Chapter 5: Stay in

I felt a wave of heat rise to my face, but I quickly masked it with a scowl. I clenched my jaw, feeling irritation bubble beneath my skin. Cloud was toying with me, testing my patience, pushing my limits. I had dealt with many arrogant men before, but Cloud Smith had a unique way of getting under my skin.

"Excuse me, sir?" I said, my voice even, yet firm.

Cloud let out a low chuckle, stepping away from the screen. "What? Did I strike a nerve?" His tone was laced with amusement, but his cold, authoritative aura remained intact. "You seem awfully flustered for someone who's supposed to be unshakable."

I inhaled sharply, controlling my temper. "I’m here to protect you, not to invade your privacy. But if you don’t want anyone walking in on you, you should remember to lock the damn door."

Cloud arched a brow, a slow smirk forming on his lips. "A bold response. I like that." He took a step closer, the air between us thick with tension. "But next time, knock before entering. Unless, of course, you want to see what I’m doing."

My fists curled at my sides. "I don’t," I snapped before I could stop myself.

Cloud chuckled again, but there was something unreadable in his expression, something calculating. "Good. Then keep your curiosity in check."

Deep inside, I was annoyed. Not because I was embarrassed—I had seen plenty of things in my line of work—but because Cloud was treating this as some kind of game. I wasn’t interested in whatever power play he was engaging in. And I certainly wasn’t interested in him.

Was Cloud into men? The thought crossed my mind, but I shook it off just as quickly. It didn’t matter. What mattered was maintaining my professionalism and keeping my emotions in check.

"Understood, sir," I said stiffly. "Now, if we’re done here, I’ll be outside ensuring your security remains intact."

Cloud tilted his head slightly, as if observing my every move. "Dutiful. I like that too." Then, without another word, he turned his attention back to his desk, completely dismissing me.

I took that as my cue to leave. I spun on my heel and exited the office, shutting the door behind me with more force than necessary. I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. What the hell was that?

One thing was clear—Cloud Smith was trouble.

And I was just starting to see his dark side.

The rest of the day passed without much incident. Cloud had a few meetings, and I kept a watchful eye on everything, ensuring his security was never compromised. I remained professional, keeping my interactions with him brief and to the point. He didn’t seem to mind, though every now and then, I caught him watching me with that same unreadable expression.

By late afternoon, the sun was beginning to set, casting golden hues over the city skyline. Cloud finished his last meeting and stood up from his desk, stretching his arms slightly. "We’re done here. Take me home."

I nodded, keeping my tone neutral. "Yes, sir."

Escorting him to his car, I drove him back to his mansion in silence. Cloud didn’t say much, and I appreciated the quiet. My mind was still reeling from our earlier encounter, and I didn’t want to dwell on it any more than necessary.

When we arrived, I parked the car and stepped out, opening the door for him. "I’ll see you tomorrow, sir."

Cloud paused as he stepped out, turning to look at me. His expression was as composed as ever, but his next words caught me completely off guard. "You’re staying here."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

He adjusted his cufflinks and glanced at me, as if my confusion was unnecessary. "Your room is ready. From now on, you’ll be staying in my mansion. I don’t need a bodyguard who leaves when the sun sets."

I clenched my jaw. "Sir, I wasn’t informed of this arrangement."

Cloud’s lips twitched in amusement. "I just decided it. Problem?"

Damn him. I inhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay calm. This is a job. A job. "No, sir. No problem."

"Good." He turned and started walking inside. "Follow me. I’ll show you to your room."

Reluctantly, I followed him into the grand mansion. The place was just as extravagant as I expected—modern, sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the vast estate. The air smelled of expensive cologne and leather, a scent that somehow suited him perfectly.

Cloud led me down a long hallway and stopped at a door. "This is your room."

I opened the door and stepped inside. It was surprisingly spacious, with a large bed, a private bathroom, and even a small seating area. It was more luxurious than any hotel room I had ever stayed in.

"You’ll be expected to be on-call at all times," Cloud said from the doorway. "I don’t like repeating myself, so make sure you’re always within reach."

I turned to face him, nodding. "Understood, sir."

He studied me for a moment before smirking. "Try to relax, Clinton. You look like you're about to fight someone."

I stiffened, not appreciating his teasing. "I take my job seriously."

"I can see that." He chuckled lightly before stepping back. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be another long day."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing in the room, feeling oddly unsettled.

I closed the door behind me and exhaled sharply. What have I gotten myself into?

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Kenneth’s name flashing on the screen. I sighed before answering.

"Where the hell are you?" Kenneth’s voice came through, laced with concern. "I swung by your apartment, but you’re not there."

I rubbed the back of my neck. "I won’t be home tonight. Cloud Smith ordered me to stay at his mansion. Security job purposes."

There was a pause. Then Kenneth scoffed. "You’re kidding. He’s making you live there? What kind of control freak is he?"

"It’s part of the job," I replied evenly. "I’ll get my things from my apartment tomorrow."

Kenneth let out a low whistle. "Damn. What if Athena finds out?"

I froze, my grip tightening around the phone.