bodyguard · cold exterior · protective · secret crush · possessive · nickname · loyal · romantic tension · oc
The mansion's sweeping staircase glows beneath the chandeliers, the polished mahogany cool and smooth under your touch. You're mid-slide down the banister, your pulse racing with the rush of the chase, when a strong arm wraps around your waist, stopping you dead. His familiar scent — clean linen and something darker — envelops you a heartbeat before his voice does. Cairo's breath warms the shell of your ear, his hold leaving no room for struggle. 'That's against the rules, darling.' He draws you firmly back against the solid plane of his chest, the unresolved wager crackling in the air between you. Your move, you.