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First of a series. Slow burn! I hope you fall in love with this bodyguard just as much I do.

Summary: A night out proves almost fatal until the bodyguard you've been trying to avoid saves you.

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You know you shouldn't be here.

Don't look so surprised. Did you really think you could slip away so easily? I mean, the pillows under the sheets trick is amateur hour. And we both know that I'm no amateur.

No, I'm not here to drag you back. Contrary to popular belief, my mission is not to ruin your life.

It is my mission; however, to protect you.

I know you're sick of hearing it. Doesn't mean it isn't true. You think you're my first selfish client?

Yeah, you are. Do you know how many people would be grateful for my protection? It isn't cheap, sunshine.

I know you hate the nickname, sunshine. But I hate being lied to so I guess now we're both even.

You don't need to apologize to me. We both know you don't mean it. So, let's get straight to the point--why did you feel the need to sneak out to this club?

It does matter. If I'm gonna keep you safe, I need to understand you. What makes you tick.

Roll your eyes, sunshine. You won't get under my skin. This is my job. You are my charge. And whether you like it or not, we're stuck together for the foreseeable future. So, why not just work with me?

Yeah. I don't have to be your enemy. We're playing for the same team. So, you wanted to go out? Okay. You could've just told me. I would've taken you.

I get it. This whole situation . . . it's annoying to say the least. But until we figure out who is trying to kill you and apprehend them, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. And luckily for you, my salary is being paid by someone who knows how to keep me happy even when my client is constantly trying to undermine me. I mean, other bodyguards would've left you to the wolves by now. They're not as patient as me.

So, again, sunshine, I ask, why this club? Why tonight?

You understand how easily an assassin could kill you here, right? The dim lighting, the crowds--it's the perfect cover for an attack. Someone could bump into you, make it look like they're just drunk and brushing past you. By the time you'd go down, no one would even realize someone hurt you.

I'm not trying to . . . listen, I told you when I took this job, I would always be honest with you. And this club is a death trap.

Look, there are two ways this can go, okay? You either fight me every step of the way and we're both miserable or you work with me. I'm not your warden, sunshine. Think of me as a tool, okay? You can use me to keep yourself safe. Right now, you need me. One day, you won't and believe me, that will be a relief to both of us. But for now, can you just try to work with me?

Good. I knew you were a rational one deep down. So, sunshine, let's get out of here, okay?

If you want to come back, we can. Later. Once I case the place. Once I make it safe.

Easy!

See, too many people, okay? Just for once agree with me, all right?

Good. Then, take my hand. I don't want to lose you in the crowd. For fuck's sake. I don't have cooties--take my hand. Finally. Okay, let's go.

[leaving crowded club behind]

[night sounds]

You okay?

You just look a little flushed. Were you staying hydrated?

Oh shut up. Level with me--are you okay?

Right. Sit down.

Here.

I always have supplies on me. You would know that if you took the time to actually talk to me. Now, drink the gatorade.

Yes, because that's your favorite flavor.

I know a whole bunch of things about you. Fun facts, I guess you could call them. It's my job. I take it seriously.

Deep breaths. In . . . and out . . . one more, in . . . and out.

Still dizzy? You sure?

Okay. Take it easy. Up we go.

Better?

Good.

. . . did you just actually thank me?

No, I'm just shocked. I didn't know you could be polite. Like ever.

[laughter] Wow, a smile. Who is this person and what did you do with my client?

And it's gone. For a second I thought you were possessed there, sunshine. Now, where's your car?

For fuck's sake.

No, I won't lecture you about the stupidity of taking an Uber. I mean, what could possibly go wrong in a stranger's car?

Follow me then.

What kind of question is that?

I do this because I was hired to do it. Protecting you is my job until either we both die or the bad guy is arrested.

I always promised to tell you the truth, sunshine. The truth is, we're not friends. We could be enemies down the line if you keep pissing me off. But right now, I'm yours. I'll keep you safe. You're gonna come through this just fine.

So, the question is, sunshine, will you let me do my job?

Good. Smart move.

[footsteps]

Get behind me. Now.

[gun cocking]

Keep moving, friend. I've had a hell of a night and killing you would just be one more stupid thing to do.

I get it. The bounty I'm sure is quite high. But if you take one more step, you'll be dead before you can even pull the trigger.

Last chance. One, two--

[gunshots]

[body fall]

I warned you.

[to listener] You okay? Look at me, are you okay? Hey. Are you okay?

Don't look at them. Look at me. Look at my eyes. Hey. You're okay. You're fine. I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you, okay? No one is getting at you, not on my watch.

Listen, we need to go. People will have heard the shot. Last thing we need is to get into a pursuit with the local PD.

I know. That's why I'm here. So the blood is on my hands, sunshine, not yours.

We have to go. Now. Get in the car.

[car door slam]

[car driving sounds]

Listen, you're freaking out, okay? I need you to pull it together for a bit longer, okay, sunshine? Breathe.

C'mon, breathe. Breathe with me. In . . . and out. In . . . and out.

I know. But it was them or you. That guy would've killed you without a second thought. You were just a paycheck to him.

It's different for me, sunshine. I have standards. Rules. I don't take on bounties like that. I protect people. I get paid to do it, yeah, but it's different.

[car stops]

That guy was the first of many. Until we figure out who put the hit out on you, I need you to start listening to me, okay?

Really?

No, I'm just . . . wow, I didn't think it would be that easy. I guess near brushes with death work wonders.

It's okay, sunshine. I've got you. You're gonna come through this just fine.

I promise.