Chapter 1: New Bodyguard

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A few minutes later, you're in the car with Connor. The polished black vehicle hums softly as it drives through the city streets, the cold silence between you and the android only adding to your irritation. You stare out the window, wishing you were anywhere but here.

Connor doesn't seem to notice—or care—about the tension in the air. He sits across from you, his posture impeccable, gaze forward. He's like a statue. A very expensive, slightly menacing statue.

"Where are we going?" you ask, trying to break the silence, if only to ease the growing discomfort in your chest.

"To your residence," Connor replies smoothly. His voice is neutral, without any hint of emotion.

You frown, turning to him. "Right. Forgot. You're just... following me around."

"Yes. My mission is to ensure your safety. My presence is necessary," he answers, his tone not quite apologetic but simply factual. "I will remain with you at all times, Miss Y/N."

Your fingers twitch with frustration. You want to argue, to tell him how ridiculous it is that you're being treated like some fragile thing, but a part of you knows it wouldn't do any good. Your father had made it clear this wasn't up for negotiation.

Instead, you keep your gaze fixed on the city outside. The bright neon lights, the chaotic traffic—it all feels so... distant now, as if you're living in a bubble that you can't escape. You could've had some semblance of normalcy, but now you have an android bodyguard glued to your side.

"How long are you supposed to stay with me?" you mutter, more to yourself than to him.

"As long as necessary," he responds. "My protocols are indefinite until my mission is completed."

You scowl, turning to him. "And how exactly do you decide when your mission is complete?"

Connor meets your eyes for a split second, his gaze unwavering. "When your safety is no longer at risk, Miss Y/N."

You sit back in your seat, crossing your arms over your chest. "Great. Fucking great."

The rest of the ride is filled with a unspoken understanding that you'll have to make the best of this. You're not exactly sure how to feel about the android sitting across from you. Part of you wants to trust him—after all, your father did say he was the best there was. But another part of you can't shake the feeling that this is just another way for your father to control your life.

You arrive at your house in silence. As the car pulls to a stop, Connor opens the door for you, his movements fluid and precise.

"After you, Miss Y/N," he says.

You take a deep breath and step out, heading to your front door. You dig your hand in your purse and fish out a key, fumbling with the lock. You finally get it and push the door open.

You kick your heels into the corner, not bothering to line them up. The familiar scent of your home—lavender, with a faint trace of the coffee you spilled that morning—wraps around you. For a brief moment, you almost forget about the shadow now attached to you.

Connor steps inside, pausing just past the threshold. He surveys the foyer, his LED spinning yellow as his gaze darts from one corner to another.

You watch him warily. "Do you need a tour or something, or are you just going to stand there scanning my house?"

His head turns toward you, and the corners of his mouth twitch ever so slightly. Is that... amusement? No, you're imagining things. "Familiarizing myself with the layout will ensure I can effectively respond in the event of an emergency."

"Great. Make yourself at home, I guess," you mutter, trudging toward the kitchen. You pull open the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water.

Connor doesn't respond, but when you glance back, he's still standing there like some kind of immovable statue.

"You don't have to stand there like a coat rack," you say, twisting the cap off your bottle. "You're supposed to be discreet, right? Maybe try blending in a little?"

"I will adapt my behavior to meet your expectations," Connor replies smoothly, but he doesn't move. "Would you prefer I remain out of sight?"

You pause, taken aback by the question. "I... I don't know. Just don't hover, okay?"

He nods, his LED flashing yellow again before settling on blue. "Understood."

You roll your eyes, draining half the bottle in one go. Setting it down on the counter, you lean back, rubbing your temples.

There's a long silence before Connor speaks again, his tone quieter this time. "It is not my intention to disrupt your routine, Miss Y/N. My presence is meant to provide reassurance and protection."

You snort, glancing at him. "Reassurance? Yeah, nothing says 'reassuring' like having an android tailing your every move."

"If my presence causes you discomfort, I will adjust my parameters," Connor says. He tilts his head slightly, his expression almost... thoughtful? "Your comfort and safety are both priorities."

You stare at him for a moment, caught off guard by the response. For all his robotic mannerisms, there's something oddly earnest about him. Not that you're about to admit it.

"Whatever," you say, waving him off. "Just stay out of my way, and we won't have a problem."

"Understood," Connor replies again. This time, he takes a step back, moving toward the far corner of the room as if to physically minimize his presence.

You watch him retreat, feeling a pang of guilt you don't quite understand. Shaking your head, you push off the counter and head for the stairs. "I'm going to bed. Don't... do anything creepy."

"I will remain vigilant," he assures you, which somehow doesn't feel as comforting as he probably intended.

As you ascend the stairs, the reality of your new situation crushes over you like a heavy blanket. An android bodyguard. Watching you. Protecting you. All the time.

"Fantastic," you mutter under your breath, pushing open your bedroom door. "Absolutely fantastic."

You collapse onto your bed, burying your face in the pillow. Connor's presence lingers in your mind. You'd never asked for this—never wanted this. And now, it feels like there's no escape.

Sleep doesn't come easily that night. You lie awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering how long it'll take before Connor's polite, unyielding presence drives you completely insane.

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