The Bodyguard

Chapter 7

"Nana!" I exclaim, rushing into my grandmother's open arms. The embrace is tight, perhaps a bit too tight, and I quickly release her, worried I might have unintentionally cut off her air supply.

"Oh, my poor babies," she teases, and I can't help but laugh.

"Babies?" I raise an eyebrow, puzzled by her choice of words.

"Yes, my lungs," she clarifies, and I chuckle at her playful response.

"Sorry, Nana," I apologize, still grinning from our exchange.

"It's alright, dear. I'm just so glad to see you. You've grown into such a beautiful young lady," she compliments me, and I feel a warm glow of affection.

She then glances past me, her eyes landing on Jason. "What a handsome young man. Is he your boyfriend?" she inquires, and I feel my cheeks flush inexplicably.

"Oh, no, Nana. Jason's my bodyguard," I explain, trying to dispel any romantic notions she might have.

"Oh, I'm sorry, dear," she apologizes with a light chuckle, her tone both apologetic and understanding. "Anyways, I'll have a few of my maids take your bags upstairs. Shall we go to your room?" she offers, smoothly redirecting our focus.

I nod eagerly, curious to see where I'll be staying during my visit. Nana leads us up the grand staircase, her presence exuding grace and elegance with every step. The opulence of her home is evident in every detail, from the intricate décor to the plush furnishings.

As we walk through the hallway, she stops at a door and swings it open, revealing a spacious bedroom fit for royalty. I step inside, and my breath catches at the sight before me. The room boasts a balcony offering panoramic views of the lush gardens below, a sumptuous king-sized bed adorned with rich linens, a walk-in closet filled with designer clothing, and a marble-floored bathroom complete with a luxurious soaking tub. 

I gasp in awe as I take in the grandeur of my surroundings. It may not rival the comfort of my own room, but there's a charm to it that captivates me instantly, making me feel truly welcomed and at home.

"This room is amazing, thank you, Nana," I express, kicking off my shoes and flopping onto the plush bed. Nana and Jason remain in the doorway, both observing me. Soon, the maids enter, efficiently unloading my belongings into the closet before swiftly departing.

"Make yourselves comfortable. I'm off to my bedroom," Nana announces, preparing to leave. But her casual departure catches me off guard.

"What are you talking about Nana?" I interject, stopping her in her tracks.

"What do you mean, darling?" Her confusion mirrors mine.

"Aren't you going to show Jason where he's going to be sleeping?" I inquire, feeling a sudden surge of nervousness creeping in. Her laughter surprises me.

"Sweetie, my house may seem big, which it is, but it only has eight rooms. This is the only spare one left. I thought you were coming alone, I wasn't expecting a bodyguard to accompany you. So, now you two will have to share," she explains matter-of-factly. My jaw practically hits the floor.

"What are the other seven rooms being used for?" I ask, incredulous.

"One is my bedroom, four are occupied by the maids who work here, one is my office, and the last one is for my pets. This is my only guest bedroom. Not many guests stay overnight, so I didn't see the need for more than one," she enumerates with a slight shrug. I release a frustrated sigh, and I notice Jason's jaw clenching in frustration as well.

"Alright," I mutter, avoiding her gaze.

"I'd love to chat more, but I'm awfully tired. We'll catch up over brunch tomorrow," Nana yawns before bidding us goodnight and departing.