Maxine’s Bodyguard

by M. L. Ray

  I couldn’t find the proper words to tell her. Should I apologize to her? Should I tell her how we first met? Should I confess my feelings? I didn’t know what else to do so I decided to stay quiet when I felt her return my embrace. We stayed like that for some time with no words being said – just our hearts beating rapidly in rhythm.

  “Good night,” I murmured against the crook of her shoulders, sniffing the scent of her bare skin. And even before I could stop myself, I planted a light kiss on her forehead, gaining myself an impish smile from her.

  God, she’s so beautiful.

  Chapter 13

  Maxine

  I rolled on my bed, desperately trying to get a few hours of sleep. My mind has been wandering for three freaking hours by just thinking about Rico – his embrace and what it meant. The moment we shared by the staircase, was by far, the sweetest I have ever had in my entire life. And somehow, having his arms wrapped around me calmed my nerves, making me feeling safer. What he did had given me the reassurance that I would never be alone again – that I have him.

  Was I just imagining things? Probably. But deep inside, I knew what I wanted to believe.

  My life has not been peaceful for the past weeks, as well as my heart. Rico Miller got me wanting, waiting and falling for him – hard and fast. He was rude and one of the hardest people to get along with. But I still ended up liking him. Was it because he showed no interest in me? Was it because of the familiarity I was feeling towards him? Or maybe it was the fact that he was risking his life to protect me?

  Whatever the reason was, I know I’m crazy for feeling like this. It was stupid of me for harboring feelings for my bodyguard. But I’m not regretting any of it. It feels nice to have someone to like.

  I’ve met and dated numerous handsome guys. And all of them were a good catch but never had I have the urge to see someone every day. But Rico is different. He is not self-important and even if we didn’t talk much, I know he is a thoughtful person by just watching him take care of his subordinates. And the more I see him, the more I want to be with him. I keep on missing him.

  And I want him to like me back. Because for the first time, I was scared of death and it was all because of him. I didn’t want to die without experiencing the happiness of having my feelings being reciprocated.

  Yes, I have finally learned to admit that I have feelings for him. And maybe I don’t just like him.

  Just maybe…

  This is what your sister told you right? It feels great to be in love! But look what happened to her? Are you sure you can handle the consequences of your actions? Will you be able to take it if Rico turns out to be someone like those pigs you’ve dated? What if he’s just like Jacob Moore?

  After falling for Rico, I have learned to hope that not all men were the same. That there were still good guys out there, but just very rare to find. And he was part of the almost extinct species.

  I took another pillow and covered it on my face, my lips were arched in a smile, and let out the scream I’ve wanted release for quite a while now. I could hear the muffled noises I was making but I didn’t care. I knew that it was not loud enough to get any of my bodyguards barging in my room. After all, I’m just a twenty-six-year-old acting like a giddy teenager.

  Oh, yes I’m in love.

  I’m in love with my bodyguard.

  I’ve fallen for Rico Miller.

  When I finally got tired of doing and thinking silly thoughts, I went downstairs to get a glass of wine, hoping that it would help me get some sleep. My footsteps were fast and quiet but I halted when I saw the person who was the sole reason why I was still wide awake.

  Rico was sitting on one of the high chairs by the mini bar counter. He was having a few shots of vodka by himself. I leaned on the wall to stare at him a little longer, studying his familiar figure, and tried to recall where I first saw him. I’m certain I’ve seen him somewhere else even before he became my bodyguard but I just couldn’t pinpoint when and where and how.

  A few moments passed and he was just staring blankly into the shot glass in his hand. His forehead then crumpled and he released a series of deep breaths. He looked distressed and it was bothering me.

  Why do you care? It’s not like you can help him. What if it’s about his girlfriend? What will you do?

  Shoving the thoughts aside, I gathered my strength and approached him, settling on the high chair across from him. He did not look shocked when he lifted his head to see me. Instead, there was concern in his eyes.

  “Something the matter? Why are you still awake?” he asked, with nothing but sincerity in his voice. His eyes met mine and it melted me when I saw a glint of sadness in them. Something was definitely bothering him.

  I shook my head and took a bottle of my favorite red wine from the rack. Grabbing a glass from the cupboard, I filled it without sparing him a glance. I didn’t want him to think I was trying to pry in his own business.

  “You will be having a meeting with the lawyers tomorrow. You’re supposed to rest,” he stated, as a matter of fact, gripping my wrist to stop me from pouring more wine in my glass.

  I sighed.

  “I can’t sleep,” I muttered while rolling my eyes. I stared at him intently. I wanted to tell him it was his entire fault that I’m restless. And if it wasn’t for his goddamned embrace, I would have been dozing off peacefully by now.

  I sipped from my glass and smiled to myself when warmth slid through my throat down to my tummy. As expected from my favorite drink.

  “I see,” Rico responded, averting his gaze and filling his shot glass with more vodka. His breath already smelled like liquor but he didn’t seem like he was drunk. He was probably used to it. Or maybe, having high alcohol tolerance is part of their training as an elite agent.

  “What about you? Why are you drinking? Aren’t you supposed to stay wide awake in order to do your job properly?” I asked, with an eyebrow raised. I was just joking but when he crumpled up his face, I wanted to take back my words. Did I sound like a nagging boss?

  Way to go with your “I wish we could start being friends” mantra.

  I lowered my gaze, feeling a little embarrassed when he smiled. I was expecting him to give me one of those mocking grins. But he looked like he had no energy to fight with me – and I was thankful for that. He was really acting weird though.

  “I am wide awake. Alcohol merely affects me. So you don’t have anything to worry,” he stated, before he stared back into the empty shot glass he was gripping.

  A comfortable silence filled the room. It was like we were aware of each other’s worries and offered company to pacify the other. But in all honesty, I was dying to know what was disturbing him – to see if there was something I could be of help with.

  When I moved to fill my glass with more wine, I froze when he spoke in a very serious tone.

  “Can I ask something?” Rico spoke softly, it was almost a whisper.

  The hairs on my nape stood straight and I swallowed hard. My stomach did a sudden rumba when I opened my mouth. It was like butterflies were trying to escape through my mouth. I shrugged to pretend I was fine. I just hope he couldn’t tell that he was starting to make me feel tense.

  “Sure. Shoot,” I replied, quickly pouring more wine on my glass. I think I’m going to need more alcohol in order to calm my nerves. He was literally taking my breath away, making me lose my composure and cool. He was basically a storm and a refuge for my helpless soul. He could soothe and make me feel anxious, effortlessly.

  “If there’s one thing you can change in your past, what would it be?” he mumbled under his breath. He filled his shot glass once more and groaned when the bottle became empty. Did he drink all of it in just one sitting?

  I chuckled. He sounded too serious for something too trivial.

  “If you’re asking for the things I did in the past, then I’ll have to say nothing. And if you meant things I did not have any control over, it would be to get m
y family back. I wanted to change that painful memory and make it a happier one,” I responded, with sincerity.

  I smiled bitterly to myself after saying those words. This was the first time I’ve opened up about my painful past. But I felt comfortable talking about it with Rico. Was it solely because of him or did the alcohol make me?

  He didn’t look curious or surprised that I had spoken. And that was when I learned that he already knew about my life story. Of course, why wouldn’t he? He’s an agent and it was probably part of his briefing to know my background. That, also, was probably the reason why I’m not shy or scared to tell him what I honestly think.

  “If my mom did not fall in love with Congressman Williams’ father then my dad wouldn’t have killed himself. And I’d probably be living happily if those things had not happened. But we can’t turn back time, can we?” Bowing my head, I went on, finally letting out the frustrations I had been carrying for years.

  Rico nodded and stayed quiet. And I was more than happy to spill all my thoughts with the question he shot me with. “But as much as I wanted to have them back, I can’t. Life just did its thing and there’s not much I can do but to face the present and future. All of those tragic events made me stronger. It was what made me who I am.”

  I was taken aback when I felt his hand caressing my cheeks. Raising my head, his eyes met mine. His eyes sparkled in sympathy under the dim light. I jerked away, I didn’t want him to feel pity me.

  I’ve gotten over the saddest part.

  Pressing my eyes closed, I calmed myself, not wanting to give him an attitude. “You don’t need to pity me. I’ve gotten over it. Yes, there were depression attacks but I’m better now. But enough about me,” I stated, cracking my lips into an awkward smile which I think came out as a grimace.

  Rico shrugged. “It just made me wonder. I just read your files,” he said, gulping the last shot of vodka. He then smiled and said, “If I was in his shoes, maybe I would have committed suicide, too.”

  I chuckled. “Coward.”

  “Yeah,” he agreed. “But my family has always been everything.”

  I know. I have never met a person who didn’t love their families. Yes, there were those who were mad enough to leave their own blood and flesh – just like my mom. But the connection never fades. They may have never seen each other over half of their lives but deep inside, the ties would always remain.

  “Yeah,” I agreed. “But I learned to get by somehow,” I muttered, feeling a little proud. It was not easy to fend for myself since I was fifteen, I’m just thankful I was not crazy enough to take my own life – although it crossed my mind a lot of times. “What about you? What made you look so troubled?” I asked.

  There, I finally had the courage to ask. It’s not that I didn’t want us to talk about me. I just wanted to know his issues.

  I’m worried, actually.

  “Nothing much. I’m just thinking,” he spoke huskily. I felt his hands touching mine and I shuddered when our fingers intertwined, filling the gaps like they were specifically made for each other – like we were made for each other.

  Acting like a hopeless romantic now, are we?

  I did not bother breaking the eye contact because he was making me feel really good. I’m not scared of what would happen next. All I wanted was to spend more time with him – us alone. And to be there for him now that he needed someone to lean on – a person who would listen to his ‘could-have-beens’.

  “I’m just thinking about the things I wanted to do and the things I wanted to undo,” he mumbled while shrugging, before planting a kiss on the back of my right hand. I shivered as my stomach twisted. My heart raced and I could feel my cheeks growing hot. It was too much of a gesture for someone who was not interested in me.

  He is.

  With that in mind, I responded to the gesture and kissed his hand as well. I didn’t know if it was the right thing to do because I have never done anything to the men I’ve dated before. And basically, I’m just an amateur when it comes to romantic situations.

  I wanted to show him that I’m open for the possibilities – of us.

  Chapter 14

  Maxine

  I bit my bottom lip and that was all it took for him to lean closer, kissing me with full intensity. For a moment, my brain stopped working like a computer program crashing. But when his hand cradled my face, I responded to his kisses.

  I moaned and reached for him, not minding the counter that was between us. My quivering hands landed on his neck to pull him closer to my mouth. I kissed him softly at first and then more urgently. He nibbled my bottom lip which felt like a tiny bite, it stung but not the intolerable kind.

  Rico smiled against my mouth before pulling away and I grumbled as I rolled my eyes in protest. And before I could in say something, he scooped my petite figure into his strong arms, carrying me effortlessly as he marched to the foot of the staircase. With a smile on my lips, I wrapped my arms around his neck to support my weight before biting the tip of his earlobes.

  He grunted and despite the dim light I could see him gritting his teeth as his jaws tensed.

  “The CCTVs are watching us,” I whispered, when my gaze landed on one of the cameras that were lurking around the house. Actually, I had almost forgotten about it.

  Rico smirked at me with a knowing smile. He took large and quick footsteps to reach the top of the staircase and started walking towards the door of my bedroom. He then whispered, “Then we’ll find a place where there’s none.” And I shivered in excitement as he turned the knob and placed me on my bed.

  When he was sure that the door was locked, he dived on me, kissing me hungrily. His hands pulled my hands above my head, nailing me right under him. His tongue moved, finding its way to get inside my mouth, making me moan as it played with me. I arched my back to feel more of his body, my breasts touching his strong chest, sending him lustful messages.

  With that, his hands travelled to my exposed legs. And I gasped when I realized that my robes were already on the floor. I was wearing nothing but a piece of lacy nightie and my breasts were slightly exposed as we moved in rhythm. When I saw his eyes turning dark, I felt more confident, silently rejoicing. I was glad I’d worn this piece tonight.

  “I’m sorry for making you wait,” he spoke, making my insides melt. How could someone’s voice have such an effect on me?

  Before I could react, I felt Rico’s hands under my shirt, stroking my belly and the small of my waist. His tongue fluttered against mine and I moaned when he unclasped my bra. He pulled me in against him, like he’d never get me close enough.

  He watched me as he slowly removed my shirt and bra, revealing my bare breasts. His hands ran down the length of both my arms, touching my hot and moistened mocha skin. He pressed against me and I could feel his arousal inside his trousers. He released my hands and I found them playing with his dark locks.

  He nibbled my chin then my ear and I gasped when his mouth landed on my collarbone. It’s where I’m most ticklish. I felt my breath caught in my throat.

  Feathering kisses down my bare chest, he smiled against my skin. He bent and unbuttoned my jeans expertly and all I could do was stare at his dark brown eyes.

  Rico left a trail of tiny kisses around my breasts, his mouth grazing one of my pebbled nipples and a thumb made circular strokes with the other, making me forget how to breathe.

  “Oh, that feels great.” I groaned, watching him pleasuring me. “Oh, oh, ooh,” I grumbled, dropping my head to enjoy the delight of his every touch. His tongue flicked my other nipple and then took my lips back, kissing me, biting me gently. I cried in pleasure, letting him know that I loved what he was doing and it was exactly what I needed and wanted. His lips moved lower, nibbling my sweaty skin, making their way between my legs.

  Running my hands up and down on his back, I licked my lips, feeling impatient to see his hard on. And as if knowing what I was thinking, Rico stopped and stood in front of me
, taking off his clothes piece by piece while I lay there, naked, panting, needing, wanting…

  I pushed him lightly, just far enough to take a good look at him, my eyes travelling up and down. Just as I imagined, Rico had a wide chest and lean and strong arms that would make any woman feel safe whenever enclosed in those. His body was beautiful, matched with tanned skin.

  When I looked lower, all there was left was his underwear, and there were dark hairs – almost curly – on his chest that gathered into a trail down his belly. I swallowed hard when my sight landed on the bulge inside his boxers, feeling a bit frightened of his size. Rico proudly removed his underwear, revealing his glorious erection. He was big and long and thick.

  He grinned when he noticed me staring. “What are you thinking?”

  “You’re beautiful,” I mumbled, running my fingers on his chest, following the trailing hair leading down to his stomach, and he groaned.

  “No. You are beautiful,” he whispered on my ear, inching away from me, letting his eyes roam across my nudity, absorbing every part of me. “Breathtaking,” he spoke again and his hands found their home back to my healthy breasts, kissing them, sucking them, taking my breath in a good way – a very good way.

  “Touch me,” he urged, gripping my wrist, leading my hand to his erection, panting heavily.

  “Yes, please,” and I did. I moved my hands voluntarily, enclosing his cock with my fingers. His eyes widened when I gripped his shaft gently, just enough to make him tremble and arch his toes.

  Rico groaned in pleasure, making me want to do my job better. Kneeling down in front of him, I took a quick look up. He stared at me with lust and want and it almost made me lay back on the bed. Teasing, I showered him with tiny kisses not leaving any part untouched. He pulled my head closer and my face was literally pressed against his hard on.

  I ran my fingers up his inner thighs and looked up at him again, grabbing a handful of his ass and licked the tip of his cock.