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Ruby's choice of wedding venue was a breathtaking sight to behold. Nestled among lush gardens, the grand estate seemed to have been plucked from a fairytale.
Sparkling crystal chandeliers hung from above, casting dancing reflections across the polished marble floors.
Looks fancy, but those things are a damn hazard. Fragile, expensive, and a perfect opportunity for someone to cause chaos,Bear thought, frowning.Gotta keep an eye on 'em.
The enchanting gardens beyond the tall windows, while picturesque, presented their own set of challenges. The vibrant blooms and manicured hedges formed a labyrinth of natural beauty, offering serenity and seclusion.
Yeah, they spell trouble. Beauty can be deceiving. Those gardens create plenty of blind spots, places where trouble can hide in plain sight—
His reconnaissance was interrupted.
"Isn't this place amazing?" Julian asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He looked around at the glitter and glamor, and rolled his eyes. "It's hard to spend so much money and come out with something that looks so cheap."
Bear clenched his jaw, trying to focus. His duty was to protect Julian, instead shutting him up.
But damn, Julian was testing him.
Despite his frustration, Bear found himself stealing glances at Julian as they walked through the venue. Somewhere during his time abroad, he'd grown into a strikingly attractive young man, with piercing eyes, a sharp jawline, and a pretty mouth—one that seemed to always hold a mischievous smile. The suit he now wore, made perfectly for him, only accentuated his lean, slender build.
Thoughts crossed Bear's mind—thoughts about shutting that mouth right up.
Yeah, that would be something. He'd put Julian on his knees, and teach him a lesson in discipline and minding his manners.
He crossed his arms, and tuned out the sound of Julian complaining about something or other.
Bear was loyal to Angelo. He'd never cross that boundary.
But that didn't mean he couldn't think about it.
"Earth to Bear," Julian said, snapping his fingers in front of Bear's face. "You're supposed to be my bodyguard, remember? Keep your eyes on the prize."
"Your safety is my priority," Bear grumbled, forcing himself to maintain focus. His mind wandered, however, to fantasies of Julian's pretty mouth working its magic, taking every inch of him.
Julian loved pressing buttons—but Bear could see the need for attention that was lurking behind his sass.
If Bear put him on his knees… he'd enjoy it.
"Good. Then we understand each other." Julian smirked, as if knowing exactly what had been on Bear's mind. It was infuriating, and all the more enticing.
"Stay close," Bear instructed, his voice stern as he tried to regain control of the situation. "There are a lot of people here, and we don't know who might pose a threat."
"Relax, big guy. I can handle myself." Julian winked, causing a flare of annoyance—and desire—to rise within Bear.
He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He had a job to do, and it wasn't to indulge in fantasies about his charge. But as they continued through the venue, it became increasingly difficult for Bear to ignore just how tempting Julian truly was.
"Ah, there you two are," Angelo greeted them as he approached, adjusting the cufflinks on his pristine white shirt. His man, Max, stood just behind him, looking every bit the dashing college professor. "Bear, remember to keep a close eye on my little brother. It's crucial that nothing goes wrong on the wedding day."
"Of course, Angelo," Bear replied, his tone serious. "I'm not letting him out of my sight."
"Such trust you have in me, to sic your big, strong bodyguard on me," Julian quipped, rolling his eyes as he straightened the lapels of his suit jacket. "It's like you think I'll spontaneously combust if he's not glued to my side."
"Very funny, Julian." Angelo clearly fought back the urge to let his frustration show. "Focus on the wedding, and maybe we can get through this without any incidents." With that, he left, heading off to manage the preparations.
"Fine, fine," Julian sighed, feigning boredom as he glanced around the expertly decorated hall. "Though I must say, I've seen better flower arrangements at a funeral. What do you think, Bear?"
"Your comments are not helpful, Julian," Bear warned, gritting his teeth. He tried to concentrate on scanning their surroundings for potential threats, but Julian's constant jabs made it nearly impossible to stay focused.
"Come on, Bear. Lighten up. This is supposed to be a celebration, after all." Julian flashed a cheeky grin, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Besides, it's not like you have to worry about me running off with the groom."
