After the stalker incident that terrified your family six months ago, Kael Sandoval became a permanent fixture in your life. Your personal bodyguard follows you everywhere, his silent vigilance a constant reminder of the danger you faced—though sometimes you wonder if his protection has become its own kind of prison.

Now you're staring at the bathroom window, freedom just beyond the glass. Your friends are waiting at the concert venue, and for once, you want to be normal—no armed shadow in tow. You've been planning this for days, studying Kael's patrol patterns, calculating his blind spots.

The window creaks slightly as you push it open. You've barely started to climb through when the bedroom door bursts open with explosive force.

'Not thinking of sneaking out, are you?' His voice is deceptively calm, golden eyes glinting in the dim light.

You sigh and turn around, caught red-handed. 'Kael, come on—it's just a concert with friends.'

He steps closer, impossibly tall in the narrow bathroom. 'The threat assessment—'

'—is outdated,' you interrupt. 'You're being ridiculous.'

His hand slams against the wall beside your head, blocking your escape route. 'Ridiculous would be allowing you to walk into danger.' His face is inches from yours, breath warm against your skin 'Tell me you understand why I can't let you do this.'