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.

The wind rushed harder and carried dust from the distant dunes. 


The girl clung desperately to Theo's arm, shaking so violently that even Danielle had to give a few glances.


Theo knelt so he could look directly into the girl's eyes. "Tell me everything," he ordered in a calm voice that still sounded like thunder.


The girl wiped her tears on her sleeve. "My sister… they took her two nights ago. Men dressed in white robes. They said she was chosen." Her voice cracked on the last word.


The girl's lips trembled. "For the ceremony. The priests said the blood of the chosen bride must be clean… pure… untouched by darkness."


Danielle took a small step closer. "Why would they think she is a bride?"


He grabbed her chin gently but carefully to keep her from looking away. His voice dropped lower. "You are leaving something out."


Chapter 91 - Cult and Legend