KINGSLEY MANSION
Blair Kingsley sat on the velvet couch, arms folded tightly across her chest, her frustration radiating throughout the room. Her father, Dominic Kingsley, walked in, his stern features softening with a teasing smile.
"Why does my princess look like she's ready to declare war?" he asked with playful concern.
"I'm not angry, Dad!" Blair shot back, though the furrowed brows and pout on her face betrayed her words.
Dominic chuckled. "Oh really? Then what's with the grumpy look?"
She huffed, leaning back dramatically. "This…this is all Uncle Nathan's fault! He doesn't want to be my personal bodyguard anymore. He's abandoning me!" she whined, her tone tinged with indignation.
Nathan, standing in the corner, sighed. "Miss Blair, it's not like that—"
"Don't even start!" she interrupted, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You don't love me anymore. That's why you're leaving!"
Nathan rubbed the back of his neck, struggling for the right words. "Blair, I—"
"Stop it, both of you," Dominic cut in, his voice firm but kind. He turned to his daughter. "Blair, listen. Nathan's health is not what it used to be. He needs to rest. Don't you want him to stay healthy?"
Blair blinked, her anger melting into concern. She got up and walked toward Nathan, her voice softening. "Are you okay, Uncle Nate? What's wrong?"
"I'm fine, Miss Blair," Nathan replied, trying to sound reassuring despite the exhaustion etched on his face.
Blair groaned, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Can you stop calling me Miss Blair? We're at home, not in public!"
Nathan chuckled lightly. "Alright, Blair."
The truth was, Nathan's health had been deteriorating for some time. He had approached Dominic about stepping down, and Dominic, understanding the situation, had asked Nathan to recommend someone trustworthy to take his place. Nathan had suggested his son, Callan, to take over the role. Dominic agreed, and they arranged for Callan to meet Blair the following evening.
THE NEXT EVENING
5:00 PM
The doorbell echoed through the grand mansion, and the butler, Elias, answered it, ushering Callan into the opulent hall. Nathan and Dominic rose to greet him, while Blair lounged on the couch, munching on popcorn.
"Good evening, sir. I'm Callan," he introduced himself, bowing respectfully to Dominic.
At the sound of his smooth, baritone voice, Blair turned, her gaze falling on the tall, commanding figure in the doorway. She froze, the popcorn forgotten in her hand as her eyes locked onto him.
Callan straightened, his golden-brown eyes scanning the room until they landed on Blair's wide-eyed stare. He inclined his head slightly. "Good evening, Miss Blair."
Blair felt heat rush to her cheeks as she hastily stood, brushing nonexistent crumbs from her clothes. "Dad," she said, her tone firm but curious, "who is this?"
Dominic gestured toward Callan. "Blair, meet your new personal bodyguard—this is Callan."
Blair's eyes narrowed slightly as she walked toward him, her 5'3" frame dwarfed by his 6'4" height. Her gaze flicked over his sharp features—his straight nose, perfectly shaped lips, and the veins on his hands that somehow added to his allure.
"So, Callan," she said softly, her voice low enough for only him to hear, "are you ready to handle being my personal bodyguard?"
"Yes, Miss Blair. Always," Callan replied, his voice steady despite the slight smirk tugging at her lips.
Blair turned, her smirk growing. "Tomorrow morning. Outside my room. Sharp at five. Get my contact details from Dad or Uncle Nate. Text me or call me—whatever works for you. I'll send you your schedule."
With that, she strode out of the room, leaving Callan standing there with Nathan and Dominic.
"She's… something," Callan muttered, his lips twitching with the hint of a smile.
Nathan laughed. "Oh, you've barely scratched the surface."
Dominic clapped Callan on the shoulder. "Just remember a few rules: do whatever she says, don't call her 'Miss Blair' unless you're in public, and stay by her side at all times—even when she's sleeping."
Callan raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Understood."
BLAIR'S ROOM
Blair leaned against her bedroom door, a small, mischievous smile playing on her lips. Callan… Interesting. You're the first person to catch my attention. What is it about you? The body? Or maybe that dangerously alluring face?
She climbed into bed, anticipation bubbling beneath her calm exterior as she drifted off to sleep.