Christian let go of my hand seconds after we shook hands and put his hands in his side pockets. I took a slight note that he didn't address me as ‘your Highness'. I took it as a good sign. I had been trying to get Tom to call me by my first name for years but to no avail. But I didn't even have to convince my new bodyguard. I had a feeling we'd have a more cordial relationship than mine and Tom's.
“You have to move.” Christian said suddenly.
“Excuse me.” I blinked, not comprehending what he was saying.
“Your house. You have to move out.” He said so confidently that I felt annoyed. It sounded like an order.
The butterflies, or bats, whatever it is that took flight in my stomach came to a halt. All the attraction I felt towards him dissipated as fast as they came. I give the orders, I have never been ordered around in my life.
“And why, pray tell, did you suggest that, Mr Allister?” I forced a smile and tried to remain polite.
“It's a security nightmare. I've spotted about six vulnerabilities of this house within the few minutes I parked here. It's not safe at all. You have to move.” He said with practiced ease. His tone was clear. He wasn't suggesting, he was ordering.
We'd met in less than two minutes and he was already ordering me around. What does he think of himself? I took a deep breath in an attempt to calm myself down.
“I've lived here for two years and I've never had any issues. I appreciate your safety concerns but I will have to disregard them.” I gave him a tight smile.
“It only takes one time before you have someone breaking into your house.”
“I'm not moving. You're the security expert. Figure it out.” I said with finality in my tone.
He cocked an eyebrow at me. I couldn't remember the last time someone raised an eyebrow at me. The nerve of this man. I almost asked Tom if I could fire the guy right on the spot. But I know it was impossible. I wasn't exactly his employer. His condescending nerves riled me up a few minutes after we met. I wondered what would happen after we started working together. I'll make sure to ask grandpa to fire him if he gets on my nerves more.
“Yes, your Highness.” He said, a hint of mockery showed in his voice as he pronounced the last two words.
Is it normal to feel the urge to kill someone you admired just minutes ago? I was staring daggers at him.
“Why don't we all take this inside and discuss over a cup of tea?” Tom said, clearly aware of the silent war currently brewing between me and my new bodyguard.
I marched inside the house with Tom and Christian trailing behind. I shed my coat and hung it on the hanger beside the door.
Christian walked in, his eyes scanning the living room, probably for any other ‘security nightmare’. Irritation gnawed at me but I forced myself to calm down. I didn't want to start a relationship with my new bodyguard on a bad note.
“Would you like something to drink?” I asked ever so nicely.
“No.” His reply was instant and sharp, no formality, no acknowledgement. Scratch starting on a bad note. These next three months are going to be the worst.
Tom interrupted the palpable silence.
“Why don't we all sit down and talk? Get to know each other. What do you think, your Highness?”
“That would be nice. Please sit.” I gestured to Christian.
For the next hour, we discussed the transition. Tom would remain my bodyguard till he leaves, and Christian would work closely with him to get the hang of things. For someone that loves dishing out orders, Christian is surprisingly a very good listener. He listened and took notes of everything Tom and I said, and went through the file intently. The file contained everything about my schedule, my classes, public events I would attend for the next three months, and all my expected travels.
“This is all very nice.” He said when we were done.
“To be frank, Princess Isabella. You're not the first, nor would you be the last, royalty I've worked for. I've worked with Lau Security for five years, and none of my clients were harmed while under my protection…” he paused and stared straight at me.
The nerve of that bastard. I stared back at him, refusing to cower at the intensity of his gaze. Tom let out a small cough forcing Christian to break his gaze.
“The reasons are very simple. I do not get involved with my client's personal affairs. I'm here to safeguard you and not to be your friend or confidant. I'm not concerned about you unless it's security related.”
His unspoken words were clear as he stared at me: ‘do not expect anything more.’
I really did embarrass myself by almost devouring him with my eyes an hour ago. It wasn't exactly my fault. The man was a feast to the eye. It's just a shame that his character wasn't the same as his appearance.
“My clients know to do what I say, when I say anything security related. No one has ever had a problem with me. Do you understand, Princess?” He added.
Never in my life has my title sounded so little coming from someone's mouth. Can I just ‘accidentally' stab this man with a fork?. I so badly wanted to slap that stoic expression out of his face and maybe knee him in the balls. I know I will feel better after doing that. Few hours after I met him, I'm already having murderous thoughts. God help me.
You can handle this, Isabella.
I cleared my throat.
“Mr Allister,” I called his name in the same tone he called mine.
“I have no interest in being your friend, confidant, or forming any cordial relationship with you outside of work.”
I intentionally added the last phrase. Drooling over him for a few minutes doesn't give him any right to be an asshole.
“Glad we got that settled.” He rose from his seat, his talk frame filling the entire space. He was invading my personal space even though he was standing a couple meters away.
“Since you've refused to move, you need to get the windows changed.” He said.
I took a very deep breath and forced a smile.
“Mr Allister, which window exactly?”
He didn't reply to me but walked straight into my kitchen. He reappeared a few seconds later. I swear he walks really fast.
“All of them.”
“What?!” I screamed as I jolted up from my seat.
“You have to change all of the windows,” he repeated.
“I heard you for the first time. Why should I?” I snapped at him.
“Any amateur with just basic YouTube tutorials can easily break into the house. I'm asking you to do it for your safety, Princess. If you can't move, then you have to change them.” He said his voice was low and cold.
I stared at him, my mouth wide open.
“I'm going to go access the house for any other vulnerabilities.” He said and disappeared.
I sunk into my seat and held my head with my hands. These three months might end up killing me.
“I think he is just having first day jitters.” Tom said, his voice holding a hint of uncertainty.
“You can't leave me with him.” I cried out. Tom stared at me with a comforting expression. He had to go there for his family. His job doesn't allow him to be around them much. It would be unfair to deprive him of his leave.
I threw my head back. At this point, one thing was very certain. Christian and I are not making it out of the next three months alive.
Either I kill him, or he kills me.