"You two did well." My manager Sandra said while adjusting her glasses. They were round shaped and didn't really match her face, but like the person she was, she didn't like people telling her that.
She never liked hearing the truth.
Her black hair was in a tight bun and she was dressed in her usual black skirt with a black shirt. The coat she had chosen for today was in deep red, complimenting her nails.
"But you Daisy, you have to work harder. The premiere is soon and this news will help you get in the spotlight." She had her phone in her hands and her long nails constantly tapped on it, making irritating noises.
I slowly nodded not wanting to make her angrier than I did a few days ago.
We already wrapped up the movie ten months ago and the premiere was going to be in two weeks. I have been working hard for it but Sandra doesn't acknowledge it. She never does.
According to her, I need to be in the news so I get more spotlight and get more followers and views. Sandra only cares about that and not what I think about the whole situation. I didn't get into the acting career just for money but also because it's my passion and because my Dad did theatre when he was younger.
By Sandra's thinking, I'm losing my fans and that's why I needed to be either in a scandal or just end up in the news.
Her plan was for me to pretend that I have a secret relationship with my bodyguard Zyair. Someone who has been working for me for the past two years.
Zyair is my personal bodyguard and someone that has been here with me all the time. There is not a day that has passed without him. He's very dedicated to his job and that's why he's one of the best ones we've had.
Sandra said that if we pretend that we're in a secret relationship we'll get a lot of attention. She said that people love that, especially young girls. Love according to her always gets people's attention. Especially if it's forbidden.
"Get some rest now. Tomorrow you'll have your date. I already hired paparazzi to take a couple of pictures." Those were her final words before she turned around and left. Her red coat swung behind her like a flag.
The door clicked and I let out a sigh. We were on the fortieth floor in a hotel room. I had to be in New York for some interviews. We were going to be here for a few days and Sandra used this opportunity to make our fake relationship public.
My legs were killing me with pain. I have been standing in these ridiculous heels for hours. Walking to the couch that was centered in the middle of the hotel room, I slowly sat down, wincing at the pain.
I slightly bend down trying to untie the heels. My fingers started to work but my vision was getting blurry, I was exhausted.
"Let me do it." Zyair's voice came from my left and I lifted my eyes to him.
Not being able to protest due to my tiredness, I only stopped what I was doing and waited for him.
With long strides, he made his way to me and crouched down. Such an intimidating man yet he was kneeling in front of me.
Zyair had the most beautiful face I have ever seen. His dark hair which matched his skin color was cut short, in a buzzcut. His eyebrows were perfectly shaped. His lips were plump and looked soft. He was tall. Like really tall. The muscles on his body were very well defined and it showed his hard work.
His fingers grazed my skin and I felt the shivers run down my spine. The dress I had on was dangerously short and with shaky hands, I tried to pull it down a bit. Not wanting to expose my underwear to Zyair. It's not like he has not seen me in underwear before. He's usually there when I do photoshoots.
So he has seen me in all kinds of states.
He untied the left heel and placed it next to the couch. Then he started with the other one. When he untied it, there was a red mark from the strap. He slowly ran his fingers over it and his onyx eyes lifted to me. "Does this hurt?"
Not being able to find words, I just shook my head. It didn't hurt, it just burned under his touch.
He looked at my face for a few more seconds to assure himself that I saw telling the truth. When he was satisfied, he pulled the right heel off my feet as well and placed it next to the other one.
Standing up to his full height, he fixed his shirt. "Go to sleep, Miss. You seem tired." In all two years, he has not called me by my name. Not even once. It's always Miss.
At twenty-six years old I felt like I was ninety. My body ached and I barely got up. Dragging my legs to the bathroom, I unzipped the dress and let it pool around me. I stepped out of it and after that, took off my underwear.
Fixing the shower, I got under the rain of hot water. It poured down my body and relaxed my muscles.
Washing my hair and then body, I cleaned myself and stepped out. Wrapping a towel around me I got out of the bathroom. Zyair was nowhere to be seen and he must have gotten outside of the room, standing in front of it in the hallway. He always does that.
Not waiting for another second, I unwrapped the towel and jumped on the bed. I didn't care if my hair was damp or if I was naked. I just needed to sleep.
Just as my head hit the pillow, my vision darkened and deep sleep consumed my body.
----
It was the day of our 'date'. Sandra has planned everything and she already booked the restaurant. It was a small one where not a lot of famous people go.
'You have to be more secretive, you know. You have to act like you don't want people to know about you two.' That is what she said.
We were in the car and I was gripping the bag in my hands. The rings were glistening around my fingers and my nails were almost about to break from the way I was clutching to the leather accessory.
My hair was down, loosely curled and I was wearing a tight simple dress. It was something Sandra chose. Apparently, I have to look sexy every time I appear in public. The people would love that. And of course, the photos would look good as well.
It's all she was thinking of. She never, ever thought of how I felt walking around like this. The pressure she was putting on me since I was seventeen has been brutal. Mom and Dad always said that Sandra was the best out there and that I should not even think of firing her. And like a lost puppy, I always listened to them.
Zyair was sitting in the front seat by the driver. His posture straight, always ready for any action. The way he was ready for everything in every situation was impressive to me. I mean it was his job after all.
My phone rang. I took it out of my bag and saw Sandra's name. I pressed the green button and answered her call.
"Yes, Sandy?" I said.
"I just wanted to remind you again. He opens your door and you go to the restaurant like you always do. Then when you're there he's going to sit with you. Let him touch your arm and leg, whatever. Then when you get out maybe even kiss. Like I told you there will be paparazzi." I let her finish. My head was pounding and I had no energy to complain about anything.
"Okay." Is all I said before we hung up.
After ten more minutes, we arrived at the location. Just as the car stopped I heard cameras clicking somewhere far. I don't know if they were the people Sandra hired or if they were just random paparazzi.
I chewed on my bottom lip and Zyair followed behind me like a shadow. My legs were shaking and my anxiety was starting to kick in. I didn't do well in crowded places. I have been in the public eye for almost a decade now but I can never get used to it.
It's like a new strange experience every single time.
Hiding my face with my hand, I walked up the stairs and went in the direction of the restaurant. I pushed the door and the waitress immediately greeted me. She seemed excited but held herself back which I was thankful for. She showed me my table and both me and Zyair walked over there.
It was at the end and next to the windows. Great.
Zyair pulled the chair for me and I sat on the wooden seat. The place thankfully had a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
He pulled the chair opposite me and sat on it after I did.
His strong intimidating aura filled the space around me and made me play with the rings on my fingers out of nervousness.
We didn't say anything to each other until we ordered our drinks and food.
"I'm sorry you have to do this," I said after so many minutes of silence between us. "You didn't sign up to be my fake boyfriend." My voice was quiet even though there were no people around us.
"Being your bodyguard means being with you all the time. Adding this for a while won't hurt me in any way. I'm just here to help you that's all. Don't stress yourself over how will this affect me." His voice was deep and held so much dominance in it. It was satisfying listening to him talk.
"Okay then." Silence prevailed again.
I've never had a problem talking to him but this situation was really making things between us awkward.
I mean we knew each other for a long time but this here... was just so out of character. I have had some relationships just for publicly but they were mostly with costars that I wasn't seeing all the time. Zyair on the other hand, is around every second of the day.
The food was brought and I dig into my Caesar salad.
"Do you have anything coming up soon other than your premiere?" He asked while I had my mouth full of food. I chewed and after I swallowed the pieces of salad, I spoke.
"The photoshoot with Nathan for Calvin Klein." Nathan was the costar of my upcoming movie. Because of it, we had to do a photoshoot.
"It's in eight days." I clarified.
I watched his jaw clench while nodding. The photos we have to do will be a little bit provocative and Zyair knows that. It might be uncomfortable for him to be there. That's why he reacted the way he did.
I will have to do braless photos. Only underwear on. I had to do it because I couldn't risk losing my sponsorships and getting into a scandal that would lead to me not being able to promote the movie.
This movie means a lot to me. It is inspired by a true story about a single mom that went through so much just for her child's safety. I have already met Danika, the lady this film is based on and she has been so grateful and happy that I'm playing the role.
I can't let her down.
"I'm also kind of stressed about the premiere," I confessed. The director was well known and I knew the movie will be big.
Zyair's hand inched toward and he placed it over mine. The contact of our skin made me almost flinch.
He's acting for the cameras I had to remind myself.
"You'll do great. You always do." He said with a tender voice. The way he was looking at me was far more realistic than the acting Nathan did.
There were no words that I could say right now. My throat tightened and didn't let anything get out.
His hands stayed over mine for a few more seconds and then he withdrew it. The loose of skin contact felt strange.
We were finishing with our food when I felt his eyes bore into me.
"Was that enough or do you want more?" He asked pointing at my plate.
I looked down. Playing with the rings on my hands I smiled. "Yes, Sandra said to be careful with the food."
"Sandra is not here though." He waved his hand to the waitress and she hurriedly came to our table. Zyair ordered me the same food he had. He must have seen me eye it the whole time. It looked delicious.
I didn't know what to say so I just waited for my next food.
"Thank you by the way."
"No need to thank me, Miss." My eyebrows pinched together. Why was he not calling me by my name? At least once I wanted to hear my name coming out of his mouth.
When the waitress brought the food, I couldn't wait and dig into it. It was delicious. Zyair watched me eat with a soft smile on his face.
The dinner went by in a blur. My stomach was full and I was finally satisfied after a long time.
Zyair helped me stand up after he paid. He insisted that he should do.
We walked outside and I immediately spotted people in the distance snapping out pictures. The clicking noises reached my ears and my heartbeat increased. My body started to feel cold and my hands started to shake.
Noo.
Why was this always happening to me?
We slowly started to walk over to our car but my legs felt like they were going to give up.
I felt a gentle hand on my back.
"Are you okay?" He whispered close behind me. Without saying anything, I turned around and buried my face in his neck. My breathing was getting short and I could care less about the rules Sandra was talking about.
I just need to calm down.
His body shield me from the cameras and he rubbed his hands up and down my back. They were soft and gentle and soothed my skin.
"Shh." He murmured against my hair. I pushed my body even closer to him and tried to even my breaths. It was not working. My hands were still trembling.
"It's okay, Daisy." When he said my name I slightly pulled back. His hands were still around me, his skin still on mine. Tears threatened to fall down my face but I didn't my best not to let them.
His eyes were on me and mine went over his lips. Before even thinking through, I stood on my tiptoes and brought my mouth to his. I captured his lips in a soft kiss.
The sounds around us stopped and all I could hear was just my breathing and feel his heartbeat under my palm.
Our lips moved in sync and I grazed my tongue over his bottom lip. He opened his mouth wider and our tongues collided. My hands went over his neck and his over my waist.
Our bodies were flushed together and a small sound of desperation escaped my throat.
"We should go." He murmured against my lips. I nodded but didn't stop our kiss. I wanted more. I wanted more of him.
His hands fisted my tight dress and I deepened our kiss.
What it felt like forever, we parted and I felt my cheeks get coated with red. The hotness was raising from my neck to my face.
Zyair's eyes traveled over my face and he clenched his jaw as if restraining himself.
"You got your pictures. We should go now." His words made me stiffen in my spot. He pointed with his hands to my left where the car was. My chest tightened with pain. His voice was cold and emotionless.
He thought that I did that just because of what Sandra said.
So his touch and his sweet words were part of the acting. How stupid was I to think otherwise? It was his job. We literally agreed on that.
Nodding my head slowly, I did what he said and started making my way to the car. The driver opened the door for me and I stepped inside.
I sat on my seat and felt the tears escape my eyes. I couldn't stop them this time.
Zyair sat on the front and the car started. His sharp jaw clenched and I saw his hand grip his thigh.
The city lights illuminated the inside of the car.
The whole journey to my hotel room was quiet. Somewhere along the way, I got Sandra's message.
Sandy: Good job! We got the pictures.
I didn't reply and just pushed the phone back into my purse. I leaned back on my seat and closed my eyes.
When we arrived at the hotel, the driver parked in the underground parking lot and we got out. I made my way to the elevator, Zyair following behind me.
The elevator doors opened and we stepped in. I stayed on the very far end while Zyair was on the other one. I felt eyes burning on the side of my face. He was staring at me. Not wanting to look at him back, I tapped my foot on the floor and patiently waited for the number to turn forty.
The sound of the arrival made my body jolt and the doors opened.
The hallway was silent and I felt him walk behind me. I unlocked the door and he stepped inside as well.
He kicked the door shut with his leg. The silence was almost unbearable. Taking off my heels, I threw them somewhere in the room not caring where they'll end up.
"Is everything alright?" A strong hand grabbed my forearm and spun me around.
Our eyes collided. Black onyx with deep blue.
Shrugging my shoulders, I said. "I just can't wait to go home. Being here it's exhausting." There was so much more to why I was feeling this way.
"I should go and shower." He nodded his head and slowly let go of my arm.
I did my usual night routine. Showering, taking my makeup off, brushing my teeth, and drying my hair. Stuff that I was too tired to do last night. Wrapping my body with a fluffy bathrobe, I opened the door.
He was here.
Zyair was still here.
He was sitting on the couch, his legs were spread and he was just in a tight tank top. His bulletproof vest was off and so was his shirt and suit jacket.
His head was leaned back.
When he heard me walk back into the room, his head lifted.
Eyes shamelessly ranking over my body, it made me feel almost dizzy. "I had to make sure you're okay." He said.
I felt the soft rug under my feet and I intertwined my fingers in front of me.
"Thank you. I'm kind of still not calmed down from the whole thing going on earlier. You know I don't do well with paparazzi." Humming, he placed his elbows on his knees.
My legs dragged me to the couch and I sat next to him.
"Stay here." He faced me, eyebrows furrowed together. "I mean stay here in the room. You can rest here." I gestured on the couch we were seated on.
I noticed his gaze traveled from my face, down to my neck and to my slightly exposed cleavage.
"Okay." He whispered and our bodies were almost touching. Our faces were close and I was able to smell his perfume which calmed me down.
"Come here." My eyes widened at the words.
"What?" I asked dumbfounded.
"You seem tense. Come here." He leaned back and motioned with his hand. He patted his tight and tugged on my arm.
Biting on my lip, I debated for a second but then gave in. I climbed on his lap and pulled down the bathrobe. I only had underwear on. His strong hands wrapped around me and I leaned my head on his shoulder. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. This felt nice.
It felt nice to be cared for.
To be held like this. I needed it. My body glued to his and I felt his breath on my neck. It relaxed me and made me feel at ease.
He rubbed my back and one of his hands went to my hair. He began massaging my scalp and I almost hummed in satisfaction.
"Sleep well, Daisy." His words lulled me in and my eyes started to shut on their own.
DAISY
ZYAIR
Been wanting to write a bodyguard One Shot for a long time and here it is.ð¥¹
Thoughts??
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