y'know...my job".

"Well your stepmom called and she wants to know whether you'll be at the Miami Memorial next weekend? She's eager to see you, says it'll do you some good".

I snort at this. "And again you can tell her that I'm busy. I've got enough on my plate without having to fly to Miami and stand there while people go on about how great of a driver Ari was. If he actually had been then he wouldn't have died". The words are pretty much out of my mouth. Harsh, but that's how our relationship was. It was rocky as hell. He couldn't stand me and I couldn't stand him. At least our feelings for one another were mutual.

"Ouch". Suzanne hisses, "Do you want me to repeat that to her?"

"No I don't want you to fucking repeat it to her. Besides, I'm surprised that she even wants me there at all".
She cut ties with me for a while after he died, then wanted to make amends. I accepted but our relationship is still strained. It's understandable. The last time I ever spoke to my step brother I told him to go and die and he basically did. Barbara told me to stay away from the funeral - not that I would've gone anyway, but I did offer to pay for it. An offer that she refused.

I hate talking about Ari more than I did having to talk to him when he was alive. I've never wished death on him though. I can say I've made amends with my step mom and also Sutton - Ari's ex. To be honest it's the only decent thing that I could do given the circumstances.

"What should I tell her then?"

"That I can't make it. If she wants me to send some kinda wreath or whatever then let me know". I tell her and end the call, running a hand back through my hair with a long sigh. "I need a drink", I mutter and go to the bar in the guesthouse to see what kind of alcohol the little princess keeps in here.

Whiskey. Perfect - never opened either. That's a bonus. It's not the best brand but it'll do. I crack open the bottle and pour myself a glass. Downing it and then pouring another.

"Is that all you do? Drink whiskey and be a dick?"

I turn and see Bronte watching me judgementally, arms crossed with one hip stuck out like the diva that she is.

"Sometimes it's the other way around - depends on the day". I throw back, not in the mood for another bitchy exchange. "Did you need something?"

She shrugs. "It's my guesthouse, I can be in here if I wanna".

"Whatever. Anyway I have two of my guys on the night watch tonight. You need them then ring through and I'll let them know".

"And what are you gonna do?" She questions.

"Sleep? Like a normal person?"

She frowns. "I thought you were like, gonna be patrolling and stuff?"

"Yeah, but not tonight". I emphasise. "I gotta have a clear head in the morning to sort out your security for the tour".

"And in order to achieve that you're drinking my whiskey?" One of her perfectly curved eyebrows raises at this.

"Helps me focus, and right now? You're not - so can I get on with the rest of my evening if there's nothing else you want?"

This pisses her off even more. "I want you and that stupid stache outta my house and my life. I don't need to be babied".

I can't help but get a kick outta this. She's so annoyed that she had people wanting to protect her from mad paps and stalkers (yes, I know she has them - believe me I'm looking into them and how to take care of that) that she just can't be grateful for what she's got. She was born into privledge and it's all she's ever known. Now she can't get what she wants, it kills her.

"Sorry baby, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do - and right now? I've gotta do my job, and that job? It's you".