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“And tell me about this new album of yours?What can we expect?”
I smile at the question.It’s like they read it from a script.Other journalists have asked me the same question three times already this morning.But ever the performer, I smile and open my mouth to speak when a loud scuffle halts me.The sound originates from the suite’s entrance area, and I lock eyes with the journalist, who also seems baffled, clearly picking up on the unusual noise.Immediately, my pulse quickens while my anxieties rush to the surface.
I rise to investigate, my throat choked by fear.Throwing open the door, I’m met with a scene of disarray—two of my existing security personnel are on the floor in a heated confrontation with a strikingly imposing man.His tall frame and stern expression make it clear he’s not here to back down.
My assistant, Lexy, is beside herself, her face a mixture of exasperation and concern.
“What is this?”I snap, my eyes narrowing on the stranger.
He turns to me, his eyes cool and unapologetic, but something in his gaze catches me off guard.There’s a defiance there, a fire I haven’t seen in any of the other bodyguards I’ve had.And, to my surprise, I’m curious rather than scared.
“I’m Kingsley Williams, your new bodyguard,” he states, his tone authoritative.“I found serious flaws in your security, and I was demonstrating them.”
Is this guy for real?
“This is your idea of a demonstration?”I shoot back, my voice laced with skepticism.I take in the fallen men clutching at their torsos.“This is a circus!A complete lack of professionalism!”
Lexy interjects quickly, ushering the journalist toward the exit.“Thank you, Viki,” he offers over his shoulder while Lexy leads him past the two security men, picking themselves off the floor with a whale of a groan.But I’m too annoyed to reply as I stare up at the hulk of a man in front of me.
“I call it necessary,” he shoots back, his jaw set.“Your safety is my priority, and I won’t pretend everything’s fine when it’s not.This…” he motions to the guards, “… is a goddamn joke.”
I stare at him, torn between anger at his audacity and a reluctant admiration for his boldness.He’s unlike anyone I’ve encountered before, and I can’t quite decide how I feel about that.
He’s a giant, cloaked in all black, looking like a lethal weapon made of muscles and broad shoulders.Dark brown eyes and slick hair with his olive complexion give him an air of dangerous charm.He speaks with a rugged American accent, and when he turns to face the security he so easily tossed to the floor, I catch a glimpse of a tattoo on his neck just above his collar.That symbol just adds another layer to his whole mysterious vibe.
Everything about him screams authority, but his unapologetic approach and clear conviction in his mission irritate and attract me.The way he’s challenged my security—and, by extension, me—ignites a fire in my belly.I’m used to being in control, but something tells me this man won’t be easily swayed or manipulated.
Our eyes lock again, and the intensity of his gaze sends a shiver down my spine.There’s a challenge in those eyes, a promise of uncompromising protection mixed with a stubborn will that matches my own.
“I don’t need a rogue playing games with my security,” I growl out, my frustration mounting.“I need someone who respects protocol.”
“Protocol that fails you?”he challenges, his voice low and intense.“I’m here to protect you, not coddle your ego.”
My face flushes with anger, but a part of me recognizes the truth in his words.“And who are you to decide what I need?”I snap, my voice trembling with emotion.
“Someone who takes his job seriously,” he replies, his eyes locked on mine.“Someone who won’t lie to you or sugarcoat the truth.”
We stand there, our gazes locked in a battle of wills, the tension in the air thick and palpable.A strange sensation twists in my gut.I’m both furious and fascinated by this man.
Finally, I break the silence, my voice tight with barely contained anger.“Fine.But know this… I won’t tolerate any more stunts like this.”
He meets my challenge head-on.“No stunts required…ifsecurity is sorted.”
“I’ll take that lunch now, Lexy,” I snap when Lexy returns.
“And your meeting with Kingsley?”she asks sheepishly, side-glancing him, then me.
I narrow my eyes and take him in.
“I think we’ve had enough introductions for one day.You can take me to my sound check tomorrow.”
“Affirmative,” he replies with a curt nod that only annoys me further.
My hands tremble with fury when I retreat to my hotel room, my mind replaying the audacity of Kingsley’s actions.The way he handled my security team, his smug confidence, and his disarming presence leaves me reeling and deeply unsettled.
My lunch is a salad, though all I crave is a messy cheeseburger and fries.Something about comfort food feels appropriate now, but I can’t eat.I need to vent, and there’s only one person who will understand.
