“Aerin?”
“Mhm?” She doesn’t look, distracted by a series of texts that flash up on her phone.
“I’m Falco. I’ve been assigned as your new personal bodyguard, which means from here on out, everything and anything in your life doesn’t happen unless I say so.”
Aerin’s head snaps up abruptly, and the loose bun on top of her head topples down to the base of her neck. “Excuse me?”
“I believe I was clear.”
“Clear?” She stares at me, open-mouthed. Flecks of paint dot her cheek, crinkling as her eyes narrow. “Who do you think you are?”
“Falco.”
“Duh, I heard that. There must be some mistake. Dad wouldn’t assign some old guy to look after me. You wouldn’t be able to keep up.”
Does she not recognize me from the restaurant? I think I’ve done more than enough to show that I can keep up. “Regardless of what you think, those are the orders I’ve received.”
Her eyes narrow further, and she disregards her painting while climbing to her feet. “No.”
“No?”
“Don’t you know what that means? I don’twanta personal bodyguard. It’s bad enough I have that maid following me around constantly, and I get assigned bodyguards when I go out. I don’t need someone else on top of that, especially not for everywhere.”
“Tough.”
“Tough?” Anger flits across her soft features. “Did you forget who you are talking to?”
“Your father made it perfectly clear what my role is. After what happened at the restaurant, his attention is diverted elsewhere. In the meantime, he wants to ensure nothing happens to you. I’m going to make sure that nothingdoeshappen to you.”
“Oh my god.” Aerin groans and drags one stained hand up her face and into her hair. “This can’t be happening.”
“It is. In order to do my job effectively, I’ll need access to your contact list so I can vet everyone you come in contact with. I’ll also need a copy of your daily routine. Moving forward, you’re not to speak to anyone unfamiliar unless I say so, you’re not to go anywhere without me having previously checked the placeout, you’re not to call or text without letting me know who you are in contact with. I’ll also need a copy of all your dietary requirements, your friends, and any exes that haven’t taken the hint.”
“Fuck that,” Aerin scoffs. “You don’t get to just turn up here and demand every detail about my life!” Walking up to me, she prods me hard in the chest, but the stab of her nail is barely a sensation. She glares up at me with her head tilted back. “You can’t stop me from doing what I want to do. My brother’s taking me out tonight, and you’re not stopping me.”
“No, he’s not.”
“What?”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
“What, are you going to stop me?”
“Yes. I haven’t met your brother. While by extension he’s likely trustworthy, it’s far too short notice for me to vet the places you might visit and ensure they’re secure.”
“Secure? I—no, you can’t stop me from seeing my own brother. You’re acting like I’m some kind of prisoner!”
“You’re not a prisoner,” I state calmly. “But your father made it perfectly clear what he expects from me.”
“Myfather?” Aerin suddenly attempts to shove past me, but she’s not strong enough to make me move.
This fuels her frustration as she stomps around me. I follow her all the way up to the third floor, where we run into Guido in the corridor, and he looks less than pleased to be confronted by Aerin.
“Dad, this isn’t fair! You’re acting like what happened last week was my fault! What do you mean I have this stupid shadow now?”
“Aerin, show some respect. This man saved your life,” Guido replies sharply.
“I know! If I say thank you, will you make him leave?”
