Chapter Three: Theo
Frank's apartment was dark.
"I wonder…"
The lock clicked behind him, the same way it always did, but tonight something felt strange.
The lights were off, and his curtains were half-drawn. For a moment, Frank thought he'd forgotten to close them that morning.
Then he saw the shape.
"Ah, I thought so…"
A man was stretched across his couch, one arm draped over his face. A half-finished glass of water sweated on the coffee table.
The sleeping stranger changed his position, then muttered something, and pushed his arm away.
Frank lowered his head, and let out a long and boring sigh.
"Theodor," he spoke flatly.
His cousin blinked, forcing his eyes to be awake, squinting at the lamplight Frank had just switched on.
He looked exactly as Frank remembered…strict and pointy jawline, the kind of skin that came from too many expensive facials, hair that stayed annoyingly perfect even after a nap.
But there was something else tonight, too. Frank noticed dark circles under his eyes.
"You could knock," Frank muttered, pulling off his jacket.
"I did," Theodor replied with a lazy smile. "You didn't answer. Your landlord let me in."
Frank didn't ask how he'd convinced the old woman downstairs. He didn't want to know. Theodor always had a way of getting what he wanted.
Frank dropped his keys on the counter. "How long have you been here?"
"A few hours. The flight got in early." Theodor sat up, stretching like he owned the place. His shirt was wrinkled but expensive, the kind of thing Frank would never buy. "Needed somewhere to crash."
"You've got hotels for that," Frank replied, loosening his tie.
"Not going back there."
Frank looked at his cousin and touched his head. "You mean home."
Theodor didn't answer.
Frank rolled his eyes and relaxed his face. "So you're running again."
"I'm not running."
"You're hiding."
Theodor's jaw clenched.
Frank thought he'd deny it again, but instead he exhaled through his nose, slowly like he was tired.
"Does it matter?"
Frank didn't ask for more answers. Family matters in Theodor's world always had weird energy and siblings like some knives. He wasn't about to pull either.
Instead, he poured himself a drink and sat across from his cousin.
"So what's the plan?" Frank asked. "You staying long?"
Theodor's lips twitched, but it didn't reach his eyes to call it a smile. "Not planning on going back any time soon."
That was all Frank needed to hear. He leaned back, watching him.
Theodor might be stubborn, reckless, spoiled by privilege, but he was also intelligent…maybe…Dangerous when he wanted to be. And Frank… Frank had a problem.
"I might have something for you," Frank looked into his eyes finally.
Theodor raised an eyebrow. "Work?"
"You said you weren't going back. You'll need something. Security detail, maybe."
"Hahah!" Theodor laughed. Not a loud laugh, but the kind that curled around the edges of the room. "Me, a bodyguard? That's rich."
"You've done worse."
Theodor's smile faded. He glanced at Frank, and for a heartbeat, he furrowed his eyebrows. "Who?"
Frank hesitated to reply at first. He didn't want to scare his cousin away. But deep down he knew that Theo would be perfect for his job…especially, when he hated little brats like Danielle.
He set the glass down. "Danielle Geiger."
Theodor blinked. "The President's girl?"
Frank nodded.
A low whistle slipped between Theodor's teeth. "You're guarding her?"
"Effective tonight."
"What's she like?"
Frank thought about the mascara, the shaking hands on the bridge, the glare that could cut through his body.
"Well, she is rebellious, a bit angry, but also very smart. She wants to be loved, but doesn't trust anyone long enough to let them close. She causes scandals that keep ruining the president's reputation…they're pretty big ones."
Theodor smirked. "Sounds fun."
"It's not fun. It can be dangerous. She almost jumped tonight. The President's shipping her overseas. Another country or cage. It doesn't matter."
The room went quiet for a while, while Theodor was trying to process all the information about Danielle.
"So you want me to… babysit her?"
"I want you to keep her alive," Frank stretched his neck. "She doesn't make it easy. She pushes and tests limits. Danielle wants freedom but doesn't know what to do with it."
Theodor just stared at him. Then he fell back against the couch, crossing his arms.
It was strange why his cousin would offer such a job to him.
"Why me?"
Frank shrugged. "Because you don't scare easily. Because you're reckless, but not stupid. And because she needs someone who doesn't look at her like a problem to manage."
"And you think I can do that?"
"I think you're the only one who might."
Theodor met Frank's eyes. He had the kind of face that could charm a room or gut it, depending on what he chose. Tonight, his expression was strange.
"Tell me the truth," Theodor started finally. "Do you actually care about her? Or is this just a job to you?"
Frank didn't answer right away. He looked at the glass in his hand.
"Does it matter?" he muttered.
Theodor chuckled. "That's exactly what she'd say."
Frank frowned. He was exhausted after today's reports and drama at their house. All he wanted was to rest and give this job to someone he could trust.
"I'll do it," Theodor spoke so suddenly, decisively. "I'll take the job."
Frank blinked. "Just like that?"
"Just like that. You said she's being sent abroad, right? I'll go with her. Maybe I could use the change of scenery."
Frank narrowed his eyes. "You're sure?"
"You know me. I've always been good at trouble."
Frank didn't smile back. Trouble was the last thing Danielle needed. But maybe…just maybe…Theodor was exactly the kind of shadow she wouldn't mind coming along.
"Theo, just one thing."
"Yes?"
"Don't make her fall in love with you. This is against the law."
Theo placed his hand on Frank's shoulder, and let himself smile. "I wasn't going to."
"I'm serious! By any means, Danielle cannot love you or find out who's your family."