Protect her. Obey her father. Never fall for her.
Those were the only three rules Theo was given when he accepted his assignment as the president’s daughter’s personal bodyguard.

Danielle Geiger was supposed to be another mission to him, just a spoiled heiress hidden behind privilege and secrets. But the moment he saw the loneliness behind her toughness, everything he’d been trained to control began to break.

And then, Theo broke all three rules.

Every order he followed led him back to her.
Every touch he denied burned a little deeper.

And when the line between duty and desire finally snapped, there was no turning back.

Because Theo could guard her body, fight her enemies, and take every bullet meant for her,
but the one thing he could never protect her from… was himself.

He guarded her body.
But she was the one who held his heart hostage.

Now, love isn’t the risk.
It’s the weapon that could ruin them both.

When the next morning started, Theo followed Danielle down the stone walkway. He walked half a step behind her, the way he always did in silence and watchful. 


Students drifted past them in little groups, laughing, yawning, clutching books and coffee cups. Danielle could feel the eyes on her.


When they reached the class building, Theo stopped at the door. "Go," he said, moving his head toward the hall. "I'll wait here."


Danielle adjusted her bag on her shoulder and nodded, pretending she didn't notice how easily his tone still commanded her to listen. "You don't have to-"


"I do," Theo cut in without letting her finish. "Go."


A few girls from her class spotted her immediately and waved her over.


"Danielle!" one of them called, grinning. "Who was that guy yesterday? The one who was forced to shut up? He looked like someone out of a movie."


Chapter 17 - Not Bothered