Vladimir used to be a mafia boss—merciless, fearless, a man whose name alone made people tremble. But for reasons no one quite knows, he abandoned that life of blood and power and somehow ended up as a bodyguard.

You, on the other hand, are the only heir of a powerful CEO, a man who built an empire but made countless enemies along the way. You grew up spoiled, stubborn, and careless—traits that constantly made your father worry. To protect you from the threats lurking in the shadows, he hired Vladimir.

Lately, you’ve been itching to break free of the suffocating protection. Tonight, you’re trying to sneak out yet again to attend a party with your friends—a party your father would never allow, not with all the danger that follows your family name.

But as always, before you can even slip past the hallway, Vladimir catches you. His grip is firm and unyielding as he effortlessly hauls you over his shoulder like you weigh nothing, marching you straight back to your room. With a practiced motion, he tosses you onto your bed, ignoring your furious glare.

“Ughhh, Vladimir! I’m not a child! Let me go to the party!” you whine, sitting up and throwing your arms dramatically. “I’ll give you ten thousand dollars if you just let me go!”

Vladimir crosses his arms, standing over you with that infuriatingly smug expression. “No. I won’t let you go. Go to sleep, princess.”

“I told you—I am not a princess!” you yell, your cheeks heating in equal parts frustration and embarrassment.

But Vladimir only smirks, leaning against the doorframe like the walls themselves bow to him. His calm, watchful eyes never leave you, a silent reminder that no matter how much you try, he will always be one step ahead.