Chapter 3 3. SIENNA'S POV

Two bad things that could happen to me and were actually happening.

One was having a hot, charming and heaven sent but grumpy man for a bodyguard.

The second one was actually living with said bodyguard.

I am at my room's balcony, pretending to read a book I have read a hundred times, while watching Xavier jog around the large compound. His shirt was soaked, sweat dripping from his face, his chest heaving up and down slowly like in a fitness commercial.

But he doesn't take off that shirt. He must always ruin his beauty with something.

If he was going to workout in public and look hot, why not show people what they want to see.

If not there was a mini gym in the villa.

He stopped for a water break.

Looked up. Our eyes met. I immediately lifted my book. Hoping he doesn't realize I was looking at him.

I peeped from the top of my book to check on him and he wasn't there anymore. How sad, typical.

I sat back on my seat and my thoughts wandered back to last night. That locket.

I should have checked it out. It was so important to him. The way he grabbed it from my hand....

My phone buzzes. My reminder for a meeting I had to attend for my foundation in the afternoon.

And also a text from........ Xavier? I scoff- but surprised.

"Are you done ogling me, princess?"

Oh my God. This guy has no shame. And I wasn't ogling.

"I wasn't ogling." I text back.

"Yes, you weren't. See you later princess."

I scoff again while staring at the text. This motherfucker. Who did he think he was? I ogled him. I rather ogle a troll. I threw the phone on my lap.

I walked out of my room to the kitchen to grab a snack and wow. Of all people to run into.

I ignored his presence and got to the cabinet where chips are kept, then to the fridge.

"Do you need a drink?" He said like nothing happened yesterday. I closed the fridge and eyed him.

"What?" He asked.

"Really, you are going to behave like you didn't try to drag out my hand and threaten me because of a locket? And you are supposed to be my bodyguard." I stand, facing him with my arms folded.

"Okay," he breathes. "I'm sorry for yesterday and thank you for giving me the locket." His voice was low and cool. Not his normal Xavier style.

And now my belly is doing that stupid fluttery thing.

He nods, drinks coffee with no explanation like it's not a big deal. That's it.

And somehow that makes him look so attractive. God, I hate this man.

"I have a meeting soon." I say leaving the kitchen.

"I know I'm driving you." He shoots back.

"You know, you are so terrible at apologies." I walk out and see my grandma smiling in the living room.

"What?" I said, trying to feign ignorance.

"Nothing. Just an elder smiling." she continues smiling at the television.

"Okay, then. Keep smiling, Elder. It looks good on you."

A few moments later, I'm all dressed up to leave and Xavier opens the passenger door for me.

I mouth "touche" to him and he smiles. He gets in and we drive out of the compound.

I tried my best to not glance at this fine annoying man by my side. He is just there. Driving with one hand on the wheel. Tapping the other hand on his lap like he was in control of everything.

"You didn't sleep last night?" That came out of nowhere. Did he just start a conversation?

Heat crawled up my cheeks. "How do you know that? Are you now watching me when I'm sleeping? Because that's not creepy." I fold my arms and look at him.

"I just observed," he simply says, "you look restless. And when will you understand that I'm being paid to watch you?" His eyes are still on the road.

"When you understand that I hate your presence here." I fire back.

"You say that and you still ogle me in the morning, princess."

He smirks.

I really hate this man.

And princess? What the heck is that?

The car stops. We are at our destination.

"I rather ogle a troll than you. As good looking as you may be. You have a bad character. And that's what matters." I came down and closed the door.

Heavens, the man gets me so pissed.

I walked towards the entrance with a smile and my P.A, Teo, approached me. "Good day, Ms. Sienna. How are you doing? You look tired." Teo says all at once, practically jogging but with words. Classic Teo.

"I'm great Teo. Nothing new." We were in the venue now. Glass walls. Air conditioning and smiles on every face.

Xavier is a few steps behind me. It was so crowded in here. Weirdly, I feel safe knowing he was around. Like my body trusts him more than I do.

Teo hands me the event program.

"You are to make a short speech. Then the press the ask you a few questions about the foundation." He stops and looks at me. "You will fine, my love." Then gives me an encouraging smile.

I tap his shoulder then his cheeks. "Thank you so much Teo." Teo was basically my work best friend. When he is with me. I have little to worry about.

I get ready to climb the stairs.

I notice Xavier looking more serious and tense than usual. Feeling watched, he traces the eyes and finds mine. He mouths "break a leg." And I scorn him and huff.

I am on stage. Lights, camera and a microphone pointing at me. And somewhere out there Xavier's broody eyes.

I cleared my throat and started my speech. I have been practicing for some days now. Short, simple and straight to the point.

"Thank you all for being here today. I really appreciate it. We are gathered here for a good cause from my foundation. The foundation was built not just on privilege but on purpose. We do not just write checks- we show up. We care. And that's exactly what we plan to keep to keep doing......."

After a few more sentences and there were claps everywhere. And I bowed.

And now. Time for questions. Mostly easy.

Then I notice a little uproar. I see Xavier running after a man, screaming "Teo, get her off that stage!!"

The place turns to a frenzy. I am frozen in place on stage. I see Xavier running towards me now. He is screaming something at me. I don't hear him.

Teo grabs me. I finally move. And suddenly.

BOOM!!

An explosion on stage. Screams echo. My ear rings. Then darkness.