Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
My eyes widen as the shock of my father’s words hits like a ten-pound hammer. This time my heartbeat speeds up, and my breaths grow shallow as an eerie sensation ghosts over my skin.
What the ever-living hell?
The air wooshes from my lungs. “But…that’s insane,” I gasp, unable to think of anything else to say.
It’s not every day a person hears there’s a threat against their life. I don’t know how to handle the news.
Papa pats my hand again and leans in my direction, his eyebrows pinched together. “I’m sorry, mon amour. Mr. Levin is the best there is. He’ll be able to protect you from anyone who wants to harm you.”
The bubble of safety I’ve always had wobbles.
It’s terrifying to know there’s someone out there who would kill me if Papa doesn’t do as they demand. It’s so unsettling, I don’t know how to process it.
Do I become hysterical and hide?
Do I go on with my life and hope to God nothing comes of the threats?
Jesus, how am I supposed to react?
Then again, I knew it was only a matter of time. The higher Papa rises in politics, the more dangerous it’s bound to get, and he’s planning on running for president at some point.
There’s also the fact that Papa has a billion-dollar company that manufactures solar panels. Our money is reason enough for someone to try and kidnap me for ransom.
Making it to twenty-seven without a bodyguard is a feat in itself.
Still processing the bomb my father dropped on me, I shake my head. “What does it mean for me?” My eyes dart between my father and Max. “Will I still be able to move around freely?”
Papa nods. “Max will be by your side twenty-four-seven. You’ll still attend all the events and keep up appearances as if nothing is wrong. I don’t want the media catching wind of the threats.”
I wave a hand in Max’s direction. “But having a bodyguard will draw attention and raise questions.”
A patient expression settles on Papa’s face. “It’s acceptable for my daughter to have a bodyguard. Soon I’ll be the Prime Minister. Whenever you’re asked to comment on why the sudden change, you answer it’s a normal precaution.” Papa shakes his head. “I should’ve arranged protection for you sooner.”
If my life is in danger, I’m not going to argue. That would be stupid of me.
“For how long will I have a bodyguard?” I ask.
Papa leans back in his chair and shakes his head. “I can’t give you a time limit. Go on with your life while I deal with the threats.”
Movement by the doorway draws our attention to Philippe. “Lunch is ready.”
I take a deep breath as I stand up. I’m overly conscious of Max and the fact that he hasn’t said a single word.
Needing to ease some of the tension in the air, I force a polite smile to my face and hold my hand out to the man.
For a moment, his eyes flick down before settling on mine with a sharpness rivaling Philippe’s favorite paring knife.
I once used it and almost severed the tip of my finger. After that, I was forbidden from touching Philippe’s knives.
Max’s fingers wrap around mine, his grip firm and cool.
A nervous sensation tightens my stomach as I say, “It’s nice meeting you.” Not knowing what else to say, I pull my hand free from his.
“Pleasure is mine,” he murmurs, his tone low but commanding.
It feels like the deep timbre of his voice ripples over my skin, making goose bumps erupt over my body.
I swallow and quickly leave the sitting room.
Is he staying for lunch?
Of course. He’s going to be by your side twenty-four-seven.
My eyes widen at the realization, and feeling uncomfortable, I head into the dining room where all the delicious food Philippe prepared is waiting to be devoured.
When I’m nervous, I eat. I have an unhealthy relationship with comfort food. Or healthy. It probably depends on how you look at it.
I love food, and unlike men, it never leaves me feeling unfulfilled.
Papa takes his usual seat at the head of the table while I sit down on his left.
I notice a place that’s been set for Max. It’s across from me, so I'll see him every time I look in front of me.
Awkward.
When Max pulls out his chair, I take in his pristine black suit. He shrugs off his jacket and drapes it over the back of the chair. I catch sight of the gun tucked behind his back, and my mouth instantly goes dry.
Reaching for my glass of water, I take a sip before I continue to inspect the man who’s been hired to protect me.
Not a hair is out of place, and his dress shirt is white, with not a single stain on it. The man is as put together as they come.
At least he’s something to look at. I won’t get bored of seeing his face.