The CEO's Bodyguard

"Thank you." I smiled at the cab driver as I handed him his money. I stepped out of the car.

"Hey, this is more than your cab fee." He yelled as I walked away.

"It's yours." I replied with a wide grin on my face.

I turned slightly just in time to see a thankful smile on his face before he sped off.

"Now, let's do this." I muttered under my breath as I made my way to the renowned Anderson Corporation.

I wasn't a bit nervous about today. Why? It was my first day after all. I should be but I wasn't.

Yeah, it was my first day at work as the personal bodyguard to the famous New York's most handsome young CEO.

As the elevator moved, I braced myself up to face my soon to be boss who was none other than Ryan Robin Anderson. He was popularly called RRA. Classic, huh?

I stepped out of the elevation as it stopped.

"Hi," I looked up to see a middle aged man. "You must be the new bodyguard." He said. I nodded with a smile.

"Come with me to his office so I can properly introduce you to him and every other person you'd work with." he said as he led the way. My first impression about this man was that he seemed too polite.

It didn't take up to five minutes before we got to the CEO's office and as the man pushed the door opened, the interior designs took my breath away.

"This way, please." The man signaled with his hands as he led me to the supposed Ryan. Not that I didn't recognize Anderson but I've never been up close to him. I should probably be crazy about seeing the most handsome bachelor in New York but I wasn't. You know why?

That was probably how much I hated him.

"Mr Anderson, he's here." The man announced and we waited as Ryan swirled his seat.

"Wow!" I muttered when Ryan Robin Anderson raised his head and got his gaze fixed on me.

He sure was handsome. No kidding! His perfectly outlined jaw, his well-shaped lips and nose, those piercing blue eyes, his slick gelled up hair. Everything about him screamed perfection.

"You must be Sam." He said as he eyed me up and down. I didn't even realize he was now in front of me. "Are you sure he passed the tests?"

"Yeah." The man that brought me in nodded.

"All the stages?" Ryan glanced at the man with a slight look of disbelief in his eyes.

The man nodded with a sigh.

"He sure doesn't look like it." He smirked.

I almost rolled my eyes. Will he keep talking about me as though I wasn't even there? I should probably speak up.

"Hello," I showed off a stoic look. "Nice to meet you, Mr Anderson." I stretched my right hand to him for a shake.

Ryan stared at me before he fixed his gaze on my outstretched hand that was politely seeking for a handshake.

He scoffed as he took my hand in his. I shook hands with him and while he wasn't aware, I pulled him closer to me. In reflex, I had him pinned down under me with his hand in the most uncomfortable position.

"Ah!" he groaned silently as he struggled to set himself free from my grip.

"Mr Sam?" The man called with a tone of warning. With a smirk on my face, I stood up.

"Nice to meet you once again, Mr Anderson." I bowed politely.

The look on his face was definitely priceless. That move obviously took him by surprise and I wondered why he didn't resist even though he never suspected it.

I stretched out my hand to him to assist him to his feet. He shook his head at first but after a second thought he accepted my offer.

"Your mode of attack is weak," he started.

You have to be kidding me, Ryan.

"But I must commend the way you attack unnoticed." He smiled.

I stared at him as he turned to the man that was with us.

"I like him. He should be up to the task, Philip."

Finally, I got the name. Philip!

"Tell him the important things he need to know to work with me." He went back to his seat. "I want no mistake. Perfection is all I need."

"Noted, sir." Philip responded. "Sam, this way!"

We headed to the door and as the start to my duties, I got the door for Philip. He appreciated the gesture with a smile and I proceeded after him.

"Samuel?" I stopped walking and turned to Ryan.

"Just Sam." I replied.

He nodded slightly and smiled. What's up with him and his smiles?

"Nice to officially meet you." He said. "I look forward to working with you, Sam Gray."

"Same here," I said.

"I really look forward to ruining you, Mr Anderson." I thought to myself as I stared at him.

"Sam! Hurry!" I heard Philip's voice.

"All right!" I replied as I left Ryan's office immediately.

Ryan Robin Anderson! You really have no idea about what I'd do while I'm right by your side. I've been employed to protect you from your business foes. But who would protect you from me?

~

I sighed as I unlocked the door to my apartment. I turned on the light bulb that illuminated the whole living room. I tiredly walked across the living room to my bedroom. As soon as I entered my room, I threw my phone on the bed and I began to undress. I removed the tie that I had on the entire time, which seemed to be sucking out my breath.

Still clad in my chest binder and pants, I traipsed over to the bathroom. When I got to the bathroom, right before I could take my bathe, I removed my chest binder, pants and underwear. All thanks to the chest binder, no one at the Anderson Corporation can ever sense the fact that I was a girl.

Who else knew my first day at work could be this tiring? As if walking around the whole Anderson building wasn't tiring enough, Ryan had to make me drive him to a business meeting where I had to stand guard all through the five-hour meeting.

I know that was meant to be part of my job as his guard but I never expected it to wear me out like it did today.

You're definitely stronger than this, Samantha.

I heaved a deep sigh of relief as the warm water got in contact with my body. I took my time to have a body and soul soothing bath.

Few minutes later, I exited the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body.

I dried the water on my body, applied some lotion and then clad myself in my nightwear. Arranging every other thing where they needed to be, I laid back on the bed to get some rest before the real business for tonight begins.

Exactly one hour later after my nap, I was standing right in front of the five-star hotel where I'd be having the fun of the night. Not that anything in my life was fun in the first place.

I entered the hotel and the hotel attendant rose up from her seat when she saw me.

"Welcome, Miss." She smiled politely at me while I nodded.

"Is he here?" I asked.

"Yeah, he was at the restaurant earlier but..." she trailed off as she glanced through the computer on her desk. 'He's at the hotel's club."

"All right." I smiled at her and began to head towards the club.

As I got closer to the club, I went through my bag to get my mask and when I had it in my hold, I was quick to cover my face with it. We wouldn't want anyone seeing my face, would we?

"Geez!" I exclaimed when my forehead stung from the sudden collision.

"I'm so sorry, Miss." The person I bumped into hurriedly apologized.

I raised my head slightly but before I could get the chance to see who it was, someone interrupted us.

"Miss, this way please!" I looked back to see Jones. "He's been waiting for you."

"All right." I smiled at him, even though he could hardly see it with the mask on my face. I began to walk away as I completely forgot about the guy that was apologizing to me.

"Miss, I'm really sorry." He yelled after me.

"It's fine." I waved him off, quickly dismissing the attention he called on us from the other people in the club as I followed Jones to the VIP booth.

"Welcome, Lia." The old man that I never get tired of seeing said to me with a smile. I reciprocated the smile as I walked closer to him, finding my way through the ladies that flocked around him.

Carefully securing the mask over my face, I bent down slightly to place a chaste kiss on his cheek. He also responded by kissing my cheeks. I pulled down the mask.

"Been a while, Uncle Mark." I said as I sat down on the couch that was opposite his. Jones stood guard at the entrance of the room. Reminds me of my work at the Anderson's.

As if Mark read my mind, he said; "I heard about your new job."

A young girl walked in with a tray that had a glass cup. She placed it on the table, filled it with wine and handed me the glass.

"Thank you." I told her and she left.

"Do you think you'll cope with all those strenuous works?" he asked with a worried look.

"I should be." I shrugged. "He doesn't know who I am anyway."

"But don't you think he'll fish you out?" I laughed.

"He can't. Your informant didn't tell you I'm a guy at the Anderson's?"

"I know but..." he tried to say but I cut in.

"But you think I can't handle it?" I frowned.

"No, that isn't what I meant." He defended.

That was the age-long issue. Always quick to conclude I could never go with the rough tides. At this stage, I have no idea how many times I've tried to prove him wrong. Yet every single time something popped up, he clearly showcases his doubts.

"Then what do you mean?" I asked as I drank the last bit of wine in my cup.

I glanced at the wine glass and unconsciously clenched my fists.

"You shouldn't take out your anger on the glass." He chuckled. "You could get hurt." I shifted my gaze to him.

Did he think I'd miss that?

"Hey," I beckoned to one of the ladies that sat with my uncle, ignoring his words in the process. "Yeah, you!" I pointed at the only blonde haired girl in their midst. Everything about her seemed fake and that includes the blonde hair.

Don't ask me how I knew that. I just sensed it.

"Refill my glass." I ordered as I dropped the wine glass on the table.

"Excuse me?" she scoffed in annoyance. "Hey, I'm not a waitress nor am I a bar attendant so fix your issues yourself." She retorted.

I chuckled as I stared at the girl.

"Bravo!" I clapped silently with a smirk. "What a nice speech!"

I grabbed the wine bottle, raised it to the girl's eye level before pouring its content into my glass cap until it was full.

"This is my first step to fixing my issues myself, girl." I said to her before turning to Uncle Mark. "You've got a brainy with you, uncle. Keep her." I smirked.

"Lia!" he called with a tone of warning.

"You know what girl?" I began as I pulled out a gun from my small bag. All the girls screamed in fright which caused Jones to turn.

"Young Miss!" he called, swiftly walking towards me.

"Don't!" I warned. "You know how I can be when I'm pissed off." I said when I saw him try to make another move.

"Now," I stood up and moved closer to the girls. Uncle Mark didn't even bother to say anything. He only resulted into staying calm to watch my tantrums with his folded arms.

"Where were we?" I asked the visibly shaken lady. "Oh, right!" I stopped.

"Fixing my issues was it." I smiled as I bent slightly towards the lady. "You're one of my issues. Wouldn't it be nice if I start from you?" I pouted and winked at her.

"Lia, you can't shoot nor kill someone in here." Uncle Mark warned. I turned to look at him before I let out a small laugh. I walked away from the girls and towards my uncle.

"I can't possibly kill her. Who said anything about killing anyone?" I asked innocently. I glanced at the girl and just when I saw her heaved a sigh of relief, I tapped my fingers in her direction.

"Ah!" she groaned as the needle, which had been in between my fingers since she started ranting, hit her chest after which she lost consciousness. Her friends, probably, screamed when they saw what happened.

"Now, will you get out?" I yelled at them.

They all stood up, pushing one another out of the way till they exited the room. I smirked and head back to my seat.

"Finally!" I exclaimed with closed eye which I opened immediately. "We can finally have a quiet night here." I grinned.

My grin, however, faded when my gaze met my uncle's, who was seriously glaring at me.

"Oh my bad!" I faked gasp. "Actually, it's gonna be your quiet and lonely night alone because I'd be on my way now." I winked at him as I grabbed my bag by its strap.

I turned to exit the room when I noticed Jones checking the girl's pulse.

"She's still alive." Jones raised his head to look at me. "She's just asleep and she'd be out for three hours to be precise." I explained before exiting the booth.

Ryan's POV

"Hey, triple R" I didn't need to look back to know who in the world it was that just called me. "How are you?" he suddenly popped out from behind me with a wide grin on his face. If it wasn't Roman, who else would call me triple R?

He would always say; "I make up the last R in your name. You should be grateful for that, triple R."

"I'm good, Ro." I breathed. "At least my day was good today." I said as a sudden memory of what happened earlier in my office with Sam, my new guard, flashed through my mind.

"C'mon, you know how we do it." He winked. I sighed as I dropped the wine glass in my hand. "Get me a glass, please." He said to one of the workers he saw nearby.

"I'm all ears." He turned to me. "What was that special thing that made your day good today?" he asked.

"Well, nothing special," I drawled. "But I kinda had a new personal guard." His smile faded and he stared at me with a frown.

"And I was here thinking you let that witch," I glared at him. "Sorry, your girlfriend off the hook."

"Thank you." He said to the guy that brought him a wine glass and filled it with wine.

"It's nothing of such." I sipped my wine. "Why won't you let Ann be? Why do you hate her?"

"I do not hate her." He shrugged and he sat up with an eager expression. He looked extremely eager to share something. "Let's forget the issue of Ann." I nodded.

"I bumped into a lady while coming." I raised my brows at him with mocking smile. "And damn! Was she gorgeous? Absolutely!" he exclaimed.

I dropped my wine glass and folded my hands across my chest while giving him the full attention he thought he needed when talking about a new girl.

Did I tell you Roman was a playboy? Geez! He was hell of a playboy. Always after all in skirts!

"And did you get to talk to her?" I enquired, seeing those dreamy eyes. I bet he is interested in the lady he bumped into.

"No," he frowned. "I didn't even get to see her face."

I burst into laughter.

"Hey!" he whisper yelled.

"You didn't get to see her face and you knew she was gorgeous?" I asked with an hint of mockery in my tone.

"Seriously Ryan, you should see her. She's got those killer curves." He smirked. "I'm so sure she's beautiful. Her beauty lies behind that mask." I frowned.

"She used a mask?" Roman nodded. "Why? This isn't some secret gathering."

"You never can tell. She might be a Cinderella with a little twist in the story. What says the time?" he asked as he glanced at his wrist watch. "It's not time yet for her to disappear. I'm sure I'd meet her again."

"You're dumb." I shook my head negatively as I stared at my beloved best friend who has no shame.

"I know and that's why you love me." He winked.

"You wish." I scoffed. I lifted up my wine glass to my mouth and turned my face away from him to hide my smile.

"Rule 2?" he pushed.

"Do not lie?" I answered and he winked. "Fine." I raised my hands in surrender like form.

"I wonder how you got to be my friend in the first place." I sneered and we both laughed.

"So how about the contract you wanted to sign with the Brooks?" I suddenly asked him after silence ensued.

"Well, it was a check..." he trailed off dramatically.

"And mate?" my eyes widened as he nodded. "No way! Congratulations, man." I stood up to shake hands with him and hug him.

"Wow, it's gonna be a hit." I smiled.

"Yeah," he drawled with no focus. His eyes weren't even fixed on me. "If it isn't my Cinderella." He hurriedly stood up.

"Your Cinderella?" I laughed but he was already out of my sight. "Seriously?" I scoffed.

I turned to see who he went after and when my gaze fell on them, I could clearly tell why the lady had an effect on my friend.

She was indeed beautiful even with the mask on. Her body was clad in a long red gown that had a slit at its left side. She wore stilettos that defined those long legs which made her appear taller. Was I mesmerized? I sure was.

"Hi," I snapped out of my thoughts to notice the beautiful lady in front of me, waving slightly at me.

"Hi," I replied.

Oh God!

Samantha's POV

I moved away from the private room as I head towards the wine bar.

"Hi Nath," I greeted the young lad that was busy arranging some wine bottles in the bar. He turned abruptly and his face lit up when he saw me.

"Miss Lia," he smiled as he hurriedly placed the bottle in his hands on the shelf. He rushed up to my end as I had my seat.

"Where in the world have you been?" he nagged. "I thought something happened to you. You didn't even answer my calls and the texts."

I smiled when I saw the concern his eyes held. He was truly worried about me.

"I'm sorry, Nath." I whispered as I pouted.

He scoffed as he wiped out the tear that threatened to fall.

"Don't even try to act cute." He turned his back at me.

"All right, fine. I'm deeply sorry." I sighed. "I had a lot going and I had to be away for a while."

He slowly turned to face me.

"You promise not to leave again without a word?" he asked as he folded his hands across his chest.

"I promise. I'm going nowhere now." I smiled. "I'm back now."

His frown broke into a wide grin. He freed his hands and before I could process his actions, he had jumped over the bar and was now in front of me. He pulled me into a choking hug.

"Nath?" I called as I tried to pull him off me.

"I missed you." He mumbled into my shoulders. I chuckled as he eventually freed me.

"Really? You didn't get a new girlfriend while I was away?" I teased.

"Hell no!" he half- yelled.

"Awwn, cute little thing!" I fawned as I ruffled his hair.

Nath was the only person in this place that truly cared about me and I was thankful I knew him when I did. He was just sixteen years old when I met him. He looked so cute and innocent that I thought of making him my younger brother. A gift my parents never gave me! They couldn't anyway!

I smiled as I watched Nath grinned. His smile always made my day somehow.

"Excuse me," we both turned to see the one that interrupted the moment. "I'm sorry to disturb you guys but can I need a refill." The lady raised her glass to show Nath what she meant.

"A minute, please." Nath smiled at her and he headed back to his space to attend to the lady. I could almost swear I saw her glared at me. But when Nath turned to face her, she showed off a sweet smile.

I shook my head negatively at her actions. She clearly had a crush on Nath.

"Nath," I called and he glanced at me. "I'll be right back." I told him as I grabbed my bag and also drank the remaining content of my cup.

"Keep that for me." He nodded as I head to the restroom.

I did my thing, washed my hands and exited the restroom. I glanced at my wristwatch. It was half past ten. I should be on my way home. But I needed to inform Nath so the young boy wouldn't think I ditched him again since I doubt if I'd come back here anytime soon.

I went back to the bar where I saw Nath busy with his phone. He looked all cute with the attention he gave to whatever it is that he was busy with.

"Nath," I called and he raised his head.

"Oh, you're back." He smiled while I nodded.

"But I'm sorry. I need to leave now." His smile dropped.

"Why?"

"I've got work tomorrow morning, dear." He nodded reluctantly. "Don't worry. I'll surely come back...soon." I said in an attempt to cheer him up.

"Miss?" I turned to see a young man approaching. I squinted up my eyes in an attempt to recognize who it was but no memories of him seemed forthcoming. "Wow! Now that I get a proper look, you look more beautiful up close."

"Who are you?" I frowned.

"Pardon my manners. I was the one who bumped into you earlier." He chuckled. "My name is Roman. Nice to meet you." He stretched his hand to me while I stared at him.

"How may I help you?" I asked when I eventually accepted his gesture.

"I wanted to say a proper apology." He answered.

"Oh!" I nodded slightly. "I'm sorry but I was the clumsy one. I'm sorry I bumped into you." I apologized and tried to leave. But he stopped me.

What exactly does he want? I licked my lips. I was getting pissed off because he was wasting my time.

"I should be the one to apologize. I'm sorry." He smiled while I breathed out.

"Okay, apology accepted! Can I leave now?" I tried to leave once again but he stopped me. "Dude, what exactly do you want?" I half-yelled at him.

"I need you to dine with us if you've accepted the apology." He offered.

"Us?"

What was that?

"Yeah, us." He pointed at someone that was seated in another section of the VIP rooms. "My friend is over there." He said and the person turned just in time.

Ryan? What is he doing here? Geez! Sam, you're a fool. He obviously came here to relax.

"Shall we?" Roman asked, stretching his hand forward.

Should I? Or should I not?

Come on, Sam. This is an opportunity to know more about Ryan's life after business. You should surely go for it.

"What do you say, Miss..." he trailed off, hoping I'd complete it. I glanced at him and threw him a smile.

"In that case, I should get my glass of wine." I turned to Nath, who watched the drama unfold. "I..." I tried to talk but he cut me off.

"I get that. I get that." He grinned as he hurried to get my glass filled. "Here you go."

"Thank you." I said to him and then turned to Roman. "After..."

I was going to say 'after you' but he beat me to it.

"Ladies first." He smirked.

"Sure."

We walked side by side to join the young man that sat across the room. He seemed to focus on something despite staring at the space.

"Hi," I called him, waving him out of his thoughts.

He glanced briefly at me before whispering a 'hi'.

"Do you mind if I join you?" I asked.

"Not at all," he shook his head negatively and I sat down opposite him.

"So," Roman began, adjusting his sitting posture. "I didn't get the name earlier." He said with a flirty smile.

"And I'd love to keep me anonymous." I grinned at him.

Whatever made him think I'd tell him my name!

He nodded and had a sip from his drink. I glanced at Ryan who suddenly seemed uncomfortable.

"It seems your friend doesn't want me here. I should leave." I said as I attempted to stand up when Ryan stopped me.

"No, please sit." He hurriedly said. "I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable." I nodded slightly as he apologized.

"My name is Ryan." He told me as he offered his hand.

I know!

I accepted the offer.

"Nice to meet you, Ryan."

"Do you mind if we..." roman tried to say something but was cut off by a ringtone. "Excuse me!" he whispered after he glanced at the screen.

He moved away from us to answer the call.

"Ryan," I called and he looked at me. "What do you do?" I asked and for a moment, he squinted his eyes.

"You don't me?"

Of course, I do!

"Nope," I answered, stressing the "p" sound. "Am I expected to?"

He stared back at me with amazement. I was sure he expected every lady to know him as the city's sweetheart and the most successful CEO on the "Under Thirty CEOs" list.

"I seriously think you should tell me what you do." I shrugged.

"Well, if you really don't know me, I guess I have no choice but to tell you then." He smiled.

Gosh! He just did that again. That smile!

"I'm Ryan Anderson, CEO of Anderson's Corporation." I frowned for a second before I faked a gasp. He chuckled.

"Was that supposed to ring a bell?" I asked, wiping off the smile on his face.

"You ... really don't know me?" he frowned.

"No, I don't."

"What era do you live in?" he laughed.

"Guys," Roman came back. He lifted up his cup and emptied it. "I need to leave now."

"Why?" Ryan asked. "You just got here."

"Duty calls," he grinned at Ryan and turned to me. "I'll see you again." He mentioned and rushed out.

"He turned out to be the runaway Cinderella." He muttered under his breath but I heard him anyway.

"Did you say something?" He glanced at me and shook his head negatively.

I definitely heard him. But what the hell was that?

I glanced at my wristwatch and realized I had limited time to spare.

"I think I have to leave now." I told him before standing to my feet. I hung my bag over my shoulder and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Ryan suddenly called which brought me to an abrupt stop and I turned.

"Yes?"

"Can we meet again?"

I wasn't expecting him to hold on to my presence.

"Can we?" he repeated after I remained silent. I smiled faintly.

"Probably." I replied and I walked away immediately.