I didn’t want what happened with Matt happening again though, so perhaps it would be better keeping to myself.
CHAPTER 3
Chanel
After my intense kickboxing workout with Nathan in his studio, I took a jog through Central Park with my earphones plugged in and Halsey’s voice powering through the speakers.
It was a chilly October day, the leaves tinged with hues of orange, red, and yellow. The wind stung my cheeks as I ran my six laps around the park.
I could see people with cameras, trying to blend in with the crowd. Their phones were up, mouths agape, eyes wide. So surprised to see me here.
I refused to give up my time in Central Park. I loved my jogs and workouts here, and paparazzi weren’t going to stop me from coming.
I guess it was a good thing the new bodyguard was here. I’d had to leave early the last few times I jogged here because the paparazzi kept getting too close, invading my space, which meant I couldn’t finish my workouts.
The new bodyguard was jogging along, several feet behind me. I glanced over my shoulder at him, but he wasn’t looking at me. His eyes were ahead, focused. Determined.
People were always watching me. It was nothing new. I’d been in the spot light since I was six months old.
My mother made me a baby model, and then I became a toddler model, and eventually I got a modeling gig at five-years-old for Carter’s.
When I turned twelve, I became a model for some of the most popular retail and department stores. By fifteen, I was walking the smaller runways of Manhattan and by eighteen, I signed with Rogue Modeling Agency, the most popular modeling agency in New York.
Mom made it her mission to get me in front of cameras. At first, it seemed selfish because she chose this life for me, but with every passing year, I became more and more passionate about it—walking the runway, the cameras clicking, finding the perfect angle and place to put a certain body part or limb.
How to pose. How to smile with my eyes.
Modeling was like making art with my body.
When I was twenty, my mom passed away from breast cancer and since then, I’d made modeling my number one priority. Before, it was just a hobby. Now it was a career. I wanted to make her proud, be exactly what she knew I could be.
And I finally did it. I was now one of the most popular supermodels around, seen mostly in lingerie, and achieving that status at the tender age of twenty-four was very tough. But I did it. Every magazine wanted a shoot with me. Every designer wanted me to walk their runway or wear their clothes.
It was a gift and a curse, but only because being this busy and so highly sought after was exhausting. I hardly slept because I worked so much. I couldn’t get many days off. Today was my first day off in months, and even today wasn’t really an off day while training with Nathan, keeping in shape for this career.
Tomorrow, I was going to be back at it again, posing in front of many cameras, standing beneath bright lights, giving it all that I could, but feeling like it was never enough.
I finished my final lap, meeting up with Nathan beneath a tree, huffing as I dropped my palms on top of my thighs.
“Good run,” he said with a smile after I pulled an earphone out. “You still following the meal plan I gave you?”
“Of course I am,” I panted, standing up straight. “What makes you ask that?”
“I got a little text from Nicole this morning saying you were eating cereal. You know processed food is a big no-no, Chanel.” He playfully scolded me, wagging a finger.
“Wow. Of course, you did. No wonder you pushed me so hard today,” I laughed, swiping my forehead.
“Yep. Come on.” He cocked his head to the right, his brown ponytail swaying. “Over to the grass to stretch and then we can get out of here.”
He walked to a soft patch of grass and I followed his lead, grabbing the tip of my foot, and pulling back on my leg. Next, I bent forward to touch my toes.
As I stretched my arm, Nathan asked, “So, new bodyguard, huh?” I looked up but he was focused on Kobe, who was watching the entrance of the park.
“Yeah,” I sighed. “Dad and Nicole hired him. Claims he’s the ‘most sought after’ bodyguard in Manhattan, according to some bodyguard magazine.”
“He seems very serious about this job.”
“That’s what I said. It’s mind blowing.” I glanced at Kobe before focusing on stretching my other arm. “He’s really quiet too.”
“Maybe he’s just getting used to the whole thing,” Nathan shrugged. “He watches you, but not as closely as the last one.”
Yeah. The last one. Avoiding the conversation, I asked, “We all good here? I’m having a movie night with Skye and want to shower before she arrives.”
“Yep.” He walked to the water bottles, picking one up and tossing it my way. “All good. You did great today. See you next week.”
“I smiled. “Thanks. See ya.”
After chugging down a few gulps of water, I jogged to Kobe. “Ready,” I told him, and he didn’t hesitate. He just followed.
When we neared the car, he rushed past me, pulling open the back door of the SUV. I climbed in and he shut the door behind me, walking to the passenger door and getting in. Before I got in though, I could have sworn I felt eyes on my backside.
The ride was quiet and it didn’t take very long for us to get to the apartments. When we were on our way up the elevator, he didn’t even look at me and I know he didn’t because the elevators had mirrors and I was watching him.
“I guess I’ve got it from here,” I announced as I stopped outside my apartment door.
“Making plans to go anywhere else?” he asked.
I shrugged. “Not really.”
He narrowed his eyes a bit. “You sure? If you need me to go anywhere with you, just text me. I’ll be on the way.”
“I might go to the store or something for a small snack with Skye, but it’s only a block away. Not too far.”
He stared at me for a moment before coming closer. “Your dad told me not to let you go out alone, especially at night.”
“Really?” I folded my arms, meeting his eyes. “Did he also tell you that I should be watched while I eat, shower, and take a shit too?”
“No,” he responded brusquely, like he didn’t understand my sarcasm.
“I go to the store with Skye often. It will be okay. I usually wear a hat so no one notices me. No big deal.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Are you going to tell them?”
“Not if you don’t want me to,” he answered.
“I don’t want you to.”
“Text me when you leave and I won’t say anything. Nicole emailed you my number.”
“Sure thing, bodyguard.”
He turned, starting for the elevators again. He gave me a stern look and the doors of the elevator shot open. He stepped inside and, just like that, he was gone. Wow. That was a serious, hardcore man.
As I made my way towards my bedroom and stripped, I realized him being so closed-off and guarded made me want to know even more about him.
I had to get him to talk more.
CHAPTER 4
Kobe
She was even sexier in person.
That little rule her dad had was going to be tough to follow. How the fuck was I supposed to keep my eyes off her? While she worked out, I swear I could feel my cock getting hard. She bent over in plain sight, showing off a perfect peach-shaped ass in tight spandex leggings.
I struggled to keep my eyes away. I was a strong-willed individual, but women like her made strong men like me weak.
She claimed she wouldn’t need me tonight, but I was still going to keep my eye on her. She’d texted me ten minutes ago, said she was planning on walking to the store alone. She was fucking insane.
When those ten minutes passed, I looked out of the window with an apple in hand, biting into it and peering down. Several seconds later, I spotted her rushing out of the building wearing a black baseball cap and all black c
lothing, blending in with the night.
As she started walking down the street, that’s when I saw someone following her. He wore all black too, including a black baseball cap. I couldn’t see his face, but the build of his body was familiar.
And then it hit me.
There could only be one person following her so late.
I knew exactly who he was. Her father had told me all about him, showed me several images of the man.
“Shit!” Tossing the apple in the trash, I grabbed my sweatpants, pulled them on, and charged out the door.
CHAPTER 5
Chanel
Skye got caught up at the studio and said she was going to be late, so while she was busy I figured I’d grab the snacks and have them ready for when she arrived.
After pulling my hair back into a low ponytail and putting on a snug baseball cap, I turned for the door with my phone and wallet in hand, heading for the elevator.
As soon as I stepped outside, the cool air hit me. I toughed it out and started my stroll to the corner store. But as I walked, I could feel someone watching me.
Then again, when weren’t people watching me? I wore the black hat to blend in, hoping no one noticed me. It was a short walk, one I took occasionally, but it was only nine o’clock. The paparazzi still lurked.
I entered the store on the corner and the bell chimed above my head as I grabbed a basket. I walked straight for the drinks, taking down two of our favorite coconut waters.
The bell chimed again as I made my way to the snack aisle, scanning my choices. I could have gone with the kettle chips, but knew I didn’t need them before a shoot. The pistachios and sunflower seeds looked appealing, so I grabbed a bag.
Just as I reached for a pack of gum on the top shelf, a hand beat mine to it. It was hairy. Familiar.
He grabbed the gum and said, “Your favorite, right?”
My heart nearly fucking failed me.
I gasped and backed away as his dark, beady eyes locked on mine. He was wearing a baseball cap, shielding his reddish-brown hair.
I backed away slowly, but he held up a hand, as if he was trying to tame a terrified kitten. “No, it’s okay, Chanel,” Matt said. “I’m not here to hurt you. I just wanted to say hey, stop by and talk a little. Catch up, you know?”
My pulse pounded in my ears. “M-Matt, you know you’re not supposed to be around here.” I stumbled over my words. My heart raced, my grip tightening on the handle of the basket.
“Oh, what’s breaking a little rule?” he joked. Except it wasn’t a joke. It also wasn’t a little rule. It was the law. He wasn’t to come within a hundred yards of me or my home. It’s what his restraining order stated. I moved to a new apartment so I wasn’t even sure how he found my new address.
“I’m going to check out,” I said, trying to keep calm. Fuck the gum. He could have it. I rushed for the checkout, dumping the contents on the countertop, my wallet in hand. I sifted through it as the cashier rang up my items, taking out a hundred-dollar bill.
“Keep the change please,” I told the cashier. I grabbed the bag of snacks and drinks and rushed for the door.
My heart beat like a drum when I made it outside.
The bell chimed behind me but I paced forward, glancing over my shoulder once.
Holy shit!
He was following me!
Damn it. I was wrong about not having Kobe follow me and I regretted the hell out of my decision. My stupid, stubborn decision.
I picked up my pace, looking back again.
“Wait, Chanel! I just want to talk!” Matt yelled, his voice desperate.
He was getting closer so I dropped the bag and ran for my fucking life.
The cold air filled my lungs, my feet pounding into the concrete.
I wanted to scream for help, but it would have drawn too much attention and I didn’t need the headliners right now—they didn’t need to know this part of my life. They would make up rumors, say I led my old bodyguard on, led him into thinking I actually loved him.
Before I could even get close to my building, a hand gripped my shoulder and yanked me around.
Matt gripped my upper arms, forcing me to face him, and that’s when it happened, the one thing I didn’t want to do, but had to.
I screamed.
CHAPTER 6
Chanel
My scream was cut short when he cupped a hand over my mouth and tried to pull me aside. “Chanel, calm the fuck down!” he hissed, while I jerked and thrashed.
I bit his hand and he hollered, allowing me a chance to break away. But I couldn’t get too far. I stumbled sideways, tripping over my own damn feet and landing flat on my ass.
He stood tall, glaring down at me. “This is why I fucking love you, you know that? Always playing hard to get. I fucking love that shit!”
“Stay the fuck away from me!” I snapped, backing away on my palms. I needed to get up and run. I was thinking it but was too paralyzed with fear to make it happen.
No one was in front of this shop. It was dark, the lights off in front of the boutique. Could anyone even see me? Hear me? Someone had to be around.
He stepped forward again, but just as he did, a hand wrapped around my arm and reeled me up.
I gasped and looked up into familiar brown eyes.
Kobe.
He was shirtless, his jaw clenched as he glared at Matt. I was so overcome with relief that I wanted to cry.
“Who the fuck are you?” Matt snapped.
Kobe took a step toward him, fists clenched. “Her new bodyguard, and I suggest you get the fuck out of my sight before I break your goddamn neck.”
Matt grimaced at him before looking at me. “Is this your new toy? You gonna lead him on too, like you did me?”
“I never led you on, jackass!” I barked. “You’re obsessed with me, you fucking psycho!” My voice shook with fear.
Matt challenged Kobe by taking a step forward. Kobe took another. His hand went to Matt’s throat without hesitation and he gripped it. Matt was a big man, stocky and built like a football player, but not in the hot kind of way like Kobe.
I drew in a sharp breath and backed away, eyelashes damp.
“You’re going to leave now, and you won’t come back around here. If I see so much as a hair of you—if you ever touch her again—I will end you.”
Matt was struggling to breathe, clawing at Kobe’s hand. When Kobe finally let him go Matt buckled over, gasping for air. He stood up, rubbing his throat and as he walked away he yelled, “Fuck you, Chanel!”
Kobe watched him walk until he could no longer see him. We both did. Then Kobe turned to face me, looking me over.
“You hurt?”
“No. Just a little shocked.” Shocked wasn’t the word, more like scared shitless.
He sighed, glancing over his shoulder and then walking toward the bag I dropped on the sidewalk. He picked it up, collecting the items, and picked up my cellphone and wallet. I’d tossed them in the bag too.
He handed me the bag with my wallet and my cellphone. “You won’t be going anywhere else without me. Got it?”
I took the bag. “Yeah,” I breathed. “Sure. Got it.”
With a single nod of his head, he placed a warm hand on my arm and escorted me back to our building, peering over his shoulder several times before we entered.
The ride up the elevator was quiet, the tension thick, and heavy. When the doors opened on my floor, I rushed for my apartment door. I unlocked it quickly, and as soon as I stepped in, I dropped the bag and the wallet on the coffee table. I sat down on the sofa and took a moment.
Kobe stood by the door and waited a beat before asking, “You okay?”
“Fine, just need a minute.”
“Do you want me to leave?” he asked.
His question was a hefty one. No, I didn’t want him to leave yet. I wanted him to stay, mostly for my own personal reasons.
He’d just saved my life. No one had ever done to Matt what he just did for me. None o
f my bodyguards had protected me the way he did. So viciously. So powerfully. So boldly. So…dominantly.
I sighed and shook my head. “Stay, please. I’ll call Skye and tell her we’ll reschedule. She’s busy anyway.”
He seemed opposed to the idea of staying. He lingered by the door longer than he should have, looking out of it before finally shutting it and taking a step forward.
“Just for an hour or so. I’m worried he’ll come again,” I murmured. “Shit, he’s probably still watching me.”
“I can always keep watch outside the door,” he replied, pointing back with his thumb.
I knew he could, but I didn’t want him to. I wanted him inside. With me. I stood up, walking his direction. He lifted his chin, looking down at me as I stopped in front of him.
“Stay. Please. Just…just until I feel better.”
He looked me over once, and as he did, I felt my bottom lip tremble. When he noticed, he let out a deep sigh and nodded his head slowly, shutting the door and walking over to stand in front of my window.
With a sigh of relief, I walked to the small corner where my king-sized bed was and took my hat off, stripping out of my clothes quickly. I’d started changing into a pair of shorts and a white tank when I felt eyes on me.
I looked over and Kobe jerked his gaze away, putting his focus outside the window again.
Oh. Right.
I was so used to changing clothes in front of literally anyone during the lingerie fashion shows. I’d even endured a few nip-slips here and there due to wardrobe malfunctions.
But this was my bodyguard.
He wasn’t just anyone. It was wrong for him to see me getting undressed.
“Sorry,” I mumbled.
He didn’t respond.
With a sigh, I walked to my kitchen and took out a shot glass and my favorite drink. Whiskey. I filled my glass before bringing the rim to my lips with shaky hands and gulped it down like water.
It burned going down, hitting me hard. It’d been three months since I last had a drink. I’d been so busy and I knew it was stupid to drink before a shoot, but after that altercation, I needed some kind of comfort.
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