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Bear's eyebrows shot up at the unexpected announcement. Great. A whole week with the royal pain in the ass.
Of course, Julian just smirked in amusement.
The prospect of spending an entire week shadowing the provocative young man sent a shiver down Bear's spine, but he resisted the urge to voice his concerns.
"Really?" Ruby asked, surprise evident in her voice. "I mean, I know Julian can be a handful, but isn't that a bit... excessive?"
"It's not to keep other people safe from him—even though some people would sign up for that in a heartbeat."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Julian said, his voice dry.
Angelo ignored him. "It's to keep him safe from harm. Given the high-profile nature of this event, I think it's necessary," Angelo replied, his tone firm. "And besides, who better to keep an eye on him than Bear himself? He's proven time and time again that he's the best man for any job."
Bear's jaw clenched as he listened to Angelo's decision, frustration coursing through him. He couldn't believe that he was being tasked with babysitting Julian. The young Toscano had grown into an attractive but infuriatingly bratty man, and Bear knew it would take all of his self-control not to lose his temper with him.
"Angelo," Bear began cautiously, carefully choosing his words. "Are you sure I'm the best choice for this job? There are others who could handle it, and I could focus on more pressing security issues."
Angelo fixed Bear with an unwavering stare, his expression resolute. "I trust your judgment and capabilities, Bear. You've always been there for our family, and I need you by Julian's side now more than ever. There's no one else I'd rather have protecting him."
Bear sighed inwardly, knowing that arguing with Angelo would be fruitless. He nodded reluctantly, accepting his new role despite his reservations.
"Very well," he said, steeling himself for the challenge ahead.
Ruby smiled at him. "Thank you, Bear. I know I can trust you to keep my family safe."
"Of course, Ruby," Bear said, managing a small smile. "It's what I do."
Ruby and Angelo went off together, continuing a previous conversation about the finer details of the wedding. Left behind, Julian stepped closer to Bear, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, it looks like you're stuck with me for the week, big guy. I hope you're ready for a grand adventure!"
Bear fought to suppress the images of what that "grand adventure" might entail, reminding himself of his duty to protect the Toscano family at all costs. With a curt nod, he replied, "Just make sure you stay out of trouble, Julian."
"Where's the fun in that?" Julian teased.
"Fun isn't the priority here," Bear growled, his patience wearing thin. "Keeping you safe is."
"Alright, alright," Julian relented, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I promise to behave... most of the time."
Julian, who had been watching the exchange with a curious smirk, stepped closer to Bear. "So, it's official, then?" he asked playfully. "You're my personal bodyguard for the week? How exciting!"
He leaned in, his breath warm against Bear's ear, his voice low and teasing. "You know, I've always thought you were the best at what you do. And now, I get to see you in action up close and personal."
Bear's pulse quickened at Julian's flirtatious tone, but he fought to maintain his composure.
Julian liked attention. It was just what he did.
But his antics just made Bear want to put him over his knee.
Bear was no stranger to the city's gay scene. When pretty young things acted bratty, there was usually only one thing that they wanted: his control, teaching them a lesson.
He couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to teach Julian some manners, to lay him out over his lap and spank him until he learned some respect.
The thought sent a hot burn of need twisting within him, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
"Your safety is my top priority," Bear replied gruffly, ignoring Julian's suggestive comment. "Don't get any ideas about making this more difficult than it needs to be."
Julian feigned innocence, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "I promise to be on my best behavior… mostly," he said with a wink.
"Let's get one thing straight," Bear growled, forcing himself to maintain eye contact with the infuriating young man before him. "You will not jeopardize your safety or the safety of anyone else at this wedding by pushing me or anyone else to our limits. Is that clear?"
