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I huff in amused reply, my gaze fixed on her, hidden behind sunglasses. The shades aren't just for style or mere sun protection. They give me the ability to observe without being noticed.
Speaking of which, my attention is drawn to a young man clutching onto the security line like a lifeline, his knuckles white with tension, his gaze fixated intently on Lily. His body trembles as if it’s the middle of winter, when in fact we’re at the height of spring. His peculiar behavior is definitely suspicious.
“Are you cold, kid?” I ask, counting my steps to place me right in front of him.
He gives me a good once over, attempting defiance, but coming across as simply pathetic. “Just excited, sir.”
“Excited, huh?” I place a hand under my chin, and I’m able to perceive clearly that he’s crumbling under pressure.
“Big fan of Lily?”
The boy nods violently, slightly tightening his breath while doing it.
“Since her first single!” He says with enthusiasm.
“Hm.” I scratch the stubble on my jaw. I should have shaved this morning. “What’s your name, son?”
“Ben.”
“Ben, step out of the barrier, please.” He hesitates.
I repeat myself. “If you don’t agree to the pat down, the other option is to leave.”
I raise the line and he finally ducks underneath. Almost immediately, he stands with his feet shoulder-width apart and places his hands behind his head, as if used to it.
After examining him, I find nothing suspicious, but there’s still one thing bothering me.
“Open up your jacket, please.”
Ben takes his time with the zipper, but does as I say.
“Is that enough, sir?” He asks with both flaps of his coat open. I wish I’d brought a metal detector.
“Enough.” I give him a pat down then a single nod and raise the line again for him to go back.
The crowd gets even more loud with sudden cries and shouts. I look over my shoulder. Princess is there, arms crossed and looking at me with disapproval.
“Harassing my fans already?” Lily says with a beautiful sassy smile.
“Just keeping you safe, ma’am.”
I act professional as if she’s like any other client, but the fact is that she’s not. I’m not charging Sandra anything for this service, and Lily doesn’t know.
I’ve reached a point in life where favors to family are no big deal, and I can certainly afford one foray or two into the wilds of celebrity life, just until I find her a permanent bodyguard.
I must admit it’s nice to get out of the office. I had been a bodyguard for a few years after my time in the military, but then I decided to open my own firm six years ago. It had quickly taken off and I haven’t had to be an actual bodyguard in years.
She keeps on smiling, this time, sincere. “We’re about to start. Sandra says I need you to cross to the terrace. Will you carry me in your arms?”
It’s my turn to smile politely, disguising the fact that I’ve heard that request from clients in the past more times than I can count.
“No need. It’s a small crowd.” I say, and then, as a joke, perform a slight bow and add, “Your majesty.”
Lily opens her eyes wide, then she tilts her head back, her long blonde hair falling behind her, and begins to laugh, a contagious and echoing laughter that could charm even the hardest-hearted man.
“Why ‘your majesty’?” She gently demands to know.
“Why not? You’re the queen of the castle today.”
