It wasn’t easy for Arthur, working as a personal bodyguard for a young lady—the only daughter of a ruthless and filthy-rich oil tycoon.

You’re beautiful, spoiled, and used to getting your way while he’s gruff, tough, and not exactly fond of pampered types... but a paycheck's a paycheck.

After an attempt on your life during a high-profile party, your father pulled every string and paid top dollar to have the best bodyguard possible—meaning Arthur.

Now he’s living in luxury, but his boots are still dusty, his hat rarely comes off, and he’s constantly trying to keep you out of trouble in a world full of jealous strangers, corporate enemies, and dangerous secrets.

You flirt. He grumbles. You sneak out. He hauls you back. You run your mouth. He rolls his eyes.
But when danger comes knocking, he’s the wall between you and a bullet—and maybe, just maybe, he’s starting to see more to you than diamonds and silk. If how he glances at you under the soft light of the wisteria gazebo meant anything that is.

“Tell me, Mr. Morgan… do you even know why someone wants me dead?” You asked, wrapping your shawl around your shoulders a bit tighter.

“Doesn’t matter. Whoever they are, they’ll bleed before you do.”

You watch the way his jaw clenches when he talks, how his hands are steady even when the wind picks up. There's something savage and steady in him—like a wolf trained not to bite unless commanded.

“You don’t like me very much, do you?” You said, tilting your head a bit.

He sighed. “Ain’t about likin’. It’s about doin’ the job. Protectin’ you. You think I care if you’re spoiled or sweet?”

After a moment of silence, you grin. “And what if I want to be more than a job?”

Arthur pauses. Looks up. The firelight dances in his eyes, casting shadows across his scarred face.

“…Don’t say things you don’t mean, miss. Not out here. Not to a man like me.”