I'm supposed to get married to his actual protégé, Kyle Montgomery. He comes from a good family, and my father is friends with his.
They've all been conspiring to make this happen since we were kids. Kyle marries me, I pop out a few babies, and the Kendrix-Montgomery Dynasty is set to live long and prosper.
Except minus all the diversity and inclusion thatStar Trekwas known for. I haven't even seen a single episode, and they all look like better parents than mine at this point.
"This is stupid. Just go to bed."
I try to get comfortable again, snuggling into the plush fabrics of my bed now that I'm changed into my PJs.
I wish I could stay in them all day. I mean, I don't leave the house. Why bother getting dressed? My father would have a fit.
Sucking in a deep breath, I try to slow down, to finally fall asleep, but I'm utterly blindsided when the image that pops into my head isn't the usual target over my dad's face.
It's him, the guy I saw in my father's office earlier. And just like before, my body warms.
I remember his hazel eyes. I remember how they bore into me, penetrating and dark.
God, he was so different from what I expected, but also the same. Yes, he was tall and muscular and gave off every bit of the same "you will do as I say" vibes as my father, but...
He was also exceptionally attractive, with brown hair that was shaggy and unkempt on top, making him stand out from everyone in my life. He was rugged edges and sharp angles.
Hazel eyes peered out under dark brows, and a thin beard covered the bottom of his face, the dimple in his chin still visible. And jeez, he'd beensotall. At least a foot taller than I am.
There was something about him that made my cheeks burn, my thighs pressing together as I remembered the way his stare roamed over me in that brief moment.
I felt so seen, down to my bones and vulnerable. But he was a part of all this—just some hired man who was supposed to watch me and uphold every ridiculous rule my father created.
Hell, I don't even know the man's name. I imagine I'll be learning it tomorrow when he shows up for work.
A man who is being paid to watch me, tocontrolme. Well, we'll see how much he regretsthatchoice. I'm not about to give up without a fight, and I've hardly begun to make both his and my father's lives hell.
Lila Kendrix will not be shepherded like some toddler. Absolutely not.
And maybe if that bodyguard decides to work with me, I can finally do something about this V-card I've been carrying around.
That'll put a damper on my father's plans for sure. Kyle wouldn't want to touch me after that. I could?—
You aren't going to do anything because you know you wouldn't be able to bring yourself to do that.
Unfortunately, inner Lila is right. I haven't been able to get close to anyone like that, and not for lack of trying.
No one ever gets me. No one ever felt like they were worth the risk. And come on, that guy is supposed to be my bodyguard and is at least a decade older than me.
Off-limits, forbidden, do not pass go.
So, I just roll over. I need sleep if I'm going to put up with all this nonsense tomorrow.
I'm in the kitchen at the breakfast table with a caramel latte that I spent fifteen minutes making for myself. It's stupid, but the fancy steps and little touches make me feel like I'm doing something special for myself.
Something that doesn't happen beyond this singular cup of coffee.
I picked out the espresso, steamed the milk, made the perfect foam, and married it all together with some caramel drizzle and cinnamon on the top.
It's my treat. My one and only treat for the entire day.
Ding dong.
The doorbell chimes, and I know exactly what that means. Mr. Bodyguard is back.
