**Chapter 20: Unexpected Guests
The next day, the calm of Simon and Gigi's home was broken by the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway. Simon, who had just finished a call with his battalion, looked toward the door as he sensed movement outside. Gigi, sitting beside him, noticed the change in his demeanor.
"Who could that be?" Gigi asked softly, her curiosity piqued.
Simon's expression didn't change, but there was a slight tension in his posture. He had a feeling he knew exactly who was arriving. As the doorbell rang, he sighed, standing up from the chair, his body language shifting into something more authoritative.
"I'll go check," Simon said. His voice had a quiet strength to it, and Gigi couldn't help but admire how composed he was.
As Simon walked toward the door, Gigi stood, making her way toward the hallway. She'd never been one to shy away from surprises, but she couldn't help but wonder what had prompted the unexpected visit.
When Simon opened the door, he found Khloe standing there, a smile playing on her lips as she looked up at him. But beside her, a man stood—tall, muscular, with an air of confidence that was unmistakable. Simon's sharp eyes took in every detail of the new arrival. The man's posture seemed relaxed, but Simon could tell there was something behind his gaze—something he'd need to assess.
"Khloe," Simon said, his tone neutral, but his eyes betrayed a hint of curiosity. "What brings you here today?"
Khloe smiled, her usual playful demeanor present. "You know me, just dropping by to surprise you," she said, her eyes glinting as she glanced toward the man standing beside her. "And this," she continued, her tone teasing, "is my boyfriend."
Simon's gaze flicked to the man beside Khloe, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took him in. The man held out his hand, offering a firm handshake, which Simon accepted without hesitation, though the grip felt calculating.
"Simon, this is Alex," Khloe said, her voice light but her smile genuine. "He's been around for a while now, and I thought it was about time you met him."
Simon's eyes softened ever so slightly as he glanced between Khloe and the man she had introduced. "Nice to meet you, Alex," Simon said, his voice steady. But in his mind, he was already sizing up this new addition to the family. Khloe was fiercely independent, but Simon knew her well enough to understand that the people she kept close mattered to her.
Khloe looked at Gigi, who had now joined Simon at the door. "And this is Gigi," she added, with a playful grin. "Gigi, meet Alex."
Gigi extended her hand with a warm smile, her expression kind but cautious. "It's nice to meet you, Alex."
Alex returned the handshake, his smile warm but guarded, and Simon couldn't help but notice how his eyes never fully left Khloe, his gaze protective in a way that didn't escape Simon's notice.
"So, what brings you both by?" Simon asked, leaning against the doorframe, his posture casual but his gaze never leaving Alex for long.
Khloe tilted her head slightly, her eyes mischievous. "I figured it was time for a little family bonding. You know, Gigi's here, and you've got your battalion members on their way out, so I thought it'd be good to catch up."
Simon nodded. He could tell Khloe was trying to make light of the situation, but he knew she was also being careful about her new relationship. After all, she had always kept her private life guarded, especially when it came to her family.
"Well, you're welcome to stay for dinner. I'm sure we can arrange something," Simon replied, stepping aside and motioning for them to come in.
Khloe winked. "I'll take you up on that," she said before turning to Alex. "Come on, babe, let's get comfortable."
Later that evening, everyone gathered in the dining room, the atmosphere filled with chatter and laughter. The family was adjusting to the new dynamic with Khloe's boyfriend, Alex. Simon had made sure to include everyone in the conversation, keeping things lighthearted but also closely observing Alex's reactions to the family's various comments.
At one point, Khloe leaned in close to Simon, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Don't give him a hard time. He's a good guy, and I can see you're already trying to figure him out."
Simon chuckled softly but didn't say anything in response. His gaze shifted to Alex, who was engaging in conversation with Kanye, Travis, and the rest of the group, clearly trying to fit in. Simon could sense that Alex was nervous, but there was something more—something that made him a little wary.
As the night went on, the family moved outside to the bonfire, where everyone settled down to relax and enjoy the warmth of the fire. Simon sat next to Gigi, his arm around her, but his eyes continued to dart to Alex every now and then. He didn't like that he couldn't fully trust the man yet, but he would give him time to prove himself.
Khloe noticed Simon's intensity and leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder. "He's not like the others, you know. He's not gonna run from responsibility."
Simon didn't respond immediately, his gaze still sharp as he observed Alex. Finally, he nodded, his voice quiet. "I hope for your sake, Khloe, you're right."
The night ended without incident, but Simon couldn't shake the feeling that things were just beginning to shift within the family dynamic. He was protective, and while he'd give Alex a chance, he was always prepared for anything.
And as the fire burned down to embers and everyone said their goodbyes, Simon's mind was already working through the next steps. He trusted his instincts—he'd learned long ago that they never steered him wrong.
But for now, he'd give Khloe her time, and he'd watch carefully from the sidelines.
To be continued...