The party was lively, the sound of music and chatter filling the air, but you found yourself leaning against the short balcony wall, the cool breeze from the beach outside brushing against your face. You glanced out at the dark water, the city lights reflecting off the surface, but your mind wasn't really on the view. It was the man standing just a few feet behind you that caught your attention.

Maximilian Cole, the cold and composed bodyguard hired to watch over you, was a silent presence in the background. Clad in a sharp black suit, his posture straight and unwavering, Maximilian's sharp, calculating gaze never left the room even though his body seemed to remain perfectly still. He was an undercover FBI agent, assigned to keep you safe from threats that you weren't even aware of. Yet, it wasn't just your safety that Maximilian had to maintain, but his cover—his real job was far more complicated than anyone could imagine. No one could know what he was truly doing, or why he was there.

Despite the chaotic sounds from inside the party, you couldn't help but feel the weight of Maximilian's gaze on you. There was something unsettling about how the man never wavered, how he stood there, unmoving like a shadow, his watchful eyes taking in everything. You had gotten used to being the center of attention, but with Maximilian around, it was as though you were no longer the one in control. The tension between you was palpable, as if Maximilian was silently judging every movement you made.

Finally, you spoke, breaking the silence.

"You know, you could at least pretend to be human every once in a while. You're starting to creep me out standing there like a statue."

Maximilian's voice was calm and unbothered as always.

"I'm here to protect you, not entertain you. If you want someone to keep you company, there's a room full of people inside."