Chapter 4
Inside the high-end men's boutique, Victoria lounged on a leather sofa, flipping through the latest fashion magazine.
She pointed at several suits casually. "Let him try this one, that one, and those over there."
William trudged into the fitting room like a puppet.
He thought, [Miss Storm is personally picking out clothes for me. Is this a dream? The navy blue suit looks so mature, and the gray one has a refined vibe.
[Does Miss Storm like the reserved, ascetic style? Should I leave a couple of buttons undone later to mix things up?
[No, that would be way too flirty. What if Miss Storm thinks I'm an unprofessional bodyguard?]
Victoria listened to William's inner turmoil from the fitting room, a smile tugging at her lips.
Before long, William stepped out.
He was dressed in a sleek black three-piece suit, the perfect cut showing off his long legs and broad shoulders.
Victoria set down her magazine, her eyes flashing with a hint of awe.
"Not bad. You really have that dangerously charming vibe," Victoria said.
William didn't know what to say. [Dangerously charming? Is that a good thing? It doesn't sound like a compliment, but if Miss Storm says it, it's basically law.
[But does "dangerously" mean I can be a little naughty with Miss Storm?]
Victoria cleared her throat. "Button up and quit daydreaming."
William froze, then hurriedly buttoned the top one, making sure it was fastened tight.
He thought, [How did Miss Storm know I was daydreaming? Is she a mind reader? No way, that's not possible. I must've been way too obvious. William, get a grip.
[You're a bodyguard, not her boy toy.]
Victoria stood up and walked over to William, reaching out to straighten his tie.
They were so close that Victoria caught a subtle whiff of fir and a trace of tobacco from him.
William held his breath, going stiff as a board.
He thought, [She touched me. Her fingers are so cold and soft. She's so close, I can see her long lashes.
[I want to hold her close and keep her all to myself, so nobody else can look at her. This feeling is like my heart's been invaded, but I'm totally willing to surrender.]
Victoria's fingers lingered on the knot of his tie for a moment, then she suddenly asked, "William, if someone wanted me dead, what would you do?"
William's gaze sharpened instantly, a cold, lethal aura radiating from him. "I'd die before I let that happen."
[Anyone who dares touch her, I'll grind them to dust and crush their soul before tossing them to the dogs,] he thought.
Victoria smiled, a devilish glint in her eyes. "Good. Remember what you said today."
Just then, Victoria's phone buzzed. It was the system.
System: [Host's mood detected as joyful. Random mission triggered: Take your bodyguard to a street vendor. Reward: Master-level driving skills.]
Victoria was momentarily taken aback.
'A street vendor? Me, a billionaire, eating at a street vendor?' she thought.
But when she caught sight of William's stiff, serious face, she suddenly thought that taking him out to experience a more down-to-earth life would probably be nice.
"Let's go grab something delicious," Victoria said.
"Miss Storm, the party isn't finished yet," William said.
"Forget about that boring party." Victoria waved him off. "Right now, I'm your employer. Follow my lead."
"Got it," William replied.
Half an hour later, a supercar worth tens of millions pulled up in front of a bustling night food stall.
Victoria, dressed in a red dress, and William, in a high-end suit, showed up at the smoky barbecue stand, looking like gods who had wandered into the mortal world.
"Fifty lamb skewers and two cold beers, please." Victoria plopped herself down with swagger.
William frowned, carefully wiping the plastic stool with a tissue three times before gingerly sitting down.
He wondered, [Is this place sanitary enough? What if Miss Storm ends up with a stomachache from eating here?
[Should I buy out this stall and bring in a five-star chef to remake everything? But Miss Storm looks absolutely adorable munching on those skewers.]
Victoria handed him a lamb skewer. "Don't say anything. Just eat."
William took the skewer and took a bite. [Damn, it really is delicious.]
Victoria couldn't help but laugh at the way his face lit up with that "I can't believe this is so good" look.
In that moment, her life as a billionaire and all those corporate battles faded away, lost in the warmth and smoky air of the bustling street fair.