Chapter 2 Falco #2
Aerin is busy on the second floor of the estate, sitting half cross-legged in the middle of the art room when I walk in.
She’s surrounded by paint pots and brushes and several glasses of muddy water, sitting with one leg stretched out and balancing the canvas she was working on.
There’s very little detail, just splotches of pain in various places and a sweeping yellow line across the middle.
“Aerin?”
“Mhm?” She doesn’t look, distracted by a series of texts that flash up on her phone.
“I’m Falco. I’ve been assigned as your new personal bodyguard, which means from here on out, everything and anything in your life doesn’t happen unless I say so.”
Aerin’s head snaps up abruptly, and the loose bun on top of her head topples down to the base of her neck. “Excuse me?”
“I believe I was clear.”
“Clear?” She stares at me, open-mouthed. Flecks of paint dot her cheek, crinkling as her eyes narrow. “Who do you think you are?”
“Falco.”
“Duh, I heard that. There must be some mistake. Dad wouldn’t assign some old guy to look after me. You wouldn’t be able to keep up.”
Does she not recognize me from the restaurant? I think I’ve done more than enough to show that I can keep up. “Regardless of what you think, those are the orders I’ve received.”
Her eyes narrow further, and she disregards her painting while climbing to her feet. “No.”
“No?”
“Don’t you know what that means? I don’t want a personal bodyguard. It’s bad enough I have that maid following me around constantly, and I get assigned bodyguards when I go out. I don’t need someone else on top of that, especially not for everywhere.”
“Tough.”
“Tough?” Anger flits across her soft features. “Did you forget who you are talking to?”
“Your father made it perfectly clear what my role is. After what happened at the restaurant, his attention is diverted elsewhere. In the meantime, he wants to ensure nothing happens to you. I’m going to make sure that nothing does happen to you.”
“Oh my god.” Aerin groans and drags one stained hand up her face and into her hair. “This can’t be happening.”
“It is. In order to do my job effectively, I’ll need access to your contact list so I can vet everyone you come in contact with.
I’ll also need a copy of your daily routine.
Moving forward, you’re not to speak to anyone unfamiliar unless I say so, you’re not to go anywhere without me having previously checked the place out, you’re not to call or text without letting me know who you are in contact with.
I’ll also need a copy of all your dietary requirements, your friends, and any exes that haven’t taken the hint. ”
“Fuck that,” Aerin scoffs. “You don’t get to just turn up here and demand every detail about my life!
” Walking up to me, she prods me hard in the chest, but the stab of her nail is barely a sensation.
She glares up at me with her head tilted back.
“You can’t stop me from doing what I want to do.
My brother’s taking me out tonight, and you’re not stopping me. ”
“No, he’s not.”
“What?”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
“What, are you going to stop me?”
“Yes. I haven’t met your brother. While by extension he’s likely trustworthy, it’s far too short notice for me to vet the places you might visit and ensure they’re secure.”
“Secure? I—no, you can’t stop me from seeing my own brother. You’re acting like I’m some kind of prisoner!”
“You’re not a prisoner,” I state calmly. “But your father made it perfectly clear what he expects from me.”
“My father?” Aerin suddenly attempts to shove past me, but she’s not strong enough to make me move.
This fuels her frustration as she stomps around me. I follow her all the way up to the third floor, where we run into Guido in the corridor, and he looks less than pleased to be confronted by Aerin.
“Dad, this isn’t fair! You’re acting like what happened last week was my fault! What do you mean I have this stupid shadow now?”
“Aerin, show some respect. This man saved your life,” Guido replies sharply.
“I know! If I say thank you, will you make him leave?”
“This isn’t a punishment, Aerin. I want you safe.”
“Well, it feels like one! He’s telling me he needs to know everyone in my life, where I’m going, what I’m doing. He won’t even let me go out tonight with Giacomo, and you already said that I could!”
Guido’s eyes snap to mine.
“I said no because I’ve yet to vet the people Giacomo spends time with or secure the places they might visit. Given the potential dangers and small time window, it isn’t the wisest choice,” I explain quickly.
“See?” Aerin whines, clutching at her dad’s arm. “You’re making me a prisoner!”
To my surprise, Guido laughs and cups his daughter’s cheek. “This is good, Aerin. He’s keeping you safe. I know you don’t understand it right now, but in a few years you will thank me for this. It’s about time someone took a firm hand with you.”
“A firm hand? When has there ever been anything but a firm hand?” she gasps, jerking her head away from his touch.
Guido doesn’t reply. He merely smiles at her then continues down the hallway.
“I’m not letting this happen,” Aerin snaps furiously. “I’m not some doll that can just be locked up. Just because you saved my life, which thanks or whatever, doesn’t give you the right to suddenly come in and take over my life! I don’t need any more protection.”
“Last week’s events would suggest otherwise.”
Her eyes narrow to slits. “God, you’re all the same. I hate you.”
“Hate me all you want; it won’t affect me. Your life is now my mission, which means everything and anything goes through me.”