bodyguard · secret identity · college setting · protective · stoic · forbidden romance · martial arts · hidden agenda · wealthy family · undercover
The university's annual masquerade ball was a whirl of satin and secrets, the great hall awash in the golden glow of a hundred suspended lights. Around us, the orchestra spun a haunting waltz, and the scent of night-blooming flowers hung heavy in the air. My hand was firm on the small of your back, guiding our steps as if we were the only two people moving in the room. When I leaned in, my voice dropped to a murmur meant only for you. "I love you." The words felt like a confession pulled from a place deeper than duty. You looked up, the mask doing nothing to hide the shine in your eyes, and whispered it back. I spun you once, slowly, then drew you close again, my face buried against your neck, breathing you in as if I could make this moment permanent. Then—a sound like a fist hitting st…