Rescued by my Bodyguard

Chapter Five

“No.” I answered shyly. 

The idea of ever owning a gun was something I had never considered. I had often joked about getting a gun to protect myself but that was it, just a joke. My father had a large selection of guns just like a typical Republican and his collection was here at the manor. He loved that mass docile of killing devices and even had a false room installed here at the manor. It was a secret to any visitor, but also a trophy room that he loved to show off to many visitors. I remember him spending a lot of time working on his array of hundreds of items. Everything from dated history pieces for memorabilia or sentiment to sniper rifles that would take out an elephant were all locked away in that secret room connected to the manor library. 

My brother Ash was an avid hunter during his life too. He inherited that trait from our father. I, however, did not approve of hunting and killing animals. To me, it was a sadistic sport. Hell, I didn’t even like fishing. I know I am a hypocrite because I love to eat a good rare steak. I just couldn’t kill an animal myself. I had never touched a gun before in my life.

“Let’s fix that.” Alex insisted, “I am going to give you one of my guns to borrow and I will teach you how to shoot. And then we will go over other security changes that I intend to make to your manor. If that is acceptable to you?” 

Even though Alex Hayes seems so stuck up in the way that he speaks formally, I almost think I see another side to him. There is a personality under that machine, or maybe I am wrong. Maybe cold movements is all that he knows. He is my bodyguard so I don’t even know why I am constantly dwelling on what he might be like when not on duty. 

“You are going to teach me how to shoot?” I asked thinking that was a joke, “Aren’t you supposed to be the one with the gun shooting or jumping in front of me to take a bullet as my bodyguard?” I asked with a joke of my own.  

“There is always a chance that I will not be there. It is not a likely case scenario but not one that I like to risk with any of my clients. I would like you to learn to shoot if you are willing.”

He didn’t even flinch at my joke that he would take a bullet for me. I really did consider that a joke. He made it sound like he would happily shoot himself right now in the leg if he had to. What level of sanity led a person to place their life in so much danger in order to protect another? I could understand the patriotism of protecting a president or king, but just a wealthy woman like me? No matter of money was worth a person’s life. I would never want someone to get shot, or even hurt for me. 

“I guess.” I said reluctantly. “At least let me take a shower and get changed. I will meet you back at your room. I will remember to knock this time.” I added with a grin. 

I went to my room and took a nice long shower before dressing in a white top and pair of white jeans with a beige belt. White always looked good on me because of my complexion, blue eye color, and curly wild blond hair. At least while I was not in the city, I didn’t have to wear high heels. I never liked wearing those torture devices for long hours at meetings, lunch-ins and social events. I walked out of my room happily barefoot. 

I knocked on Alex’s doors. Yes, I was hoping that he was naked like I last came in here, but also knew that he would not be. I wish I could get that sight out of my mind but I don’t think I ever will. I liked it too much and would not mind seeing it again, but that will never happen. 

Just as I walked into the room, I had to douse a smile. My opinion of Alex being a well-bred soldier for the army was completely accurate. Although the room had not changed from the previous night, the occupant had made it his own. A black suit was folded on his bed and fixed ready for him to put it on. And it was pristinely set on a more than tightly made bed of sheets. His army training came with the disciplined lifestyle and meticulous habits. Something imbedded in him and impossible to shake. 

Upon my entrance, Alex looked back at me. To my surprise, his gaze fell directly to my bare feet and he could not hide his surprised reaction as his brows shot upward. 

I do believe that he thinks I am a spoiled girl like I thought he did. He was surprised beyond measure that kind of a woman was now comfortably barefoot in a manor house. He doesn’t know me at all. I can’t stand those types of women who try endlessly in the city to be my friend only to increase gossip or create false rumors. They were more likely to stab me in the back than genuinely order me a cup of coffee. I have never had many friends because of my distrusting nature of the pit of snakes that were the wealthy snobs of New York. I know that I am forced to move in the same dangerous pit because of my birth, and I have learnt mainly from my uncle and before him my brother how to survive there. Unfortunate skill, really. 

Alex pulled out his silver metal briefcase and put it on his bed. I walked forward looking next to him with curiosity. He opened it to an array of different guns as well as a dismantled sniper rifle, a switchblade, and a hunting knife. Each piece was clean to a precision and not only looked deadly, I think they have been used to their full potential as well by taking lives. 

“I hope you are not going to need any of that while you are here.” I whispered finding the lethal assortment terrifying. 

“I hope not too. But over prepared is better than under. Here.” He said picking up a small black piece from his impressive collection. 

“This is a gun that I usually give to my female clients because it is light and easy to hold.”

I feel cold at the way that he just described me as ‘another one of his female clients’. I don’t know why I should feel that way. He is just being professional. I suppose I do not like be referred to as a client. I am still a person. 

Alex c****d back the hammer which made me jump and then put a magazine in it. He flicked on what I could only surmise was the safety and handed it to me. I lifted it up but he brushed his hand against mine roughly forcing my own down to my side which made me gasp with my mouth falling open at the violent touch. 

“Never point it at anything, or anyone but a target. Rule one. Understood?” His voice was firm, dark and menacing. 

“Yeah, sorry.” I said realizing that this was a safety lesson and I was out of my league, to which Alex gently released my hand. 

Though rough, I liked the feel of his hands on me. I hoped he did not notice my body’s reaction to his move. He might be attractive, but he is still just my bodyguard and a professional that would never take things further with the body he is meant to be protecting. His strict military background and discipline would surely never allow a romantic involvement. How disappointing for me.  

“Outside.” He offered showing me the door again and taking hold of his own gun, twice the size of the one he just gave to me and looking a lot more expensive in its silver and black metallic design. “Let’s not put bullet holes in your beautiful manor.” He added with a smile, which had me trying not to laugh. “Is there somewhere we can shoot where there will not be anyone such a gardener or maid potentially in the way?”

“How about by the pool towards the back woods? There would be no one walking out on my private property.” I asked referring to my favorite place in the entire manor; the outdoor infinity pool and courtyard. 

“Sounds perfect. Please lead the way.” He said congenially. 

We made our way towards the courtyard. A table with an ivory-colored umbrella offered shade under an old oak tree. The infinity pool was running a trickle of water over the stone edge that lead to the nearly endless appearing manicured lawn beyond. A gorgeous array of potted citrus trees lined the open manor doors to the outside air. And the scent of wild jasmine climbing off the walls was a perfect aroma to add to the scene. 

Far off in the distance was my grandfather’s old barn. What was once an epitome of this view with great stallions and mares grazing around it, had become a near ruin devoid of the rummaging horses that he cared so much for.

All the rooms in the manor were spectacular in their own right. But this courtyard and pool space had a unique peace to it. It was simply my favorite place to be in the world. 

Alex looked around the area and noticed a bowel of fruit on the courtyard table. Several green apples, that I could tell were crisp and delicious just by looking at them, were placed in a wooden bowel. He smiled at the perfect setting. I wonder if he is thinking it is as peaceful as I have always found it. 

I know that Alex was a teacher right now and I was a student, but this kind of felt like a fun date. I was excited to learn how to shoot, and especially from him.