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Chapter Text

“You come highly recommended. But I need to see it for myself. Prove that you can protect my most precious daughter.”

The bodyguard smiled. Then she moved. Hands on desk. Legs over desk. Before her client could blink again, the bodyguard had her arm around the man’s neck, and another arm locking his behind his back.

“Move and I’ll break your neck,” she breathed into his ear as she pulled out her sleek blade from sheath on her thigh. Without hesitation, she threw it at the cushion on the couch in front of her client and it cut right through the middle. “With my bake hands,” she finished.

“I’m not moving. I’m not moving. Please don’t kill me,” her client begged.

“If I kill you, who’s going to pay my salary?” Stepping away from her client, the bodyguard returned to her seat and waited for him to regain his calm.

When his breathing regained regularity, he looked at the petite, youthful woman in different light. Here sat the best bodyguard for his youngest daughter. One that most would make them pay a steep price for doing so. But this bodyguard needed to be told one more thing before he sealed the deal.

“The daughter you are going to protect is my youngest. She lost her mother at a young age and because of that, I have tried to give her all that I can. Now that she is grown up, she can be a little demanding. You must have the patience to handle her moods and temperament. Failure to do so will result in your contract’s termination.”

“Mr. Saltzman, with all due respect, a spoiled princess’ behavior is well within my tolerance. But to do my job properly, I must be given permission to give your daughter the necessary advice and training to ensure her safety.”

Her client’s eyes twinkled when she mentioned ‘necessary advice’ and ‘training’. “I see. Well, if it has to do with her safety, by all means, do what you must. I give you permission to do the necessary”

“Thank you, Mr. Saltzman.”

“Do you have any other requests or questions?”

“No, Mr. Saltzman.”

Her client pressed on a button and instructed his secretary to send in the contract prepared by his lawyer. She entered the office with a folder in hand and placed a copy in front of both Mr. Saltzman and the body guard. Pen in hand, they signed on the dotted line and exchanged contracts. As soon as the second signature was down, Mr. Saltzman stood with eyes that twinkled like stars with secrets to tell.

“You’re officially hired, Ms. Mikaelson, Do your job well. My daughter’s safety is in your hands.”

“You daughter is in good hands, Mr. Saltzman.” The bodyguard smiled as she got up to leave. “There are no better hands than mine.”

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The bodyguard her father hired didn’t look impressive at all. She was very slim, shorter than her, and looked like she just got out of high school. Of all the bodyguards her father had hired over the years, this girl must be the worst. Maybe her father was getting old and losing his eye for quality. Maybe the supply of female bodyguards was running low and this girl was the only one left that nobody wanted to hire. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

“Josette–”

“Daddy, I’ve told you a million times–don’t call me Josette.”

“Alright, alright. Josie it is.”

“Yes, Josie it is. Now,” said Josie, casting a glance at the bodyguard and looking away as though she was something unpleasant to look at, “is she going to be my new bodyguard?” Wrinkling her nose, Josie continued, “She’s a little short for a bodyguard. Are you sure she’ll be able to protect me?”

“She’s the best, dear. Highly recommended by a discreet source.”

“Well, if the ‘source’ is really discreet, you wouldn’t get to hear about it, would you?” Josie sighed. This was such a waste of her time. She could think of at least ten better things to do than to be introduced to her new bodyguard.

Her father merely laughed at her jab. He always laughed it off. Josie was sick of her father’s patronizing way of handling her biting comments and even sicker of her father pandering to her whims and fancies. She was no longer a little child. When was her father going to talk to her like he did with her older brother and sister?

“Dear Josie, I’ll leave you to get acquainted with your new bodyguard. Ms. Mikaelson has been briefed and she knows what she has to do. Get to know her well. She’ll be you companion for a long time.”

“Oh, we never know. Life is full of surprises and Ms. Mikaelson might decide to quit even before the week is up.”

Strangely, instead of laughing again, her father smiled. His eyes twinkled merrily as though they had something to say. But all he said was goodbye before leaving the hall for his study room. Weird. But whatever. She had a bodyguard to deal with. And she knew exactly how to put her bodyguard in place.

Turning to the bodyguard who looked more like a girl who needs protection herself, she gave her firt order in her haughtiest tone, “Come with me.”

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Once they were inside her bedroom, Josie closed the door and began her real introductory speech. “Ms. Mikaelson, I know my father paid you a handsome fee to protect me, bet let me tell you right now, that you are to stay out of my way. You will not be seen by my friends or anyone I am with. If you are to interfere with my life, whether it’s social or work, you will be fired immediately.” Josie finished her speech with the same glare that had sent all her previous bodyguards into a state of uncertainty and she looked eagerly to see the same look in the new bodyguard’s eyes. But there was no uncertainty to be seen.

“Ms. Saltzman, firstly, I am here to protect yo–”

“Do you understand what I just said? Or do I need to repeat myself?”

“Let me say my piece, Ms. Saltzman,” said the bodyguard with a stare, strong as steel. Taken aback, Josie remained silent and the bodyguard continued, “Point number one, I’m here to protect you, not to be your friend. Point number two, I don’t need to stay close to you all the time so your friends probably won’t see me anyway. But if I feel, at any point in time, that your safety is in danger, then I will appear and take the necessary precautions, friend or no friend, work or no work, I’ll take no chances. Do you understand?”

Josie sucked in a breath of hot, angry air. How dare this bodyguard speak to her like this!? “Ms. Mikaelson–”

“Don’t call me Ms. Mikaelson. It makes it terrible obvious that I’m your bodyguard and that’s bad for your security. We’re both twenty-seven. Call me Hope.”

“Why should I listen to you? You’re just my bodyguard. You’re not my father or my boss.”

“Ms. Saltzman, I’m going to call you Josie. In the event that I must make my presence known, calling each other by our first names will establish that we know each other casually. This will lower the guard of whoever it is you’re with.”

“Ms. Mikaelson–”

“I said, call me Hope.”

“I refuse.”

“Well, in that case, there’s only one thing left to do.” Josie smirked. This might be the fastest resignation yet. “Are you going to quit?”

“Quit?” Hope chuckled. “Josie, you don’t know me well yet, so let me tell you one thing about myself. I don’t ever quit. Unless my job is done and my contract is fulfilled.”

“What are you going to do if you’re not going to quit?” Josie followed Hope with her eyes all the way to the safe in her built-in shelving unit. “What are you going there fo–shit, no!” But it was too late. The fucking bodyguard had already opened the safe and taken hold pf her passport. “Put my passport back in the safe!”

The bodyguard fended off her hands deftly, stopping her from snatching her passport back. “If you’re going to cooperate with me, you will not be allowed to go to Japan with your friends this Saturday.”

“Fucking hell, who are you to treat me like this? I’ll have my father fire you right now!”

With the passport still in her hands, the bodyguard gave her a push and moved to the door swiftly. “Be my guest,” she said and opened the door.

Fuming mad by now, Josie marched to the door and glared at the audacious bodyguard. “You’ll regret this.”

Still holding the passport away from her, the bodyguard smiled.

“We’ll see, Josie. We’ll see.”

Chapter Text

“Daddy, this new bodyguard has no idea what she’s doing.”

“What’s the problem, my dear?”

“Ms. Mikaelson took my passport from the safe and she refuses to return it to me.”

Mr. Saltzman turned to Hope and asked, “Would you care to explain?”

Without the slightest hesitation, Hope replied, “If you trust me in my professional capacity as your daughter’s bodyguard, there will be no explanation required on my part. Everything I do, whether your daughter is happy about it or not, is for her safety. However, to make things easier on the first day of our contract, I will explain. The issue lies in Josie refusing to call me by my name. I have explained that using our names instead of the formal address will make it less obvious that I am her bodyguard. However, Josie is unwilling to cooperate and since this compromises her safety, I cannot allow her to go to Japan, where the risks are higher in a foreign country.”

“I see,” Mr. Saltzman looked from one woman to the other, his brows furrowed in thought.

But Josie was having none of this. “Daddy, there’s nothing else to say. This bodyguard is employed by you but here she is, telling us what to do.”

“But she makes a valid point.”

Josie’s jaw dropped. “What?”

“My dear girl, I instructed Ms. Mikaelson to protect you. She’s only doing her job. If you don’t cooperate with her, it is you own safety you are putting at risk.”

“Daddy, I don’t need a high school girl following me around to protect me. She looks so weak and pale and–”

“Don’t judge people simply by their appearances, my dear. Appearances may tell you some things about a person, but Ms. Mikaelson is like an iceberg. What you see of her now is only the tip. Get to know her better and you will find that you can trust her to keep you safe.”

“I can’t believe this, Daddy. You’re sliding with her instead of me?”

“I am not siding with Ms. Mikaelson. As your father, I have no reason to side with someone that is making my daughter unhappy.” With a heavy sigh, Mr. Saltzman rose from his chair and walked around his work desk to Josie. “My dear girl,” he said, putting his hand on her head, “I have always doted on you. I have always given you what you ask for because I love you. But just for this once, I ask you, as your father, to trust me and the body guard I trust.”

“Daddy…” Josie looked as though she has seen a ghost or a fairy from a fairy tale. “I…”

“I know you’re a good girl. You’ll listen to me this once, won’t you?”

“But the bodyguard is–”

“She’s here to keep you safe. She’s not here to antagonize you on purpose. Please understand that.”

Josie bit her lip, an act that Hope noticed. From her point of view, it was obvious that the spoilt princess was struggling with herself about this. So, although it did not please her to apologize, she stepped forward, looked Josie in the eye and said, “Perhaps I had come on too strong at the beginning. As Mr. Saltzman said, I am only here to make sure nothing harmful happens to you. I apologize if I was too forceful in getting the message across. But please understand that I cannot, and will not, compromise when it comes to your safety. If I do, I will not be doing my job well.”

Josie’s hard gaze had begun to soften when she apologized but hardened again when she added the last bit. This spoilt princess was certainly going to be difficult. But it was nothing she couldn’t handle.

“Fine, I’ll call you Hope if it’s absolutely necessary. Now, give me my passport,” Josie demanded as she stuck her palm out.

“Thank you for your cooperation, Josie.” Hope took the woman’s passport from her back pocket and placed it on the outstretched hand.

Josie’s fingers closed over the passport and she held it to her chest as though it was her most prized possession. “I’m going back to my room. Don’t follow me.”

Hope stood still as the spoilt princess swept past her and left the study room. Then, she turned to Mr. Saltzman and smiled. “I will need the card by Friday, Mr. Saltzman,” she said.

He nodded, suddenly looking ten years older. “Thank you, Ms. Mikaelson.”

She nodded in return. “I’ll take my leave now, Mr. Saltzman.” She walked to the door and was about to close it when she paused and turned around. “The room you prepared for me,” she said, “it is very nice.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

With another nod, Hope closed the door behind her and looked down the corridor. Josie would have marched up the stairs to her room by now and she was probably hiding her passport in another place. Hope smiled to herself. She had gotten through the introductions and made her stand clear. As expected, there was no difficult client she couldn’t handle. This rich girl would be no exception.

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Josie placed her precious passport in her safe and was about to close it when her hand froze in mid-air. No, putting it back in the safe would only mean the stupid bodyguard could steal it when she wasn’t looking. Fuck. The bodyguard could even take it right before her very eyes. The smart thing to do would be to hide it somewhere else. That way, the bodyguard wouldn’t be able to find it. But where could she hide it?

Some twenty minutes later, Josie finally found the perfect hiding place. As the saying goes, the most dangerous or obvious place is the best place, so she put I on her dressing table, stuffed between wads of cotton pads. The bodyguard would never think of looking for it there. Feeling satisfied with herself, she walked to the window and opened it to enjoy the cooling breeze of the night.

Just thinking about the trip to Japan made her heart happy. It was going to be so much fun, shopping and feasting with Penelope, Lizzie, and Alyssa. They had already booked themselves two luxurious suites and she was looking forward to enjoying the night view of the city skyline from her room. They could drink and play games as they wished and enjoy the infinity pool at the top and–her happy thoughts vaporized at appearance of the new bodyguard on the grounds below. The irritating bodyguard was walking about the garden, looking into bushes and snooping around. Damn it. Did it mean the bodyguard would follow her to Japan too? How was she supposed to enjoy herself with a stubborn bodyguard breathing down her neck?

Fuck that. She was not going to allow a stupid bodyguard to ruin her trip. The words that her father used to say to her ran through her mind, ‘If there’s a will, there’ll be a way’. Yes, her father was right. She would find a way.

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The next morning, Josie walked out to her car after breakfast with a smile on her face. The bodyguard had not appeared all morning so she was in a good mood. However, much to her annoyance, she found the bodyguard standing by her car instead of her usual chauffeur.

“What are you doing here? Where’s Uncle Parker?”

“I will drive you to your destinations from now on.”

“What about Uncle Parker?”

“Mr. Saltzman has arranged for him to be his chauffeur.”

“Why was I not consulted on this? Uncle Parker is my chauffeur. I should have been informed.”

“You would have been informed if not for the disagreement last night. I was considering going to your room to inform you of the changes but seeing how upset you were, I decided to give you a breather.”

Displeasure rises in Josie’s blood. “Oh, so you’re blaming me for you mistake?”

The bodyguard’s eyes held her glare, calm, cool and collected. “There is no blame. Neither is the re a mistake. There was a cause and this is the effect.” She opened the door for Josie. “I will drive you to work today. Safely.”

The desire to refuse and call a cab was strong but the knowledge that she had limited time to get to the studio burned stronger. The bodyguard was not worth being late for. So into the car she got.

Getting into the car didn’t mean she had to talk or look at the bodyguard so Josie didn’t bother to make small talk like she usually did with Uncle Parker. Instead, she read and replied her emails as the car cruised through the traffic. If there were to be one consolation, it would be the smoothness of the drive itself. The bodyguard drove well, no doubt.

Upon reaching her destination, Josie put on her sunglasses and stepped out of the car. She did not thank the bodyguard for opening the door for her. Instead, she walked straight to her assistant who was waiting for her at the foyer and entered the building without saying goodbye.

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The bodyguard was waiting at the same place where Uncle Parker would pick her up from. Not the sight Josie was looking forward to see after long hours at the studio. And she was considering calling a cab when an idea popped into her head. The thought of it made her laugh to herself. Sure, if the bodyguard wanted to protect her, she would make full use of her. Full. Use.

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Getting into the car without any fuss, Josie sat back and didn’t say a word as Hope drove her home. She could see Josie in the rear view mirror but each time she looked, the woman was either staring out the window or looking at her phone. But when they were halfway through the journey home, she told Hope to drive her to the nearest convenience store so Hope made a detour and stopped outside one.

“I’m feeling very tired. Would you please help me to get something from the store?” Josie asked in a sweet voice.

Hope knew that Josie was up to something but she smiled politely all the same. “I can help you to get it but I’m locking the car so nobody can get in. That also means you won’t be able to get out or drive off.”

Those twinkling eyes transformed into murderous ones for a second before Josie smiled again. “Okay, I need two packets of Kotex panty liners. Regular and scented. I want the ones with green tea scent. Two packets of Barely There for thongs. Two packets of Kotex Luxe. Ultra-thin with wings. 24cm. Another two packets of the same type that are 28cm. And two more packets of the 32cm. Also the Kotex Overnight. Two packets of the 35cm and two packets of 41cm. And two packets of the Kotex tampons. Super compact. Come back and report it to me if the store doesn’t have what I want.”

Hope could see the challenge in Josie’s eyes. This was an immature attempt to provoke her and stood no chance of succeeding. Clearly, Josie did not understand her work ethics. This was a job. And if she had to buy panty liners, sanitary pads and tampons, she would buy panty liners, sanitary pads and tampons.

“Please wait here, Josie. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She replied pleasantly and got out of the car, leaving in it a spoilt princess with a nonplussed look in her eyes.

Chapter Text

As much as she didn’t enjoy the eyes of curious shoppers on her, Hope gritted her teeth and persevered. The shopping baskets were filled with sanitary pads by now and she had just two more packets of tampons to go. Super compact. Got them. Sixteen packets of various sizes. Checking them out was another embarrassing experience as surrounding shoppers stared openly at the overflowing baskets of liners, pads and tampons. How did she end up with a client like this? As demanding as her previous clients were, none of them were quite as immature. But Mr. Saltzman paid handsomely, almost twice as much as the other client and the money would come in handy.

After the payment process was completed, Hope returned to the car and handed Josie four shopping bags. “Green tea scented and Barely There liners. Ultra-thin 24cm, 28cm, 32cm. Overnight 35cm and 41cm. Super compact tampons. Two packets of each type. That’s a total of sixteen packets. You are sufficiently covered for the next two years or so.”

Closing the door on the stunned face of Josie, Hope found her lips curling as she got into the driver’s seat. It might have been a little embarrassing but it was amusing too. This job was starting to be an interesting experience.

The rich girl kept her eyes on her phone the entire journey home and she got out of the car by herself without waiting for Hope to open the door for her. However, before she could enter the house, Hope stopped her.

“Josie, your shopping will be brought to your room after the car is parked.”

Josie nodded without replying and continued straight into the house. Hope stood till the door closed behind Josie, the she went ahead and parked the car. All things considered, this was a relatively uneventful day at work.

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Part of her job as a bodyguard was to scout the area surrounding her client’s home and studio. It was what she expected of herself. Over the next three days, Hope came to know every little path and corner around Josie’s house and the roads the led to it. She also came to know the café at the junction that Josie liked to visit for a cup of Americano. A Piacere. The café belonged to Josie’s friend who came from a family that owned a chain of cafes in Virginia and around the country. That friend was Penelope. Penelope Park. One of the friends Josie was going on the trip with.

To prepare for the trip to Japan, Hope studied the information she had on Josie’s friends. There was Penelope, 27, a barista and owner of A Piacere. It was an independent venture, started up and managed by the woman herself. Then there was Lizzie, 26, an investment banker and a very close friend of Penelope’s. The third friend was Alyssa, 25, a rising star in the world of musicals. All three hailed from families that afforded them the luxury to be free of financial worries. Quite like Josie.

The flight to Japan was first class on Japan Airlines. Hope was seated in first class as well, two rows behind Josie. While this was not her virgin flight in first class, Hope had never had the luxury of truly enjoying and relaxing during the flight. Throughout the fourteen-hour flight, Hope did not close her eyes to sleep. Her eyes were constantly roving around, watching the stewards and stewardesses walking up and down the aisle delivering hot towels and serving their meals. But this was her job and she had no complaints.

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Hope walked behind Josie and the three friends with her luggage on wheels. As a group of four, she had to admit that they were attractive. Indeed, eyes turned to them wherever they went, and the path they walked could have been the red carpet at a star-studded event.

Penelope, Lizzie and Alyssa were tall and slim and formed an eye-catching wall that moved like models on a catwalk. Josie, being the shortest of them all, required Hope to work diligently to maintain a line of vision whenever the tall trio got in the way. She followed them to the pick-up point where a car was waiting. Job done. Now it was her turn to get her car.

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Josie was keenly aware of the bodyguard’s presence throughout the flight and the walk to their car. But she didn’t let it affect her mood as she chatted and laughed with her friends. It wasn’t worth it. Not when their suites were everything luxurious with the king-sized bed, fluffy pillows, spacious living room and bathrobes as soft as cotton candy.

She laid down on the bed and released a great, big sigh of contentment. The bed sank under her weight and she rolled onto her side to see what her roommate was doing. Alyssa was taking out a cosmetic bag and some clothes.

“What are we going to do tomorrow?” asked Alyssa.

“Tomorrow? Shopping. I guess. But first, drinks out tonight.”

“Drinks?” Alyssa glanced at her watch. “But it’s already nine.”

“Alyssa, nine is three hours to midnight.”

“I was thinking of soaking in the jacuzzi and reading a book before sleeping.”

“You’re not going to hide in the room, Alyssa. You’re coming with us.”

“Alright, but I want to come back by midnight.”

“We’ll see.”

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Walking down the street with her friends, decked out in her party clothes, Josie had a sense of freedom and joy that she couldn’t find when she was at home. The kind of happiness that came with the absence of watchful eyes. But seeing the driver opening the car doors reminded her of the bodyguard who was here watching over her. She wasn’t completely free after all.

“Hey, you’re a little quiet tonight. Anything wrong?” Penelope asked.

Josie pulls out a smile. “Nope. Nothing serious.”

Penelope threw an arm over her and grinned. “Whatever it is, leave it behind and just chill tonight.”

“That’s what I plan to do.”

They arrived at the club and were welcomed by the PR manager who was Josie’s friend. That, coupled with their sizable tab, ensured they were well treated and given a private seating area reserved for VIPs. Josie and her friends enjoyed a few drinks and played some silly drinking games before deciding to head out to the dance floor.

It was past midnight by now and the crowd was pumped up by the DJ’s great mix. Josie found a pocket of space and pulled her friends, including a slightly reluctant Alyssa, along with her. Forming a little circle, they let their bodies move to the music and let loose.

Amidst the flashing strobe lights and dancing crowd, Josie caught sight of a familiar face that she least expected to see. Not quite believing her eyes, Josie looked again and there she was, long hair tousled, dancing with another girl, their bodies close. It was the bodyguard. The fucking bodyguard.

Next thing she knew, Josie was marching across the dance floor, squeezing her way through the crowd to the dancing bodyguard. Coming to a stop right in front of them, Josie yelled over the music, “What are you doing here!?”

“Dancing!”

“What the fuck!?”

“What did you say?”

“Get out! We need to talk!”

“Alright! Hold on!”

Josie stood glaring as the bodyguard turned to her friend and leaned close to say something to her.

“Let’s go!” the bodyguard turned back to her and shouted while taking her hand.

Josie tried to wrench her hand out of the bodyguard’s grip but it was surprisingly firm and she ended up following the bodyguard’s lead all the way out of the club. The bodyguard released her hand only when they got outside and Josie folded her arms to prevent it from happening again.

“What were you doing? Answer me properly. I’m not in the mood for games tonight.”

Hope kept a straight face, maintaining her cool air of professionalism despite looking every bit the typical clubber in her form-hugging black shimmery tank and shorts. “I was doing my job.”

Josie scoffed. “I’m not a child you can lie to. That didn’t look anything like work to me.”

“Dancing on the dance floor is far less conspicuous thank standing like a block of wood in the middle of a crowd that’s dancing.”

“And who’s the girl you were dancing with? Don’t tell me she’s part of work too.”

“She’s a friend. She saw me and it wouldn’t be polite of me to ask her to leave me alone.”

“You have the perfect explanation for everything but I know you’re a fraud. I’ll tell Dad about this tomorrow and you’ll be fired.”

“Why are you so determined to get me fired?”

“Why? You want to know why? You’re ordering me around like you’re my boss from the moment we meet and now I caught you slacking on the job. You’re not–umpfff!”

“Be careful!”

Josie blinked as the bodyguard threw her body over hers and pressed her against the wall. She saw the wince on the bodyguard’s face and wondered what it was. Then she saw it. On the ground behind the bodyguard was a drunken man who had fallen down and was now rolling and groaning like it was the end of the world.

Her bodyguard had just protected her from him.

Chapter Text

Josie opened her mouth to thank the bodyguard but just at that moment, her friends came looking for her.

“Josie!”

The bodyguard had stepped back, putting respectable distance between them and Josie turned to Penelope who was first to get to her. “Hey.”

Penelope gave the bodyguard a polite smile before turning back to Josie with questions in her eyes. “We were wondering where you went and Alyssa got worried so we came out to look for you.”

“Sorry, I came out to talk to her,” Josie replied, jerking her head at the bodyguard.

“She your friend?”

“Yeah, I’m her friend,” Hope answers quickly, moving forward to wave a hello to Josie’s friends.

At this point, Hope’s friend had come out looking for Hope too. And they were introduced. So, it became a group of six, Josie, Penelope, Lizzie and Alyssa, with the addition of Hope and Wendy. Hope explained that she was from Mystic Falls, Virginia too when they asked about her and so was Wendy, who happened to be on a job assignment there in Japan. Meanwhile, Josie remained silent, privately unhappy about how things had turned out. If her friends noticed anything, they didn’t mention it. Instead, they chatted and laughed merrily with Hope and Wendy for the next hour till Hope and Wendy bade them goodbye.

Back in their hotel room, Alyssa washed up and fell asleep as soon as she crawled under the sheets but Josie stayed awake. It was a dilemma for her; a stalemate. Letting her friends know that Hope was really the bodyguard hired by her father was not something she wished to do, but neither did she want her friends to worry about if Hope hadn’t accepted Lizzie’s invitation to go out shopping with them the next afternoon. But it was a problem now and she had to decide what to do about it.

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Josie woke up feeling a little less enthusiastic about the day ahead. She had decided to come clean with her friends. It was time to stop the lies. But the trouble with her decision was putting it into action. Admitting the truth was never easy.

Come to Room 381. ASAP

The pop up on her phone displayed the message from the bodyguard. There it was again, the cold instruction, ordering her about when she was the employer. Nevertheless, she wanted to tell the bodyguard about her decision, so she got out of bed and got ready to go out.

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The bodyguard opened the door and welcomed her. She entered, looking around the smaller room. There was no one else in it.

“There’s no one else here. I came back alone,” the bodyguard said in a tone with a mocking edge.

It riled Josie. “It’s none of my business who you spend the night with but you’re in my father’s employment and you’re on duty.”

The bodyguard cocked her head to the left. “You seem angry with me but I haven’t done anything that warrants it.”

Ludicrous. This bodyguard was ludicrous. “There’s no reason for me to like you, much less welcome you.”

“I agree. But you’ve been trying to get rid of me from the beginning. Maybe you don’t like having a bodyguard around you, but don’t you think you’re taking it out on the wrong person?”

Josie bristled. “I did not get out of bed and come all the way down here to get scolded by an arrogant bodyguard.”

A hand grabbed her wrist and prevented her from leaving the room. “We need to talk about what we tell your friends about us.”

Shaking her hand hard didn’t work. “Get your hand off,” Josie minced out each word with a hostile glare.

The bodyguard released her wrist but moved swiftly around her to the door, obstructing the only way out. “We need to talk about it now that your friends have met me. Wendy doesn’t know about my job either so we really have to get our story right.”

“I’ve decided to tell my friends the truth. I don’t want to lie to them.”

“It’s not to your advantage.”

Irritation boils in her blood. “My life isn’t in danger, okay. I don’t need a bodyguard. I don’t know why my father insists on hiring one but there’s nothing I can do about it; he won’t listen to me. So just stay out of the way. I don’t want to see you at all.”

“Then you shouldn’t have come to me last night. Your friends would never have met me if not for that.”

“You’re saying it’s my fault?”

“Yes.” The bodyguard’s returning stare was stoic, almost unfeeling, and it got under Josie’s nerves.

“Fuck. I don’t know what possessed my father to hire you. You’re the worst bodyguard I’ve ever had.”

“Your father hired me because I’m the best and you know that.”

“Arrogant and proud, that’s what you are.”

“Josie, I need to do my round of patrol so we have to wrap this up quickly. If the question pops up, you got to know me through your father. Tell them I used to work in your father’s company and you met me when I supplied you with some clothes for an event. As for Wendy and I, we were classmates in middle school. This is not a lie, we really were classmates. I would apologize for Wendy but it really isn’t her fault or mine. If she knew that I was on duty last night, she would never have danced with me. But she doesn’t even know I’m a bodyguard. She thinks I’m working for an event organizer.”

Josie sneered. “Why are you so secretive about your job? Are you ashamed of it?”

“I’m ashamed of nothing. Being secretive helps me do my job better. If nobody knows what I do, they’ll be less careful around me. This means I can assess their threat level more accurately.”

“My friends are not threats.”

“I know. But people around you and your friends might be.”

“You’re being paranoid like my father.”

The bodyguard took a deep breath. “You father cares for you. I care for my professionalism.”

“Why can’t you just give today’s shopping a miss?”

With a shake of her head, the bodyguard replies, “I will be following you around and it’s a matter of time before one of your friends spots me. Better to face the problem head on.”

All the fight in Josie had evaporated by now. But she didn’t want to accept that she had lost the quarrel. Neither did she want to admit that the bodyguard was right. “Whatever,” she said at last. “I’ll let you do the talking.”

“Thank you, Josie.”

“Let me out.”

The bodyguard opened the door and smiled. “I’ll see you later.”

Josie didn’t like the sound of that but there was nothing else she could say. Damn it. She hated that the bodyguard was right. She really hated it.

----------

Shopping was a lot less enjoying with the bodyguard and her friend but Josie managed to buy a few things regardless. A hoodie, a comfy cotton long-sleeved top she could wear on colder days and a pair of workout pants. She noticed that the bodyguard had not bought a single thing so far, merely browsing the racks in each store they visited. It was probably because of the prices. Bodyguards didn’t make millions. But when they stepped into a candle shop, the bodyguard seemed to be more interested. She sniffed at the candles and read their descriptions and Josie was surprised when the bodyguard asked her friend to pick one. As she watched them, a dash of the devil popped into her mind and she found herself walking to the bodyguard, initiating a conversation for the first time since they started shopping.

“Is it your treat?” she asked brazenly.

The bodyguard looked at her and smiled. “Yes.”

Putting the sweetest smile on her face, Josie asked, “Do I get one too?”

Two blinks and a slight hesitation later, the bodyguard widened her smile. “Sure. Take your pick.”

Gifts always made Josie happy and she grinned as she browsed the shelf of scented candles. It was only right that the bodyguard bought her a present for tolerating her pretend friendship all day long. She deserved it. She totally did.

----------

“You know something?”

“What?”

“You friend is a bit of a bitch,” Wendy whispered as they walked behind the group of four.

Hope grinned at Wendy. “Just a little.”

“Why are you friends with her?”

“She isn’t as bad as she seems.”

“She’s a rich little spoilt brat.”

“Hey, that’s my friend you’re talking about.”

Wendy sticks her tongue out. “I just don’t like how she literally demanded you buy her a present when she–“

“Wendy.”

Arms looped around her arm and squeezed. “Sorry.”

Grinning again, Hope ruffled Wendy’s hair, provoking a high-pitched squeal from her friend. “It’s okay, kiddo.”

----------

The group of four had come to a standstill in front of a ride that had a weird capsule-like cage hanging on thick rope. Some people had paid for a ride and the group of four watched as the cage was shot into the sky like a catapult and fell back down, dangling by an elastic rope that held its sides. It went up and down several times before the ride ended and it seemed fun. Hope and Wendy caught up with them by then and learnt that the group was interested in trying the ride out. Only three could go at a time so they agreed that Josie would join Hope and Wendy as a trio for the ride. Hope could see the reluctance in Josie’s eyes but the rich girl couldn’t voice her objection without raising all sorts of questions.

“We’ll go first,” said Hope, preferring to get it over and done with, and the rest agreed so they stepped up, paid for the ride, and got themselves strapped in.

“Oh my God,” Josie shrieked when they were shot into the sky and Hope felt her hand grabbing hers. She screamed too. Not because it was scary but because it was more fun that way and by the time the ride was over, the three of them were a laughing and giggling mess. Josie had seemed to forget to dislike her and Hope was amused. But amidst the laughs and giddiness from exhilaration, Hope’s senses pricked up and went on full alert.

There was a car along the road a decent distance away from them. There was a driver behind the wheel and it looked just like any other car. It could have been just another car. But Hope remembered seeing it yesterday night as well. The same color and make. Of course, she could be wrong, but after years of doing the work she did, she had learnt to trust her instincts. So, she noted the license plate this time. She would know if she saw it again and that would mean they were being watched.

But by who?

Chapter Text

The girls headed out for another night of drinks and dancing and this time, Hope joined them without Wendy. Work was her excuse, Hope explained. They opened another bottle of vodka and started the night off with a new drinking game that Hope taught them. Then, it was dance floor time. In a circle of five this time, they danced and moved with the alcohol introducing a little more inhibition to their system.

Through their time on the dance floor, several men tried to dance with them but the circle remained closed to them. Until Josie felt a hand on her butt. She gasped and turned around but somebody else had already acted on it. The bodyguard. She watched as the bodyguard grabbed the wrist of the offending hand and saw the grimace on the man’s face.

“Are you looking for a free room at the police station tonight?”

Not wishing to invite trouble, the man shook his head, muttered an apology, and made a hasty escape.

“Oh my God, you’re so tough,” Penelope commented when Hope turned back to them, “and cool.”

“Thank you.” Josie didn’t know what else to say but her friends had plenty of praise for the bodyguard and it irritated her on a level she couldn’t explain.

A short while later, the bodyguard excused herself to get some water and Josie watched as the petite woman disappeared into the crowd, wondering how such a small person could be so strong.

“Hey,” said Penelope, nudging her, “Your friend is cool. She’s a good catch.”

“What?”

Inching closer to Josie’s ear, Penelope yelled to make herself heard. “Your friend! She’s a good catch!”

“She?” Josie found the thought ludicrous. “She’s just a bo–”

“Just a what?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you interested in her?”

“Of course not!”

“Why not?”

“If you want her, you can have her!”

Penelope grinned. “I already have Lizzie!”

“So you shouldn’t be eyeing other girls!”

“I’m just looking out for you!”

“Thanks! But no thanks!”

“But–”

“What makes you think she likes women?” Josie cut off Penelope and went back to their table to get away from the overzealous matchmaker that was her friend. But much to her disgust, standing near their table was the bodyguard and yet another woman, looking cozy, chatting and laughing away.

Marching straight up to them, Josie remarked, “Another friend?”

“Josie,” the bodyguard looked to her with a smile, “we just met. Her name is Jade. She’s American too.”

“I’m sure that’s very nice for you. But I would prefer you take this elsewhere, out of my sight.”

The new friend tugged at the bodyguard’s arm. “Let’s go and dance, Hope.”

Josie sat on their couch and grabbed an empty glass to pour herself some vodka. She could still see the slim figure of the bodyguard’s new blonde friend, long legs striding on insane five-inch platform heels, and that irritated her even more. She wasn’t enjoying herself here tonight and it was the bodyguard’s fault. Deciding that she had enough, Josie got up to leave and sent a message to her friends to let them know she was heading back to the hotel.

But of course, by the time she stepped outside, it was clear to her that someone was hot on her heels. And it was none other than the bodyguard. She stepped up her pace but the bodyguard caught up with her anyway.

“Don’t you get tired of following people around?”

“It’s my job.”

“Why are you a bodyguard? You’re only twenty-seven. You could do any other job.”

“Why are you a stylist when you could have any job you want?”

“I like fashion.”

“Well, I like to protect people.”

Josie turns to the bodyguard, eyeing her in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

“Do we all have to like fashion like you?”

“I’m not saying that. But why would a girl–”

“Hold on.” The bodyguard was frowning. “Your chauffeur is not here.”

“I told him to go home. We were going to take a taxi back.”

“I can’t let you take a taxi by yourself. Come, I’ll drive.”

Before Josie could voice out her objection, the bodyguard had taken her hand and was walking briskly down the pavement. “Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. I’ll be fine taking a taxi,” she protested, tugging to test the bodyguard’s hold. Just like the previous times, the bodyguard’s grip proved to be much firmer than expected and Josie had no choice but to follow the bodyguard.

“Get in, Josie.”

“I really don’t see why you have to be so paranoid,” Josie said as she got into the bodyguard’s car grumpily. “We’re in Japan. My father won’t know if you take a night off. I won’t tell him.”

The bodyguard bent so that their faces drew an inch within each other. “Ms. Josie Saltzman, please don’t insult my professionalism.”

The door slammed shut in Josie’s face, angering her so she folded her arms and looked out the window, refusing to talk to the bodyguard anymore after that.

----------

Hope kept one eye on the road and another on the dull grey Nissan two cars behind her. She recognized the license plate number this time. It was the same car from yesterday. She was glad her client’s daughter was sulking quietly beside her. That was one less place she had to spend her attention on. The grey Nissan never came too near, merely following them from a safe distance and disappeared around the corner as they arrived at the hotel.

So that wasn’t the only car following them…

Staying calm so that she didn’t alarm Josie, Hope got out of her car and escorted Josie all the way back to her room.

“I advise you to stay in your room tonight,” she said to Josie, once they were in her luxurious suite.

“I’m hungry.”

“Order room service.” Hope walked to the desk in the living room area and picked up the menu. ‘What would you like to have? I’ll order it for you.”

It was obvious that Josie wasn’t please but she did not protest any further, a sign that her hunger was real. This was further proven to be true when the food was delivered. Hope opened the door and kept a watchful eye on the attendant as the food tray was rolled in and hovered around until it was just the two of them again. Then, she sat on the chair at the side and tried not to stare as Josie stuffed generous pieces of beef into her mouth.

Halfway through the steak burger, Josie looked up from her food and asked, “Are you hungry?”

Hope shook her head in reply.

“I heard your stomach growling.”

“It’s too late at night to eat.”

Josie took one look at her stomach and rolled her eyes. “Your abs won’t disappear just because of a few bites after midnight. Get a plate.”

“Is that an order?”

“Yes, it’s an order. But it’s not as if you follow my orders in the first place.”

Pulling her chair up to the tray of food, Hope took an empty plate and scooped a serving of the potato wedges for herself. “I will follow your orders if they don’t compromise your safety.”

“Really?”

Hope nodded, her cheeks filled with food. “Mhm.”

“So if I were to order you to hop around the room like a frog and say you love me, you would do it?”

“No.”

“I knew it. You only follow orders when they suit you.”

“If hoping around the room like a frog and saying I love you could save your life, I would do it. But since it achieves nothing other than your pathetic need to feel superior, I don’t see the need to do it.”

“But you would do it if that will save my life?”

“Yes, of course.”

Josie put down her fork and knife and leaned forward on her elbows. “To what extent would you go to save my life?”

Sensing that this was a serious question, and one that could potentially change the hostile nature of their relationship, Hope swallowed the potato in her mouth and faced Josie with solemn eyes. “Josie, I would willingly give up my life to protect yours. And that is a promise.”

Chapter Text

Josie didn’t quite believe the bodyguard. Dying for someone was beyond her imagination. Why would anyone give up their life for another? It might make more sense if they were family, like sisters, but she was just a client to the bodyguard. Would Hope really die to save her? Then again, it was easy for the bodyguard to make a promise like that when there was no danger in sight. She couldn’t test it anyway.

“It’s alright if you don’t believe me,” said the bodyguard, smiling as though she could read Josie’s thoughts. “You don’t have to. But if there’s danger, trust that I will be on your side.”

“Why would you give up your life for mine?”

“It’s my job to protect you.”

“Don’t you cherish your life?”

“Do firefighters and soldiers cherish their lives?”

Josie stared. ”Well, yes, of course they do.”

“Well, that doesn’t stop them from dying for a cause. Firefighters die while saving people from fires and disasters. Soldiers die fighting for their country.”

“And you would die to save my life.”

The bodyguard nodded. “It’s my responsibility.”

“Just because my father paid you money.”

The bodyguard’s eyes grew darker and her lips thinned. “You’re very good at insulting people, intentionally or not. I am going to leave, because I might end up punching some sense into you if I don’t. Good night. Ms. Saltzman.”

An inexplicable sense of shame clouded Josie’s heart as the door clicked shut. It seemed she had gone too far in cheapening the bodyguard’s honorable dedication to her job. She wanted to apologize but the bodyguard had left the room so quickly that she didn’t even have time to react. Damn the bodyguard and her swiftness. Where did she learn to move like that?

There was nothing she could do now. It was late and Alyssa might come back anytime and the bodyguard might end up punching her is she showed her face again. All the more reason to finish up her supper and get ready for bed. Her apology could wait. The bodyguard would still be here tomorrow. Or would she have quit? No. she wouldn’t be irresponsible like that.

Josie picked up another piece of beef with her fork but her appetite had left her just like the bodyguard and the food didn’t look appetizing anymore. With a sigh, she put her fork down. Forget it. Just go to sleep. Setting the food tray aside, Josie went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. She had just changed into her silk slip when the doorbell rang. It must be Alyssa. Didn’t she have a room access card of her own? She must have lost it. Or maybe she was too drunk to find it.

Chuckling to herself, Josie walked across the living room to the door and opened it. “Alyssa–” Her eyes widened in shock when she realized it wasn’t Alyssa. The stranger pressed a gag over her mouth as she opened it to scream and another stranger appeared from behind, deftly twisting her arms behind her. In the span of two seconds or so, Josie found herself trapped against the wall, gagged and wrists bound by some kind of cuffs. She heard the click of the door closing and panicked, fearing for her life.

That fear swelled in urgency when she was thrown over the edge of the bed and pressed into the soft mattress. She struggled, kicking out her legs and paid for it with searing pain all over her scalp as one of the men pulled her head up by a fistful of hair.

“Shut up.”

The whispered words of the man only terrified her even more and Josie’s eyes refused to open. She screamed, but her cry for help was muted by the gag.

”If you don’t stop screaming,” the gravelly voice growled, “I’m going to inject you with something you won’t like.”

Josie stopped screaming immediately.

“She’s pretty,” said another voice, deeper than the first.

Josie flinched as a big hand groped her thigh, panic rising anew.

“No time. Hold her still.”

A whimper escaped as a hand closed over the back of her neck. This was it. No one was here to save her. She was going to die.

----------

Infuriating, annoying, shallow spoilt brat of a rich man’s daughter. Numerous colorful curses came to mind and Hope vents her frustration, muttering them under her breath as she stormed down the corridor. She got back to her room and threw herself onto the bed in a huff. How was it possible for someone like Josie to exist? Someone so rude and full of herself. Then she reminded herself that Josie was far from the worst there was and she ended up laughing to herself in bitterness.

But as soon as she was done laughing, she knew she had done something wrong. She should not have left Josie alone in her room, unguarded. A client was a client. And Josie, as arrogant as she was, was only being who she was. Fuck. She should never have left the corridor especially after spotting the car following them. Someone was watching them. Someone was waiting. And she might have given them the window of opportunity.

A sudden burst of adrenaline hit her in the guts and she sprang to her feet. For some reason unknown, she grabbed the butter knife and slid it into her pocket through her belt as she dashed out of her room. Damn it. She was twenty floors lower and the elevators were taking forever to arrive. The ride up felt like another ten years and she was on her toes, jogging on the spot as the elevator reached Josie’s floor.

Like an arrow shot from a bow, Hope sped from the elevator towards the corridor. Out of habit, she peeked around the corner and her heart thumped when she saw a man pacing the corridor. Shit. Shit. Shit! She flattened herself against the wall and took a silent deep breath. The soft swish of shoes on the carpet was approaching. She would have to take him out first.

Hoping fervently that she had mistaken the man for a villain, she put a foot out just as he went by and tripped him. The man stumbled, surprised, and that was all the time she needed to go for the point on his neck that would render him unconscious. The man slumped onto the ground like a sack of potatoes and she did a quick search, finding nothing. No wallet, no ID, no room access card. Nothing. This was bad news.

There was probably no time to lose. Hope sprinted as though a train was about to run her over and whipped out the room access card. She knew it would alter the people inside the room but that just meant she had to act fast enough. Swiping the card was like tapping ‘GO’ in a game with a short time limit. She squeezed past the door, danced along the wall and rolled into the living room.

By some miracle, the two men had not heard the door opening and their backs were to Hope when she entered the bedroom. Two. She had to make a quick decision. Go for the source of imminent danger. Man on the right. Assailant was leaning over Josie. Weapon? The glint of a syringe’s needle flashed like a lighthouse’s beam of light on her radar. Disarm. Disable.

Hope delivered a swift kick to the man’s leg right behind his knees and grabbed the wrist of the hand holding the syringe. A ruthless twist denied the hand its control and the syringe fell to the ground as the man cried out in pain. Another blow to his neck knocked him out but the second guy gave her a punch, sending her stumbling onto the bed. She rolled onto her back quickly, reached for her butter knife and stabbed his hand when it came down again. The man howled but managed to wrench the knife from her.

Fuck. That was a mistake.

The man slashed at her but she managed to dodge, catching just a skin-deep cut from the blunt but jagged blade. The pain didn’t even register as she pushed up from the bed to lure the man away from Josie who was struggling and making all sorts of muffled noises. She ran into the living room with the man following and hopped over the couch. He did the same, with a little less grace, the tip of his knee catching the top of the couch just a little. It affected his balance and Hope knew she had one chance. The menu on the table between them. She drove the corner of the hard cover straight at the man’s wrist, knocking the knife out from his hand and swung the spine of the menu towards his neck. He flipped over with a strangled choke and fell unconscious.

Hope stopped to check that both men were well and truly out before jogging to Josie who was now on her knees, trying to get up on her feet. Releasing the gag unleashed a torrent of unintelligible sobs and words jumbled up like a tangled wad of yarn.

“You’re safe now, Josie. You’re safe.”

“My hands. My hands.”

Hope understood that much through Josie’s sobs and nodded. She took a look at the cuffs. It required a key. That meant searching the men’s pockets for it but Josie needed to be calmed first. She helped Josie up and sat her on the bed, brushing her hair back from her face to wipe the tears that were wetting her cheeks.

“You’re safe. I’m here now. Those men can’t hurt you.”

Josie nodded but her sobs did not subside. She was probably going to take a while to calm down.

“I’m going to search the men for the key to unlock the cuffs, okay?” said Hope, as she got up.

“No, don’t leave me.”

“I’m not leaving you. I’m just going to get the key to free your arms.”

“Can you give me a hug first?”

Hope smiled. “Of course I can.” She put her arm around the sniffling girl and held her close. This was a problem, though. The men would not stay unconscious for long and she had to report the incident to Josie’s father. Fortunately, Josie’s phone was on the bed, lying near the pillows. “Josie, I need to use your phone, would you unlock it for me?”

Josie unlocked it as requested and handed it to Hope. “Are you going to call the police?”

“Yes. And your father.”

“Daddy.” Josie’s eyes welled with tears again.

“Yes, your daddy.” She smiled and rubbed Josie’s back. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.”

Chapter Text

The truth was out. It came to light as soon as Alyssa returned to the room, accompanied by Penelope and Lizzie. There really was no other way to explain how Hope was capable of incapacitating not one, not two, but three grown men and with the place crawling full of police, lying was out of the question.

After their statements were taken, both Hope and Josie were sent to the hospital to get a physical check-up. Hope in particular, needed some medical attention for the cut on her arm. The blood had dried up into a clot by then and hope didn’t think it was serious but everything had to be documented for the record. This wasn’t anything new to her and she understood the necessity, so she tolerated the whole process graciously.

Running through her mind as the nurse treated her wound, was the conversation she had with Mr. Saltzman. How worried he had sounded. How panicked he was. All those responses were typical of a doting father yet something bleeped on her mental radar. Call it instinct, call it a gut feeling, but something didn’t feel right. The fact that he spent this much money to hire her. The fact that his anxiety seemed to come from a place that had been dreading this would happen. This break-in was not a random occurrence.

Naturally, Mr. Saltzman had ordered her to bring Josie back to Mystic Falls immediately. But Hope wanted a little more time. She needed some time to get hold of the assailants’ statements first. Fortunately for her, they couldn’t leave Japan just yet. The police required them to assist in the investigations and to do that, they had to visit the police station the next day, after getting sufficient rest.

But another problem presented itself when they returned to the hotel. It was Josie and her fear. They had sent Alyssa to Penelope and Lizzie’s room for the night and Josie didn’t want to sleep in another room by herself.

“I won’t let you sleep alone either,” Hope replied, when Josie voiced her concerns.

“What do you mean?” Josie asked.

“You can either come to my room with me, or I will accompany you to the new room and stay there with you.”

Josie’s reply was almost instantaneous. “Your room.”

Hope nodded and without another word, took Josie’s hand and led the way. Josie held her arm the entire time, holding on even after the door closed behind them. Understanding how traumatized Josie must have been, Hope was gentle with her, patting her arm while suggesting she take a shower before sleeping. Josie nodded so Hope took out a clean nightdress of her own and handed it to her.

“What is this?”

“I thought you might want to change into something comfortable to sleep in.”

Josie had a little crooked smile on her face as she held up the over sized shapeless grey dress. “You wear this to sleep?”

“It looks worn but it’s very comfortable,” Hope answered, annoyed at the embarrassment that lurked inside. “It’s okay if you don’t want to wear it.”

“Thank you.”

Hope’s impending frown receded and she almost gasped when Josie gave her a bear hug.

“Thank you for saving me.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’m sorry you got hurt.” Josie pulled back and looked at the gauze on Hope’s arm. “I’m sorry. I wanted to apologize but it was late and you were angry and–”

“Shh,” went Hope, silencing Josie with a finger on her lips. “You just went through something traumatic. Give yourself a break. Don’t let the waves of guilt drown you now, okay?” Hope turned Josie around and pushed her from behind. “Take my pajamas and go take a shower. Then sleep. You need a good sleep to feel better tomorrow.” She pushed Josie into the bathroom and waved her on. She closed door as Josie stood there but just as it was about to close, Josie cried out.

“Don’t close the door!”

Hope stopped and opened the door a little. “How about this?”

“This is better.”

Hope smiled. “I’ll be just outside. Call me if you need help.”

“Okay.”

Seating herself on the couch, Hope browsed the TV channels available. She settled on a documentary about a bad dog and leaned back to relax. As experienced as she was with dangerous situations, her heart still thumped extra hard when she thought of the men in Josie’s room. If the incident had such an effect on her, she could only imagine it would be ten times worse for Josie, who was not only unprepared for such an attack but also ill-equipped to handle it.

The adrenaline in her body must have run out because the next thing she knew, a hand was on her shoulder, gently shaking her awake.

“You should take a shower too,” said Josie, looking freshly showered in a white fluffy bathrobe and wet hair.

Hope stretched and stood up. “Go ahead and sleep. I won’t be long.” Josie nodded as she rubbed her towel over her hair and Hope went ahead to take her shower. When she emerged from the bathroom, Josie was sitting on the couch in her pajamas, watching the same channel.

“Why haven’t you gone to sleep?” asked Hope.

“I can’t sleep.” Josie looked down at her hands and fiddled with her fingers. “I get the feeling someone is going to get me when I close my eyes.”

“This won’t do. You have to get some rest.”

“But I can’t close my eyes. I’ll get frightened.”

“I’ll lie down with you. If you’re still afraid, I’ll hold your hand.” Hope held out her hand. “Come on.” She smiled when Josie took it and brought the woman to the bed. “Get in,” she said while climbing onto the bed. Josie followed her lead and climbed in too. They got under the covers and turned to face each other. “Better?” Hope asked.

“A little.”

“Still scared?”

“A little.”

“Hold my hand.” Hope reached for Josie and wrapped her hand around hers. “Now, close your eyes.”

Josie did as she was told.

“Still scared?”

“Keep talking to me.”

“Okay, what do you want me to talk about?”

“Tell me how you became such a good bodyguard.”

“It’s not a pretty story.”

“I want to know.”

“Okay. Well, I should start by telling you how I learnt to fight.” Hope sighed. “I ran away from school and got into bad company.”

“Really?”

“It sounds totally cliché, but it’s true. A street gang leader liked me and made me her girlfriend.”

“Made you her girlfriend?”

“Yes.” Hope held Josie’s gaze when the girl opened her eyes and stared unflinching, into her blue eyes. “Do you want me to let go of your hand now?”

Their unblinking stare continued until Josie looked away. “No. Continue your story.”

“Okay,” Hope replied, feeling a little surprised by Josie’s lack of reaction to her revelation. “So I hung out with the gang and learnt to right. We would fight other gangs or pick on girls and bully them. Then one day, my gang leader girlfriend gave me a pill. It was a party drug. We partied like crazy at the club but it was raided that night. I didn’t want to get caught so I fought like hell.” Hope laughed softly at her stupidity. “It was the dumbest thing I ever did, but it was also the thing that saved me later.” Hope chuckled. “Life is funny like that.”

“How did it save you?” Josie asked with her eyes half closed.

“The officer I fought with came looking for me in the juvenile training school. He visited me every now and then to see how I was doing and one day, he suggested I train in combat. And after I graduated from juvenile training school, he recommended me to a security company.”

Josie’s eyes were closed and her breathing was even. The grip on Hope’s hand loosened and she knew. Josie was finally asleep.

“Good night Josie,” said Hope and she closed her eyes to sleep too.

Chapter Text

The sun’s rays were kept out by the thick curtains in the room so it was still dark when Josie woke up. She sat up, rubbing her eyes and looked at the petite figure sprawled on the bed beside her. If she hadn’t seen Hope in action with her very own eyes last night, the sight before her right now would make it impossible to convince her that the sleeping girl was a capable bodyguard. Lying prone on the bed. Messy hair falling over her face. One leg pulled up with her bottom jutting up. Arms curled up around her head. Hope could totally qualify as the poster child for awkward but strangely adorable sleeping positions.

Hugging her knees to her chest, Josie contemplated the bodyguard. There was nothing left to accuse the bodyguard of doing wrong. She could hardly continue to throw her fits at the bodyguard after last night. Remembering the sheer hopelessness had swamped her mind, she had to admit that she had been very close to dying and the bodyguard had indeed risked her own life to save hers. Just as promised.

Josie shifted to get a better look at the gauze. It was wrapped around the forearm, just below the wrist. She stared at the evidence that someone had actually gotten injured to save her and tried to wrap her mind around the concept of endangering oneself for the sake of another. But it’s her job, she reminded herself. But if it were me, I would probably have run away and quit. Heck, I won’t even be a bodyguard in the first place. Hope’s firefighter analogy came to mind. Dying for a noble cause. Was dying for her a noble cause?

As she continued to stare at the sleeping bodyguard, Josie became aware of a mark on Hope’s arm, just above her elbow. Taking a closer look, Josie realized it was a tattoo, a curious symbol design of three curls spawning from a common point. Had it always been there? She had not noticed it before. And what did it signify? Did it have something to do with her street gang days? Or was it something she got after she graduated from juvenile training school?

Made me her girlfriend.

Hope’s words flashed in her mind suddenly, interrupting all other thoughts. She had clarified and Hope had confirmed. But did it mean the bodyguard still swung that way or had the bodyguard changed after graduating? After all, she might have been under the influence of the street gang leader at the time. But Hope did not indicate it was a thing of the past either…

Josie shivered a little as she looked around the dim room. Having the bodyguard beside her helped, but she couldn’t help but feel a little terror inside. The feeling of the man’s hand on her neck still lingered and the corners of her lips still hurt from the gag that was stuffed in her mouth. And the image of the man standing outside when she opened the door still hovered in her mind. How long would these feelings and images haunt her for? When would she be able to step into a hotel room without being stabbed by fear?

“Are you feeling better?”

Josie was startled by the gruff voice. “What happened to your voice?” she asked the bodyguard who was staring at her with sleepy eyes.

“It’s my morning voice. Very sexy,” replied the bodyguard dryly.

The dry humor got to Josie and triggered a laugh. “Yes, very sexy,” she joked.

“Thanks for the compliment;” said the bodyguard as she sat up, “but you haven’t answered my first question. Are you feeling better?”

“A little.”

“Do you still feel afraid?”

“Yes,” Josie admitted, “it’s still on my mind.”

The bodyguard got off the bed and drew the curtain, allowing the late morning’s sunlight to brighten the room. “Give yourself some time to recover. It’s natural to feel afraid for some time after the incident.”

“I don’t like the feeling.”

“It helps of you get your mind off it for a while. Do something else.”

“Like shopping?”

“Your father wants you to go back as soon as possible,” said the bodyguard as she filled the kettle up with water. “But we have to go back to the police station today. You can go shopping after that.”

“Do we have to?”

“The police need our help. Don’t you want those men to be sent to jail?”

“Yes, I want them to be locked in jail for a very long time.”

The bodyguard nodded. “Then you have to go. I’ll go with you.”

Josie wished she could just fly straight home and be safe again but she knew that the bodyguard was right. The police needed their help.

----------

Josie’s friends were anxious to know if she was alright and crowded around Josie when they appeared after having lunch. They wanted to go to the police station with them but Hope had to stop them from going. In the end, it was just the two of them, Josie and the bodyguard.

At the police station, Hope stayed with Josie as they did the necessary evils, verifying their statements, filling in details and finally, signing off on them. Hope did some investigating on her part and found out that the men had admitted to breaking in to rob Josie. Hope didn’t think the men had told the truth but kept her thoughts to herself. She didn’t exactly have any proof and neither did she want Josie to be alarmed.

Once they were done with all required procedures, Hope and Josie stepped out into the open and heaved a sigh of relief.

”Where do you want to go now?”

“Ginza Six.”

Hope nodded. “Let’s go.”

A few minutes later, Hope pulled into the parking lot of the shopping mall and followed Josie to the shops. As expected, the rich girl went straight to Prada and bought a purse off the shelf within a few minutes. The next stop was Burberry where she bought a coat after trying on a few. Once Josie paid for it, Hope started walking out of the store but was called back.

“My coat.”

Hope looked at the shopping bag and raised her eyebrows. “What about the coat?”

“Aren’t you going to carry it?”

Hope started. “No.”

“Then who’s going to carry it? It’s big and heavy.”

“Josie, I’m a bodyguard, not a maid.”

“But you’re supposed to help me.”

“I’m supposed to protect you. The coat is not a threat to you.”

Josie frowned. “So you’ll risk your life to save mine but you won’t lift a finger to carry a bag for me.”

“Correct.” Hope stood still, watching as Josie glared at her. She made no move to take the bag, simply waiting for Josie to pick it up. For a whole minute, neither of them moved. Then, at last, Josie picked it up walked out of the store in a huff. Hope followed with her expression stoic. And after that, things got a little frosty.

As they went on, Josie bought a pair of Ferragamo shoes and added a Dolce & Gabbana blouse to her wardrobe. By then, she was carrying four shopping bags and visibly annoyed.

“Stupid bags,” the rich girl uttered out loud.

Walking right behind was Hope, but she gave no indication that she had heard Josie’s complaint. No distractions. It was her job to check their surroundings and watch out for signs of imminent danger. And that was all she was going to do.

“I want to go back now,” Josie said to her after walking out of Gucci.

As frosty as Josie’s tone was Hope kept her cool and guided her back to the car without a word. She helped Josie to put the shopping bags into the boot and the rich girl got into the car without a word of thanks. With a silent sigh, Hope got into the driver’s seat. Looks like things were back to square one again.

----------

Back at the hotel, Josie changed. While her silence earlier was a kind of passive-aggressive retaliation of Hope’s refusal to carry the bags for her, her silence now came from a different source. Hope sensed it but handed the bags to her nonetheless. She accepted the bags with an unhappy expression which Hope ignored. The priority was to send Josie back to her room safely. Everything else was secondary. When they got to the lobby, Josie approached a bellboy and told him to send her bags to Hope’s room. Upon mentioning the room number, the bellboy’s eyes widened and he told them to follow him. Hope stepped closer to Josie as they walked after him to the reception and stood next to Josie as he talked to one of the service staff there.

A short moment later, a lady who introduced herself as the hotel’s manager came out to see them. As it turned out, the hotel was concerned that Josie had not occupied the new room they had given her and wanted to know if there was anything they could rectify. After Hope explained Josie’s situation, the woman appeared to be relieved and gave them a huge smile. She offered to move the rest of Josie’s belongings to Hope’s room and added a complimentary spa too. Hope looked to Josie for her decision and Josie accepted the offer with a smile.

With her bags offloaded and a complimentary spa in the works, Hope noticed how Josie smiled all the way back to her room. But once they entered her room, the nervous fidgeting made a comeback. Hope stood back as Josie gave the bellboy a tip and followed him to the door, latching it once it was closed. Then, she turned back and observed as Josie sat on the couch and stared at the shopping bags on the table.

“Would you like to take a shower first?” Hope asked at last.

Josie looked up at her and stared for a while. “Why are you nice to me again?”

Hope shook her head. “I’m not being nice. I’m doing my job.”

“So you’re saying everything you did last night,” Josie paused, “all that was just you doing your job?”

“It is my job to keep you safe, both physically and mentally.”

“Mentally? What do you mean mentally? Are you saying I’m going crazy?”

“No, I’m saying you were traumatized by the incident and it is my responsibility to assure you and make you feel safe.”

“So all the concern, the hugs, holding my hand all night,” Josie seemed to have trouble saying the last part, “all that was part of your job.”

“Yes.”

“And that’s why you would die saving me but won’t even help me to carry a single shopping bag?”

“I think you finally understand the reason why your father hired me, Josie.”

“Yes, I get it now. I totally, completely, get it, one hundred fucking percent,” said Josie, with eyes blazing with some kind of lethal anger now. “So I’m going to take a nice long bath right now and you’re going to stand outside the door to protect me the entire time.”

“Stand outside the door? The bathroom door?”

Josie rummaged through the bag Hope had brought over for her and pulled out a black satin nightgown. Then, she marched to the bathroom door and pointed at a spot on the floor just beside the door. “I need to keep the door open because I’m still scared and you’re going to protect me so you’ll stand right here until I’m done. Got it?”

Hope knew on some level that what Josie was saying was true, so despite the condescending tone the instruction had been delivered in, she nodded and moved to the spot Josie pointed at. “I’ll be here. Don’t worry.”

“I won’t worry. I’ll enjoy my long bath, all thanks to you, my wonderful bodyguard,” said Josie, lacing each word with biting sarcasm.

Hope stood by the bathroom door as Josie went in and made sure the door was left open a little. The door creaked open a little more after a while so Hope moved to reposition it and got an eyeful of Josie’s naked back in the mirror. Thanking the heavens for her training in stifling her reaction to shocking things, Hope returned to her position swiftly and stood guard over the bathroom. However, what she couldn’t stifle for the entire time after that was the mental image of Josie’s fair, smooth and tremendously alluring naked back.

Fuck.

Chapter Text

Josie emerged from the bathroom thirty minutes later. Wrapped in the fluffy bathrobe and hair still damp, the rich girl walked right by Hope to the couch without casting even a glance at her. Hope made no comment. It wasn’t any of her business if Josie was acting like a petty, spoiled brat. As her bodyguard, what Hope was responsible for was her safety and only her safety.

“If you’re done, I’ll take a quick shower,” said Hope. Josie didn’t reply, so she went ahead. It was a quick shower, barely five minutes long, and Hope was back in the room, drying her hair. The rich girl in question was on the phone and shortly after she put it down, changed into a black and white outfit for the night. She curtly informed Hope about her plans for supper with her friends when Hope asked. And that was all the words they exchanged until they left the room to meet Josie’s friends.

Down at the lobby were Penelope, Lizzie and Alyssa and they fussed over Josie a little, which made her considerably more cheerful than before. Hope trailed behind them, keeping a respectable distance as they headed out to the supper place and did not join them at their table even though Alyssa had invited her. One look at Josie’s eyes was enough to know that she was not welcome and she had no wish to incur the unnecessary tantrum of a Miss Josie Saltzman.

Hope intended to maintain the status quo for the rest of the night out, staying apart from them, yet close enough to run interference should anything happens. It didn’t bother her even though Josie’s friends seemed uncomfortable with it. This was her job. This was what she was paid to do. However, it appeared that Josie’s friends were insistent on bringing Hope in, based on the frequency of their eyes on her and true enough, Alyssa came over to drag Hope to their table when they got to a new place.

“Come, sit,” said Alyssa, not letting go of Hope’s arm until she was seated at the table with them. “We want you to join us.”

“I’m supposed to be guarding Josie.”

“You can guard her better now that you’re closer, right?” Lizzie countered.

Hope smiled. “I actually prefer to keep a small distance and watch the surroundings.”

“But we want to hear about your heroic rescue,” Penelope added.

“We have to be sensitive,” said Hope, glancing at Josie. “She might not want to hear about the incident right now.”

“Oh, that’s true.” Penelope looked at Josie apologetically as Lizzie smacked her arm in mild rebuke. “I’m sorry.”

“Nah, I’m totally fine now.” Josie’s eyes met Hope’s. “Tell them. They want to know.”

With a shrug, Hope looked around at the eager eyes of Josie’s friends. “Alright, since you said so.”

----------

Soon, the girls were tipsy and merry, including Josie. But Hope remained sober, all the more alert and on the lookout. Unlike the clueless girls who believed that the men were simply robbers who were looking for cash and valuables to steal, Hope thought otherwise and although she didn’t think they would make another attempt in Japan, the last thing she wanted to do was let her guard down and allow something to happen.

It was about a quarter to midnight when Alyssa raised her arm and asked that they return to their hotel. It was time to rest, she told them and insisted on ending the night out there and then. Hope supported the notion too and between the two of them, they managed to get the girls to go back. After all, they had a flight to catch the next day.

After sending Josie’s friends back to their room, Hope found herself left alone to bring a tipsy Josie back to her room. Tipsy Josie had forgotten to be mean to her and was clinging to her arm like they were best friends. She was also giggling at random things like the elevator button that lit up when she pressed it and their reflection in the gold-plated doors of the elevator.

“You’re totally shorter than me,” said Josie, wearing a silly grin on her face. “You’re not really that good at fighting, right? It’s not fair. Why are you pretty and good at fighting? It’s. Not. Fair.”

“You’re right. I’m not that good at fighting,” said Hope, desperately hoping the rich girl would shut up. But unfortunately, tipsy Josie wasn’t the quiet type.

“No, you’re lying. You’re super good at fighting. You fought them so well. They were so tall. You. Short.”

“Yes, I’m short.”

“I’m taller.”

“Yes, you’re taller.”

“I’m prettier too.”

“Yes, you’re prettier.”

They were almost at their room when Josie pushed Hope away. “You should say no. You like to say no.”

“Josie, come on. We’re almost there,” said Hope, determined to shove the woman into her room somehow. But Josie chose that moment to stand her ground.

“I’m not moving until you say no.”

Hope stared at her. “No,” she said and yanked Josie’s arm hard to pull her forward. With all of her strength, she pulled and pushed and cajoled the more-than-tipsy Josie into their room and was immensely relieved when the door finally closed behind them. Josie was leaning on her, toying with the button on her denim blouse when she felt one coming undone.

“Oooh…black,” Josie cooed.

Hope held Josie by her wrists and lifted her hands away. “Josie, stop it.”

“Do you still like girls?”

Staring into the tipsy woman’s eyes, Hope knew that the question was not a serious one but the history it reminded her of, it hit her hard anyway. It was a question she had asked herself almost every day when she was in juvenile training school. Of course, part of the cause for that was the chasm of betrayal left behind her gang leader ex-girlfriend when the girl tried to pin the blame on her. The party drugs were hers, the gang leader had claimed. And if it wasn’t for the officer she had fought with, she would have been found guilty of a much more severe crime.

Being in juvenile training school of females also meant that she had to face many more prepositions from girls. So it was a question that popped up every so often, with no clear answer available when her mind was muddled and confused. It certainly did not help that she was popular with the girls. For some reason, they found her ‘handsome’, according to her dorm mates. She didn’t really understand it then, but as time went by, she grew to accept it.

Now that she was older, wiser and more mature, things got sorted out. It had taken her long enough to figure it out, but now, she was sure. Now, she knew. In the face of Josie’s question however, Hope remained silent, choosing to focus on pushing the woman onto the bed. When that was finally accomplished, Hope pulled out the covers and tucked her into bed.

“Go to sleep, Josie,” Hope cajoled with the gentlest voice she could summon.

“You must sleep with me,” said tipsy Josie, “or I’ll be scared.”

“Okay, I’ll sleep with you.”

Josie stuck her arms out and hugged Hope. “I’m scared.”

“It’s okay. I’m here.”

“Will you save me?”

Hope brushed Josie’s hair from her face and caressed her cheek. “Yes, I will. I’ll save you.”

“Okay.”

For a long time, Hope remained sprawled over Josie, held down by arms that hugged her and refused to let go. Then finally, the arms relaxed and she was able to extract herself and get off the bed. Muttering curses to herself, Hope went to the bathroom and stared into the mirror. This client was testing her limits in self control to the fullest. Her tantrums. Her ridiculous expectations. Her whims and fancies. But most of it was probably amplified by the trauma she experienced, Hope had to remind herself. So, she had to be patient. She had to be understanding. But there was one thing she couldn’t be. She couldn’t be completely devoid of feelings and what she had felt as she laid on Josie were definitely improper. Especially after seeing Josie’s naked back earlier.

She had to clear her head. A quick shower and change of clothes was in order.

----------

Hope woke up before Josie did the next morning. Expecting a headache to arise from the alcohol consumption last night, Hope ordered a bottle of freshly squeezed orange juice and some sandwiches to rejuvenate Josie. The food and drinks came before Josie woke up so Hope had to do the honors. Getting the woman to wake up was no easy feat. It involved a lot of shaking, gently of course, and inordinate amount of name calling. Eventually, Hope succeeds and Josie woke up with a groan.

“Here, have some juice.”

“My head…”

“I’ll leave the juice and sandwiches here,” said Hope. “Take your time. But don’t take too long. We have a flight to catch later.” With that, she left the girl to her own devices and started packing up their belongings.

Josie joined her in packing sometime later. The rich girl was not as frosty as she was yesterday and they engaged in a little small talk so the lukewarm atmosphere around them was an improvement. Hope did not expect things to get any better than this, so she was happy with things as they were–just cordial enough.

A few hours later, Hope and Josie arrived at the airport with Josie’s friends and checked in their luggage. It was time to say good bye.

----------

Mr. Saltzman was waiting at the arrival gate when they walked out. Josie gave a shriek of surprise and dashed over to hug him. Seeing how Mr. Saltzman doted on Josie make Hope a little jealous. It would have been nice if her father were there to welcome her back too.

“Thank you for saving my daughter, Miss Mikaelson,” said Mr. Saltzman, with grateful eyes. “It was close but you kept my daughter from harm. I am very thankful.”

Hope nodded. “You’re welcome, Mr. Saltzman. But I would like to speak with you, as soon as possible. Privately.”

“What is it about?”

Hope glanced at Josie before meeting Mr. Saltzman’s gaze again. “Your daughter.”

Chapter Text

Hope stayed on her feet until the doors were closed and Mr. Saltzman was seated, only sitting when he invited her to.

“I hope my daughter did not give you too much trouble in Japan.”

Instances of all the tantrums and drunkenness flashed across her mind. “Not too much, Mr. Saltzman.”

The elder man sighed. “What is it you wanted to talk about then? I hope you are not going to resign.”

“We have a three-month contract. I will not break it before that. But you seem to be expecting it. Did this happen with the other bodyguards too?”

“Josie doesn’t like being followed around. She hates being watched.”

“That is understandable.”

“But I have doted on her too much,” Mr. Saltzman sighed again. “I am glad you understand. But if it is not about resigning, what is it about?”

“There are many types of bodyguard. Some are mainly for deterrence or ‘display’, as we call it, and some are for protection from real threats to life.” Hope paused and fixed a stare straight into Mr. Saltzman’s eyes. “When you hired me, there was no mention of any impending life threats but based on our conversation after the incident, I have reason to believe that you were expecting something to happen. Most people typically hire bodyguards like me only when there is genuine threat to them. But I think, in your case, it is a little more than that, am I right?”

Mr. Saltzman closed his eyes. In that moment, he looked as though he had aged another ten years. “You are right,” he said at last, sounding defeated. “I was expecting it.”

“Usually, clients will inform their security about such matters. I would like to know why you withheld this information.”

“It is highly confidential.”

Hope frowned. “We have a non-disclosure clause in our contracts. You shouldn’t have to worry about loose lips.”

“It involves corruption and some government officials. I cannot say more but I will tell you frankly that I have received veiled threats on my youngest daughter’s life.” His eyes closed again. “Actually, it is more than that.” His lips trembled. “They promised to make her suffer before she dies.”

“I see.”

“I did not think they would dare to do anything to her in Japan. So I was glad to let her go on that trip. But perhaps, the thought it would be easier because there would be lesser security present.”

“She is very lucky that I went back to her room when I did.”

“I cannot thank you enough for saving her life. So I hope you will continue to protect her for the rest of your contract.”

“Will the threat be removed within three months?”

“Mr. Saltzman nodded. “The arrests should take place within this time.”

“You are a brave and noble man, Mr. Saltzman.”

He shook his head. “I am a terrible father.”

“She will be proud of you if she knows.”

Mr. Saltzman chuckled. “Will she stop trying to get rid of her bodyguards if she knows?”

Hope smiled. “Maybe.”

“I have already said too much. But I trust you. Please take care of my daughter.”

“I will. Don’t worry.”

----------

Now that they were back in Mystic Falls, security was much harder to penetrate. Everyone, from her chauffer to the butler, was security personnel. Having all these people around was definitely a strong defense against the threat, but Hope knew that it was down to her if anyone managed to get close enough to Josie. She was confident in her abilities but Josie not knowing about the real threat she faced, was a problem. This wasn’t something within her control however, so what she could do was be more alert than ever.

In some cases, Hope would also probe discreetly, getting in contact with a few friends who were still involved in gangs, or the officer she had fought with, to get information. But due to the confidentiality of Mr. Saltzman’s case, Hope approached the only friend she could really trust to keep her updated on the latest hit-jobs–Freya. She had a long history with her, ever since one particularly brutal fight in which they had taken a blow for each other. However, unlike Hope, Freya had ended up joining a gang again upon her release from juvenile training school and had been sent to jail twice in the years after that. But through it all, Hope had remained in contact with her, visiting her in jail frequently during her sentences, and their friendship had strengthen over the years.

So with Freya’s help to look out for information on the other side, all Hope had left to do was wait. Wait for the information from Freya. Wait for a sign of suspicious activity. Wait for the arrests to come so that the threat would be over. Wait.

----------

Josie was getting used to the bodyguard hovering around her. She had been fairly surprised to learn that Hope had not reported everything she did to her father and even more surprised when she realized the bodyguard had no intention of quitting. Back at the airport, she had been convinced the bodyguard would resign when the request to talk to her father was made. But that had not been the case. Instead, her father had gone to her the next morning and given her a hug. Thank you for coming back, he had said in her ear, leaving her touched but mystified.

So perhaps this bodyguard was indeed worlds apart from the rest that she had managed to bully and infuriate into quitting. This bodyguard was here to stay. This bodyguard was also fairly distant now that she was back in Mystic Falls. There were times when she saw the bodyguard patrolling around the house and times when she ran into the bodyguard along the corridor. But there was little proximity compared to what they shared in Japan.

Nonetheless, she had to admit that the bodyguard’s presence, whatever she sad of it, made her feel safer–at night, especially knowing the bodyguard’s room was just next to hers had certainly made it possible for Josie to breathe more easily. That was, until she spotted the bodyguard dining with another girl at a restaurant two weeks later.

“Great, it’s her,” she muttered to herself.

“What did you say?” asked Dana, the friend she was having dinner with.

“Oh, nothing. Just saw someone I know.”

“Aren’t you going to go over and say hi?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“She doesn’t like me very much so it doesn’t matter. Forget it. Let’s order.”

Dana looked at her curiously. “Why doesn’t she like you?”

Josie shrugged.

“You seem bothered by this.”

“Why should I be?”

“Right. The fact that you’re saying it like this means you’re bothered. Come on, don’t pretend. You know I can see right through you.”

“It’s really nothing.”

The waiter arrived to take their orders so Dana’s probing had to stop but she resumed it as soon as the waiter left their table. “Okay, now you’ve caught my interest. I want to know which girl you saw.”

With a roll of her eyes, Josie pointed Hope out to Dana.

“Oh, she’s pretty.”

“Is that all you care about?”

Dana laughed. “Someone is really sensitive tonight. So who is she to you?”

“She’s my bodyguard.”

“Oh, the new one who hasn’t quit?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow, she’s really pretty for a bodyguard.” Dana turned and looked again. “Mmm, is she a wet noodle?”

“I’m not sure.”

Dana’s eyes bored into hers. “Are you attracted to her?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean, you don’t know? Just look at her. I’m attracted to her already.”

“She’s the bodyguard who saved me, remember?”

“Aha… so you’re not sure if you’re attracted to her because she saved you o because you’re attracted to her.”

“It’s not so simple.”

“So tell me. I’ll be your agony aunt. We have all night.”

Josie sighed. “It’s really complicated.”

“What’s complicated about it?”

Josie frowned. “She’s not like the other bodyguards hired by my dad. I tried to get her to quit but she didn’t. The she fought off three guys to save me. I mean, like who would sacrifice themselves to save someone who was horrible to them? And then she was really nice to me after that. Like she was so caring, hug and concern and she held my hand all night while sleeping.” Josie paused. “So I kinda thought she liked me.”

Dana burst into laughter, attracting several stares.

“Shh! People are looking!” Josie hissed.

“Oh man, you thought she liked you so you thinking you liked her too but she was just doing her job, right?”

“I was traumatized, okay. They call it ‘hero worship’. I googled it.”

Dana giggled. “So now you’re embarrassed as fuck.”

“No, I’m not.”

“You totally are.”

“Hi, ladies.”

Both Josie and Dana looked up. It was the bodyguard and her friend. Josie had tried to bite her tongue to stop the profanity from flying out. “Hi,” she said, hoping the bodyguard hadn’t heard too much.

“This is Jade. We met her in Japan, remember?”

“Hi, remember me?”

Jade? Josie recalled the night at the club where she had spotted the bodyguard dancing with a friend. No, that was Wendy. Jade must be the other woman the bodyguard was talking to and danced with on the night of the incident. How did they find each other here in Japan?

“Yes, I think I remember, vaguely.”

“Hi, I’m Dana. I’ve heard a lot about you,” said Dana, giving herself the introduction that Josie failed to give.

The bodyguard smiled and turned to Dana. “It’s nice to meet you, Dana. I’m Hope. And this is Jade.”

“Why don’t we get a table together?” Dana suggested. “It’ll be fun.”

“We’re leaving, actually. But Jade saw Josie and wanted to come over to say hi.”

“Alright, good bye,” said Josie. She glared at Dana who was still smiling at the bodyguard and kicked her under the table.

“She has a really nice voice,” said Dana.

“Shut up.”

Dana burst into laughter again and all Josie wanted to do was sink into her chair and disappear.

Chapter Text

“You drive really well,” said Jade, as the car came to a stop in front of her apartment. “Thanks for sending me home.”

Hope smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Jade smiled as she leaned in and planted a kiss on Hope’s right cheek.

“What was that for?” Hope asked in surprise.

“For a great dinner. For being so charming.”

“I didn’t do anything special.”

Jade flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder and leaned forward. “You are something special.”

“Jade, I hope I didn’t do anything to cause misunderstanding.”

“Oh, you didn’t. There’s no misunderstanding. But it’s very easy to like you.”

“I hope we can just be friends.”

Jade leaned back, elbow resting on the cup holder ledge of the car door. “You’re very quick to close the door. Why be like this when you’re not seeing anyone?”

“I’m focusing on my job. And it takes up a lot of my time. It wouldn’t be fair to anyone.”

Jade chuckled. “How many girls have you dished out these lines to?”

“Just a couple, including you.”

“Look, I’m fine just being friends. If that’s all you want, I’m good for it too.”

Hope nodded. “It’s what I want.”

“Okay, friend.” Jade’s smile was cheeky as she opened the car door. “See ya.”

Hope smiled and waved and watched as her new friend entered the apartment building before driving away. Jade would be a cool friend, she thought. But what about Josie? Careful to give Josie space to recover from her trauma independently, she had kept out of the woman’s way for the past two weeks. But meeting her tonight had messed it up a little, especially when Jade spotted Josie and made her go over. From the looks of things, however, Josie had gotten over the trauma of the incident and was actively socializing with friends, so it was probably all good now.

On the information front, Freya had not come up with anything so far. There had been no orders for hit jobs or abduction on females of Josie’s age lately so hope knew Josie was relatively safe. As she drove around town, heading back to her home for the past couple of weeks, she took in the bustle of the city at night. Her job was a highly stressful one and night drives were like alcohol swabs on the skin–cooling and relaxing.

It was just after midnight when she finally turned into the gates of Josie’s massive home. She headed to the kitchen to get a glass of water and there, pouring out water from a bottle, was Josie. The woman looked up when she entered and for a moment, they stared at each other.

“Hey,” Hope said at last.

“You’re back late.”

The chiding tone made Hope smile. “I went for a drive.”

“Alone?” Josie sounded surprised.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Hope took the bottle from Josie and poured herself a glass of water. “To wind down. Relax a little. So it’s better to be alone.”

“Isn’t it easier to relax with friends?”

Putting the glass down, Hope put the cap back on the bottle. “I prefer quiet. Just a drive and some music.”

“Don’t you feel lonely?”

Hope considered Josie for a moment. The woman was looking at her with wide eyes of sincerity. “Well, sometimes.”

“So this Jade, you aren’t dating her or anything?”

“No, we’re just friends.”

“I see.”

Hope returned the bottle to the fridge and picked up her glass of water. “Good night, Josie.”

“Wait.”

“What is it?”

“I want to know if you don’t like me.”

Hope did a double take. “What?”

“I want to know if you–”

“I heard you the first time. But where did you get the idea that I don’t like you?”

“You’ve been avoiding me these past two weeks, right?”

“It’s my job to stay out of the w–”

“Don’t bullshit me. I’m twenty-seven years old. Not seven. Anyway, even a seven-year-old can tell that you’re avoiding me.”

It was time to tell her the truth. Hope put the glass back on the counter and turned to Josie. “I have been avoiding you because I wanted to give you time to get over the incident on your own.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes.”

“So if I’m done getting over it, you’ll stop avoiding me?”

Hope nodded. “Although the nature of my job also requires me to stay of sight so you still won’t see me too much, I won’t have to avoid you during after work hours.”

“So starting now, you’ll stop avoiding me coz “I’m over it.”

“Is this another order?” Hope asked, amusement bubbling up in her chest.

“This is an order. I hate the feeling of being avoided.”

“Fair enough. I will stop avoiding you after work then.”

“Okay. Good night, Hope.”

“Good night, Josie.” Hope said with a smile, remembering the fight Josie had put up in the beginning, refusing to call her by her name. Things had improved since then and this was good for her. And Josie too.

----------

By now, it has been more than a month and the bodyguard was well on her way to becoming the longest running bodyguard for Josie. The bodyguard no longer avoided her after work and even joined her for breakfast or dinner in the dining room on few occasions. Josie felt better about it and she found herself enjoying the bodyguard’s company during mealtimes too. The bodyguard was interesting. She was also twenty-seven, but had a vastly different experience and stories to share. So there were times when Josie chose to stay home for dinner instead of going out.

On the work front, however, the bodyguard remained relatively invisible. But Josie grew aware of a blue car following hers after sometime and knew that it was the bodyguard going to work and returning home with her. There were moments at when Josie would wonder where the bodyguard was, so she asked during dinner one evening.

“I scout the area around your studio. I watch the people going in and out as well. I have the data on your business partners so if anyone new appears, I check them out and make sure they have legit identification.”

Josie’s eyes grew wide. Was this bodyguard meticulous or what? “Do you have to go this far? You’re acting like I’m the president’s daughter or something.”

Shrugging, the bodyguard didn’t seem to think much of it. “It’s just part of the work that I do.”

Josie narrowed her eyes. The bodyguard could be holding something back. “Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“And you do the same for everyone you’re hired to protect?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Even when there’s no danger?”

“Bodyguards are meant to expect the unexpected. We are supposed to prevent something from springing up and taking us by surprise. Constant vigilance works in two ways.” The bodyguard held up one finger. “One it deters.” Two fingers. “Two, we’re ready for anything.”

“You demand a lot of yourself.” Josie shook her head. “The other bodyguards I had before were not like you.”

“And that’s why they’re no longer working for you and your father,” the bodyguard answered with a smile.

Josie smiled and let out a short laugh. “That’s true.”

Leaning forward, the bodyguard clasped her hands together and asked, “Why did you stop trying to make me quit?”

Josie bit her lip. The bodyguard had been perfectly aware of her motives after all. “You saved me. I saw how you fought. Like a ninja or something. After seeing how you took on those two fuckers, I have to admit you are really a good bodyguard. And I’m not stupid enough to chase such a good bodyguard away.”

The bodyguard laughed. “Thank you for giving me such a raving review of my work performance.”

Josie frowned. “Don’t laugh at my sincerity.”

The bodyguard stopped but continued to smile. “I’m sorry. I appreciate your sincerity even though it’s packaged in a very different way.”

“You’re irritating.”

“May I be honest?” the bodyguard asked with a grin.

Josie rolled her eyes. “What do you want to say?”

“You can be quite nice even though you’re quite bitchy.”

Josie couldn’t believe her ears. Did the bodyguard just insult her and praise her at the same time? It was quite true though. “Don’t be too honest next time. I’ll let it pass this time since you asked for permission.”

The grin on the bodyguard’s face widened. “Roger that.”

----------

A few evenings later, Hope was summoned to Mr. Saltzman’s study room. When she was seated, he slid a handsome envelope, black and crisp, across the table and told her to open it. There was a card inside. It was an invite.

“My daughter and I have to attend this charity gala. We are allowed to bring a partner so you have to go with her, as her friend.”

With the invitation in her hands, Hope stared at Mr. Saltzman, wondering if how she was going to blend in with the crowd at the gala she had to attend with Josie. The dress code stated was black tie optional. While she was relieved it wasn’t black tie, black tie optional still required formal attire, anything from a long gown to a cocktail dress.

“Don’t worry about the dress code for the gala,” said Mr. Saltzman. “I’ll set up an account for you so you can get any dress you want. Go with Josie. She will style you.” He chuckled. “Let my daughter show you what she’s good at.”

Hope walked out of Mr. Saltzman’s study room with a sigh. If there was any part of her job that she didn’t enjoy, this would be it.

Chapter Text

Josie was in her element. Surrounded by dresses of the latest fashion designed by renowned fashion houses, Josie felt like she was in a corner of heaven. She had always loved fashion, ever since she was a child, and shopping was one of life’s most enjoyable things to do, in her opinion. But dresses. Dresses were special. She loved wearing dresses and she loved dressing her dolls up in dresses so it was only natural for her to become a stylist and continue doing it in adulthood. It pleased her that her father had tasked her to dress up the bodyguard. Her father seldom gave her anything important to do so this was a responsibility she relished.

Hope on the other hand, looked as though she had been asked to step into a torture chamber. In fact, a torture chamber would probably have been less painful for her, judging from the way the bodyguard walked to the boutique. She could have rivaled the speed of a slug on a sleeping pill and she looked poised to run away at the drop of a hat.

“I know just the dress for someone short like you,” said Josie, eager to get the bodyguard into the boutique. “Come on.”

The staff inside gave her a friendly smile as she entered but cast strange looks at the bodyguard behind her.

“Good afternoon, Miss Saltzman. What are you looking for today?”

“I’d like to have a look at the gowns and cocktail dresses. Black tie optional.”

“Just for you?”

“No, the two of us.”

“Certainly, Miss Saltzman. This way, please.”

Josie turned back and caught sight of the bodyguard’s stoic yet pained expression and suppressed the urge to laugh. The sales attendant led them to an inner room lined with dresses hung on the racks along the perimeter. This was where the most expensive dresses were, hailing from top fashion houses from all over the world. Josie stood in the middle and inhaled deeply. Oh yeah, this was invigorating.

“Hope, do you have any preferences? Material? Cut? Color? Length?”

The bodyguard lifted her eyes from the ground and met hers. “Is there anything comfortable?”

Josie raised a brow. In all her years as a stylist, no one has ever stated comfort as their only preference. But just looking at the bodyguard made her realize how true this was for the woman. She was often in a baggy top and loose-fitting sweatpants on her off days and in ordinary office wear with pants on her work days with Josie at studio. When she didn’t have to follow Josie to the studio, she would be decked out in casual shorts and plaid shirts or hooded tops, even though it was a work day for her. And her footwear of choose was always a pair of sneakers or running shoes.

In the bodyguard’s defense, her wardrobe choices definitely allowed her more room for running and moving about more easily. This was probably related to the nature of her work. And with the kind of stealthy protection the bodyguard seemed to be into, dressing the way she did would allow her to blend into the crowd easily. But not when it came to this job assignment. Not when she had to attend a black tie optional gala.

“Comfort isn’t a top priority when it comes to black tie optional,” she replied after a pause.

“I need something I can run in.”

Josie bent over and laughed. The image of the bodyguard running in a gown and heels was too funny to reel in. “Oh my God, Hope. Why would you need to run at the gala?”

“We have to be prepared to run at any time.”

“This can’t be your first gala bodyguard job, can it?”

The bodyguard shook her head with a frown. “I’ve done security work at galas before but we wore black and white suits and patrolled the perimeter. I didn’t have to pose as the guest’s friend.”

Josie stopped laughing, not liking the bodyguard said. “Are you saying we’re not friends?”

The bodyguard stared at her. “Are we?”

“After all the breakfast and dinners and talks and chilling together, you’re telling me we’re not even friends? What must a person do to become your friend? Must I bring offerings and gifts and kneel at your feet?”

 Now, it was the bodyguard’s turn to laugh. “Josie, you are–" more laughter ensued, “–I have no words,”

“Now you’ve pissed me off. Forget what I asked. I’m going to put you in whichever dress I choose.”

The bodyguard stopped laughing and worry replaced the mirth in her eyes. I’m serious when I say comfort is the only thing I’m asking for.”

Grabbing a short, green dress that shimmered under the lights, Josie thrust it onto the bodyguard’s chest. “Try this.” She gave the bodyguard a push when the woman stood still, staring at the dress. “This is an order.”

----------

Hope locked herself in the changing room and changed into the green dress. She looked at herself in the mirror for a while, deciding that it wasn’t too bad after all. It ended a couple inches above her knees so it was probably good for running in if she had to. But the way it draped over her legs–it made her look like a green capsicum down below.

“Be careful with the dress. Don’t rip it or anything,” Josie warned from the outside. “It’s five thousand dollars.”

Hope balked. Five thousand dollars for this capsicum-inspired dress? She would never understand why anyone would pay this much for a dress when they could buy tons of sweats with the same amount of money.

“Why are you taking so long? Come out. I want to see.”

With a sigh, Hope opened the door and presented herself to Josie. “I think its okay. We can take this dress.”

But Josie only frowned. “Turn around.”

Hope turned, feeling like a dolphin in a show. “I really think this dress is okay.”

“No. Okay isn’t enough. Try this instead.”

Another dress–blue this time–was pushed to her and she had no choice but to try it on as well.

No. Her first thought was utter rejection. There was no way she would be able to run in this dress. She would sooner qualify as a magician with a dress like that, so long and flowing with plenty of space to hide doves under. And she might trip over the strapless dress and end up in a very embarrassing situation too…

“Are you done? Why are you so slow when it comes to changing dresses?” Josie was at it again with her nagging.

With a bigger sigh, Hope opened the door again. “This is a no.”

“Why not? You look really nice in it. The deep blue is a good contrast against you fair skin. All you need is five-inch heels to carry off the length.”

“No. I really can’t wear this.”

Josie rolled her eyes. “Fine. Try this,” she said, pushing yet another dress into Hope’s arms.

Light pastel pink with straps, this dress was an improvement but was still too long and flowing for her liking. Opening the door before Josie could nag again, Hope tried to walk out of the cubicle to little success. Losing her patience with the whole ordeal, Hope resorted to kicking the bottom of the dress to move forward.

“Don’t do that!” Josie protested. “Fine, if you hate the dress this much, try this one instead.”

Black. Good. At least she could blend in with the shadows if she needed to sneak around somewhere. And the huge metal pins across the top were kind of cool. A mix of chic and rocker style. Plus, it was short enough to run in and to her surprise, quite comfortable too.

“I like this one the most,” she said as she stepped out.

Josie turned around and stared. For a moment, there was silence. “This might work,” she said at last.

Hope looked at Josie doubtfully. “Really? This is it?”

Spinning around, Josie picked up a jacket from the end of the rack and out it over her shoulders. Then she turned Hope around to look in the mirror again.

“Yes. Perfect. You’ll be the second hottest woman at the gala.”

“Who’s the hottest–" Hope stopped herself, realizing the answer was staring at her in the mirror. “Never mind. I know who.”

----------

Shoe shopping was just as painful as dress shopping. Correction. Shoe shopping was much more painful than dress shopping. Literal, toe-biting pain. Hope winced as she wobbled in the four-inch heels, a compromise she had to wring out from Josie who had been bent on putting her in five-inch heels.

“I’ll break my ankle if I run and fall. Three inches is the most I can take,” Hope had protested.

In the end, Hope found herself stuffing her feet into four-inch heels and it was hell packaged into a murder weapon.

“I would like to go back in time and murder the inventor of these things,” she said, groaning as she walked around the boutique in them.

Josie’s laughter tinkered around the store. “You are ridiculous. You can take down men without even wincing but you can’t handle a little pinch on your feet?”

“These heels are hazardous to my health and duty. I would like to request for three-inch heels, please.”

Josie sighed but looked around the boutique. “Here,” She took another pair with lesser heels. “Try these.”

Hope swapped the heels and stoop in front of the mirror, feeling better about the outfit.

“Now, will you be able to run in them?”

“Yes, this pair is much better. Thank you.”

Unexpectedly, Josie placed her hands on Hope’s shoulder and rested her chin on her right hand. Their eyes met in the mirror, Hope’s with mild surprise and Josie’s with a modicum of admiration. Neither spoke as they held their gaze, each wondering what the other was thinking. Then after another moment, Josie straightened up and smiled.

“You look really cool like this, Hope. I’m proud.”

Something in those sparkling eyes of Josie made Hope blush. “Thank you,” was all she managed, before turning away and breaking their gaze.

Chapter Text

The day had come. The day of the gala. Hope sat on the chair, still as a log while the makeup artist painted her face. Josie had already brought her to a nail shop and gotten her nails painted. This would be the last stop before attending the gala but Hope was already tired out and ready to go home. The gala was going to be a huge pain to endure.

“I’m ready.”

Hope turned to the voice. Oh holy mama. Josie. Her eyes fixed on the woman wrapped in a form-fitting wine-red, sleeveless dress of lace and all sorts of curves. The makeup on the woman’s face was simple but brought out the best in her features. And her silky brown hair. Pulled back into a simple yet elegant ponytail, it brought understated class to plate as well.

“How do I look?” the woman asked, spinning around to present a full view of herself to Hope.

Oh holy naked back. There it was again. Josie’s naked back. Memories of the night she saw Josie’s naked back in the mirror came flooding into her mind. Memories, all sorts of memories. Memories she didn’t want to remember. Memories she had tucked away in a corner of her mind.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Do I look bad?”

Hope shook her head. “No, you don’t look bad.”

“Well? What then?”

Meeting Josie’s brown eyes, Hope smiled. “You look beautiful.”

Josie giggled. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Will I be the hottest woman at the gala?”

Smiling indulgently, Hope replied, “I will be second to no one else but you.”

More giggles. “You sweet talker.” Then, her face straightened up. “You’re not trying to get out of something, are you?”

“No. I’m just being honest.”

Josie skipped to Hope, much to the amusement of the stylists surrounding them, and took Hope’s hand. “I can’t wait for tonight.”

Hope winced at the thought. “I can’t wait.” For the night to be over.

----------

Hope arrived at the hotel with Josie, in a car driven by one of Mr. Saltzman’s security personnel. Attending the gala as Josie’s friend meant that the door was opened for her by a valet. It was different. It would take a while to get used to.

“Ready?” asked Josie.

“Ready or not, I’m ready.”

Josie took Hope’s hand. “Tonight, it’s my turn to protect you. Come on.”

With her hand in Josie’s, Hope followed the woman she was supposed to protect into the hotel. The venue was full of people milling about, chatting over drinks and nut. Hope stayed by Josie’s side the entire time, smiling and talking only when necessary. When asked about her work, she smoothed over it, telling them she managed the security for Mr. Saltzman’s company infrastructure. Most people nodded and moved on, as expected. Group after group, Josie led the way and covered a good quarter of the crowd. Then, it was time to find their seats.

Amidst the sea of tables in the ballroom, Hope spotted the table they were assigned to and tugged on Josie’s hand.

“Over there.”

“Lead the way, partner,” said Josie, her voice softer and huskier than usual.

Maintaining the stoic expression on her face, Hope simply walked to the table and took a seat. Josie took the seat beside her, wearing a mystifying grin on her face and looked around at the other tables. She educated Hope about the people nearby until a couple joined their table. It was a husband and wife pair, the man being a member of the board of directors, and Josie introduced them to each other. Gradually, the table was filled and the dinner event started.

Hope was bored out of her wits even before the opening address was done. How was she going to get through this gala?

“Bored already?” Josie whispered in her ear, sending a curious shiver through her head, down to the neck.

“I’m not here to be interested,” Hope whispered back.

The grin spreading across Josie’s lips was devilish. “I have a plan.”

“What plan?”

“I brought a little bottle of something to help us get through all the speeches we’re going to have to sit through tonight.”

Hope didn’t like the sound of that. “Not a good plan.”

“You can’t stop me.”

Fixing a glare at Josie didn’t work. Hope knew that once this spoiled daddy’s girl got started on an idea, she wasn’t going to relent until it was realized. It was both an admirable and undesirable trait of hers. But in this case, more of the latter.

As the second address about altruism came to an end, Hope grew more and more tensed. Josie was constantly casting winks in her direction, hinting at the devious plan she had in store ahead, and the last thing Hope wanted was unnecessary trouble.

“My dear what are you whispering to Miss Mikaelson about?” asked Mr. Saltzman.

Hope smiled inwardly. Mr. Saltzman would be deterrent to Josie.

“Daddy, I’m bored. I want to go out and take a walk.”

Mr. Saltzman smiled. “Sure.” Hope’s inner smile died an instant death. “Just make sure you bring Miss Mikaelson with you.”

Josie’s grin was brilliant like a high-grade diamond. “That’s what I was talking to Hope about.”

“Alright. But don’t be too long. Come back before the auction is over.”

“Got it, Dad. We’ll be back soon.” With a glint in her eyes, Josie turned to Hope and said, “Let’s go.”

Hope had no choice but to go.

----------

With heels clicking against the marble flooring and hair streaming in the draft, the ladies walked down the corridor. Josie was familiar with this hotel and went straight for the areas accessible to her.

“Fancy a sauna?” she asked the bodyguard in jest, her spirits flying high now that she had gotten herself out of the dreary speeches. She had every intention of returning when the auction began–the thrill of bidding was like shopping to her.

“You must be joking.”

Josie looked at the bodyguard’s ever so stoic expression and sighed. “I know you’re on duty but can you lighten up a bit? Come on, let’s hide in here.” She took the bodyguard’s hand and led her to the indoor swimming pool.

“You need a pass to get into this area,” said the bodyguard.

Josie simply smirked and pulled an access card from her clutch purse, flashing it in the bodyguard’s face. “Not a problem,” she snickered and tapped her card on the security panel. With a soft beep, the door was unlocked. Josie grinned as she stepped in. The empty world inside was theirs to conquer.

“What do you want to do in here?” the bodyguard asked.

“Let’s play a game and get to know each other better.”

“What do you mean?”

“We’re going to play rock paper scissors and the loser has to answer a question.”

The bodyguard grimaced. “I’m not good at rock paper scissors.”

Josie’s grin widened. “All the better for me then.” She stopped at a cushioned lounge chair on the long side of the pool. It was wide enough for four. “Get on,” she instructed, pointing at the middle. The bodyguard looked as though she was about to refuse but lifted a slender leg and crawled to the middle. Josie sat at the side and shifted in beside her, her dress riding up due to her movement. She made no move to pull her dress back into place, choosing to leave most of her leg bare as she settled in. Would the bodyguard notice and reach as she had, back at the stylist’s?

The bodyguard made no show of noticing it, however. Instead, she put on a solemn expression. “Let’s set a limit. Five rounds and we’re going back.”

“Only five rounds?” Josie pouted. “Ten.”

“No haggling.”

“Who’s the boss here?”

“Your father.”

“My father’s not here. Anyway, all I have to do is ask and my father will say yes. You’re a smart cookie. You should know this by now.”

“Miss Saltzman, I am not obliged to play this game with you. My duty is to protect you from harm.”

“But you will play with me. Fine, five rounds. Rock, paper, scissors!” Josie threw her fist out and cheered when the bodyguard pulled out two fingers to form a pair of scissors. “I win! I get to ask you a question. But first,” Josie pulled out a tiny canister from her clutch purse and handed it to the bodyguard. “drink up.”

“Is it alcohol?”

Josie rolled her eyes. “Would I bother to put water and bring it all the way here? Of course it’s alcohol.”

“I can’t drink when I’m on duty.”

“Hope, we’re at a gala. Nothing is going to happen to me.”

The bodyguard shook her head, refusing the canister again. “No, please don’t make me drink.”

Josie sighed. This bodyguard could be as stubborn as a mule when it came to her job. “If you won’t drink, you’ll have to answer a question and do a dare.”

“No.”

“You’re no fun at all,” Josie grumbled.

“Yes, I’m no fun. You’re better off back at the ballroom.”

“I’m asking you the question no matter what.” Josie grabbed the bodyguard’s hand just in case she was going to run. “How many brothers and sisters do you have?”

“I have an elder brother and a younger sister.”

“Aha. You’re the middle child. That makes sense.”

“What makes sense?”

“That’s a question. You have to win to get an answer.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

With glee in her eyes, Josie shrugged. “Rock, paper, scissors!” She grinned when her ‘papper’ met with the bodyguard’s ‘rock’. “I win.” Josie rubbed her hands with a smirk. “Where did you have your first kiss? Be specific.”

The bodyguard snorted through her nose. “My school gate.”

“In front of all your friends?”

The bodyguard grinned. “That’s a question.”

“Fine. Again.”

Josie rock, Hope scissors. Josie lifted her arms in victory while the bodyguard groaned.

“What was the most daring, crazy thing you’ve ever done?”

The bodyguard frowned. “Mmm…” She scratched her chin. “I tried Dive Devil at Six Flags.”

“That’s… not as wild as I thought you would be, being an ex-gangster and all.”

“Were you expecting to hear stories of my fights?”

“Or stories of your exciting days as the gang leader’s girlfriend.”

“Why are you interested to know?”

Josie tried to look as nonchalant as she could. “It’s not every day a person gets to know a girl who dated a gang leader.”

“It’s not really something I want to talk about.”

“Was it unpleasant?”

“I would prefer to leave those things in the past.” The bodyguard made to move. “It’s time to go back.”

Josie inches closer and wrapped her arms around the bodyguard’s arm. “I want to stay here a little longer. And we have two more rounds.”

The bodyguard stopped moving. “Did you hear something?” she whispered.

Josie stilled and listened but all she could hear was her heart thumping. “No.”

“I’ll check it out. Stay here.”

A stab of fear pierced Josie’s chest. “I’ll follow you.”

The bodyguard patted her arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right back.” She got off the lounge chair in record time and moved to the door. “Stay right there.”

----------

Hope peeped out into the corridor but there was no one there. She was certain she had heard the racking of a semi-automatic pistol just a moment ago. It was a distinctive sound and hard to miss but where did it come from?

“Did you see anything?” a voice that Hope knew to be Josie’s whispered from behind.

Hope whirled around to face the woman. “We need to go now,” she said urgently, grabbing Josie’s hand.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

Hope froze. The deep voice came from behind and it was anything but friendly.

“If you don’t want to be shot, put your hands behind your back and keep your mouth shut.”

Hope fixed her eyes on Josie’s trying to calm the woman who had gone pale. She obeyed the instructions and willed Josie to do the same but the woman seemed to have been shocked into inaction. She could feel a restraint going around her wrists and stiffened when a blindfold covered her eyes but managed not to make a sound. Another pair of footsteps approached then. How many abductors were there? Hope needed to know.

“Do it. Now.” said the second voice, gruffer than the first.

A sharp point pricked her arm. And that was the last bit of consciousness she could remember.

Chapter Text

Her head hurt. Well, not really. But her mind was groggy. And her neck was sore. Without a doubt, Hope knew she had been drugged. She wanted to open her eyes but her eyelids were like lead, heavy and uncompromising. Her wrists were still restrained and her hands were a little numb. Her left arm especially, presumably from lying on her side for too long. Fortunately, she was lying on something soft, or her arm might have ended up in a worse state. Her legs were bent backwards and attempting to move them made it clear that her ankles were secured to her wrists, which explained her awkward position.

Trying to lift her eyelids was like prying a stubborn mule of a clam open. What kind of drug had they pumped her with? Finally, with superhuman effort, she managed to open her eyes just a crack. Light pierced in, making her see stars. Shutting her eyes, she counted a few seconds before opening them again. It wasn’t as bad this time. Taking a few deep breaths, Hope tried to bring her mind back to alertness by darting her eyes around and she managed to pick up a few pieces of information.

She was lying on a bed with white bed sheets. The curtain looked thick and heavy and was drawn. The light that pierced her eyes came from the bedside lamp. All of the above meant that she was currently in a hotel room.

She came to realize that there was someone breathing behind her. Josie. It must be her. But was it safe to move? Hope tried to listen out for sounds but there were none. Surely their abductors couldn’t have left them in the room without a guard? She decided to risk taking a look. Tucking her hands and feet in, Hope leaned back and rolled onto her back. She froze, waiting for a sign that their captor had spotted her moving but there was nothing. And true enough, Josie’s naked back was to her when she looked. Lying on the other side of the bed, the woman seemed to be sleeping.

Since there didn’t seem to be anyone in the room, Hope try to call Josie. Two hushed whispers later, she received no response so it was safe to assume the woman had not emerged from her drugged state. A quick look around the room confirmed her suspicion. There was no one in sight. What sort of abductor would bring them to a hotel room and leave them alone? Or had they misjudged the dose of drugs for her? Or were they confident of the bonds that rendered her helpless? While it was possible to roll onto the floor and to the door, reaching the handle would be next to impossible. What could she do next?

It was quite difficult to twist her arm or move her hands in any direction. The restraints were thick and there was little room to manipulate. How was she to free herself? Her thought fell on the little switchblade she had strapped high up on her inner thigh. If she could just get it out…

The turning of the door’s handle had her rolling back onto her side and closing her eyes on reflex. She evened out her breathing and chanted ‘sleep, sleep, sleep’ in her mind to calm herself enough to make whoever it was believe she was still out cold. Footsteps approached the bed.

“You were right. They’re still out,” said Gruff Voice A.

“I told you. The dosage was just right,” Gruff Voice B replied.

The dosage was wrong, but thanks for helping.

“But I still don’t feel good about this. What if they find us?” asked Gruff Voice A.

“They won’t.”

“What if they look at the cameras?”

“All they’ll see are two men with two drunken women. And we’re in a hotel. Nobody’s going to suspect anything. See, they’re still here.”

A moment of silence ensues until Gruff Voice B speaks again. “Damn, they’re pretty.”

“We’re not supposed to touch them.”

“You’re a fucking coward. Nobody will know. Anyway she only said to leave the rich girl alone. She didn’t say anything about the rich girl’s friend.” Hope braced for a hand on her body but there was nothing. “But we have to wait till we get to the house.” Gruff Voice B roughed. “Once we get there.” Hope could almost hear the cruel smile in his voice. “Playtime. Baby.”

House. What house? Hope instinctively knew that their best chance to escape was before they were ferried to the house, wherever that was. The house would probably be out of reach, isolated and even harder to escape from. If the men would just leave the room one more time…

“I need a smoke,” said Gruff Voice B. “You stay here.”

“How long is the drug supposed to last? We gotta stay here in case,” said Gruff Voice A.

“You afraid of two girls?”

“There’ll be hell to pay if we’re not here when she calls.”

She. There’s a she involved. Hope figured ‘she’ must be their boss and the men were waiting for the green light to transport them to the house. In a way, this was actually a good plan. The security would be looking over the footage of people leaving the hotel instead of searching the rooms for two captives so this was a convenient hiding place. It would have been perfect if the dosage had worked for both of them. But now, Hope could screw their plans up. All she need was a chance.

----------

But there was no chance. Hope kept her eyes closed and stayed still the entire time as she waited for a chance but the men did not leave the room again. The call they spoke about came and Hope had to discipline her body to be limp when they released her ankles and wrists and put her into some kind of box with a zip. It became evident she was in a luggage bag when her ‘box’ titled up and started rolling on the floor. The tilt caused most of her weight to press on her left leg so she was glad when they finally stopped. With her eyes still closed, she could only hear the unzipping going around her. She was glad for that–it meant she would have more room to play with later and possibly make use of her switchblade.

The journey was rough and every now and then, she would be jostled by bumps in the road. In any other situation, her mood would have sunk to the pits by now but Hope psyched herself to stay calm and alert. By some artful maneuver with her legs, she managed bring her bound wrists to the front and gain access to her switchblade. She flicked the blade open with utmost caution and used it to cut through the restraint.

The other side of the blade was hurting her wrist but she ignored all the pain and distractions to focus on freeing herself. In the utter darkness of the car boot, Hope worked as quickly as she could. She fretted a little when the car came to a stop and gripped the blade hard, prepared to aim an attack should the men open the boot. Fortunately, the car moved again. It was probably just a traffic light. But that also meant they had left the highway. And that meant they were approaching the hideout. Time was running out and she wasn’t sure how much was left.

With renewed vigor, Hope sawed the blade and her heart jumped when she felt the bond loosening. A few more saws did it. Her wrists were free at last. Next, she went to work on her ankles. This took lesser time since she could get a better angle and use more force. Pushing the blade back into its handle, Hope tanked the blade with all her heart before switching her attention to her surroundings.

It was too dark to see anything other than the line of light seeping in through the gap of the boot cover. They had taken her handbag so she had no phone. All she had were her switchblade and her wits. And combat experience.

The car came to a stop again. This time, she could hear and feel the door opening and closing. Voices, male. More noises. Hope curled up, locked her arms behind and closed her eyes. Then, she waited for the boot to be opened. She heard the click and stilled as light reached past her eyelids, infusing her world with brightness.

“See. You were fucking worried for nothing,” said Gruff Voice B. “Get her out.”

This was her best chance. Arms wrapped around her body crudely and lifted with a grunt. “She’s li–"

The man never got to say the rest of his sentence because Hope had thrown an arm around his neck and stuck her blade to his throat. She pressed it against his skin, almost breaking it and growled, “Put your hands up or I’ll slit your sorry throat.”

“I’ll shoot if you cut him,” Gruff Voice B threatened as he pointed a semi-automatic pistol at her. It must have been the one she heard back in the hotel.

With narrowed eyes, she stared at him for a moment, observing his unruly hair and unshaven face. Without hesitation, she drew her blade past Gruff Voice A’s throat, cutting him just enough to bleed and threw it straight at Gruff Voice B’s wrist. Both men cried out in pain, their attention diverted to their wounds for a moment and that was all Hope needed. A knee to Gruff Voice A’s stomach sent him reeling to the ground and she added a blow to his neck on his way down, knocking him into confusion. Then, she hiked her dress up, caring not for the exposure of her legs as she raised one and kicked the blade that was sticking out of Gruff Voice B’s wrist. His cry turned into a scream as Hope spun around and delivered another kick to his head. He fell to the ground in a heap, clutching his bleeding wrist and Hope picked up her trusty blade with practiced swiftness. She was about to ask them where Josie was when a female voice come from behind.

“Drop the blade if you don’t want to die.”

Hope froze. That voice. She knew that voice. “Maya?”

There was a pause. Then the female voice said, “Drop the blade. Turn around.”

Hope obeyed. And her eyes proved her ears right. It was Maya. Her ex-girlfriend, the gang leader.

Chapter Text

“Hope.”

Hope’s jaw loosened. The years had changed Maya. Gone were the bright, fiery eyes that she had admired ten years ago. Gone was the confident, lively aura that made her attractive to Hope’s eyes a decade ago. In place of them were hard, mean eyes and an older, experienced cynical mood emanating around her.

“You… you’re their leader?” Hope asked, aghast at the twist of events. She couldn’t be sure how Maya had changed. Had she learned a little more compassion? Or had she lost the last thread of humanity in the past ten years? One thing Hope was sure of, Maya had been a terror in combat back then and was not going to be easy to fight. It would be best to talk her way out of this but Maya was likely to give her Josie without a fight.

“What are you doing here?”

“Your men abducted me.”

“Fuck.” Maya looked at the men lying helpless on the ground. “Useless idiots. Can’t even grab a girl without giving me problems.” Her eyes shifted to Hope’s again. “You shouldn’t been there.”

“I’m Josie’s bodyguard.”

Maya sneered. “Working for the rich now? Never though you would stoop so low.”

“It’s an honest living.”

“Bullshit. You’re just a slave to a rich man.”

Hope held her tongue. Pissing Maya off was not a good idea.

“Got nothing to say?”

Hope plucked up her courage and looked into Maya’s eyes. She could hold her own ground now. “How have you been?”

Maya flinched as though she had not been expecting a question like that. She opened her mouth to answer but a shrill scream pierced the bubble around them. Hope stiffened. It was Josie.

“Stupid bitch,” Maya spat in the direction of the car and waggled her gun at Hope. “You. You injured my men. So you’ll get the bitch to shut up. Now.” She kicked dirt at one man and snarled at them. “Get up and fix yourselves. Stop sitting there groaning like a bitch.”

Hope moved to the source of the screaming. It came from a zipped up luggage bag in the back seat. “Josie, it’s me, Hope,” she said loudly. The screaming stopped. “It’s okay, Josie. I’m going to get you out.”

“Help me, Hope. Quickly.”

“I’m getting you out now,” said Hope as she pulled on the zip to open the bag. She pushed the top down and Josie sat up and threw her arms around Hope’s neck.

“Hope…” she sobbed. “I thought I was never going to see you again.”

“Enough. Shut up already,” Maya snapped from behind.

“Josie, don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe. Come on, try standing up,” Hope said to the trembling woman. She put her hands under Josie’s arms as support and helped the restrained woman out of the car and onto her feet. “You’re okay,” she said again, when Josie leaned against her and screamed. “It’s okay.”

“W-What’s going on?” asked Josie, looking from Hope to Maya in confusion.

“We’ve been kidnapped.” Hope squeezed Josie’s arms.

“Shut her up, Hope.”

A thousand questions flashed in Josie’s eyes.

“This is not the way I wanted to do this but,” Hope nodded at the woman currently pointing a gun at them, “she’s the ex I told you about.”

Josie stared at her, mouth opened.

“Move them inside,” Maya barked at her men and they trudged to them.

Gruff Voice B had a makeshift bandage around his wrist and the meanest intent in his eyes. Hope was expecting to be cuffed or punched but Maya barked another order, telling the men not to lay a finger on them. The men did not look pleased with the order but they obeyed. This was one thing about Maya that had not changed –her firm leadership.

With Josie trembling in her arms, Hope was pushed into the house. It was more like a shed, metal walls on all sides. Much like a farmer’s shed. Hope could not recognize their surroundings but noted the terrain anyway. The knowledge might come in useful sometime.

Once they were in the shed, Hope and Josie were pushed onto a mattress at a corner of the floor. Josie fell awkwardly and Hope had to help her up to sit with her back against the wall. Maya appeared in front of them, gun in hand.

“Don’t bother trying to escape. I’m not interested in hurting or killing you but I will if I have to. Got it?”

Hope nodded along with Josie and Maya relaxed her stance.

“Good. Don’t give me any trouble and I won’t give you any.” Maya cast a meaningful look at Hope. “I still remember.”

Hope could feel Josie’s eyes on her but kept her eyes on Maya’s. She said nothing. The men were staring at them curiously and she didn’t want them to know more than they had to. Satisfied with their promise to compliance, Maya retreated to the other side of the shed, bringing her men with her. Hope knew the wrist wound would require more medical attention and sure enough, the man left the shed soon after. Hope was glad to see him go. He was the more ruthless of the two and his departure was in favor of them. The sound of a car starting up confirmed Hope’s theory and she felt better about the situation for now.

Beside her, Josie was disturbingly quiet. Hope shifted around slowly, hoping Maya wouldn’t notice. Fortunately for her, Maya was too focused on treating Gruff Voice A’s cut. Hope looked deep into Josie’s eyes, trying to sense how she was feeling.

“Are you okay?” Hope whispered.

Josie nodded, her lips pressed thin.

Feeling worried for Josie’s state of mind, Hope rubbed her arms and examined the bond on her wrists. Aside from redness around the restraint, Josie did not appear any worse for wear.

“Don’t worry,” Hope whispered again. “If Maya says she won’t hurt us, she won’t.”

“What are you talking about over there?” Maya was on her feet, walking towards them with Gruff Voice A behind her.

Hope looked straight at Maya without fear. “I’m just comforting her. She’s scared.”

Maya scoffed. “I told you, I’m not interested in hurting you. Just be good and you’ll get to go home to your father.”

To Hope’s surprise, Josie opened her mouth and asked, “Why did you kidnap us? Is it for ransom?”

Maya gave them a hard look and for a moment, Hope thought she was going to lose her temper but she answered the question. “No.”

“Then why?”

“Someone paid me a lot of money to hide you for a while.” Maya swept her hair from her eyes impatiently.

“But why?”

Maya rolled her eyes. “Bitch, I don’t ask questions. I just do my job. So just be good and I’ll release you soon enough.”

Hope patted Josie’s back, trying to calm the trembling woman down. “We’ll be good.”

After throwing one more hard look at them, Maya turns around and returns to the chairs on the other side of the shed. Gruff Voice A left the shed after a short conversation with Maya a few moments later so it was just the three of them left. There was just one problem. Maya still had the gun and Hope was not about to test her marksmanship. So even though circumstances seemed slightly more advantageous at the moment, Hope held back. She would find a better chance to make an escape with Josie. Until then, all she could do was hold Josie tight and sooth her nerves.

----------

Sometime later, Gruff Voice B returned. He looked at them menacingly and the fear in Josie swelled. But he did not come any closer and she was relieved. Her wrists were sore and sitting in the same position for such a long time was taking a toll on her body. But despite everything, she found strength in the stoic, stable presence of her bodyguard. Her bodyguard. Hope had been just another bodyguard to her at first, but after going through everything together, Josie could not help but think of Hope differently now. Hope was her bodyguard and for the first time, she could place her trust in someone other than her family and believe it was not misplaced.

With all sorts of thoughts and mixed feelings swirling around in her heart and mind, Josie lifter her head from Hope’s shoulder. Her bodyguard looked at her then, and she met the concerned eyes. ‘Thank you’ she mouthed.

Hope smiled. ‘Are you okay?’ she mouthed in return.

Josie nodded. And smiled. Then, she put her head back on Hope’s shoulder. Hope shifted so she fitted snugly and put an arm around her shoulder. In a strange way, this was almost comfortable. If only her restraints could be removed.

She dozed off shortly after that, tired in mind and body, but woke up shivering in the cold. Her bodyguard was lying beside her with eyes closed, so she tried her best to move closer without waking her up. However, with her wrists and ankles bound, Josie found it hard to move properly and Hope opened her eyes. The tiredness in them made way for concern rapidly and Hope rubbed Josie’s arm before pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Are you cold?” whispered Hope.

Josie nodded. “My back, especially.”

“Turn around.”

With Hope’s help, Josie turned, and she almost sighed in relief when her bodyguard pressed up against her back and wrapped warm arms around her waist.

“Better?” Hope whispered in her ear.

Josie nodded. “Thank you.”

“Go back to sleep. We need to rest.”

With Hope’s soothing presence cocooning her, Josie closed her eyes, and went back to sleep.

Chapter Text

Josie’s body was aching when she woke up. Being bound all night made her shoulder and arm muscles sore and even though her bodyguard was keeping her warm from behind, the cold had attacked her stiff legs.

“Things getting real cozy back here.”

Josie was taken aback by a pair of worn out trekking shoes came to a stop in front of her face. Her eyes followed up the dirty green pant legs and met with a mobile phone in the hands of her captor.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Taking a picture.”

Josie blinked in confusion. “Why?”

“Have to prove I got you.” Maya clucked in disgust. “There’s no trust these days.”

Falling silent, Josie contemplated the woman. She didn’t seem to be as scary as she had thought at first. But it was dangerous to assume too much about her. A groan from behind distracted her from those thoughts. Hope was only just waking up which struck her as strange. Her bodyguard was usually alert and her conversation with Maya should have woken her up from the start.

“Hope?” Josie tried to turn. An overly warm hand covered her arm and Josie was alarmed. “Hope, you feel hot.”

Her bodyguard groaned again as her eyes opened slowly. “I have a headache,” she moaned.

“Oh no, do you have a fever?”

Maya came forward and pressed a hand on Hope’s face. “Fuck. You’re sick.”

Hope coughed in reply and tried to sit up. Maya helped and leaned her against the wall. “Thanks,” Hope croaked.

“Fucking piece of shit.”

“I’m sorry,” said Hope.

“Don’t fucking apologize.” Maya stepped away after palming Hope’s neck and made a call to someone. “Get me some meds for fever before you come back.”

“I’ll be okay after some rest,” said Hope. “It was probably too cold last night.”

“Still stubborn like a loyal dog,” said Maya, making it sound like an undesirable quality. “You better not die on my hands and mess up my plans.”

“I won’t die.”

Josie stared, open mouthed at the exchange between their captor and her bodyguard. Did she just witness an old lovers’ quarrel? There was definitely a lot of history lurking under the surface tension and she did not like it much. She wasn’t going to say anything right now but once they were left alone again, her bodyguard was in for a grilling.

Growing accustomed to the restraint on her wrists and ankles, Josie learnt how to work with her fists on the ground and managed to push herself to Hope’s side after Maya went back to the other side of the shed.

“Lean on me and rest,” she said to her bodyguard.

Hope lifted her head from her arms and smiled at her. “You’re going to be really sore if I do that.”

“But you got a fever because you were keeping me warm.”

“I got a fever because it was cold. It’s not your fault.” Hope patted her shoulder. “Are your arms sore?” she asked.

Josie nodded. “Do you think you can ask her to untie my hands?”

“I don’t think I can ask her to do anything,” Hope replied while positioning herself to massage Josie’s arms.

“But she’s your ex. You know each other.”

“She owes me one but I won’t call for the favor yet.”

“What does she owe you?”

“Don’t ask. And don’t let her hear you talking about it.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know how she’ll react. So I’ll save it for now.”

Hope’s arm massage was soothing her muscles and Josie sighed with relief when her bodyguard helped her to stretch her arms. “Thank you,” she said gratefully when Hope helped her to lean back against the wall after the massage.

Hope looked at her with a little quirky lift of her lips.

“What?” Josie asked, uncomfortable under those warm blue eyes.

“You really are quite nice sometimes.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

The little quirky lift became a full smile. “It’s a nice surprise.”

Josie glared at her cheeky bodyguard. “Don’t get cocky just because I’m nice to you.”

The full smile grew into a grin. “You said I can rest on your shoulder. I’m going to take your offer now.”

Flabbergasted by her bodyguard’s daring statement, Josie sat still as the weight of Hope’s head landed on her shoulder.

“Nudge me if I don’t wake up when the men come back,” Hope whispered against her neck, making her hairs stand.

“Why?” she whispered back.

“I want to be ready.”

Josie wanted to know what her bodyguard needed to be ready for but the woman’s eyes had already closed and the tiredness showed on her face. Remembering that Hope was running a fever, Josie refrained from asking anymore questions.

----------

Josie was half asleep when the men returned. Hope didn’t show any signs of waking up so she gave her bodyguard a nudge as requested. Hope’s eyes were slow to open, and Josie grew more alarmed when she saw how red they were.

“Your eyes are really read. You must be heating up.”

Maya came up to them and threw a little paper bag at their feet. “Fucking troublesome.” She turned to the men. “You had one job to do. One girl to grab. Now the extra is sick and we have to give her meds. Fuck.”

“Why do we have to give her meds?” the man with the injured wrist growled. “It’s just fever.”

“Are you going to be the one to look for a place to dump her body if she dies?” Maya snapped back.

“I was just saying,” the man retorted.

“If she dies, you’ll be just digging, Clarke.”

Josie pricked her ears up. So that’s the scary dude’s name. She saw Hope staring at the man too and knew her bodyguard was probably filing that name away in her brain. Her bodyguard was always alert and on her toes, even when she was ill. If only there was something she could do for her bodyguard now that she needed looking after.

“You. Rich girl. Feed your own bodyguard the meds if you don’t want her to die.”

“But my hands…”

Grumbling about troublesome captives, Maya squatted beside her and freed her hands. “Don’t even try anything funny. I’ll shoot you so fast you won’t know what hit you.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“Words are cheap, bitch.” Maya stood up and kicked the paper bag of medicine out of Josie’s reach as she left them. Josie was about to get it when Hope stopped her and retrieved the bag instead, not looking too pleased with Maya’s mean act. Josie would have loved to give Maya a generous piece of her mind too, but a glare was all she dared to show of it, bearing in mind that the gun was in Maya’s possession.

“Don’t,” Hope whispered to her.

With a reluctant nod, Josie took a deep breath and took the paper bag from Hope. In it were two boxes of pills for the common cold and fever. She opened her mouth to ask for water but Maya came back to them with two more paper bags. She dumped them at Josie’s feet without saying a word but her gaze lingered on Hope a second longer than necessary. It didn’t sit well with Josie at all but a tiny part of her was thankful because Hope got the medicine she needed.

That aside, Josie was pleased to find two bottles of water and sandwiches in the paper bags. At least their kidnappers were not planning on starving them.

“Here,” she said to Hope, handing her a bottle of water. As he bodyguard uncapped the bottle, she opened the box of fever medicine and handed two tablets to Hope according to the instructions. A sense of relief washed over her after Hope downed the tablets and she was able to smile again. “Are you feeling better now?” she asked.

Hope grinned. “It takes time for the medicine to take effect, Josie.”

“I-I know that,” said Josie, embarrassed. She pushed a packet of the sandwiches to Hope. “Eat your breakfast and stop laughing at me.”

----------

They dozed off again after finishing their sandwiches and Hope woke up feeling better and stronger. Josie was fast asleep on her side, legs curled to her chest and hands tucked under her cheek. Maya had retied her hands after they are but at least they were in front instead of behind now. She was a little surprised when Maya did not put restraints on her too. And the gang leader’s linger looks had not escaped her either. Was there something there? It was to her advantage but she had to play her cards carefully if she didn’t want the ending to be ugly.

As she lay next to Josie, she could hear Maya and the men talking. Judging by Maya’s tone, she wasn’t happy about something and the men. Trying her hardest to listen in on the conversation, she felt her blood run cold when Maya raised her voice and said, “Fucking asshole. Cutting her up was not part of the deal.”

Chapter Text

Several plans ran through Hope’s mind as she lay on the mattress next to Josie. It was safe to say Maya had been given orders to hurt Josie. She noted Maya’s unhappiness too. It could be a turning point for Josie when it came to the crunch. Being free of bonds, Hope knew she had just one chance to make an escape. Should she fail, Josie would suffer and they would not be given another chance to get away. Over on the other side of the shed, Maya was raising her voice again. This time, Hope could hear one of the men too. And it didn’t take her long to identify him as Clarke, the meaner of the two men.

“What’s the fucking problem? You too scared?”

“Use your brains, Clarke. They’re just using us.”

“Cut the friend’s finger. They won’t know the difference.”

“Her father isn’t a stupid man. He’ll know.”

“If you too scared to do it, I can.”

“They didn’t pay us for it. And it’s not the same when you start cutting them up. That’s another charge.”

“You just scared.”

“Fuck. This is business. If you gonna do things your way, get out.”

A sudden slam of the table jolted Hope’s eyes open. Clarke was shouting vulgarities now. Maya going head to head with him. The other guy yelling at them to stop. Next to her, Josie was trembling so Hope squeezed her arm to assure her.

“Stay still,” she whispered.

Right then a gunshot rang out, deafening her. Inevitably, Josie screamed and that attracted their attention.

Damn it. Hope peeped over Josie’s shoulder and saw Clarke storming towards them, gun in hand. It was now or never.

Despite the slight throb in her head from the fever and medicine, Hope held Josie still until the very last moment. Then, with a swift roll, Hope lifted her leg and swung it at the gun just as it got within reach. The next kick was aimed at the injured wrist. It provoked a pained cry and brought a grimace to Clarke’s frowning face. Hope lost no time in using the momentum to flip over onto her feet and then it was a race for the gun.

There was shouting and yelling but Hope zoned everything out as she dived for the gun. Clarke’s hand almost got to it but she managed to push it out of the way and grab the gun with her left hand. Once she got it, it was a matter of putting enough distance between her and the man. But Josie’s scream ended it all.

“Drop the gun now!” Maya hollered.

Hope kept her gun pointed at Clarke and shifted to get vision of Josie. Maya had her by the throat and a gun to her temple. There was a very real possibility of Josie dying even though Hope knew it was the last thing Maya wanted. It was time to cool things down.

“You know I would never have done this,” she began, gun still trained at Clarke’s head.

“Shut the fuck up Hope! Fuck!”

Hope pressed on. “I promised you and I intend to keep my promise. But I am Josie’s bodyguard and I won’t let anyone hurt her.”

“Put the gun down!”

“LISTEN TO ME!” Hope screamed. “Leave Josie alone and I won’t do this.”

“You’re talking too fucking much,” Clarke snarled. “Fucking shoot her now!”

Maya didn’t, however. Hope saw the hesitation in her eyes and capitalized on it. “I swear. I just want to protect Josie. It’s my job. We’ll stay here if nobody hurts her.”

Maya seemed to consider Hope’s bargaining but Clarke did not have the patience. He charged straight at Hope, forcing her to pull the trigger. The bullet hit an ankle and the big man went down with a broken cry but Hope didn’t even flinch. Instead, she kept her eyes on Maya, holding the woman’s gaze with all the calm in the world.

“I won’t shoot you, Maya. Not if Josie is unharmed.”

“Drop the gun and we’ll talk.”

Hope shook her head. “I need the gun. Your man is not listening to you and I need to protect Josie and myself from him.”

“You fucking shot him!”

“He was going to attack me.” Hope back away from the crying Clarke. “He didn’t listen to you, Maya. You never used to allow that.”

“You don’t know shit.”

“I know enough.” Hope could hear Josie sobbing but kept her eyes on Maya’s. “I know what a promise is.” Maya’s face was flaming up and she looked like she was about to burst but Hope held her ground and she maintained her stoic expression even when Maya pushed Josie to the floor.

“Take you woman.”

“She’s not my woman. She’s my client’s daughter.”

“Don’t fuck like a bitch, Hope. This isn’t over.”

Still pointing her gun at Clarke, Hope moved to shield Josie who was crawling towards her. “I believe you will let us go as you promised. I’m willing to wait for it without anybody else getting hurt.”

The anger did not abate in Maya’s eyes but she lowered her gun and moved to Clarke. “Fucking idiot,” she swore at him before turning to the other man who had stayed by her side in silence during the entire exchange. “Rafael! Help me stop the bleeding.”

Rafael stepped forward, taking off his shirt. He pressed it against the wound, making Clarke scream in pain again. Together with Maya, they secured Clarke’s ankle and hoisted him up. Rafael’s strength showed in how easily he supported Clarke’s weight while helping the man to the door.

With their captors’ attention diverted to Clarke, Hope sneaked to the table on the other side and stole Maya’s phone. Stuffing it under her dress, Hope returned to the mattress where Josie sat with tears running down her cheeks.

“Hey, hey…no more tears, okay?” Hope coaxed as she gathered Josie into her arms.

“It was so scary,” Josie said between sobs.

“I know. It was very dangerous and you were very brave.”

“I just want to go home, Hope. Please bring me home.”

Hope stared at her blackened bare feet, willing herself to stay strong despite their situation. “I’m working on that.” Nudging Josie’s chin, Hope smiled when the woman met her eyes. “Do you trust me?”

Josie nodded. “I trust you.”

“Good, because I have a plan and I need your help.”

Chapter Text

Maya came back alone, as Hope predicted. Clarke’s gunshot wound would render him useless to her for a while and Rafael was probably going to stay with him to help for now. This was perfect. This was the best time to do it.

With Maya’s mobile phone tucked away under her dress, Hope began heaving. Looking alarmed, Josie called for Maya’s attention. The kidnapper came to look and growled, “What’s wrong with you now!?”

“She’s going to puke,” said Josie.

“Don’t bullshit me.”

“But really is going to puke. I think there was something wrong with the sandwiches. My tummy hurts a little too. And Hope’s already got a fever; it’s going to get worse.”

Hope made a horrendous sound and bent over again, coughing like a dying woman.

“Fuck. Don’t fucking puke in here!” Maya pointed her gun at Hope. “Get outside!”

“Can I go with her? She needs help,” Josie asked but found the gun pointing at her instead.

“She goes alone. And if she doesn’t come back, you’re a dead bitch.”

Hope shook her head at Maya. “Don’t worry. I’ll come back.”

Maya unlocked the door and opened it. “Move!”

Hope dashed out and headed for the grass. Stopping by a nearby tree, she bent and heaved. Out of a corner of her eye, she could see Maya standing at the door so more acting was required. It wasn’t difficult for her since she did the act frequently in school to get out of classes and as she forced her coughs out, her eyes sneaked peeks at the door every other second. The moment Maya disappeared from the door; Hope reached into her dress and pulled out the mobile phone she stole. With all her strength, she hurled it into the grass and returned to her bent stance before Maya reappeared. Job done, Hope coughed and heaved a few more times before walking back to the shed.

“Thank you,” she said to Maya while passing her by but the woman merely grunted and locked the door.

Hope winked at Josie with her back to Maya. ‘Good job,’ she mouthed and smiled when Josie gave her a hug.

“Troublesome idiots,” Maya growled and took her place on her usual chair.

Without anything else to do but wait, Hope sat back with Josie and closed her eyes until Josie asked a question.

“Do you think she feels anything for you?”

Hope opened her eyes and turned to meet Josie’s honest ones. “Maya?”

“Mhm.”

“I doubt she does.”

“Not even a little bit?”

“Why would you think that?”

“She gives you a lot of freedom.”

“She knows there’s no way for me to escape. And I promised not to run.”

“But why would she trust you?”

“Because I didn’t shoot her when I could have and I haven’t run away.”

Josie looked thoughtful for a moment. “How did you break up?”

Hope paused. “It was a natural progression. I was sent to juvenile training school and she went to jail because she was older. I only visited her once after I graduated and it was awkward.”

“Why?”

Hope shrugged. “Maybe because she was still in jail. Maybe because she had a grudge against me.”

“But why would she bear a grudge?”

“She was probably pissed because I didn’t take the rap for the party drugs that night.”

Josie’s fingers gripped Hope’s arm. “You mean she tried to pin it on you?”

“Yeah.”

“And why aren’t you mad about it?”

“I was back then. But I don’t hate her for it anymore.”

“Because she’s a disloyal asshole not worth your hate?”

Hope chuckled. “Because I kind of understand why she did it.”

“That she’s a coward?”

Shaking her head, Hope replied, “That I was younger. I could afford to take the charge and just go to juvenile training school. It was a lot more severe for her though. So she got a longer sentence for it.”

“Is this what they call using scapegoats and manipulating loopholes in the law?”

“You could say that.”

“Shut the fuck up over there!” Maya thundered from her corner. “You’re not on a fucking honeymoon here!”

Hope laid a warning hand on Josie in case the vocal woman spoke too quickly and shook her head when Josie looked at her. “Don’t. Help is coming. We just have to wait.”

Sometime later, Maya began to rummage about her side of the shed. Knowing so well what she was looking for, Hope winked at Josie and remained silent. Maya was not going to find her mobile phone for it was lying in the grass, way behind the trees, beaming a signal that would lead the help to them.

----------

Help came like the Death Reaper, silent and deadly, in the night. Knowing it would happen after dark; Hope had been lying in wait when help arrived. With Josie against the wall, Hope stayed in front of her, watching and listening. To someone who wasn’t listening hard enough the sound of shoes stepping on branches would not have been registered but Hope had her ears pricked up and she was hyper aware of the slightest snap of a branch. Fortunately for her, Maya and Rafael were not.

The two sudden bashes on the door obviously shocked them and they were stunned by the slam of the door breaking open. Hope, gun in hand, shielded Josie in their corner and watched as armed black figures infiltrated the shed. It was over in less than a minute. With an array of high-tech riffles pointing at them, Maya and Rafael surrendered without a fight. Rather anti-climatic one might even say. But drama was the last thing Hope wanted. Drama was for the movies. All Hope wanted was Josie, safe and sound, in one complete piece.

As her bodyguard, that was the only thing that mattered.

----------

Mr. Saltzman was at the special police force headquarters when they arrived. And Josie, like a bee to a nectar, into her father’s arms with tears bursting out onto her cheeks. Hope stood back, watching as they hugged and smiled. She had done her job of protecting Josie well, even though she hadn’t been able to prevent the kidnapping.

A pat on her back had her turning around and the biggest smile broke out on her face when she saw who it was.

“Good job, lil’ shortie.”

She let his hand ruffle and mess up her hair without fuss as she soaked up the praise and pride in his eyes. “I did my best,” she replied, going down the humble path, “and we got lucky.”

“She’s lucky to have you protecting her. I’ll bet she won’t be trying to get you to quit anymore,” he said with eyes that laughed with mirth.

“Who are you talking to?”

Hope turned to Josie who had appeared behind her with Mr. Saltzman. This is my mentor, Marcel Gerard. He’s a superintendent in the Criminal Investigation Department. He’s the man who rescued us.”

Mr. Saltzman stepped forward immediately and took Marcel’s hand. “Thank you, sir. Thank you for saving my daughter.”

“It’s my duty, Mr. Saltzman. And all I did was the clean up job. It was Hope who acted on her wits to save you daughter.”

Mr. Saltzman turned to Hope with a mountain of gratitude displayed in his eyes and body. “Mr. Gerard is right. You are the real hero. I cannot thank you enough.”

Hope blushed. “I was only doing my job, sir.”

“No, no. Based on what my daughter told me so far, you went far beyond the call of duty.”

“I did what I could.”

“I owe you my daughter’s life. There is no amount of money I can give you to show how much it means to me.”

“Well, Mr. Saltzman, I wouldn’t mind a pay raise,” Hope joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Double. Triple. Ten times more. Do you like cars? I can buy you a new car.”

“Mr. Saltzman, I was just kidding,” said Hope, taken aback by his generosity. “Besides, you won’t need to hire me once your work is done,” she added, looking at him meaningfully.

“Nonsense. I will extend you contract, even after it is done.”

“Will it be done soon?”

Mr. Saltzman nodded. “It is already being sent out as we speak.”

“That’s great. That means I’ll be able to go home and rest after this.”

“Yes, of course. You deserve a break.”

At this point, Josie spoke up, looking increasingly confused as the conversation went on. “Go home? Are you’re going to quit?” she asked, staring right at Hope.

“I’m not quitting. It’s just that my job is completed.”

Josie turned to her father. “What job? What are you two talking about? And what’s being sent out?”

“I’ll explain everything once we get home, dear.”

Josie’s eyes were on her and Hope held her gaze, wearing a smile designed to assure. But deep inside, something strange and foreign was unfurling. A kind of clenching. A kind of squeeze. Or strain. It was in her chest. Was it her heart? Josie looked positively adorable with her wet puppy eyes but she looked lost too. Was that why she had the urge to hold Josie’s hand and tell her that everything was going to be okay? But she had her father for that. Hope did not have to do that. She had done her job and Mr. Saltzman had given her the night off to go home and rest. So what was this oddness she was feeling?

“I’ll see you tomorrow then, Mr. Saltzman.”

Mr. Saltzman smiled. “Why don’t you take tomorrow off too? I’ll see you the day after.”

“I’m good for that. I’ll see you soon, Josie. Have a good rest.”

“Okay.”

Hope thought Josie’s eyes looked strangely empty for a second but Marcel patted her shoulder and got her attention.

“We need to get your statement now. Are you up to it?”

Hope nodded. Then, with a wave to Mr. Saltzman and Josie, she turned and followed Marcel further into the headquarters.

Chapter Text

Her father wanted her to rest right away but Josie wasn’t having it. As worn out and sore as she was, she knew she wouldn’t be able to fall asleep until her father explained everything to her. It infuriated her that Hope had known something was up all along. Her bodyguard had been in cahoots with whatever her father had been doing and she was the only fool who was kept in the dark. But this ‘fool’ status of hers was going to end tonight.

“I’m all ears, Dad.” She said, refusing to budge from the leather chair in her father’s study. “What secrets have you been keeping form me?”

Her father heaved a deep sigh. “There are things I can’t tell you, Josie.”

“But you told Hope!”

“I didn’t tell her anything about it. She only came to suspect something after the men attacked you in Japan.”

Josie’s eyes grew wide. “You mean, they weren’t just thieves?”

“I’m afraid not.”

Josie felt quite sick suddenly. “Dad, did you do something wrong?”

“I didn’t.”

“Then why?”

“I can’t give away too many details, but you will see it in the news soon.”

“The news?” Josie didn’t know if her father was fibbing or not.

“Yes, it will be all over the papers once the prosecutors get a warrant to search the offices.”

“You’re confusing me, Dad.”

“I’ll put it simply.” Her father rubbed his face, looking ten years older all of a sudden. “Some very powerful people have been dishonest in conducting their business. They’ve been cutting cost with cheap and unregulated dyes that are harmful to people who are in contact with the fabrics. And some corrupt politicians have been helping them to cover it up.”

“So you’re a spy?”

“Not really. I was in the position to help the investigation so I helped with what I could. There was some risk in doing this but I have been trying my best to protect you from possible threats. When you were kidnapped from the gala, I had been ready to hand over the information necessary to prosecute them but I held my information back until you were rescued.”

“So when Hope asked those questions… it was about this?”

Her father nodded slowly.

“Which means Hope knew that I was in danger right from the beginning?”

“She is the kind of bodyguard who would be expecting danger.”

Her father’s words brought back Hope’s explanation of the various types of bodyguards to Josie and it disturbed her. “Why didn’t you stop it? Why did you continue to help when you knew I was in danger?”

“Josie, I know what you must be thinking but let me tell you that it isn’t like that.”

“How is it not? You knew I was at risk but you did it anyway.”

“I knew you were at risk so I took extra measures to protect you.”

“You could have stopped helping. They wouldn’t have come after me then.”

“But that would mean we lose the chance to stop the wrongdoings.”

A flare of anger blasted its way through Josie’s mind and body. Boy, did she hate the world right now. She hated Hope for ditching her right after saving her. She hated her father for obviously caring more about saving strangers than his own daughter. She hated the horrible kidnapper who gave her hell for twenty four hours. And most of all, she hated herself for wishing her bodyguard was here to hold her hand again.

“Maybe it’s an honorable thing to do in your mind,” said Josie as she stood up in a huff, “but for me, you’re the worst father anyone can ever have.” The image of her father’s stunned expression blazed her eyes but she was too mad to care as she stormed out of the study to her bedroom. Slamming the door with all her fury, Josie locked it and marched straight into her bathroom. Whenever she was fuming mad, a long, relaxing bath always helped.

----------

The night did not go well. Josie woke up a few times in a cold sweat, clutching for a hand that wasn’t even there and found it hard to sleep again. By the time morning came, she was tired, grumpy and shaken. She was in no shape for work so she called in to say she wasn’t coming in and deflected all questions about why she cannot be contacted yesterday–a benefit of being the owner of the business.

Lunch was awaiting her when she went downstairs. She had slept part breakfast as well as the midday sun so lunch was really more like tea but even then her appetite was poor. A few bites of salad and slices of beef were all she stomached before leaving the dining table. Her father did not approve but he did not press the matter after she shot him a glare that could melt iron and steel.

She was oddly annoyed when her brother and sister called in from overseas to check if she was okay. Of course she was, she told both of them and shut most of their questions. She didn’t know why she was behaving this way–she had always loved talking to her siblings, her sister especially–and it made her crankier. Wishing to escape from anything that walked on two legs, Josie retreated back to her room and locked the door. But the click of the door locking triggered a flashback of the dingy shed she had been stuck in and she found herself trembling from the chain of memories that followed. Weak. Why was she so weak? Fuck this. She was going to take another bath.

----------

By night time, Josie’s stomach was growling but she had no wish to leave her room even though her father and various staff in the household had come by several times to knock on her door. Each time they knocked, she would yell for them to go away and throw the nearest object at the door if they persisted. But her stomach’s protest wasn’t going to quit even if she yelled of threw things at it so she had no choice but to sneak out of her room and down to the kitchen to grab some food.

As she rounded the corner, she heard sound coming from the kitchen. Her heart thumped as a streak of cold zapped through her chest and she pressed herself against the wall for fear of an intruder. But was she overreacting? What if it was just a member of the kitchen staff? It would be totally stupid if she was spooked by her cook or someone like that, right? So with a gust of bravado, Josie marched straight into the kitchen and switched on the light. The person in it turned, reacting with little more than widened eyes but Josie found herself screaming.

“Shh, it’s just me. It’s okay.”

Hope. Oh my God. Hope.

Chapter Text

After pummeling Hope in an out pour of emotions, Josie finally stopped screaming, but it seemed as though the entire household had heard her for they came running to the kitchen with her father close behind.

“What happened, Josie?” asked her father.

“Nothing. Go away.”

“Josie–"

Josie pushed her father’s hand away and hid behind Hope. “I don’t want to talk to you.”

Her father’s shoulders slumped in defeat and he sighed. “Alright, I won’t pry anymore.” Turning to Hope, he said, “Please take care of Josie.”

Josie’s heart lightened when her bodyguard agreed. Hope was back for her. She knew Hope would come back. But Hope stepped away from her and turned to face her with a solemn expression once they were left alone.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were back?” asked Josie.

“I was going to show myself tomorrow morning.”

“I-I miss you.”

Hope stood blinking and a wave of embarrassment overcame Josie.

“You’re the only bodyguard I can trust. I didn’t sleep well last night without you around.”

“I did tell your father that you should see a therapist but he told me you refused to see one.”

“I don’t need a therapist. I’m fine.”

“But you said you didn’t sleep well.”

“It’s just one night. Like what happened in Japan. I got over it soon enough.”

“Josie, being kid–"

“Shut it. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“You’re not fine if you don’t want to talk about it.”

“I’m fine if I say I’m fine.”

“You’re very stubborn.”

“I could say the same about you.”

Hope shook her head. “This will never end. Please excuse me; I’ll be starting my patrol now.”

“Fine.”

Hope gave her a polite nod and left the kitchen with the glass of water that was on the counter top. Meanwhile, Josie stood still, steaming with irritation. Hope was just as stiff as before, as though they had not gone through everything together.

Stupid bodyguard. Stupid Hope. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

----------

The next morning, Josie came down feeling grumpier than ever. Her sleep had been interrupted by nightmares again and each time she had woken up, taking fast and heavy breaths. She bumped into her bodyguard while walking down the stairs but Hope didn’t stop, merely giving her a nod in the passing and Josie was miffed. Unsatisfied with leaving things as they were, Josie turned around and stopped her bodyguard along the corridor on the second floor.

“Why are you treating me like a stranger?”

Her bodyguard stared at her with her baby blue eyes. “I’m on duty right now.”

“So what?”

“So I’m supposed to be checking the second floor for any possible security breaches, not standing here talking to you.”

“You’re doing this on purpose.”

“I don’t get what you mean.”

“This. This pretense. Stop it.”

“I’m not pretending.”

“We spent more than twenty four hours together in that horrible place but the moment we got out of it you’re like a stranger I barely know.”

“Josie, please let me do my job. We can talk after my working hours are over.”

“And when is that?”

“Tonight. Today’s my last day so we can talk anytime tomorrow.”

“Last day? Why is it your last day?”

Her bodyguard sighed. “Why don’t you talk to your father about this? I really need to get going, alright?” And before Josie could ask another question, Hope scooted down the corridor speedily, leaving her standing there by the railing.

Father? Does Dad have something to do with this? Did he fire my bodyguard?

With those flaming questions in mind, Josie stomped down the stairs to search for her father.

----------

“What do you mean you can’t keep Hope?” Josie questioned her father with flaring nostrils, ready to breathe out fire.

“She wouldn’t accept my offer.”

“Why not?” Josie threw her hands in the air in exasperation. “Triple her salary. Add another zero to her check.”

“It’s not about the money. I offered to pay her as much as my chiefs but she rejected it anyway.”

“Then why? Why would she reject it?”

“According to her, you’re no longer in danger so you don’t need a bodyguard like her.”

“What does that even mean? You’re still going to hire another bodyguard, right? And it’s going to be a lousy bodyguard like all the other I’ve had before.”

“Josie, I can’t force her to work for me if she doesn’t want to. And she’s quite right. Her skills and abilities would be wasted here. She should be protecting someone whose life is being threatened instead.”

“How do you know my life is not being threatened? What if someone comes and grabs me again?”

“That’s why I hire bodyguards. They will discourage people from trying. And now that the case has been opened and arrests have been made, they won’t be able to come for you anymore.”

“I don’t care. It’s either Hope or no bodyguard.”

Her father sighed. “Maybe you have more persuasive power than me. If you can convince her to be your bodyguard, I will gladly hire her again.”

Josie stood, eyes flashing fierce. “Then I will.”

Chapter Text

Her bodyguard was already there when Josie got to the café they had agreed to meet in. it wasn’t Josie’s first choice–she had wanted to talk to Hope in her own home, but her bodyguard had stubbornly refused to meet unless it was at premises outside of her home. Also, since it was the next day, Hope was technically no longer her bodyguard but Josie wasn’t going to let it be. Hope was still her bodyguard.

“What would you like to have?” Hope inquired as soon as she sat down. “It’s my treat today.”

Josie was surprised by the ready smile on Hope’s face. Why was her bodyguard acting all friendly again? Did she have split personality disorder or something?”

“Americano.”

“Alright. Anything else?” Hope asked as she stood.

“New York cheesecake.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back.”

Josie sat back and watched as her bodyguard headed to the counter to place the order. Why was she acting so differently? She had been friendly and polite enough back at the house but it felt as though there were a solid wall between them. Here in this café, it felt almost as though they were on a date. Her eyes took in the rugged denim jeans hanging on Hope’s hips. Her bodyguard’s slim but toned calves tapered into bare ankles and a pair of sporty white sneakers. Something about the look warmed her heart. Her brown eyes then climbed back up in appreciation to observe the plaid shirt hanging off shoulders that Josie wanted to put her arms around. Damn. Where did that thought come from?

Josie looked away when Hope turned her body and focused on the cup of coffee on the table. It looked like cappuccino. Her bodyguard liked sweeter things, she thought, remembering the packets of sweets she had seen Hope eating before. She was a bit like a kid in that aspect. But nothing like a kid when it came to everything else.

A steaming cup of coffee and a plate of cheesecake were placed on the table.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Hope asked after taking her seat.

“No,” Josie replied as she cut out a piece of the cake with her fork. “Do you want to have some?” she asked, holding out the cake on her fork.

“If you don’t mind,” said Hope.

Before Josie could hand the fork over, her bodyguard had already held her hand and put the cake into her mouth. She stared, empty fork hanging in the air, as her bodyguard chewed with a smile.

“It’s very smooth.” Hope gave a nod to affirm her review. “It’s good.”

“What are you trying to do?” Josie asked at last.

“What am I trying to do?”

“This. Smiling. Buying me coffee. Eating my cake.”

“If you don’t want me to eat your cake, don’t offer it.”

Josie leaned back and crossed her arms. “You’re up to something. You obviously know what I meant but you’re acting dodgy.”

“I’m like this when I’m off duty.” Hope smiled. “And since I’m not your bodyguard anymore, I can be my usual self.”

“About that. I won’t accept your resignation.”

Hope shook her head. “I didn’t resign.”

“Stop playing around with words. You know what I mean.”

Hope sighed and leaned forward on her elbows. “I didn’t resign. My contract with your father will only run for as long as your life is in mortal danger. Now that the main threat has been arrested, the contract is effectively over. Your father tried to extend the contract too. He’s willing to offer me very attractive payment and terms so it’s not his fault that I rejected his offer.”

“Then why? Why don’t you want to be my bodyguard anymore? Is it because you don’t like me?”

Hope’s eyes left Josie’s briefly for the cake between them before meeting hers again. “Why would you think I don’t like you?”

“Why else would you reject a shit ton of money?”

Hope stiffened. “I’m not the sort who will do anything for money.”

Josie exhaled loudly through her nose. “I’m not trying to say you’re that kind of person. But I know my father. He would have offered to triple your salary at least.”

“He did. And he was willing to give me even more off days too.”

“So, why?”

“I already told your father the reason.”

“I’m asking you now.”

Hope took a deep breath. “I don’t want to sound conceited or proud but I’m the kind of bodyguard people hire for high risk situations. There are different classes of bodyguard and right now, you don’t need a bodyguard like me anymore. An ordinary bodyguard is enough for you.”

“I don’t care about all these things. I only want you. As my bodyguard.”

“There’s also another reason why I won’t accept your father’s offer.”

Josie sat up straight. “What’s the reason?”

Hope shocked her by taking her hand. “I would like to answer the question you asked me when you were drunk in Japan.”

“W-What did I ask?” Josie asked, suddenly worried.

“You asked if I still like girls.”

Josie’s mind went on full alert. “And? What’s your answer?”

Hope held her gaze steadily.”I will only answer it if I’m not your bodyguard anymore.”

“Why can’t you answer it if you’re my body–" Josie’s heart began pumping harder as the possibility hit her right there and then. “Wait. Are you saying–" She stopped, feeling unsure.

Hope took her hand, giving her a surprise. Her bodyguard looked at her hand for a moment, a frown forming. “So, are you going to insist on making me your bodyguard?”

A shadow of a doubt fell over Josie’s mind. What if Hope was tricking her? What if her answer was no? And even if her answer was yes… what did that mean to her?

“Is it a yes or no?”

Josie bit her lip. Who was she kidding? She wanted to know the answer. “No.”

“Okay.” Hope looked straight into her eyes with the intensity of a teacher giving a stern warning. It was mildly disconcerting but Josie didn’t look away. “My answer to your question. Yes, I still like girls.”

Josie stopped breathing for a moment. Her fingers twitched in Hope’s hand. Her mouth opened but words failed to come out. Her eyes dropped their gaze.

“Now, it’s my turn to ask you the question because I’m not sure. Do you like girls?”

Eyes flying back to meet Hope’s, Josie almost gasped at the question. It hadn’t occurred to her that Hope would ask her blatantly like that. And suddenly, it was incredibly difficult to answer.

“Should I let go of your hand?”

Still staring into Hope’s blue eyes, Josie remembered the night Hope had spent with her in the hotel after apprehending the two men who invaded her room and tied her up. Hope had asked her the same question back then too.

“Are you seeing anyone at the moment?” she asked after a moment.

Her bodyguard smiled. “No.”

“What about that girl you met in Japan?”

“Jade? No, we’re just friends.”

Josie nodded at her hand in Hope’s. “What does this mean?”

Hope’s smile grew. She lifted Josie’s hand and brought it close to her lips. Still holding their gaze, Hope paused as though to give her a chance to pull away. But Josie didn’t. Heart thumping away in her chambers, Josie allowed Hope to lean in and close the remaining gap between her hand and those lips.

It didn’t last long. In fact, it was just a peck. But Josie forgot to breathe until her bodyguard lowered her hand. The knuckles that Hope’s lips had touched were buzzing. Her heart was still thumping. And her breathing was still uneven. What was happening to her? It was just a peck on her hand. She was acting like a middle school girl with a massive crush. No, no. she was just taken by surprise, that’s all. She hadn’t expected her bodyguard to make a move like this. She had been all ready to corner her bodyguard into extending the contract with her father. She wasn’t ready for this. This wasn’t what she was here for.

Calm down! Calm down! Get a grip!

“Do you object?”

Josie refocused on Hope’s eyes. “What?”

“I said, do you object?”

“To?”

Hope lifted her hand a little, jerking her head at it.

“No.”

“Does that mean we’re on the same page now?”

She could hear the tentativeness in Hope’s question. Her bodyguard wasn’t sure and was asking for confirmation. But what page was Hope talking about? “What does your page say?”

A corner of Josie’s mouth twitched when her bodyguard cleared her throat and looked at her solemnly. “It says on my page that I have some feeling for you that are inappropriate as your bodyguard. It also says on my page that it might be better for us to clear up the trauma,”–Hope paused–“if you’re on the same page.”

Hearing her bodyguard’s confession was like an extraterrestrial experience. After all the blowing hot and cold episodes and the friendly, courteous walls that stood between them, here was her bodyguard telling her she had inappropriate feelings for her. It was a little hard to believe.

“What kind of inappropriate feelings do you have for me?”

Hope shook her head, ducking as she smiled, before looking back up with a serious expression. “I don’t think I should say it right now. I’m worried about your PTSD, Josie. I want to help you though it before talking about the rest. Will you accept my help?

Josie bit her lip. “As a friend…or more?”

Hope’s fringe flapped as she blew a mouthful of air up. “As a friend, who is interested in…more”

“But I don’t want to see a therapist.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t like them.”

“Have you ever seen one?”

Josie shook her head.

“Why don’t you give it a try before deciding?”

“I’m not crazy. I’ll get over it.”

“Seeing a therapist doesn’t mean you’re crazy. I’ve seen therapists tons of times. Do I look crazy to you?”

“You’ve seen therapists? Why?”

Hope nodded. “I had to see one while I was in the juvenile training school. It was part of the rehabilitation process. Then I saw another after preventing a kidnap. I had nightmares after that and a fear of dark places but seeing the therapist helped me a lot.”

“You had nightmares too?”

“When I was new to the job, yes. Now that I’m more experienced, I’m more used to sudden violent situations so I’m not hit as hard by trauma. But the therapist I go to helped me get through it more easily. If you want, I can bring you to the therapist I know.”

Josie looked at the hand holding hers. She looked at the sincerity in the eyes staring at hers. Then she looked at the hand again. “Okay,” she said at last. “I’ll see the therapist you know.”

Hope squeezed her hand and smiled broadly. “Great. I’ll schedule a session as soon as possible.”

Chapter Text

Seeing her ex-client’s daughter walking towards her brought a warm, fuzzy feeling into Hope’s heart. It was such a relief, getting everything out into the open three days ago. Although she wasn’t exactly shy when it came to getting herself a girlfriend, it had been some time since she had one and being out of practice led to some uncertainty.

While there had been signs and a certain amount of body language that pointed in the direction she thought Josie swung, she couldn’t be completely sure. And there was also the huge obstacle wedged between them since she was working as Josie’s bodyguard. She was highly aware of how misleading it could be when she was in such position and it went against everything she stood for as a bodyguard. Quite like a teacher dating a student in some ways–the more commonly debated example when it came to controversial romance.

But even though she tried her best to enforce the wall of professional distance between Josie and herself, it had become increasingly harder to stop herself from admiring the person she was supposed to protect. And her reasons for protecting Josie had become a little more complicated as well. Altogether, it was a recipe for a workplace disaster.

It was inevitable. And her contract with Mr. Saltzman was slated to run out soon anyway, which was quite convenient in that sense. But it didn’t make meeting Josie in the café any easier. It didn’t make confessing any less nerve wrecking either. This question had to be asked and if her gut feeling had been wrong, it would have been terribly awkward.

Fortunately for her, Josie’s answer–or answering question–had told her everything she wanted to know and wished to hear. She was happy, simply put. Happy to have Josie’s hand in hers. Happy when Josie let her kiss her hand. Happy when Josie agreed to see the therapist.

“Hi,” she said when Josie drew closer. Wearing a smile, she held her hand out for Josie and her heart was glad when Josie took it easily, as though it were the most natural thing to do. “Dr. Emma Tig is waiting.”

“Emma Tig?” Josie resisted with a tug of her hand. “She’s a girl?”

“Yes, don’t worry, she’s very good.”

“I’m trusting you on this.”

Hope smiled at Josie’s frown. “Yes, you can trust me. If you don’t think she’s good after today’s session, you can ask me for compensation.”

Josie’s eyes sparkled with glee. “What kind of compensation?”

“Whatever you can think of.”

“Really?”

Hope nodded. “I’m that confident in my recommendation.”

“Hmp. We shall see.”

----------

Hope had to wait outside the doctor’s office while Josie was having her first session with Emma. After some time, a conversation started with the girl handling the reception. They chatted about random things like music and good places to eat in the vicinity of the therapist’s office. At one point, the girl had some problems with her computer’s internet connection so Hope tried to help. She was bent over the keyboard beside the girl and in the middle of troubleshooting when the door opened. Looking up, Hope met Josie’s eyes and she straightened up. A spark of something flared in the woman’s eyes but Hope wasn’t sure what it was.

“How was the session?” she asked Josie as she rounded the table.

Emma stepped out and joined them. “It was a good opening session with Josie. I’ll see her back here next week.”

“That’s just your side of it, Emma,” Hope countered with a smile. Turning back to Josie, she asked again, “Was it good for you?”

“Good. It was good but looks like it’s even better for you.”

Hope was taken aback by the biting comment. “What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

Hope was stunned when Josie left the office in a huff. She turned to Emma with wide open eyes, wondering what had caused that little episode and she shook her head.

“Hope, she’s feeling rather sensitive after the session so you will need to be patient with her.”

With a nod, Hope headed for the door to chase after Josie. “I will. Thank you, Emma.”

“Remember to bring her back next week.”

Hope left the office in a jog and caught up with Josie quickly. She jogged to the front and stood before Josie, stopping the woman from stomping on. “What’s wrong? What did I do?”

“You’re asking me.”

“Yes. I’m asking because I don’t know. If you’d just tell me, I’d be able to fix it.”

“You need me to tell you. Okay. I’ll tell you. It sucks to go through shitty memories inside and talk about them and then come out and see you laughing and enjoying yourself outside. It sucks.”

“I wasn’t laughing and enjoying myself.”

“You were. You were having fun outside with the girl. Laughing at me while I was inside crying.”

“I would never laugh about this. I’ve been through the same things before. Remember what I told you?” Hope took a firm hold of Josie’s arm and marched the woman ho her car. “Come with me.”

“Where are you taking me? My car is the other way.”

“We’ll talk in my car.”

“What about my car?”

“It’s chauffeured. It’ll be fine.” Hope opened the door to the passenger seat and got Josie in. Then, she went to the other side and got in as well. “Alright. Now. Let’s talk,” she said, locking her car doors with a press of a button. “Was the session bad for you?”

Josie shook her head. “I don’t like it.”

“Why?”

“She asked many questions.”

“That’s because she has to get to know you.”

“That’s what she said too. But I still don’t like it.”

“Okay. Alright, I won’t force you.”

They sat in silence for a long time before Hope spoke again. “Where do you want to go? Let’s go out together.”

“Will I go crazy?” Josie asked suddenly.

Hope took Josie’s hand and squeezed it. “You’re not crazy. You’re not going to go crazy.”

“But it felt like I’m really sick in the head when I went in there. Like I have a real mental problem. And I have nightmares every night. I’m sick.”

“Josie, look at me.” Hope reached for Josie’s cheek and held her face gently. “Look, I understand what you’re going through. Completely. I’ve had the nightmares. I’ve been through the time when I kept all the lights in my home on all night because dark places terrified me. Even now, there are times when the fear hits when it’s dark. But I learnt that fear is only in my mind. And that’s what the therapist is for. You need to talk things through with someone professional. Someone who won’t give you the wrong advice.”

“But you’re different. You’re stronger than me.”

“I’m not that much stronger. I’m affected by the kidnapping too, you know. The second night after we were rescued, I woke up in the middle of the night. I thought I heard a gunshot but it was only in my mind.”

Josie stared at her for an extended moment. “Will it go away?”

“It will, in time.”

Josie heaved a deep sigh. “This sucks. I don’t like this feeling.”

“Then let’s go out. It’ll take our minds off things for a while.”

“Where can we go?”

“Wherever you want,” said Hope indulgently.

“Shopping. Let’s go shopping.”

Hope held in her sigh, pulling out a smile instead. “Okay. Let’s go shopping.”

----------

Josie was a very different woman when I came to shopping. She was in her element, surrounded by clothes of all varieties and accessories of all shapes and color. Being welcomed by friendly, accommodating sales attendants seemed to be her thing. She wielded her credit card like a sword, slaying all the price obstacles that made Hope balk. But Hope didn’t say a word or attempt to stop Josie from doing her retail therapy. It was probably good for her to be in her comfort zone after this afternoon’s experience. But after following Josie around a few different boutiques patiently, the worst happened when, much to Hope’s dismay, the rich woman turned all her attention onto her.

“No, no, no.”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

“But–"

Hope was pushed into the fitting room by a surprisingly strong Josie and she protested loudly when the woman let herself into the room as well. “Get out,” she hissed.

“I don’t want to wait outside alone.”

Hope put her hands on her hips. “That’s a lousy excuse.”

“We can stand in here and argue all day or you can try on the dress.”

“When will I ever wear this dress, may I ask?”

Josie flashed a wide grin. “When you go out on a date with me.”

“Why would I need to wear such a nice dress to go on a date with you?”

“Because I’m going to bring you to fancy places with dress codes for high tea and dinner.”

“Uh uh. I’m sticking to barbeque restaurants and family eating houses.”

“We can’t eat at those places all the time. You have to go to places I like too.”

“Even then, I could just wear pants.”

“What about clubbing?”

Hope scrounged up her nose. “I don’t wear dresses like this at clubs.”

Josie scowled. “I know. I know what you wear to clubs.”

“Yeah, so.” Hope handed the dress back to Josie. “Why don’t you try it instead?”

“Let’s make a deal. You’ll try it on if I try it.”

Hope chuckled. “You’re not very good at making deals, Josie. Why would I agree to a deal that has no benefits for me?”

“Too late. I’m already trying it on so you’ll have to do it too,” said Josie as she turned around and lifted the hem of her light blue dress over her head.

Hope’s mouth ran dry at the sight of the almost naked back of Josie’s if only the bra could come off too…

“Hand me the dress, Hope.”

Coming back to her sense, Hope took the white floral dress off the hanger and put it in Josie’s outstretched hand. There was a sense of loss as the dress fell over Josie’s head and covered her almost naked back but Hope remained stoic on the surface.

“What do you think?” Josie asked, twirling around in the dress.

“Very nice,” Hope answered with sincerity. It was true. The dress looked very sweet on Josie. Or rather, Josie looked very sweet in the dress.

“Okay, your turn.” Josie pulled the dress off in a heartbeat and tossed it to her. “Try it.”

Resigned to her fate, Hope turned back on Josie and began undoing the buttons of her denim shirt. Shrugging it off, she hung it on the wall hook and was about to don the dress when Josie stopped her.

“Aren’t you going to take off your shorts?”

“No.”

“But it’ll affect the shape of the dress.”

“Never mind.”

“I mind.”

“Why–hey, stop it.” Hope tried to fend off Josie’s hands that had reached around her waist to undo the button on her denim shorts. In doing so, she was unable to stop herself from crashing into the mirror when Josie leaned on her and she found herself ridiculously helpless as she lost her shorts. “Stop it. Stop.”

“Okay. Now try on the dress.”

With an epic sigh of the century, Hope put the dress over her head and pulled it down. “Happy now?”

Josie was looking in the mirror with satisfaction. “As expected, the white dress suits your complexion very well. You look very pretty in it. All you need is a nice bag to go with the look, and some accessories.”

Hope opened her mouth to protest but Josie put a finger over her lips, triggering Hope’s memory of doing the same thing to Josie back in Japan.

“Shh… just let me buy you this dress, okay? And wear it out with me one day.” Hope blinked. It was very hard to refuse a request that was put across so tenderly so she ended up nodding. The smile that broke out on Josie’s face was absolutely stunning. “It’s a deal then,” she chirped victoriously and turned around, flashing her almost naked back once again before covering it back up with her light blue dress.

So all that was left for Hope to do was change back into her denim shirt and shorts and allow Josie to buy the dress for her. Oh, the sacrifices she had to make just to put a smile on Josie’s face.

Chapter Text

Unpleasant but necessary. This was the last place Hope wanted to be in and being here brought back memories that she’d much rather lose than carry around. But Hope sat with her back straight and face, calm as she waited. Fortunately, the wait wasn’t too long and the person she had come here for was escorted into the room.

Neither woman said anything until the warden left the room and closed the door. Hope broke the silence first.

“I’m going to say I’m sorry.”

The woman who had been such a big part of her life in the past scoffed. “Fuck you, Hope. Your apology is trash anyway.”

“Of course it is. To you it will be.”

“You fucking promised. You fucking–fuck."

“I promised not to run.” Hope kept her eyes on the fiery ones across the table. “I didn’t run.”

“You didn’t run. But you called the fucking cops. You’re a fucking liar. I should have shot you when I had the chance.”

Despite feeling the heat of the woman’s anger radiating through the air around them, Hope didn’t flinch. She had learnt, through the years that anger usually came from a vulnerable place and one of the best ways of deflecting it, was to address the sore spot. In this case, she had one last card left in her hand and this was the best time to use it.

“We’re even now, Maya.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t help you to take the drug charge at that time, but I’ve made up for it by saving you from a murder charge this time.”

“Murder? You lost your shit, fucker. There was no murder, idiot.”

“You’re a smart girl, Maya. You know you were going to end up killing someone, either me or her.”

“You’re full of shit.”

“I heard you talking on the phone. I heard you saying you had to cut Josie up. You said it wasn’t part of the deal, right? They were going to make you do it anyway. Bet they’re not going to stop there. First, it’s a finger. Then more. Another finger. Or the face. It was going to get worse and worse until Josie’s father gave in to them.” Hope paused to see if Maya had anything to say to that. Nothing. The woman remained silent. “You know that I wouldn’t have let you do it, right? I would’ve shot whoever came near Josie. Then you would’ve shot me.”

“Fuck you.”

Hope looked around the bare room. “I’m sorry. You’re like ten years too late and this place really kills the mood,” she joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Go fuck yourself.”

Okay, so jokes weren’t such a good idea. “Maya, I’ll be straight here. You tried to pin the drug charge on me back then. I know you did. And I was very angry for a very long time but also very devastated.” Hope dug her fingers through her hair and took a deep breath to calm herself. “Do you know what it’s like to have your first and only girlfriend betray you like that? I’ll bet you don’t. So let me tell you. It hurts. It hurt like hell. Damn. And I was just a fucking teenager. I was terrified and fucking suicidal almost. Did you know that? Did you know the shit I had to fight through to come out in one piece? You don’t but you know what? I don’t blame you. I don’t blame you anymore because I know why you tried to do it. And I’m okay with it now. But you owe me this one and now I’m claiming it. I called the cops so now we’re even. We’re even, okay? I don’t want to hate you and I don’t want you to hate me. I don’t want to end up being enemies with my first love.”

As much as she tried to stay calm and collected, Hope’s blood was still racing  around like a hound dog after a prize. All the memories that flooded her mind as she fired her words at Maya simply took over and made it hard to breathe. But it felt good to unload everything on Maya. She had kept everything to herself for a long time.

“Fuck,” was all Maya said after a moment and Hope grew exasperated.

“Is that all you can say? Is that the only word you know how to use?”

Maya bent backwards, arching over the back of her chair, head hanging back. “Fuck,” she said again. “Fuck.” She brought her head back up and their eyes met again. “Hope, you like that fucking rich bitch, don’t you?”

Hope leveled her gaze at Maya. “Yes.”

“Okay.” Maya nodded. “Okay.” She closed her eyes, and then opened them again. “I was right. She’s your girl.” Another nod. “I can handle that. At least you didn’t betray me because you’re a slave to some rich old man. It was fucking obvious anyway. Fucking disgusting you tow fuckers.”

Hope shrugged. “I’m not going to say I’m sorry.”

This time, Maya did laugh, a short bark of a laugh. Then it was all business again. “We’re even. I won’t hate you. You were too good a fuck to hate.”

“If I was a good fuck, it was only because you were a fucking good fuck teacher.”

Maya’s smile signaled the end of the storm. “The fucking rich bitch’s got me to thank.”

Hope returned a smile and that was it. They were well and truly even.

----------

It was Josie’s second session with Emma and this time, Hope was careful not to end up standing too close to the receptionist when Josie came out. It was the smart thing to do because Josie was still quite sensitive and easily upset when she came out from the office.

“We’re making good progress,” said Emma to Hope, answering her unasked question.

“Thanks, Emma. We’ll be back next week.”

She smiled and nodded. “See you. And you too, Josie.”

Josie didn’t appear too thrilled by the prospect of returning but she didn’t make a fuss about it as they left the building. To Hope, this was a huge battle won and she was all smiles as they headed for her car.

“Was it better this time?” Hope asked as Josie’s hand slipped into hers.

“A little bit.”

“That’s good. Improvement is good.” Hope squeezed Josie’s hand and smiled. “What about last night? Did you still have nightmares?”

“Just one.”

“They’ll all go away. Give it some more time.”

“I still think my nightmares will go away if you stay with me and hold my hand while I sleep.”

“I would do that but I need to work.”

Josie pouted. “Why cant you take the day shift?”

“Because work likes to be difficult and inconvenient for people like you.”

“What do you mean by ‘people like you’? I’m not just people. I’m your girlfriend, damn it.”

Hope was about to reach for the car door when she froze and turned to Josie. “You’re my girlfriend?”

“Of course I am.”

“I thought we were staying as friends until we clear things up?”

“You thought we’re friends?” Josie’s voice was rising. “Is it your habit to call your friends every night to say ‘good night’? And every morning to say ‘good morning’? And text all day? Huh? And hold your friend’s hand like this?” Josie raised their hands, interlocked fingers and all. “Does it even make any sense? Are you fucking kidding me?”

“I thought we agreed to wait till things are cleared up.”

“Fuck that. I don’t want to wait.”

“You’re very impatient. Can’t you just wait a little longer?”

“Why should I wait?”

This line was so typical of spoiled brat Josie that Hope couldn’t help but smile at. Never in her life had she ever expected to find herself condoning this kind of behavior but Josie was defying all sorts of odds in her book.

“We’re already doing things that girlfriends do anyway,” Josie added with a touch of finality.

Making up her mind right there and then, Hope put a foot forward to cage Josie against her car. “You’re wrong. There’s one girlfriend thing we haven’t done yet.”

With surprise clearly written in Josie’s wide open chocolate brown eyes, she stepped back and asked, “What?”

Another foot forward had Hope leaning into Josie, the length of her torso pressed up against the woman’s. “This.” Her slanted smirk vanished as her lips parted to welcome the other set of lips. And although her eyes were closed, her lips didn’t miss their mark, fitting right over Josie’s like a piece of jigsaw gone home.

Soft. Tender. Soft. So, so soft. She leaned in some more, applying more pressure before letting up. Then, she opened her eyes and smiled. “Now, you can say we’re girlfriends.”

Chapter Text

The sensation of Hope’s lips on hers lingered for the next few hours, all the way till darkness fell. It lasted through dinner, her bath, up to the point where Josie got into bed and snuggled under the sheets. There she lay, comfortable and blissful after a good day out with her girlfriend. But she didn’t go to sleep. She was waiting. Waiting for someone to call. And that someone was about to call in three, two, one…

“Hello, boo,” Josie answered the call even before the first thing ended.

“Hey, baby.”

Josie giggled. “Are you going to work now?”

“I’m getting ready.”

“I wish you didn’t have to go to work at this time.”

“Just for this period of time, baby. Till this job is done.”

“Who are you protecting this time?”

“You have to stop asking. I really can’t tell you.”

Josie pouted.

“And don’t pout.”

“I’m not pouting.”

“Don’t lie.”

Josie stopped pouting. “I’m not pouting.”

“Alright. I have to go now.”

“Stay safe.”

“I will. Sweet dreams, baby.”

Josie blew a kiss into the phone and grinned when Hope returned it after a pause. Maybe with this kiss, she wouldn’t have a nightmare tonight.

----------

She still did. But it wasn’t as scary and gruesome as the other nightmares had been. No blood, no guns. Just a chase that ended with her being caught. She woke up breathing hard with her heart pumping fast and sat up in bed, looking around in panic.

“I’m okay. I’m safe,” Josie said to herself, remembering what Emma said about these nightmares. After taking a few deep breaths, she felt calmer. Hope was right. It did get easier in time. She could get over it. It was alright.

She washed up in her bathroom and made her way down to the dining room. Her father was having his breakfast there and the sight of him still triggered unhappiness in her after almost three weeks.

“Good morning, Josie.”

“Morning, Dad.” Josie replied without enthusiasm.

“Did you sleep well last night?”

“No.”

“Did you have a nightmare again?”

Josie exhaled through her nose. “It’s not like you cared when it mattered, did you?”

“Honey, I really–"

Josie stood up in a huff, interrupting her father. Turning to a household staff, she instructed the woman to bring her breakfast up. “I’ll eat my breakfast in my room.” And with that, she left the table and marched straight back to her room before her father could ask her to stay.

When she got back to her room, she realized that she had a missed call from Hope. A smile replaced the frown instantly and she quickly made a call to Hope.

“Good morning, babe.” said Hope, sounding rather subdued.

“Good morning, boo.” Josie frowned, not liking how her girlfriend sounded. “Did you get injured or something?”

“No. I’m not hurt. I’m just tired.”

“Then you should rest.”

“I’m going to. I just wanted to call before that.”

Josie pouted. “I miss you already.”

“Don’t pout.”

“I’ll pout if I want to pout. If you don’t want me to pout, come over and cheer me up with a hug.”

Hope chuckled. “Just a hug? That’s all you need?”

Josie scoffed. “That’s all I need but I’m not so sure about you.”

“You’re such a big liar.”

“Look who’s talking. You’re the one who said we should wait. Then less than one minute later, you’re the one all up in my face kissing me like a hungry jellyfish.”

“Hungry jellyfish? Are you comparing my kiss to a jellyfish?”

“A jellyfish is a compliment. If I wanted to insult your kissing proficiency, I would’ve said you kiss like a toilet pump.”

“Now you’re just trying to piss me off.”

“So what if I am?”

“Brat.”

“Are you talking about me?”

“No, I’m talking about the pretty girl I’m protecting right now.”

Josie’s nostrils flared. “What!? What pretty girl?”

“My new client’s daughter. She’s rich like you and very pretty too.”

“Are you serious right now?”

“Very.”

“Quit your job. Right. Now.”

“What? Why?”

“You’re not allowed to protect pretty girls.”

“What about you? Am I allowed to protect you?”

“You’re supposed to protect me. I’m your girlfriend.”

“I can protect you and her too.”

“No!!!”

There was a little groan, followed by Hope saying, “Please don’t scream into the phone. I almost went deaf because of that.”

“I’m going to go over there and tie you up so you can’t go to work tonight.”

Hope chuckled. “Do you know where I live though?”

Josie opened her mouth but shut it when she realized that she didn’t. And her unhappiness raised another level. “When’s your next off? I want to see your place.”

“You can see it from the outside anytime you like. I’ll give you the address.”

“I want you to bring me in and show me around.”

A short laugh came through the phone. “My apartment isn’t that big. You won’t need to be shown around.”

“I’m not only your guest. I’m also your girlfriend. You have to give me the royal treatment.”

“Are you really that desperate to see my apartment?”

“Yes!”

“Okay, okay. I’ll arrange something. How about after your next session with Emma?”

“Is that your off?”

“Yeah. I arranged it that way.”

“To match my therapy day?”

“Mhm.”

Josie blinked, feeling a little surprised to hear about this. “Okay.”

“So, I’ll pick you up from your house and send you to Emma. Then, I’ll bring you to my apartment after that.”

Josie grinned. “I can’t wait.”

----------

Josie’s third session with Emma was four days later and that was the next time she saw Hope again. Despite the daily phone calls and texts they sent each other at random times of the day, Josie missed Hope a lot. It was a kind of withdrawal to go from practically living in the same house as her bodyguard, seeing her at all meals, having her presence within reach, to this distant, far away relationship where she barely got to see her girlfriend. And to make things worse, it was compounded by Hope’s working hours (late night) alternating with hers (day time).

So when Hope’s handsome black car came cruising into the parking lot of her studio, Josie’s spirits soared and she beamed from ear to ear as she got on.

“Hey, you,” said Hope as Josie climbed into the seat next to her. “Have you had lunch?”

“Yeah.” Josie smiled. “You?”

“I had a burger.”

Josie leaned over the emergency hand brake and took a closer look at her girlfriend. “You look tired.”

“I am tired. But seeing you makes me feel better.”

A smile burst out on Josie’s face. “I’ll make you feel even better.” She leaned in and closed her eyes and planted a peck on Hope’s cheek.

Hope smiled. But she said, “That’s not good enough.” Puckering up her lips, Hope tapped and winked. “I want a real kiss.”

“But you asked me to wait. I’m only doing as you said.”

“Right, you are suddenly the most obedient girlfriend in the world. Ha ha ha.”

Josie pouted. “I’m not going to give you a real kiss until you quit protecting the pretty girl.”

“It’s my job, Josie. I’m not going to quit.”

“Then I’m not giving you the kiss.”

Exasperation marred the brightness that was in Hope’s eyes before. “I won’t force you to do something you don’t want to. Buckle your seatbelt.”

Her ex-bodyguard stepped on the accelerator before she could buckle up properly and the car sped off from the parking lot. She glared at her ex-bodyguard, aware that she had done it deliberately but the woman kept her eyes on the road and refused to look her way.

When they got to Emma’s office, Hope went up with her but Josie could sense the unhappiness stewing under the surface. She took her hand nonetheless and she felt better when Hope didn’t object to it. So hand in hand, they headed up to Emma’s office and she turned to Hope just before entering the room.

“See you in a while.”

“See you,” Hope responded with a curt wave and sat on the couch in the waiting area.

With one more glance at the woman who was now staring at her phone, Josie entered the room and lay on the reclining chair as she did the last two times. But to her surprise, Emma asked her to sit up.

Emma came around to her and sat on her doctor’s chair. “Let’s just have a regular chat, shall we?”

“Okay.”

“Is there anything you feel like talking about today?”

“It’s about the nightmares. Is there anything else I can do? I just wish I could stop having nightmares.”

“Have you tried what I suggested?”

“Yes, just before going to sleep I calm myself down. And I’m talking to myself after waking up from my nightmares.”

 “That’s very good. Keep it up.” Emma offered a smile. “Do you find it easier to handle your nightmares now?”

“My nightmares are not as scary as before. I had no nightmares the night before. But last night, I dreamt I was being chased again.”

“Did you manage to escape?”

Josie shook her head. “I dreamt that I got caught and that’s when I woke up. It has been like this the last few times this past week.”

“Are there any other things bothering you?”

“I’m still anxious when it’s dark but it’s getting better.”

“That’s good. Very good. You’re doing well.”

“But it’s taking too long.”

“Your mind is taking steps to manage the bad memories. You have already made very good progress in digesting it. Tell yourself you have done well. Encourage yourself. And if you feel up to it, I would still recommend revisiting the hotel. Your mind will be able to reset its memory of the place and dispel the remaining trauma. Go with Hope. It will be good for her too.” Emma recommended.

“Is she still seeing you?”

Emma shook her head. “I can’t tell you that, I’m afraid.”

“I just want to know if she’s okay.”

“Why don’t you ask her? She will be able to tell you more.”

“She’s pissed with me. She’s not going to tell me today and I don’t want to wait.”

Emma chuckled. “Hope is a very kind person. Very gentle too. Don’t worry.”

Thoroughly unsatisfied with Emma’s lack of cooperation, Josie was suddenly eager to end the session. “So are we done here? Can I go?”

“You make the call. Are you able to manage your anxieties by yourself now? Or do we need to talk through it a little bit more?”

Josie thought for a bit. “I’ll try to handle it myself.”

“Good. You sound a lot more confident about it than the last two times I asked you. We’ll end here for today. I won’t charge you for the full hour, just a short consultation fee. I won’t insist on another session either. If you feel ready to fly off on your own wings, I’ll be here cheering for you.”

Josie hopped off the chair with a mile. “Thank you, Emma.”

“My pleasure.”

----------

“Are you still bringing me to your place?” Josie asked, once they were in Hope’s car.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to go.” Hope shrugged. “I can send you home.”

“I want to go.”

“Home?”

“No! Your place!”

“You don’t have to shout.”

“I’m shouting because you’re being irritating on purpose.”

“I was only clarifying.”

“You’re so full of shit.”

“Can you stop with the insults?”

“I’ll stop if you stop.”

“You’re so immature.”

“Oh, and you’re so much better.”

“Okay. Stop. I’m going to shut up so you’ll shut it too. Let me focus on driving us safely to our destination.”

Josie opened her mouth but thought the better of it. Safety was important. She just had to wait till they got to Hope’s place.

Chapter Text

They were silent as they walked to the elevator and silent as they rode the elevator up to the ninth floor. They didn’t talk as Hope pressed the code to unlock the door and their mouths we’re still shut when Hope closed the door behind them. Since they weren’t talking to each other, Josie scanned the apartment, taking in the layout.

It was a simple place. Simple, meaning nothing to complicated like floral patterns or loud, attention-grabbing designs. From the little shoe storage area near the door to the common area of living and dining space, traces of life were found amidst the general order of things.

Footwear, mostly sneakers, were left beside the ocean blue mat, along with some socks. Just beyond the sliding doors separating the shoe zone from the rest of the apartment was a water dish. Weird. In the living space was a well-used couch with well-hugged cushions sitting on a furry creamy white carpet. This setup faced a widescreen television and what looked like an expensive sound system.

Just beside this was a table for four. It was made of fair wood, which matched the carpet and television console unit quite nicely. And continuing the earthly color theme, the kitchen shelves and cabinets were creamy white too.

A half eaten packet of chips was left lying on a half read magazine on the coffee table and there was a can of carrot juice on the coaster beside them. Hope hurried ahead of her, picked the half-consumed chips and can up, and scurried into the kitchen area to dispose of them.

“Make yourself comfortable,” said Hope, breaking their silence for the first time since leaving Emma’s office.

Josie pushed a couple of cushions to a corner and made space on the couch to sit. She liked the way Hope’s apartment felt and smelt. It had a homely touch and a Hope-ish smell. Though small as it was, Josie felt right at home within moments and turned to lie horizontally across the couch, propping her legs up on the arm rest.

“What are you doing?” Hope asked when she finally returned to the living space.

“Making myself comfortable.”

Hope’s eyes twinkled with amusement but she didn’t smile. “You took up all the space on the couch.”

“Come here,” said Josie, patting the spot above her head.

“My butt won’t fit in that tiny space.”

“Just come.”

Hope shrugged. “If you say so,” Her ex-bodyguard walked to where she patted and Josie panicked when she found a butt descending upon her face.

“Stop!” she shrieked, putting her hands against the butt to stop it from crushing her face.

“You told me to sit here.”

“You’re doing it on purpose.” Josie huffed. “I meant here,” she said, lifting her head and pointing under it.

“Well, you should have said so.” Hope eased under Josie’s raised head. “But where are you going to put your head?”

Josie, wearing a smug grin, put her head on Hope’s thigh. “Right here.”

“My leg is not your pillow.”

“It is now.”

“Must you always get your way?”

Josie turned so that she could bury her nose in Hope’s shirt. “Always.”

“You can’t get your way all the time.”

“What’s the point of living if you don’t get what you want?”

“If you want somebody to be happy, then what that person wants will also be what you want.”

“So if you want me to be happy, you’ll quit your job because that’s what I want.”

“Why must you insist on making me quit my job? Is it really because my client’s daughter is pretty?”

Josie shook her head, rolling it side to side on Hope’s thigh. “No, it’s not just that.”

“As I suspected. So what’s the real reason, why?” Hope asked as she threaded her fingers through Josie’s hair.

“I miss you.” With fingers playing with Hope’s shirt, Josie sighed. “I don’t get to see you.”

“You’re seeing me right now.”

“Five days.”

“What?”

“I didn’t get to see you for five days.”

“You really miss me, huh?”

Josie turned so she could look at Hope. “Why do you sound so surprised? Don’t you miss me too?”

Hope looked down into her eyes and smiled. “I didn’t think you would miss me this much.”

“What about you? Do you miss me?”

“Of course, I miss you. But I can control myself.”

“Are you saying I can’t control myself?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

So what do you mean?”

“I mean, you can, if you want to.”

Josie bit her lips. “Is she really, really pretty?”

“Don’t worry about that. It’s you I like.”

“I still don’t like it.”

Hope sighed. She bent over and planted her lips on Josie’s forehead. “Maybe the way we began makes you think I end up liking the people I protect easily but you’re the only one I’ve ended up dating in the six years I’ve been doing this job.”

Josie got up on her elbow and turned to Hope. “So I’m you first?”

Hope gave her an indulgent smile as she stroked Josie’s hair. “You’re my first ex-client girlfriend, yes.”

“I want to be your last too.”

“Are you sure? You won’t change your mind one day?”

Josie frowned. “If I can’t have you, nobody else can.”

“I hope you’re not serious.”

“Why are we talking about breaking up when it’s barely been a month?”

“You brought it up.”

“I only said I want to be your last. You’re the one who asked if I’m sure.”

“I’m sorry. I just don’t know how long things can last these days.”

“You have to stop worrying about that. If you want forever, you’ll get it.”

Hope chuckled. “You’re really used to getting what you want.”

Josie sat up and put a leg over Hope, curling her arms and legs around her ex-bodyguard. “I want you.”

Hope responded with her arms pulling Josie closer. “Adorable brat,” she said, lips curling into a grin. “I can’t stay angry with you.”

“Then don’t.”

“But I really don’t like it when the brat in you kicks in.”

Josie pouted. “If you really don’t like me that much, why did you even make the first move? Why did you confess?”

“I have feelings for you that defy logic.”

“I want to know when you started having those feelings.”

Hope’s hand slid down Josie’s back to rest comfortably around her hips. “Mmm… when did I…?”

“Tell me.”

“The moment that made me realize I have real feelings for you?”

Josie nodded as her back straightened. She had a feeling about this. “Yes, I want to know.”

“When you asked me to lean on you.”

“When did I do that?”

“During the kidnap. When I had a fever and you let me rest on your shoulder.”

Josie was a little flabbergasted. “You mean you didn’t feel anything for me before that?” Had she gotten all her signals wrong?

“You asked me when I started to have feelings for you. That’s the moment. Whatever I felt before that wasn’t…”

“Wasn’t?”

“It was more like a casual kind of thing. Like when you see someone attractive on the street.”

Josie grinned. “So you found me attractive from the beginning?”

A brief, shy, awkward smile played on Hope’s face. “I found your naked back quite attractive.”

“My naked back?”

Running a hand up the back in question, Hope grinned. “I saw your back in the mirror when we were in Japan.”

Josie gasped. “Wait. When was that?”

“Remember when you threw a tantrum and made me stand guard outside the bathroom?”

“That night?”

Hope nodded. “That was the first time I saw a little more than I should have.”

“Damn. I thought I was wrong about you, liking me back then. So I wasn’t totally wrong after all.”

“It was more of a physical reaction though. Not so much of an emotional one.”

“Right. So basically you’re telling me you’re a pervert who peeped at me in the shower.”

Hope shrugged. “Most people appreciate a good view.” Then, with a grin, she nudged Josie and asked, “What about you? When did you start having feelings for me?”

Josie cast her eyes down and fiddled with the buttons on Hope’s shirt.

“Come on, I want to know too.”

Looking back up, Josie found Hope’s eyes to be warm and inviting, not the least bit mocking. It was assuring enough for her to say, “After I styled you.”

“Really? You liked me since then?” Hope’s eyebrows were raised in surprise.

“Yeah, when you stood there looking so beautiful in the clothes I chose for you... I wanted you then.”

“I guess that explains why you were full on flirting with me and asking me so many questions during the gala.”

“You mean you didn’t know why I was flirting with you?”

“I thought you were in one of your mood swings. It was nice though. I liked it. But I was on duty and it was the last thing on my mind when you dragged us away to that isolated corner.”

“I wanted you since then and it really pissed me off when you said you wanted to quit being my bodyguard.”

“Because you wanted to seduce your bodyguard?” Hope asked with a cheeky grin.

“Because I thought you didn’t like me and wanted to get away from me.” Josie paused before adding, “And you ruined my plan because I was planning on finding a chance to get closer to you.”

“Normally, I find the direct approach to be the most effective.”

The feeling of Hope’s hands sliding down past her hips, made Josie smile. “What kind of direct approach?”

Hope grinned. “Let me show you what a direct approach means.” Pulling Josie closer with her hands on her butt, Hope leaned in, parted her lips and claimed Josie’s in one fluid motion. Josie parted her lips too and received Hope most willingly, returning the pressure as she received it. And when their lips finally parted, Josie opened her eyes, feeling like she’s floating in the sea of clouds. Her breaths were short and quick and she bit her lip as a warm sensation rushed up her chest to her cheeks.

“Show me what a direct approach is again,” she said breathlessly.

And without further ado, Hope closed the gap and did exactly as she asked. Over and over again.

Chapter Text

The tour of Hope’s apartment went really well. Well, meaning Josie got to know Hope’s couch thoroughly, lengthwise and corners. From the right seat to the left to the point where Hope was lying on top of her, spanning the length of the couch, Josie definitely got in touch with every part of the couch. She had also decided on her favorite cuddling position on the couch in the duration of the tour. It required Hope to have her back wedged into the corner, leaning against the armrest, hugging Josie from behind.

Tried and tested, it was the position they were in while watching few episodes of The Vampire Diaries, a drama series they played on Netflix. Josie poked fun at Hope, comparing her to a character in the show. And when, Damon and Elena sharing a smoking hot kiss in the motel scene came, Hope did the same to her too. Only, their kiss was hotter and lasted way longer, and involved some hands going places.

It wasn’t until Josie got into her own bed later that night, that she realized she hadn’t actually seen Hope’s bedroom at all. Damn it. Feeling miffed, she turned to the candle standing by her bedside and lit it. The fragrant scent of flowers that drifted to her nose made her smile. This was the candle Hope bought her back in Japan.

Her mobile phone rang while she was staring at the flickering flame. Answering the call, she smiled at the sound of Hope’s voice.

“Hey boo.”

“Hey baby, are you in bed now?”

“Yeah. Your timing is always so good. It’s almost as though you know what I’m doing.”

Hope chuckled. “Who knows? Maybe I have spies sending me information about you.”

“Are you serious?”

“Maybe.”

“Hope! Stop joking around.”

“Funny baby, don’t be mad. You’ll get bad dreams if you’re mad before sleeping.”

“You made me mad.”

A chuckle came through the line. “Okay, it’s my fault. I’m sorry.”

“You’re doing this on purpose again.”

“You’re too easy, that’s why.”

Josie huffed. “Do you torture all your girlfriends like this?”

“I wouldn’t know. My last relationship was with Maya and I was pretty much a follower.”

Josie gasped. “What? You haven’t had a girlfriend since Maya?”

“Not unless you count the girlfriends I had in juvenile training.”

“What about after you got out of there?”

A sigh was heard. “I wasn’t kidding when I told you that you’re the first and only ex-client I’ve ever dated in the past six years.”

“But I assumed you dated outside of you job.”

“In that case, let me rephrase that.” Hope made a show of clearing her throat. “Josie Saltzman, you are the first person I’ve dated properly in six years.”

“What do you mean by ’properly’?”

“There are ‘girlfriend’s, and then there are ‘girlfriends’.”

“Are you telling me you’ve been having flings for the past six years?”

“Not so much a fling as a casual, more like open kind of relationship.”

“Your past is so complicated.”

“Am I too complicated for you?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.”

Hope chuckled. “What about you? How long ago was your last relationship?”

Josie turned red. “Six… months ago.”

“Really? Your father didn’t mention it in the list of people you are in contact with.”

“My father doesn’t know about my relationships.”

“I see. So he doesn’t know… at all?”

“Mmm, he knows. But he tends to ask too many questions when he knows I’m dating someone so I try not to let him know.”

“He asks because he cares for you.”

“If he asks because he cares for me, aren’t you going to ask me about my ex girlfriends?”

A long chuckle later, Hope asks, “So, your last relationship. How long did it last?”

“Three months.”

“Okay.”

Josie waited, but Hope didn’t ask any more. “That’s all?”

“What?”

“You don’t sound interested in my love life.”

“Oh, trust me. I’m very interested in your love life. Now and the future. Not the past.”

“Why not the past?”

“Because I wasn’t part of it.”

Josie was silenced for a few seconds. “Wow. Wow.” Another pause. “Is that narcissism or something else? I can’t tell.”

A short bark of laugh came through. “Maybe it’s narcissism. Maybe it’s pragmatism.”

“Maybe you’re too pragmatic.”

“I can’t help it. Going through what I did… being pragmatic helps me to look ahead. With a past like mine, the future is the most important to me.”

“Do you really hate your past that much?”

Hope sighed. “I don’t hate it. But I regret many things. So if I don’t look forward, the regrets will bury me alive.”

“I want to know more about your past.”

“Why?”

“I want to know everything about you.”

“We can play that game we played at the gala.”

Images of guns and scary men jumped in Josie’s mind and she trembled. “I’d rather play another game,” she said, wanting to have nothing to do with that game and memory anymore.

“A new game? Yeah, I’m up for it. But for now, I have to go. Work is starting soon.”

“I wish you didn’t have to work. I wish we could talk like this all night.”

“Once this job is completed, I’ll talk to you all night as you wish.”

Josie shook her head even though Hope had no way of seeing her. “No, no, no. if you’re not working, I won’t want to talk to you on the phone. I want to see you. I want to be able to touch you when I want to.”

“Now who’s the pervert here?” Hope laughed. “Okay, I really have to go now. Have a good sleep. I’ll talk to you again in the morning.”

“Okay. Good night, boo.”

“Good night, baby.”

Josie blew a kiss again and smiled when Hope obligingly blew one back. With this on her mind, she hoped the bad dreams will stay away tonight.

‘Please.’ she thought.

Chapter Text

Getting out of her seat, Hope raised her arms above her head and stretched. She shook out the tension from her muscles and jogged about in the room she’d been holed up in for the past two hours. Things were getting boring but she couldn’t lose focus. It was always when people let their guard down that danger would strike. Hope couldn’t afford to let it happen. She would never forgive herself if her client’s daughter was harmed because of her failure.

The street was empty at this time of the night. A quick scan revealed nothing. Feeling stiff as a steel pole, Hope sighed and did more stretching exercises to maintain her readiness to act at a moment’s notice. She was reaching for her foot when she caught sight of movement on one of the security monitors. Abandoning her stretching immediately, Hope scanned the six monitors she’d set up in the room.

“Damn,” she muttered. There were not one, not two, not three, but four men moving stealthily towards the house and scaling the wall. She had little time to get there but she stopped to send a text message to her client and his daughter; ‘Lock yourself in the bathroom now’. Then she spent a few more precious seconds to call for police reinforcements.

Taking another glance at the monitors, Hope saw the security present at the house apprehending one of the men and was somewhat relived. But that didn’t lessen her worry for her client’s daughter, and even before she was done with the call, Hope was racing out the front door and onto the dark street, weapon in hand as she gave the police the address of the house.

Call finally done, Hope could hear her heart thudding away in her chest as she sped across the street and up the slope to the house. She could also hear scuffling in the distance as she scaled the wall, which added to the adrenaline that was pulsing through her veins. Her phone vibrated in her pocket but she didn’t have time to check it. Her top priority was to get to her client’s daughter’s bedroom.

Based on what she last saw on the monitors, the west side of the compound was covered by the existing security guards on the property, so Hope turned to the east side, bearing in mind that her client’s daughter’s room was on the east side anyway. Owing to the patrols and scouting done prior to this, Hope knew her way around the compound like her own home even though there was little light to help her find her way. Her route to the east wall was undisturbed which meant the intruders would be entering from the west or front door and making their way to their target through the house. So if her assumptions were correct, she had some time to climb up to the second level and get to her client’s daughter’s bedroom.

Hope wasn’t concerned with apprehending the men. Her only aim was to protect the woman she was hired to guard. And the quickest way was up. Hope sheathed her weapon as she looked up the wall, mapping her way into her destination. Then, she backed up a few steps, did a short sprint and launched herself into the air with a foot pushing off the bench that was against the wall. She stretched her arms and fingers, barely managing to grab hold of the ledge above. Without breaking the momentum, Hope ran up the wall, each foot toeing up so that she was able to pull herself up and get a knew on the ledge.

When both her feet were secured on the ledge, Hope pressed her back against the wall and crab walked her way to the window. Thankfully, it was left open, the curtains flapping in the light breeze of the night. A quick check inside the room revealed its emptiness. Clearly, the intruders had yet to get here. But where was the woman she had to protect?

Hope entered through the open window and headed straight for the bathroom. If her text message had been read by her intended recipients, there would be where she could find the woman. The door was locked when she tried to open it. Good.

“Come out now. It’s me, Hope. I’m here.” Hope shouted through the door.

“Hope? Is that you?”

“It’s me. Hope. Open the door.” Hope was unprepared for the rush of emotions that hit when she saw her client’s daughter’s tearful face. Her arms reached for the woman of their own accord and Hope pulled her into a tight embrace. “You’re safe. Thank God, you’re safe.”

“W-What’s going on? What’s happening? And where’s Dad?”

“I need to get you out of here. Follow me.”

“But Dad–"

“Don’t worry. Your father has bodyguards to protect him.”

“But why are you here? I thought you were working?”

“Shh. Be quiet for now, okay?” Hope managed a smile when the woman in her arms nodded. She pressed a kiss on the woman’s forehead and said, “I’ll tell you everything later, Josie. After this is over.”

The door slammed open just then and Hope pushed Josie back into the bathroom, yelling, “Lock the door! Now!” She turned her back to the bathroom door and faced the two masked men who barged in.

“Get out of the way!” one of the masked men growled.

Hope crouched into a predatory stance. “No,” she growled in return while reaching for her combat knife.

The men pulled out black combat knives with a mean edge and lunged. She leapt away, parried and delivered a kick to the side of the man’s head. He lost concentration because of the blow and she took the chance to twist and connect another kick on the same spot with the other leg. The man toppled sideways, crashing into his partner, which gave Hope more time to disarm the man with wicked wrench of his arm and wrist. The other man managed to recover, however, and Hope had to dodge quickly to avoid his blade.

Hearing a cry of rage to her left, Hope spun to the right just in time to parry the man’s blade with hers but his strength threw her off balance and she fell onto the ground. The man’s foot almost crushed her face but she managed to tilt her head just enough so he stomped on the floor instead. In return, she slashed his ankle and rolled away as he cried out in pain.

Unfortunately, a blow to Hope’s back came from behind, inflicting a wave of intense pain that radiated all over her torso. In a corner of her mind, she suspected a possible fracture but she had to hold on if she were to protect Josie from them. With that determination taking over, her mind ignored the pain and she dived for the blade that one of the men dropped earlier.

The man with the slashed ankle was crouched on the floor, trying to stem the tide of crimson red. That left the man who hit her back. Still ignoring the pain in her back, hope crouched low and bounced from toe to toe, wielding both knives in her hands. The man took the blade from his partner and came at her swinging.

She dodged one and attacked his arm. She managed to cut him but failed to maintain her balance when he punched her with the other arm. The hit sent her sprawling across the floor, her head throbbing from the impact. She shook her head, trying to clear it and tried to get up but the man was already towering above her, knife in hand. Her breath caught in her throat at the sign of possibly fatal danger and she tried to roll to the side to dodge him but the knife never came.

Looking over her shoulder, Hope gasped when she saw Josie standing behind the man with something strange in her hands. “Josie! No!” she yelled, watching as the man’s knife swung towards Josie, its blade glinting ominously under the pale moonlight.

Josie yelped, galvanizing Hope into action despite the staggering protest occurring within her body. Hope barely saw what Josie smacked onto the man’s face and barely registered the man’s strangled screech as she drove both blades into his thigh, fully intending to cripple him. The man fell to the ground, clutching his thigh and tugging on whatever it was on his face, howling like a dying hyena.

Seeing the window of opportunity, Hope reached into her pocket for restraints and fastened the cuffs to the fallen man’s ankles, limiting his ability to move. Then, moving over to the man with the slashed ankle, she pointed her blade at his throat while pressing another set of cuffs onto his wrists.

With the two men sufficiently injured and restrained, Hope finally turned to Josie who had backed into a corner and was now holding her arm with tears streaming down her face. She hurried to the woman and upon seeing the rivulets of red flowing down her arm, ran into the bathroom, returning a moment later with a towel. She coaxed the tearful woman to remove her hand and proceeded to apply pressure to stop the bleeding.

“Why did you come out?” Hope hissed, feeling the anger rising in her chest.

Josie sniffled. “What did you expect me to do? Hide behind the door and do nothing to help? Was I supposed to let them kill you?”

Hope sighed. “No, of course not. But you’re not trained to fight.” She shook her head and groaned when her head throbbed again. “Come on, I need you to stand up.” Josie got to her feet with some difficulty. “Come, follow me.” Hope sheathed her blade and put her arm around Josie’s shoulder. She led Josie back into the bathroom and locked the door behind them. “The police will arrive soon. But first, let’s clean up the cut on your arm.”

“I saved your life. Admit it.”

Hope chuckled despite the situation. “If it means so much to you, yes, you saved my life. I owe you my life.”

“Damn right you do.”

“By the way, what was that thing you smacked on the man’s face?”

Josie grinned through her tears of pain. “Wax strips.”

“W-What?”

“Cold. Wax. Strips.” Josie giggled. “It’s going to hurt so bad when they try to pull it off.”

“Josie, oh my–I have no words for you.”

Just as Hope spoke, voices were heard outside the door. And not a second later, someone banged on the bathroom door. “Miss Saltzman! Are you in there?”

“Yes! I’m in here!”

“Are you safe? Please open the door!”

Hope hobbled to the door and opened it, gasping in pain when the man at the door wrestled her arm around to her back.

“Stop! She’s my bodyguard! Let her go! You’re hurting her!” Josie cried as she came to Hope’s side, pushing the man’s hands away.

“I-I’m very sorry.” The man did look chastised, and Hope knew it wasn’t his fault.

“It’s alright. No harm done. But you might want to get those men out of her room. I called the police so they will be arriving soon.”

“No problem. We will move them downstairs,” the man said to Hope. Then, to Josie he said, “Your father wants to know if you’re safe. I will report your status to him but if you want to see him, he is in his room.”

“Is my father safe?” Josie asked, anxiety filling her eyes.

“He is unharmed. Just a little shaken.”

Josie nodded. “He’s alright then. I’ll look for him after this is taken care of,” she said, lifting her injured arm.

“Since you’re her bodyguard, I’ll leave her injury to you. I presume you are trained in first aid. And for your information, the ambulance is on its way.” The man said to Hope.

Hope nodded. “I’ll take care of it.”

The man straightened his suit, nodded once again and left. Two other men in suits were already hauling the two intruders to the door. The intruders’ plan had been thwarted and the danger, dissolved. With a sense of relief flooding her chest and mind, Hope stared at Josie, the last person she would have expected to be in a relationship with.

“Are you okay?” Josie asked after a moment of wordless staring.

With a smile, Hope took another clean towel from the rack and pressed it against the cut on Josie’s forearm. “Want to know something I discovered tonight?”

Josie stared back at her with beautiful brown eyes that held the universe. “What?”

Leaning close to the woman who touched her heart like no other, Hope nudged Josie’s lips with her own, parting to engage Josie in a heart-warming kiss that she hoped would convey the message that her heart held. Josie’s eyes were misty when Hope pulled away. Did she get the message?

“Hope…” Josie whispered.

“You probably know what I want to say but I’m going to say it anyway.” And with their eyes locked in a steady, unwavering gaze, Hope smiled and said, “I love you, Josie.”

“Oh, Hope…”

“Do you love me too?” Hope asked, wondering if they were still on the same page. There was scary doubt in her heart for a split second but then with a blinding megawatt smile, Josie nodded.

“Didn’t I just risk my life to save yours? Of course I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Life would be so much better if it were like the movies. If life were like the movies, Hope would have been able to walk away from the scene like a superhero and drive off into the sunset with her girlfriend in her million dollar supercar. Instead, Hope ended up bogged down by police paperwork and testaments and hospital procedures and more paperwork and time spent waiting around.

Josie had been whisked off to get her cut tended to and was probably going to have to get it stitched, if Hope’s judgment of the wound was accurate enough. So, it was going to be some time before Hope could get to see Josie again.

----------

The inside of Hope’s body was protesting every move she made. Something was definitely wrong with her so she was hardly surprised when the results of her check-up revealed a fracture in her ribs. It made sense, since even the smallest breath caused her pain. And although she couldn’t see it, Hope was pretty sure there would be a hideous bruise forming on her back right now.

Thankful for the moderate extent of her injuries, Hope thanked the doctor for her time and hobbled out to the corridor. Much to her surprise, Josie was sitting there with her father, cradling her injured arm as she waited.

“Hope!”

Hope stepped back, putting her hand out to stop Josie from embracing her. “Before you come any closer, I need to tell you I’ve got a fractured rib so hugging me, is probably a bad idea.”

“Oh no! Why are they letting you walk with a fractured rib!”

Hope had the urge to laugh but she suppressed it, knowing it would hurt. “It’s not a big deal, Josie. I can walk on my own.”

“It’s a fractured rib! How is it not a big deal? And your cheek! What happened to it?”

Hope smiled despite the pain that shot through her face when she moved her muscles there. “Josie, calm down. My injuries look and sound a lot worse than they really are.”

“I think you’re the one downplaying your injuries too much.”

Hope chuckled, wincing when pain struck.

“See? You’re in pain!” Josie frowned and gripped her shoulders, moving her towards the seats at the side. “You have to sit down. Stop playing the hero, Hope. I’ll get you a wheelchair.” Just then, the doctor exited the room–an unfortunate timing for him because Josie was in his face the next moment, demanding to know why Hope was left to fend for herself when she was so seriously injured.

Hope simply sat where she was and left it to the unlucky doctor to explain Hope’s injuries to the excessively anxious girlfriend of hers. It had definitely been a long while since anyone fussed over her like Mother Hen Josie, and in a moment of self indulgence, she allowed herself to sink into the warm glow that came from being loved by someone she loved.

A few minutes later, Josie’s father finally managed to pry her away from the poor badgered doctor. But Josie was still unsatisfied with what she perceived as lack of care for Hope, the patient.

“You don’t get a say in this, Hope. You’re obviously not going to take good care of yourself so you’re coming home with me.”

“What? No, I’m not going to do that.”

“How are you going to take care of yourself with all your injuries? How are you going to cook meals with a fractured rib?”

“Josie, you’re injured too,” said Hope, pointing at Josie’s injured arm.

Josie waved her uninjured arm, dismissing Hope’s point. “We have a cook in my house. You know that.”

“Can I say no?”

“No.”

At this point, Mr. Saltzman stepped in. “Hope, you are welcome to stay with us during your recovery period. My daughter is right. It will be better for you and we can help to take care of you during this time.”

“But–"

“You saved my daughter’s life not just once or twice. This is much more than any amount of money can pay for. Please let me repay you with my hospitality.”

With Mr. Saltzman’s sincere request used as a chip in the bargain, Hope couldn’t find it in her to reject the elderly man anymore. “Alright, Mr. Saltzman, I will accept your help. Thank you.”

Josie squealed and squeezed Hope’s hand. “You’re coming home with me.”

----------

And that’s how Hope found herself sitting on the bed in the room that she had stayed in not so long ago. It was the room provided when she was Josie’s live-in bodyguard and only a few doors away from Josie’s bedroom.

Hope was leaning back against the headboard with a pillow wedged behind to support her back, eyes closed and taking painful deep breaths when Josie came by, looking fresh and smelling like flowers.

“Why are you still sitting here in your clothes? Didn’t Cassie send you clothes and towels? I sent her to bring you those things a while ago.”

“Yes, she did. I asked her to leave them in the bathroom.”

“Well? Aren’t you going to get cleaned up and go to sleep?”

“I was resting when you came in.”

“What? Aren’t you going to change out of your clothes?”

“I’m too tired. I just want to sit here and sleep.”

Josie shook her head. “No, no way.” She went into the bathroom and came out with a stack of clothes and a wet towel. “Take your clothes off.”

“What?” Hope frowned. “No.”

“You can’t just go to sleep like a dirty rat.”

“I can and fully intend to.”

“Take them off or I’ll hurt you.”

“You wouldn’t.”

Josie raised her index finger and pointed it at her ribs. “I will.”

“You’re bluffing.”

“You asked for it.” Josie jabbed forward with her good arm and Hope was alarmed.

“Don’t” she winced from the pain in her ribs when she took a larger breath to protest. “Ouch.”

But Josie didn’t relent. “Raise your arms, Hope.” Hope was too tired to fight anymore so she raised her arms as told. Josie, with her bandaged arm, pulled the black tank top off, leaving Hope in an equally black bra. Raising a single brow, Josie commented, “You have a thing for black bras? Or just the color black?”

“I like black. Why do you ask? Are you scouting out possible presents for our first month anniversary already?” Hope teased with a grin.

“I don’t need to scout. I’m sure you’ll like whatever I give you.” Josie smiled with unsubstantiated confidence which made Hope scoff. “You should be the one scouting for a present for me.”

“Me?” Hope grinned. “Your present will be something I want to see you wearing.”

“My present should be something I like, not something for your viewing pleasure.”

Hope’s grin did not abate. “I believe in killing two birds with one stone. Your present will be something we both can enjoy.”

Josie huffed. “I can’t believe I’m dating such a-a-a–"

“A genius?”

“Shut up and take your bra off.”

“Why should I take my bra off?” Hope questioned. “Just give me the change of clothes and I’ll wear it.”

“The doctor said to avoid tight-fitting clothes. Your bra is tight-fitting so you should take it off.”

Hope stared into Josie’s eyes, amusement rising, along with a touch of gratitude. “What you just said sounds like a really lousy line in a porn movie.”

“Hope, I’m really tired and I want to sleep. So stop being so irritating and just get it over with. Sit up. I’ll take your bra off.”

Hope held her tongue, convinced that Josie might just stab her in the chest if she protested more. Once Josie unfastened Hope’s bra and took it off, Hope wrapped her arms around her chest to preserve her modesty. It wouldn’t be the first time she went topless in front of another woman but Hope found it rather embarrassing to be stripped in this manner.

“Take this and give yourself a wipe down.”

Hope took the wet towel from Josie and wiped her body with it as instructed.

“Okay. Arms up.”

Like a puppet, Hope raised her arms and a soft cotton nightie fell over her, covering up her bare torso.

“Stand up.”

Knowing better than to protest or argue, Hope did as Josie asked. She stared as Josie unbuttoned her black pants and pulled them off. It wasn’t as embarrassing this time because the nightie was long enough to cover her thighs but Hope was still relieved when she was allowed to sit back down on the bed. Josie helped her to shift further in and stuffed a bunch of pillows around her and under her arms.

“I think you’ve put enough pillows around me to protect me, thank you very much,” said Hope, feeling more amused than ever.

“The doctor said to do this so you wouldn’t turn in your sleep and hurt yourself.”

”I know. But you’re being really cute right now and I’m amused.”

“This is not being cute.” Josie frowned. “I want you to get better as quickly as possible.”

Hope smiled. “Well, with your help, I’m sure I’ll get better in record time.”

“If you don’t, I’ll get mad.”

“I’ll do my best. I promise.”

Josie’s frown faded and she bit her lip. “I want to sleep with you tonight but I’m afraid I might hurt you. I’ll ask Cassie to bring in more pillows tomorrow but I have to go back to my room for tonight.”

“Josie, I’m not sure if we should sleep together with your father so close by.”

“We’re sleeping together tomorrow night,” said Josie firmly.

By now, Hope was way too exhausted from the night’s drama to deal with Josie so she said good night and closed her eyes.

“Good night, boo.” Josie said in her husky voice by Hope’s ear.

Hope kept her eyes closed but her lips curled into an inevitable smile when Josie’s lips met hers for a good night kiss. Josie was a better girlfriend than she had expected, thought Hope as the lights went out. Much better than expected.

Chapter Text

Josie’s arm gave her a lot of grief the next morning. Unable to tolerate the pain, she popped the painkillers prescribed by the doctor along with breakfast brought to her room by Cassie. After breakfast, Josie visited Hope’s room but her bodyguard was still asleep so Josie approached her father instead.

Answers. With her energy restored after a good night’s sleep (surprisingly uninterrupted by nightmares) and a good breakfast, Josie wanted answers. Answers to all the questions that she had burned to ask since last night but was unable to because of sheer fatigue.

Her father was in his study as usual. Eyes looking out at the world through reading glasses, grey hair combed neatly even though there wasn’t anybody to meet. Sitting behind the desk, he was dressed for work as though he were in the office instead of his own home–a little trait that Josie liked tease him with.

“Are you feeling better this morning?” he asked when she entered and sat on the leather chair across the table from him. “Have you had your breakfast?”

“My arm was very painful when I woke up, but I ate breakfast and took painkillers, so it’s okay now.”

“Good. I hired a nurse to come on call to change your dressing and also to help to check on Hope. She’ll be here in the late afternoon.”

“Sounds good. But I’m here for something else.”

Her father clasped his hands together. “For Hope?”

Josie nodded. “I want to know why. I want answers. Real answer, Dad.”

Her father sighed. “I’m really sorry. You have no idea how much my heart ached when I got you back after the kidnapping. Now I feel even worse after what happened last night.”

Josie shook her head. “You don’t look sorry at all, Dad. You’re all business as usual this morning. Back to your dollars and cents.”

“I’m trying to make sure this doesn’t happen again, my dear. I’m doing my best to think of a way.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Josie, the last time I want for you is to be worried and afraid. That’s why I convinced Hope to protect you in a covert operation. She was very hard to persuade–my offer to pay her three times more didn’t even work. But I begged her to help me and she finally agreed to continue protecting you–albeit from afar.”

“Why are they so bent on harming us? They wanted to kill us both last night, right?”

“Tomorrow is when I stand trial to testify. I didn’t think they would come after you anymore since the evidence had already been submitted and arrests had been made. And to tell you the truth, last night was more about them trying to silence me. You were not the primary target.”

“Is that why you doubled the security in our home?”

“Yes, you’re right.”

“But I’m the last to know about all of this. I feel like a fool right now.”

Her father heaved a deep sigh. “My dear, this sort of thing is best kept secret. I didn’t tell you about Hope because it would compromise her too. It was the best that you didn’t know so that everything will look as it was. Nobody knew that Hope was still protecting you. Nobody but the two of us. That was the best way.”

“What happens after you testify tomorrow?”

“Once I’ve testified, there’s nothing they can do anymore. Last night was their last chance to prevent me from appearing in court tomorrow. Now, with the alarm raised, my security has tripled with the police on high alert. So for today, I hope you will stay home and rest, with Hope.”

“I’ve called in to tell MG to take over my duties. I’m not going to work for the rest of this week.”

“Good, good. Please stay home to recuperate. This first week will be most painful for Hope too. She will feel better with your company.”

“Naturally. I asked Hope to stay with us because I want to keep her company.”

“Is there something going on between you and Hope?”

Josie turned her nose away. “Why should I tell you? You can keep your secrets and I’ll keep mine.”

Her father chuckled. “Alright, alright. As you wish. Just, try to stay home till I have testified tomorrow. They might just try one last time before I get to court tomorrow, even though I don’t think they have any more ammunition left.”

Josie nodded. “I’ll stay home with Hope. But you’ll be alright, wont you? I don’t want to lose you just because of this stupid honorable moral thing you’re doing.”

“It’s not stupid, Josie. And I’m not trying to be honorable. But just think of the hundreds of people working with the tainted fabrics. They will fall ill with diseases caused by the tainted fabrics, and what will happen to their families? Innocent children will lose their mothers or fathers. Do you think I could live with a peace of mind, knowing that I did nothing to help them?”

Josie was silent for a long time. Then, she finally raised her eyes to meet her father’s. “Is it because of mother?”

Her father sighed again. “Partly. Yes. You lost your mother at a tender age when you needed her most. And I regret that I was so insufficient in filling up the void she left behind. So when I think of those families–dependent on the income earned by the people we hire to process our fabrics–I cannot bring myself to ignore it.”

“Dad, I don’t think you were insufficient for me at all.”

“I wasn’t?”

Josie shook her head, smiling through tears that had welled up without her knowing. “I know you gave me extra love to make up for mom. I know you tried very hard to be both my mom and dad. So you don’t have to feel bad about it.”

“My baby…”

Josie stood up with her father and they walked around the desk between them to embrace each other. Tears flowed down her cheeks and when they finally parted, she saw that her father was tearing up too.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I’m sorry for being rude to you.”

“It’s alright, Josie. You’re still my favorite girl.”

“What about Michelle and Leo?”

Her father laughed. “Don’t tell them you’re my favorite baby girl.”

Josie grinned. “I won’t.”

----------

Josie flew in to a rage when she saw Hope, freshly showered and all, in the dining room. “Why are you out of your room? They’re supposed to send breakfast to you in bed!”

Hope looked up, fork and scrambled egg in mid-air. “Walking around is good for me,” she said and proceeded to stuff the egg into her mouth.

“Are you really alright? Are you in pain? And why do you have a towel around your shoulders?”

“I took painkillers for the pain. The towel is to hide the fact that I’m not wearing a bra.”

“Oh.” Josie took the seat next to Hope. “I’m staying in today. Dad said it’s best we don’t go out today, so I was thinking we could watch a movie and do some online shopping.”

“What about me?”

“What about you?”

“Why don’t you ask me what I want to do?”

“Do you hate movies?”

“No.”

“Do you hate online shopping?”

“No.”

“So we’re good.”

Suddenly, Hope closed her eyes and pressed her lips together.

“Oh shit. Are you in pain?” Josie asked, alarmed. “What’s wrong?”

Hope shook her head. “Nothing. Just trying not to laugh.”

“Why?” Josie looked around the table. “What’s funny?”

“You.”

“Me? Why am I funny?”

“It’s too hard to explain,” Hope answered with a smile. “Anyway, a movie and online shopping sounds fun, so let’s do it.”

“Great!” Josie exclaimed happily. “It’s going to be fun.”

Chapter Text

Hours later, Josie was huddled up with Hope on her bed in her bedroom, facing the widescreen propped up on the wall opposite her bed. They had been watching an animated movie and the ending tugged on her heartstrings. Trying her best not to cry, Josie looked at Hope and saw tears rolling down her cheeks. “Are you crying because of the movie or are you in a lot of pain?”

“Movie,” Hope whispered.

Josie giggled as she used the towel hanging over Hope’s shoulders to dab the woman’s tears. “You don’t have to hold back around me. Just cry.”

“I could say the same to you.”

Josie pouted. “Shut up and watch the movie.”

Hope turned and smiled at Josie. Lifting a hand without turning her body, Hope used a thumb to wipe a tear that had escaped the dam. “Admit it, you’re dying to bawl your eyes out over the boy and dinosaur’s friendship.”

“It’s just so sad that the boy had to leave,” Josie sniffed.

“But the friendship they shared will never leave their hearts.”

Josie stared at Hope. “You’re cheesier than I thought.”

Hope grinned. “Which makes me even more attractive in your eyes.”

“If you weren’t injured, I would smack you for saying that.”

“You should stop being in denial about how much you like me.”

“Stop it or I’m throwing you out.”

“You wouldn’t throw out a person who has a broken rib.”

“Piss me off and I will.”

“Well, glad to know I mean so little to you.”

Alarmed by Hope’s sudden drop in tone, Josie turned to say she was only joking but then she saw the contorted face of a woman trying to hold in her laughter and she smacked Hope’s thigh hard, making her groan. “I hate you.”

“You have to give an injured woman more love than this.”

“How much love do you need?”

“I want all the love you can give,” Hope replied with gleaming eyes. “But not for the next four or five weeks. I’ll let you know when my body is ready for it.”

Josie bit her lip. Hope could be so shameless sometimes but she was going to let Hope have the last laugh. “Don’t take too long. My body is impatient.”

Hope’s shit-eating grin is almost obnoxious. “I know that. I know that very well.”

----------

After dinner, Josie brought Hope back up to her room to do some online shopping. Hope wasn’t overly enthusiastic when Josie insisted on buying her new sets of clothes and pajamas.

“I don’t need all these things.”

“You need them since you’re staying here for the next few weeks.”

“We could just get my stuff from my place.”

“Which means you have to carry heavy stuff. The doctor said you shouldn’t do things like that until you’re recovered.”

“But what will I do with all this new stuff after I recover.”

Josie looked Hope straight in her eyes. “You can leave them here. You’ll stay over here with me sometimes too, right?”

“I can’t let you pay for everything and I’m out of work for the next month so I shouldn’t be spending so much.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. Dad will continue to pay you for the next month.”

“No, no, no. I can’t accept it.”

“You got injured on the job. Dad said it’s only fair that he pays you since you can’t get a new contract because of this.”

“But–"

“Shut up and choose a color. Oh, never mind. I’ll just choose black.”

“Wait, what in the world are you buying for me?”

“Lingerie,” Josie drawled, pulling out her pseudo-French accent.

“Josie, you know I’m on painkillers so I don’t feel the pain as much but it really hurts when I laugh, so please don’t make me laugh.”

“This is nice. Let’s get this.” Josie moved the cursor to click on a sheer nightie that revealed more than it covered but Hope’s hand clamped over hers, preventing her from doing so.

“I’m not wearing that in your house.”

“Why not?”

“Your father lives here too, remember?”

“You can wear it when you’re in my room.”

“Josie, no. I’m here to recuperate, not to seduce you.”

“What about after you recuperate?”

“After I recuperate… you’ll come over to my place and I’ll wear something sexier than that for you.”

“Really? I’ll hold you to that promise.”

“It’s a promise.”

“Will you still be my bodyguard after you recuperate?”

“I’m not for it, to be honest. It’s better to keep my love life and work apart.”

“Dad said he won’t ask you to take the job if you don’t want to.”

“I know. We spoke just before dinner.”

Josie sighed. “I’m going to miss having you as my bodyguard.”

“I’m surprised you’re not protesting against it to get your way.”

“Hey, I know when some things have to end. I won’t force you to be my bodyguard but I wish you wouldn’t take up the most dangerous jobs.” Josie clutched Hope’s arm, feeling a stab of unease as she spoke. “I don’t want you to get hurt again. It might be worse the next time. And I won’t be there to save you with cold wax strips.”

Hope chuckled and winced. “Oh my God. The cold wax strips on that guy’s face. Marcel told me the guy was crying by the time they managed to get the strips off. And he lost half of his eyebrows.”

Josie laughed out loud. “Really?”

Hope nodded. “Marcel called to update me on the case. He said they confessed pretty quickly after he threatened to put more strips on them but I think he was joking. Maybe.”

“So, will you think about it?”

Hope smiled. “I’ll think about it.”

----------

The next day went by too quickly for Josie’s taste. From the minute she woke up with Hope next to her, to hour of the bathing she helped Hope with; every moment was pure bliss for Josie. She couldn’t remember a time when she found this much joy in spending time with a person who she started off hating and ended up loving.

It was dinner time when her father walked into the dining room just as Josie was feeding Hope a carrot. Unperturbed, she continued to push the carrot into Hope’s open mouth. Hope, on the other hand, blushed furiously and pushed her hand away before greeting him.

“Good evening, Hope. Are you enjoying dinner?” he asked, eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Dinner is very good. Thank you, Mr. Saltzman.”

“You should thank the cook. She’s very good.”

Josie nodded in agreement. “Kaleb is a very good cook.” Then, turning to her father, she asked, “Did everything go as planned?”

Her father smiled and nodded. “I testified as planned and there’s a lot of press coverage on this. It will be much harder for them to do anything to me now, even if they want to. But as it is, they have themselves to worry about. The prosecution found a lot of evidence against them, enough to build a case even without my testimony. So I doubt if they’ll be interested in me after this.”

“That’s very good to hear, Mr. Saltzman.”

He smiled at Hope. “Don’t you find it tiresome to call me in such a formal way? You’re my daughter’s savior and good friend. Don’t stand on ceremony when you’re in my home. Just call me Uncle Ric or Papa Ric, if you like.”

A giant smile found its way onto Josie’s face and she took Hope’s hand, squeezing it in happiness. “Papa Ric sounds good, right, Hope?”

Hope blinked and quivered. “Er, maybe Uncle Ric. For now.”

Josie’s father simply smiled and nodded. “Good. That sounds so much better.”

----------

After dinner, Josie headed up to her bedroom to choose another movie to watch for the night while Hope met with her father in his study. When Hope finally returned, she helped the woman to change into her pajamas.

“So what did you talk about?”

“The future.”

“Huh?”

“He asked if I wanted to continue working with his security team.”

Josie stilled. “And?”

“I told him I’m not likely to accept his offer.”

Josie pouted. “Would it really be that bad if you worked for us?”

Hope shook her head. “Of course not. But there’s a big world out there that I still want to explore. I want to try more jobs and experience different things first.”

“Isn’t every security job the same?”

“Of course not. Every client is different. They have different needs. And to tell you the truth, Marcel offered me something too.”

“What did he offer you?”

“I can’t talk about it yet but I will be meeting him when I’m better to discuss the details. I’ll tell you more when I can.”

“So it’s pretty much a definite ‘no’ over here.”

 “I’m sorry, Josie. I hope you understand.”

Josie wanted to hug Hope but settled for an arm squeeze instead. “I don’t but I won’t force you.”

“Wow, is this the Josie I know? What did you do with the girl who always wants her way?”

Josie pinched Hope’s butt in retaliation, making the injured bodyguard yelp and wince. “Don’t make me sound like some dictator or tyrant.”

“Okay, okay,” said Hope as she rubbed her butt. “I’m sorry. You’re the most understanding and loving girlfriend in the world.”

“Yeah, of course I am,” said Josie as she moved in for a kiss. “I’m the hottest girlfriend you’ll ever have. Don’t you forget that.”

Hope was smiling into the kiss and after a rousing lip locking exchange, she leaned back. “I won’t forget. A humble bodyguard like me won’t ever forget.”

Josie grinned and draped her arms around Hope’s waist carefully. “You’re my bodyguard forever.”

“Yes, I’m your bodyguard. I promise to guard your body so nobody can touch it but me.”

“You and your glib tongue.”

Hope simply grinned and leaned closer. “What about my tongue, baby?”

“Shut up and kiss me, bodyguard.”

“Right away, ma’am.”

Josie closed her eyes as soft lips took hers in and made sweet love to her. Her toes curled and she smiled into the deep kisses of endless passion. Only Hope could make her feel this way.

Her bodyguard.