6. Jerome

Chapter 6

Jerome

T he wrought-iron gates of the estate loomed before me as my black SUV rolled up the winding gravel driveway. I scanned the perimeter, noting the property and points of entry and exit.

Alex strode forward as I stepped out of the vehicle, extending a hand in greeting. "Mr. Dawson, thank you for coming on such short notice."

"Please, call me Jerome." His gaze flickered over him, filing away details. Expensive designer suit, Rolex watch, coiffed hair. Everything about the man seemed calculated.

"Jerome, then. As Raven's agent and ex-husband, please ensure her safety at all times, and prevent any unwanted intrusions into her private life. Paparazzi have become bold and her stalker seems to be escalating."

"Understood."

Alex clasped my shoulder. "I'm glad we have an understanding. Raven's schedule is demanding and her safety is non-negotiable. I trust I can count on your discretion and dedication?"

"You have my word." My duty as Raven's bodyguard now took top priority. Nothing would compromise her safety so long as she was under my protection. I had never failed an assignment yet, and this would be no exception. Raven Fields' life was in my hands now, and I aimed to keep it that way.

"Good. There is one more thing you should know." He lowered his voice. "Raven can be...difficult. She resents authority and chafes under restrictions. Do not be surprised if she actively works against you, questioning your judgment and testing your limits. Do you understand?"

"Rest assured, I have handled difficult clients before."

"Not like Raven," Alex said. "She will push every boundary and resist your recommendations at every turn. Do not let her stubbornness or charm distract you from your duty. You must keep her safe, even when she fights you every step of the way."

"I am well aware of my responsibilities. There is no need to question my competence."

Alex held up his hands in a placating gesture. "My apologies. I did not mean to offend. I only want to prepare you for what is to come." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "To be frank, I do not know who may be threatening her."

"Then it seems I have my work cut out for me." I'd dealt with difficult and secretive clients before, but none quite like the picture he was painting of Raven Fields. The woman he was describing didn't seem like her. Especially the woman I helped protect just two nights ago. This assignment would certainly prove interesting, if nothing else. I only hoped the risks involved would not prove too taxing. Raven's safety was my priority now, no matter the challenges.

Alex nodded. "I do not envy you this task, but Raven's safety is paramount. Do not hesitate to call."

My training and experience had prepared me for far worse situations than a stubborn celebrity. If Raven Fields thought she could outmaneuver me, she was sorely mistaken. I would keep her safe, despite her best efforts to make things difficult. Although, I think Raven didn't care for the guy so he saw a different side of her.

Alex studied me for a long moment, as if trying to determine whether my confidence was truly warranted. Finally, he extended his hand. "Very well. I will leave Ms. Fields' safety in your capable hands. Do not let me down."

"You have my word."

With that, Alex left me standing at the front gate. I took a steadying breath, steeling myself and walked up the winding driveway towards Raven Fields' ostentatious mansion.

I scanned the perimeter, automatically assessing for any weak points or signs of a threat. All appeared secure, but I would not relax my guard. Not until I gained a better sense of the situation.

I rang the bell and the heavy wooden door creaked open.

"I figured you'd come," she said, full lips quirking into a sly smile. "Do come in."

This was going to be an interesting assignment indeed.

I followed Raven into the foyer, gaze sweeping over the lavish decor. "What a small world."

"I don't know what nonsense my ex-husband has filled your head with, but let me be very clear. I do not need a babysitter."

"I understand you value your independence, "but after our encounter the other night and now the phone calls, and you can never be too careful.

Raven's eyes flashed. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"Never said you couldn't, but I have a job to do." I stood my ground, undeterred by her. Most clients were initially resistant to the idea of a bodyguard. I would earn her trust in time. "Until the threats against you have been neutralized, I will be staying on as your personal security."

Raven's eyes narrowed, anger simmering beneath her composed exterior. I remained unmoved. I had faced far more intimidating opponents than a temperamental celebrity. She would come around, whether she liked it or not. My duty was to keep her out of harm's way, not coddle her ego.

I was starting to see the other side of Raven. This life she had been living changed her. What happened to the sweet, quiet woman I knew years ago? She had to be in there somewhere.

The tension stretched between us, a battle of wills that I was determined to win. Finally, Raven looked away with an irritated huff. "Very well, you may stay. But keep out of my way."

"As you wish," I said. Victory was mine, though I was sure this was only the first of many clashes to come. Protecting the stubborn, strong-willed Raven Fields would prove challenging.

But I did love a challenge.

Raven swept past me without another word, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. I watched her go, noting the defiant set of her shoulders. She might have conceded to my presence for now, but Raven wasn't about to make things easy for me.

I smirked as I followed at a discreet distance. If she thought a little attitude would deter me, Raven had another thing coming. A difficult client was nothing new.

Let her stew and fume all she liked. I wasn't going anywhere.

Raven paused at the bottom of the grand staircase, casting a glare over her shoulder. "Well? Are you just going to stand there all day or do you plan to guard me at some point?"

I didn't rise to the bait, but instead quirked an eyebrow and waited. Raven huffed again. My lips twitched into a smile as I followed close behind. The battle was won, but the war was just beginning. Raven Fields had met her match in me. I only hoped she realized that before trouble came knocking at her door.

The battle lines had been drawn. Now the real fight was about to begin.