Defender's Heartbeat 2

Chapter 40

Manuel

I felt very worried watching Enzo swimming in the ocean. As his bodyguard, it was my job to keep him safe. But Enzo was more than that to me—I loved him like my own son. Every time he went into the water, I got scared that something bad might happen. What if the strong waves pulled him away? Or worse, if a shark came too close? I would be devastated if anything ever hurt him. His safety meant everything to me. I watched him closely, not just because it was my duty, but because I wanted to protect him.

That little rascal was at it again—deliberately swimming farther and farther away from me. "Enzo! Get back here right now!" I shouted, my heart pounding in my chest. But he just laughed and kept going, his jet-black locks disappearing beneath the cresting waves.

Each time he dove out of sight, fear gripped me tighter. Didn't he understand how easily the ocean could take him? I was supposed to protect him with my life. If anything happened to him... I couldn't even bear the thought.

"Enzo!" I screamed again, panic cracking my voice. But he was gone, the waters growing eerily still. Oh God, no. This couldn't be happening. I thrashed forward, diving blindly, resurfacing in frantic circles. "Enzo! Enzo!"

Just as I was on the verge of breaking down completely, I felt a tug on my leg. There he was, those mischievous eyes sparkling up at me. Relief flooded over me, quickly replaced by white-hot anger. "You think that's funny, scaring me like that?" I roared, grabbing his shoulders roughly.

Enzo's smile faded as he saw the terror written all over my face. "I... I'm sorry, Papa. I didn't mean to frighten you that much," he whispered, his voice soft with regret. His words pierced through my anger, and I pulled him into a tight embrace, cursing how easily he could break me.

As Enzo's muscular body moved smoothly through the shining waves, I couldn't help but be amazed at how he had grown into such a strikingly handsome young man. His jet-black hair glistened with drops of saltwater, framing his good-looking face. And those dark brown eyes—so deep and captivating, just like the Spanish nobility he descended from. His olive skin glowed under the sun's rays, the perfect reflection of his Hispanic heritage. Watching him now, so confident and strong, brought a proud smile to my face. Yet, I couldn't forget bathing that energetic little boy all those years ago—how his squirming little body would splash water everywhere as he tried to escape the tub, his infectious giggles filling the room. Those were the moments I cherished, savoring every second with my cheerful little prince. Now he's a man, but to me, he'll always be that mischievous child I raised since he was 2 years old.

Without warning, I pulled Enzo into a tight embrace, my body shuddering with emotion as the waves lapped around us. "My boy, my son," I whispered, unable to believe this was the same rambunctious child I had raised.
"You know I would die for you without a second thought," I murmured, tears stinging my eyes.

I remembered when I first started this job at 20 years old. To my surprise, my new "boss" was actually a 2-year-old toddler named Lorenzo. The first time I held him, I felt something special inside. Enzo had been crying for his mama, who had died tragically. Without thinking, I hugged him close and let him cry on my chest. From that moment, I felt fiercely protective of him.

Gerardo wanted to toughen him up, saying a son shouldn't be babied. But at night, I would secretly let that scared little boy sleep on my chest. The way he snuggled up to me for safety and comfort—those were the best moments of my life. You're my son, only mine.

Enzo

After spending a lot of time in the water, Papa finally pulled me out.
"But I want to stay in the water longer," I protested.
"That's enough for today," he replied, and we sat back down on our chairs. I noticed our other bodyguards also coming out of the water. They looked relieved to be done swimming too.