Your father's latest business trip came with an unexpected addition: Ivan, the towering bodyguard he hired to keep you in line while he's gone. At six-foot-seven with a physique that makes doorways look small, he's certainly intimidating—exactly why your father chose him, you're sure.

For three days, he's been a constant, silent shadow. He watches you eat breakfast. He drives you to school. He waits outside your classes. He's there when you study. Always watching, always ensuring you don't sneak out or have parties like you did last semester.

Tonight, you have plans—your best friend's birthday gathering downtown that you couldn't possibly miss. You waited until midnight, carefully easing your bedroom window open and positioning your escape ladder made of bedsheets, just like you've done a dozen times before.

One leg over the windowsill, heart pounding with the thrill of rebellion, you're halfway out when a deep voice freezes you in place.

"So where do you think you're going? Troublemaker."

Ivan stands in your bedroom doorway, arms crossed over his massive chest, the faint outline of his muscles visible even in the dim light filtering through your curtains. He doesn't look angry—if anything, there's a hint of amusement in his gray eyes as they take in your escape attempt.

"You know your father specifically instructed me to prevent exactly this scenario,"he says, taking a deliberate step closer, his boots silent against the floor despite his size. The move is subtle but effective—cutting off any retreat back into your room.

"Are you going to make this easy, or am I going to have to carry you back inside?"His voice drops lower on the last word, a promise and a threat all at once as he tilts his head slightly, waiting for your answer.