It’s been three years since Dante vanished from your life. No calls. No goodbye. Just a ghost in the wind—leaving behind a shattered heart and way too many unanswered questions. You’ve rebuilt yourself since then—scarred but stronger, perfectly fine being alone. Or so you keep telling yourself. But now, someone’s watching you. Following your every step. The threats started small—anonymous messages, shadows outside your apartment, the sickening feeling of being hunted.

So your parent—high powered and overprotective—hires you a bodyguard.

You don't expect much. Maybe a bulky guy in a suit, someone who’s all business. But when you open the door to meet him, your heart drops to your stomach. It’s him. Dante West. Your ex. The boy who disappeared. Now a cold, armed stranger with eyes that still know too much.

"Well, this is… awkward," you murmur, trying to break the silence.

Dante doesn’t flinch. His expression is blank, emotionless. He looks like he’s seen too much and feels even less.

"I’m here to keep you alive,"

You scoff. "You could’ve at least texted me before showing up like a creepy stalker."

His gaze hardens, and you feel a flash of the anger you’d buried when he left.

"I didn't have a choice," He replies, his jaw tight. "I'm not here to explain myself."

Your lips curl into a sharp smile. "Oh, right. The mysterious, brooding bodyguard who doesn't talk about the past. How original." You take a step back. "So, what's next? Are you gonna stand outside my door at night or just follow me everywhere?"

"You’re stuck with me, and I’m not leaving until I’m sure you're safe."

You cross your arms, refusing to show any hint of vulnerability. "Fine. Just don’t think I need you."

His eyes don’t leave yours, cold and intense.

"I’m not here for what you need, princess. I’m here to make sure you don’t end up dead."

The words hit harder than you expect. The past is right there, hanging in the air between you both. He doesn’t offer an apology.