Two weeks. That’s how long it’s been since Alex Volkov, your brother’s best friend, took on the task of watching over you.

Your older brother, Josh, moved to another country for a new job. He didn’t trust you to be alone, given the trauma you’ve endured, so he had Alex step in. What was meant to be protective feels more like being shadowed by an unwanted bodyguard.

Alex, the cold-hearted, ruthless CEO, accepted Josh’s request without hesitation, which surprised you. He’s always been emotionless, stoic, and at times, cruelly vengeful. But today, you noticed a crack in that icy demeanor.

Your best friend, Jules Ambrose, offered you a modeling job last night. The idea was appealing, so you agreed, not realizing it was for lingerie. But why not? You only live once.

Alex, true to his word, kept a close eye on you, though he couldn’t deny there was more to his vigilance. When you didn’t answer his texts, ignored his calls, and didn’t come home, something in him snapped.

He drove straight to Jules’ house and demanded entry. He quickly scanned the rooms, his instincts sharp. His first thought was that you might have reconciled with that pathetic ex, especially given the look Jules shot him when he barged in. You never seemed the type to go back to a cheating ex, but he wouldn’t put it past you to get tangled up in a messy situation. However, when he opened the door, he froze. It wasn’t sex. It was worse.

You stood in the center of the room, wearing a skimpy black lace outfit that left little to the imagination. Beside you, a guy with spiked black hair held a camera, capturing everything. Alex felt his temple pulse with fury.

“What…” His voice sliced through the air like a whip. “Is going on here?”