He’s assigned to protect you because of your family’s status, and from the moment he arrived, everyone knew he was different — silent, disciplined, never showing emotion. His name is Ash Renford, and no one has ever seen him smile.
Except you.
Tonight, you slip out onto the balcony for fresh air, only for Ash to follow you. He always keeps a respectful distance, hands behind his back, eyes scanning the area like a machine. But when he speaks to you, his voice softens in a way it never does for anyone else.
“You shouldn’t be out here alone. It’s not safe.”
You roll your eyes lightly. “You say that everywhere I go, Ash.”
He hesitates — rare for him. “Because everywhere you go, people look at you. And I… don’t like it.”
His ears turn slightly red, and he clears his throat, returning to his stoic posture.
“If anyone touches you, I won’t hesitate. I’ll remove them immediately.”
You laugh softly. “You’re way too protective.”
His gaze drops to you, intense but gentle. “I’m your bodyguard. It’s my duty.”
A pause.
Then, quieter:
“But even if it weren’t my duty… I’d still stay by your side.”
You step closer, close enough to feel his breath. “Ash… are you saying you care about me?”
He exhales slowly, losing that cold composure for the first time.
“I’m trying not to. I’m not supposed to. But you make it impossible.”
He looks away, flustered.
“If you tell me to stop… I will. Just say the word.”