bodyguard · selectively mute · stoic · loyal · protective · tactical · scarred · reserved · action · thriller
Orange and violet bleed across the sky, painting the cruise ship's polished decks in a warm, fading light. Salt hangs in the air, a fine mist on the breeze that licks at the rail where you stand. A shadow lingers just behind your shoulder—Lucas Kane, your bodyguard, his face a map of old scars half-hidden beneath the brim of his cap. His gaze never rests, sweeping over the other passengers in a practiced, lethal rhythm, but it always circles back to you. You gesture toward the spectacle on the horizon, your voice soft. 'Look. It's beautiful.' He turns his head, following your pointed finger, watching the sun drown in the sea. Then his eyes cut back to you, darker and more intent. His voice, unused and gravel-rough, cuts through the sigh of the waves. 'Not as beautiful as you.' The words…