The Perfect Bodyguard

Casey couldn't believe that the two policemen, including Ronnie Lagoste, had intentionally visited her at her house, and informed her that the two men who had killed her parents had been released. She struggled to process this information, wondering how it could be possible. She vividly remembered the terrifying ordeal she had endured at the hands of those criminals before managing to escape.

It was a life sentence, how did that happen? Her heart raced as she remembered what she went through at the hands of those two thugs before she managed to escape. She shook his head slowly several times and then looked at the public attorney.

Sitting with the Public Attorney's Office lawyer, Attorney Lagoste, who had taken her case after she could no longer afford a private lawyer, she found comfort in his kind and humble demeanor. He didn't treat her like just another client but more like a friend explaining things to her.

"You're frightened," Attorney Lagoste smiles a bit.

She nods in response as she feels her tears start to well up in her eyes.

"I am," her voice cracks. She has every reason to be struck with fear. The man holds her hand and gently shakes it.

"We'll put them back behind bars; this time, for a lifetime," he assures her. Somehow, it gives her a glimmer of hope, but she still can't shake off her fear. She had experienced enough. She had come close to being assaulted and killed by criminals, and now she's on the edge of uncertainty again.

Three years had passed since her parents' demise, and Casey had tried to move on. All her fears resurfaced as if the traumatic events had happened just yesterday now that those murderers were set free. Her friends had been her support during those times of recovery, but now, it all seemed futile. She had already spent all her money seeking justice for her Mom and Dad.

"The police officers are suggesting 24/7 security. If you can't afford it yourself, they're offering the protection program for you. You're welcome to accept the offer," Ronnie adds.

"For how long?" she nervously asks, feeling dreadfully worried.

"For as long as justice isn't served for the second time."

Her eyes widen in shock. She can't wait that long. It's a long time to endure before those two men are imprisoned again, and she can't rot in the government-assigned safe place. It's as if she's the one imprisoned, not the ones who killed her Mommy and Daddy. But where will she find her protector? She doesn't have a penny to pay for security. If she has any money, it's only for her education and daily meals. She couldn't even find a job because she's still a minor and no establishment accepts her. She will turn eighteen next month. What can she pay a bodyguard with, booger?

Her dream of getting a private lawyer had cost her everything, including her car.

She knew she had to find a solution. Despite Ronnie's offer to lend her money, Casey declined. She didn't want to be indebted, especially to a man. Her parents had warned her to be cautious about accepting help from others, especially men. She knew what that meant.

"I'll accept it for now. But I'll find my own way to get rid of that protector thing. I can't stay under the police's protection custody even just for a month. It'll drive me crazy, Attorney," she says as she leans back on the sofa and rubs her head in frustration.

Ronnie couldn't help but chuckle softly while looking at her.

"Do you need help? I can lend you some money to-"

"No," she interrupts and sits up straight, looking at the young lawyer.

Of course, she can't take advantage of his kindness. Ronnie's professional fee is for free. She doesn't want to burden herself with a debt of gratitude, especially to a man.

She was only fifteen when her parents died, and since then, many have offered her help, most of them coming from her neighbors who are elderly dirty men. She was naïve then, and she still might be now, but that naivety doesn't affect her ability to think clearly. She can't accept every offer and repay them later.

She's a young and beautiful woman, and many have told her that, even when she was a child. Some of the older women in her village advised her to be cautious when accepting offers, especially from men.

Casey stood on her own feet, realizing that her parents had left her with some assets. She had no support from relatives and had even faced inheritance disputes. She was frustrated, particularly with the unresolved issues involving her father's alleged involvement with a criminal syndicate that had led to her parents' death. She needed answers and justice.

Whether her father was involved or not, it's still not right to disrespect her Mom and killed her brutally. Her Mom was a beautiful woman and was raped before those bastards took her mother's life. She was severely traumatized and had to undergo extensive treatment.

She saw that brutality firsthand and was forced to witness it all. If it was so painful for her, how much more for her Dad? Her Dad was on the verge of death due to countless stab wounds, and he could still see that cruelty. She was young, but she already understood how a man and a woman engage in sexual acts. It was etched into her mind as something painful and tragic, and she vowed never to engage in such activities. She's afraid of experiencing what her Mom went through. This is the one thing she never told the psychiatrist who helped her overcome her trauma. Even though it's gone, it will never leave her memory and heart. It's a nightmare that haunts her every day. She's strong because she has friends who don't abandon her.

She leaned back on the sofa, realizing she had raised her voice at the lawyer, who seemed to have ignored it.

"I'm sorry, Attorney. I just want to stand on my own and learn how to face this. I've faced this once, and I know I can still face it now. I know you're already helping me, which is why I don't want to trouble you to find private security for me. I do have a choice, which is to stay in police custody, but I won't let myself rot there," she said and then crossed her arms.

She's aware that Ronnie is looking at her. The man often seems to be staring at her as if she's the only one in the room. Her gaze shifts toward him, and he smiles at her and playfully ruffles her hair. He's a young and handsome man, but he doesn't appeal to her. She might be the only girl in the world without a crush. It's one of their friendship's pledges – no boyfriends until they graduate from College.

"When will I be moved to the custody of the Philippine National Police, Attorney?" Casey asked, ignoring the appreciative gaze.

"You can come with me if you don't want to stay with them," he offered.

She sighed deeply, realizing that the lawyer had a mischievous side. She already said she didn't want that. She doesn't want to be treated like a child who can't stand on her own two feet. She's been living independently for three years and never asked for her family's help. They didn't offer it, either. She doesn't know why, but it hurts her to hear that they don't want to be involved in her problems because her father was involved with a syndicate.

She took a deep breath. "Thanks, but no thanks, Attorney. I can stay with the cops for a couple of days. I'll find a solution for this. I just hope that those murderers will be put in jail as soon as possible. I know your service is free, Attorney, but I hope you won't get lazy in fighting for it, even if I can't pay you anything," she said and blinked.

Her words made Ronnie burst into laughter as if amused by her bluntness. "You're such a witty girl. Don't worry. I don't need anything in return. I was made to help people in need for free," Ronnie smiled at her sincerely.

She nodded and smiled back. She glanced at her cat. They were going to evacuate, and she might have to leave Cutie with one of her friends. She's sure Cutie will miss the neighbor's dog, Bernardo, a few hundred meters away.

She thinks she should call her friends first. She knows she's welcome in her friends' families, but she can't risk their lives. They've been helping her for years, and that's enough for her. She needs to be tougher and stronger this time. She's feeling a range of fear, but if she survived her ordeal with those culprits at fifteen, she can do it now at eighteen. She's Casey Daniella, an Imperial, strong despite her fear. Those thugs can't kill her, and she won't give them the satisfaction.

"Can you come back here, Attorney? I need to talk to my friends," she requested from the man who would take her to the PNP custody.

"Of course. I'll be back after lunch. I'll leave the cops here to keep you safe. We can't afford to take any risks, Casey. Those men are dangerous, and they've threatened you after the trial, even after they were found guilty," Ronnie said, never breaking eye contact.

She nodded and smiled at him. He seemed even more taken with her. She might be in denial, but her friends have noticed the way Attorney Lagoste looks at her. She's the only one who doesn't see it. It's not impossible, though, because she's undeniably beautiful and doesn't look seventeen; she'll turn eighteen in two weeks. She's still young when she talks and makes decisions. She's only been strengthened by time and what happened to her parents. And now, she prays for safety again.

She'll make those men who killed her parents pay. Even if her Dad was part of a syndicate, he deserves justice. As far as she knows, her Dad was good to her and her Mom. He was the best Dad to her, no matter what others say.

Part Two

Miggy gasped as his head suddenly tingled when he heard the ringing of the phone on the table by his head.

He winces and grunts under the blanket. He was still naked under the blanket and had a hangover. He just came home from camp yesterday but he went to the bar and he even managed to take a girl home to his pub. He's a Navy, Philippine Air force, defending the country, a Lieutenant General who's ready to bomb any country and ready to bomb any pussy. He just came home to rest and visit the company. He's an only son, owning various luxurious towers in the entire Metropolis and chains of restaurants and resorts, too. His mommy was already teasing him to visit so he allowed it. Another thing is that he misses his mother so he took a leave of absence for two months to be with his family, but the first night of his arrival was not in the mansion immediately, but instead on a woman's inner thigh.

And now his phone is screaming on the bedside table. For sure it's his Mom. His mother must be looking for him because he was gone all night. She must've been expecting to see him yesterday but no traces of his physique. How could he not escape from his sixty-five year old mother? He was still considered a baby even though he was thirty-four years old.

"Ah, shit!" he angrily cursed and tossed the cover off his body. He's ready to grab the phone but he pauses when he notices something beside him.

He looked at the woman sleeping soundly next to him and frowned. He stared intently at her face and studied every angle. He can't even remember the shadow of her face. He was that drunk last night, considering he hadn't tasted alcohol in a year. It's likely that if the girl he slept with last night was gay or looked like a monkey in a cage, he wouldn't care because he was so drunk. Better the woman is good-looking and has a very fair complexion, too. After all, it's rare that he will pick up a woman who looks like crumpled laundry in that bar because the people who go there and have fun have something to say in life.

He just didn't know if this one was a pretend socialite. The cheapest drink was a thousand where they met last night, a thousand, per glass. Yet, he still has to be so cautious next time.

Lesson learned, Miguel. Don't fuck a woman when you're overly drunk.

What if one day it will look like the Durian fruit, dressed sexily? He's been cheated. He's so hypersexual but he still chooses a woman. He's not just hitting on a random pierced girl whose face looks like she's been scrubbing a coconut. He wants fine women with pretty faces, willing to try anything in bed with him and willing to follow his orders when he says, on fours or come on and sit on my face.

But in his situation last night, he doesn't know if he even performed well. But it looks like it is because the woman next to him is even snoring because of exhaustion. And he felt so used, too. His muscles were even shaking until those times and he's familiar with that kind of feeling. He only feels tired the morning after sex if he's had eight rounds or more.

He realized that his phone already stopped ringing. He moves his eyes and stares at it, then it rings again. He picked it up completely and then looked at the name flashed on the screen.

He furrows when the name registers on his mind. Empress? His naughty adopted niece. He has a first cousin who had adopted. And it's Empress. He finally woke up and lost his sleep. The girl probably wouldn't recognize him if he didn't talk to her. And the question is, what does this little lady need from him?

Miggy swipes the screen to answer the call. "Empress," His raspy bedroom voice also registered in his own ears.

"Hi, Uncle." Empress greeted him tenderly.

Something is needed. Empress is his only niece, that's why even though she's only adopted, he thinks and treats her as a real niece, they love her very much and don't let her go.

"Yes, Empress?" he sounded so serious and he heard a giggle before she answered.

"Where are you, Uncle? Are you home? Mommy grandma said you were going home yesterday. Can I talk to you? Important, please."

He smiled and rested his hand on his forehead. His niece hasn't changed a bit. He hasn't seen her in two years, especially the child, but she still seems mischievous, even though, as far as he knows, she's eighteen now.

"Just coming home today. Why? Is there any problem? Is someone bullying the Empress of the family?" He tried to sound affectionate, but it still came off a bit commanding.

The girl laughed at him. It seems he's a bit clumsy with these sentimental matters. He's firm, brooding, and often arrogant – so bossy. Even as a child, he was already assertive, never bowing down or fearing anyone. Maybe that's why he traded his family's business for a military career. It suited him. He's unafraid of death and unafraid to kill. He pledged to protect not only his country but especially civilians in need.

"No, Uncle. I just want to talk to you personally, if you have time. There's someone who needs your company, and I know you'll never say no to her," Empress replied.

Her? He blinked, and It felt like his masculinity was challenged. His instincts reacted even before he saw anyone. Well, it's normal for him. He's an active guy, and let's just say, he's a hot-blooded mammal. It seems like any woman he finds interesting ends up in bed with him. But he has never been interested in getting married or having a formal girlfriend. He had one before, just once, and it wasn't repeated.

He loves being single, mingling with the opposite sex. He's not into deep relationships because, for him, girlfriends are toxic and demanding. As a commanding officer, he doesn't want to be commanded. Flirting and having one-night stands are better – no headaches, no relationship goals, no expectations, and most importantly, he can return to work whenever he wants. No one will stop him because there's no demanding woman chasing after him.

"Her? A woman?" he repeated to his niece, who quickly reacted.

"Hep! You can't interfere, Uncle Miggy. She's still a baby, and you're not allowed to court her. Flirting is off-limits. Just do your job. Please go home so we can talk. I'm here with Mommy Lola. Deal?"

Even though he couldn't see her, he knew his niece was grinning. He couldn't help but smile. He rarely smiles, and only his family can make that happen. It's not the toothy grin but a smile that seems to attract women.

"Deal. Give me ten minutes." That's it, and he canceled the call. If he kept talking to Empress, it might take longer.

He placed the phone on the table and quickly stood up. His eyes scanned the room for his scattered clothes, but the woman lying on the bed was staring at his private parts. She nibbled her lower lip with a naughty smile.

"Leaving so soon?" The woman asked seductively, sitting on the bed, not caring if the blanket fell; her large breasts were exposed, making him look.

his cock automatically hardened, but he ignored his body's reaction. He needed to go home. He never traded his job for a woman. Even if he was extremely aroused, he would leave a naked woman just to engage in a battle or fly a fighter jet with a bomb.

"I have to. Please fix yourself and leave," he replied indifferently to the woman, who pouted and slowly removed the blanket covering her nudity.

He grabbed his shirt, unable to recall how he ended up at his pub or where his car was, but he found the keys on the table.

"You're quite grumpy. Anyway, thank you. I had fun. My first time coming as hard as those," the woman beamed, hands on her waist, posing like a beauty queen.

He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head to scrutinize her. "those?"

"Yes, those. I had countless orgasms last night, and I don't think I could find a man like you again." She answered, walking across the room towards him.

Standing in front of him, she hooked her arms around his neck, gliding her palms across his shoulder blades, down to his arms.

"I'm glad to hear that. As far as I can remember, I was so drunk last night. Surprised I could still perform properly," he said seriously, grinning at the woman.

Her hands descended to his abdomen, caressing his abs and then lower. They stared at each other, measuring each other's gaze. He felt a tingling sensation inside. If he didn't owe anything to his niece, he'd indulge the woman for a day without reservations.

Exactly when the woman's hands groped his engorged penis, he stopped her by holding her hand.

"I'm in a hurry," Miggy stated, releasing his own manhood from her grip.

She gasped in disappointment as he turned away to grab his clothes, then entered the bathroom to clean himself. He was in pain, but he couldn't let Empress wait, let alone the person who needed his service. That's what he wanted – to feel needed and be ready to serve, even without payment.

What did he need? Not money; he had more than enough. Even if he despised those who didn't work, he still ate three times a day, guaranteed. The biggest disappointment he gave his father before he died was not being a businessman, managing the Alonde family's businesses. His dad hadn't forgiven him, but he was thriving, managing the family's businesses alongside his naval career in the Philippine Navy, a rank he proudly boasted.

He swore not to let his father's memory be tainted, proving himself worthy and showing he made the right career choice by providing the best help he could to those in need, accepting any kindness they could offer, even without expecting anything in return.

Part Three

Casey's lips curled as she walked out of the room where she was taken to yesterday.

She couldn't sleep because she was alone, and if Cutie wasn't by his side, She probably wouldn't be able to rest. Cutie is her cat.

She's waiting for Empress' text message or call. She kept glancing at the device because she might not have heard the sound of the message alert. Because it was mentioned to her yesterday that Empress would try to get help from her uncle who said he was going home for a short vacation. Of course she informed his friends about her situation and sure enough one of them came up with a solution to her problem.

She hopes that the result of her asking Empress' uncle for help will be positive. She can't last long in the PNP's protective custody, she looks like a fool in jail. She had only been there for one night and a half day and It was as if she was getting more and more rotten. She even overpowered a madman in a mental asylum.

She was occupying a single bedroom and it was requested by her lawyer so that she could have her own privacy, but it only made the situation worse. She couldn't sleep last night because she's so afraid. Her chest was full of fear. She felt that someone would just come and grab her out of nowhere. She's acting so paranoid and she couldn't help it.

Casey lazily sat on the wooden bench and placed Cutie on her lap. She starts to fondle the Persian cat's head and stares blankly at the blooming roses. There was nothing else in her mind but what happened to her parents. Since last night, the entirety of her memory has been occupied. She had forgotten about it somehow but suddenly it came back and disturbed her whole system. She couldn't eat, she couldn't even move normally. She thought she already gave her best to achieve the justice for her parents, but now everything suddenly warped. Money does something differently because even laws can be twisted like softened steel.

Now, she is still wondering if she will get justice for the second time.

She can't let it happen again. She can't handle it if what happened to her Mommy happens to her.

It was night when those two men suddenly rushed to their house. One pretended like he was in need of help and knocked on their door. Her dad opened the door and she and her mom were shocked when suddenly one of them pointed a gun and the other one a knife. They were taken to the same room and there her Daddy was shot and then her Mommy was forcibly undressed and made to fall on the floor. She was stunned and her whole body trembled with fear but she chose to use her mind instead.

She was so lucky to grab the wooden cross on the table which she used to hit the man who was holding her firmly but that was after her Mom was already raped and murdered.

She doesn't know the real reason why her parents were treated that way, but in the middle of the trial, word came out that her Daddy was a member of an illegal gambling club and took millions of money. That's why many of them can be killed, not just the two men she points to who have tattoos on their bodies, and not the one who owns the earring that was torn off his ear by that impact. Until the end, the two refused and even managed to threaten her secretly. All her testimony was still not enough to reach this point.

What else must she go through to make the law believe tthatshe is telling the truth and not those two chameleons?

She still won but now the case will go to the high court. She thought that those bastards would not appeal, but here they are and still freed. The bad thing then is if those two hide from the law and come back to her like what they were threatening her. Those men must be addicts, Casey thought.

"Boo!"

"Oh!" she exclaimed, nearly dropping Cutie in surprise as her friends startled her.

Casey tilted her head and met Empress's eyes. With her were Queen and Dana, and it brought a smile to Casey's face. They were her makeshift family now, and it always filled her with joy seeing how they never abandoned her.

"Surprise!" they all said in unison, hugging her tightly.

She beamed and left the bench. "I have security now? Em, did your uncle agree?" She quickly asked her friend, who grinned even wider.

"Of course!" Empress proudly replied, causing Casey to quickly scan the surroundings for her new security. Finally, her problems were lessened. If it was up to her, she wouldn't have gone to the place Atty. Ronnie recommended. But that's what she needed, and for her safety, she followed through.

"Where is he?" Her smile faded when she didn't see any man around. They were the only people in the garden.

"Yeee, excited!" Empress nudged her, almost causing her to lose balance.

"He's so yummy, beshy..." Dana said, blushing and covering her face with her palms.

"Sorority goal number one: no boyfriend." Casey reminded her friends.

Dana was their leader, and it seemed like she was breaking their own rules. They weren't actually sorority members; that's just what they called their group. They had goals to achieve and rules to follow for success in life. One of those rules was "studies first before flirting." But here was her friend, seemingly breaking their own rules.

Casey studied Queen's facial expression, and she could tell her friend wasn't good at keeping a poker face. Her eyes were sparkling, and she almost seemed to be sprouting hearts, indicating she was also excited inside. Casey suddenly felt nervous. It seemed like her security guard was a genuinely good-looking guy.

"I am breaking the rule for you, Casey, beshy." Dana shook her by the arms. "You can have a boyfriend now, as long as it's Uncle Miggy."

Uncle Miggy? He's too old!

"Uncle Miggy? Have some respect for your skin, guys. He's already an uncle; do you have to consider him as a boyfriend? He's old and should be respected, not lusted after." She rolled her eyes but was quickly shaken by the three.

"Ouch!" She winced.

"Don't respect him, beshy C. Tease him, tease him." Empress playfully pointed at her. "I would love to have you as my Aunt." She fluttered her eyelashes mischievously.

"Crazy! I have no intention of having an old man as a boyfriend, and I have no intention of being your aunt. Where is he?" She simply fixed her hair and tank top, then looked around again. Still, she didn't see anyone.

"Come on. He's talking to Attorney Lagoste." Empress urged her.

Her heart seemed to leap with joy. So it's true. Her friends weren't joking. It's true she was getting her own personal protector. She no longer had to stay in that place and wither away while seeking justice.

She smiled and got excited to go inside, so she led her friends.

"Is Attorney Lagoste here?" she asked them, and they all nodded in unison.

She hurried inside and walked down the hallway toward the main building. She stopped abruptly when she saw a man with his back turned, talking to her lawyer. He was extremely tall, with a straight and sturdy back. He wore a royal blue, tight pullover shirt, denim pants, and expensive sneakers. His dark brown hair looked naturally styled. He stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

So that's why her friends were nearly peeing themselves with excitement. It seems Empress's uncle wasn't just bluffing. Even his back was attractive; he might be even more delectable when he turns around.

"See? You're staring." Dana teased her, shaking her by the arms. She blinked several times before looking at her friend.

She couldn't find the right words to say. Maybe there was a reason her friends were going crazy over this man. But he seemed too old for her friends to be swooning over.

When she looked at the man again, he was already looking at her. Ronnie smiled a bit and gently waved his hand to catch her attention. Empress's uncle turned around, not just his face but his whole body.

"Oh my gosh!" She forced herself not to let her mouth hang open and drool. The man was undeniably handsome and exuded a very masculine vibe, from his attire to his posture. She stared at him, but his eyes scanned each one of them. His gaze didn't linger on just one of them among the four friends. Then, he smiled ever so slightly, specifically at Empress who returned the look.

"She's my client, Mr. Alonde," Casey heard Atty. Lagoste say.

The lawyer even motioned his hand and pointed at her.

The man responded with a subtle nod before they both walked.

She looked up at him, feeling like a dwarf in shock as she stared at the man. Perhaps anyone would react the same way. She had never seen such a handsome creature before, someone who seemed even more striking than Ronnie, and it was Empress's uncle. He seemed like a mix of tan and rosy tones-bronze, to be exact. He looked Filipino, but his eyes were emerald green, his hair seemed black but dark brown, his nose was sharp, and his lips were thin and crimson. He had thick brows and a strong face with a trimmed beard and mustache that suited him well.

He never smiled at her; he just carefully gazed at her. She knew he was just studying her, but she couldn't withstand the intensity of his gaze. It felt like fiery balls that could burn through her.

"Casey," Ronnie called her, causing her to avert her eyes.

Ronnie then looked at Mister Alonde. "Mr. Alonde, she's Casey Daniella Imperial. Casey, he's Lieutenant General Miguel Arthur Alonde II, your security." The lawyer introduced them to each other.

Her jaws dropped instantly. Lieutenant General? Was her security going to be someone of such a high rank? One more step, and he would be a General, then suddenly he's just her personal bodyguard? Dear God. It's embarrassing.

She looked at Empress and narrowed her eyes at her friend. She knew Empress got what she meant because Empress just chuckled and shrugged.

There goes her chance for a decent companion. Why didn't her friend mention that her uncle held such a high rank in the military? Where's the decency in appointing someone who's looked up to by colleagues as a mere babysitter? Or was Empress too proud to even brag about the title her uncle holds? She felt her cheeks heating up and cursed silently.

"It is rude, but how old are you?" Miguel asked her.

She blinked at him because even his voice seemed as unsmiling as his face. Beautiful, indeed, but quite arrogant. He seemed like the type who would shoot without second thoughts if someone made a mistake.

"I'm seventeen, turning eighteen this coming March 28," she replied.

Her eyes couldn't rest, so she withdrew her gaze. His stare felt like piercing daggers into her soul.

He simply nodded at her and then put his hands into his trouser pockets, crossing his broad chest. He even grew taller and more imposing, turning even more handsome. Miggy was so intimidating. He looked influential, like a dictator. He seemed like the kind of guy whose girlfriend couldn't disobey even the smallest command.

"Okay then; I guess we are done here, ladies. You can pack your things, Miss Imperial, so we can leave. I still have to lay my grounds," he said casually.

The four friends exchanged glances, and she furrowed her brow. It seemed like she and Empress's uncle were going to have some issues. He appeared arrogant, and she wasn't the submissive type, especially when pushed.

"Uncle Miggy, don't be so grumpy. Casey isn't in the military for you to give her rules of grounds to remember and follow," Empress said, holding Miguel's arm, but the man remained rigid.

"You're out of this, Empress. This is my job, and I exactly know what I will do about it," he answered cockily.

She unintentionally bit her lip. The man was so dominant, and he certainly wasn't hiding it. She should be grateful, but if he continued to act like a brooding soldier, they might not get along. But she had no choice. Was she really going to be picky now?

For the economy and safety, endure it, Casey.