Stockholm Beginnings

[marine_biochild]

Protect My Heart (Closed)

Kayla rolled over to slap the screaming alarm, her eyes squinting in the morning light.Rolling over she very slowly slid from the warm sheets onto the cold floor. Shivering from the change in temperature she stretched. She hated mornings, plain and simple. She needed a cup of coffee and a hot shower but most of all she needed more sleep. That conference had taken longer than expected and she, along with her security team, hadn't gotten in till late in the evening. She could still hear the angry in the committees voices as they roused eachother with each passing comment. They wanted peace for the nations, congressman wanted money, leaders wanted power and stuck between them all stood Kayla Attempting to bring a common goal to the table. It had lasted so long she had spent some of the night rubbing her temples and praying for relief from the headache she endured. Silently standing in the shadows her only ally, her body guard, always humble and always there.

Slipping out of the small nightgown she stepped swiftly into the shower. The warm water cascading over her slim body. It was just what she needed to sooth her apprehension of the day. She knew what she had to do but her full schedule was usually in the hands of the man she trusted her life with. She knew he would be walking into her room any moment. It was the same every morning. He was the only one with a key and the only one that was allowed to get one. Each hotel was different but always the same. A bathroom and a large bed but with a different smell and view. She felt as though she hadn't been home in years even if it had only been three months. She hadn't seen the 'real' world in two months and hadn't felt the touch of a lover in ages.

Stepping out of the warm shower she stared at herself in the mirror, her curling brown hair and bright blue eyes were the same as always. After the usual routine to get herself ready for the day she pulled the lush robe around her, hugging it to her soft frame. Stepping into her cool room she glanced around at the room she had called her home for the past two days. If she remembered correctly she wouldn't be calling it home for much longer. They would be hitting the road once more to speak peace to other nations. Sliding on her usual business suit she was buttoning her jacket when she heard the click of the door.

Turning carefully in the short heels she put on her winning smile as she did every morning. "Good morning." She cooed gently knowing the face she would be greeted with.

 

[silvertongue217]

“Good morning Ma’am” Ezekiel said his deep voice echoing across the room ash e pushed in the car of her breakfast. He was a large man dwarfing almost every one around. His skin was a deep dark tan proudly showing off his Latino heritage. His hair was as always short and no nonsense much like the man himself. The fitted black suit showed off his powerful frame and shoulders yet he also looked t home and elegant in it making it all the more defining. His large hands danced nimbly over her food handing her her usual breakfast as well as the paper yet there was power behind these hands the sort of power that made most men wilt slightly.

“You have a full schedule this morning Ma’am” He continued closing the door behind him and trying to ignore the bolt of pleasure that went through him at the sight of her. He cursed himself once again for letting his professional demeanor slip to be so enthralled by her. There was some thing she did that disarmed him that cut through almost fifteen years of professional service and threatened to awake some thing deep inside of him.

A hunger

“I know you had a trying day yesterday so I brought you your usual” He said nodding at the tray and pointing out the steaming cup of coffee “after that Ma’am I need to go over the schedule with you as well as the travel arraignments for our next stop” He said standing back at ease his arms crossed behind his back and his feet apart as he waited for her to finish eating.

 

[marine_biochild]

"Oh, Ezekiel thank you so much. I appreciate the breakfast as always." She smiled sweetly her eyes twinkling with happiness. He always thought of everything, simply seeing him in the morning was enough to brighten any day. Taking the paper she began to read the headlines before beginning to eat the light breakfast. Sipping at the coffee she glanced over the paper at him. He was an attractive man, so attractive that any woman would jump at the chance to feel his large hands against their skin.

"Ezekiel...with that full schedule would there be any time for a break? We have both been going for a while." She cooed. "I think we both deserve a break."

Folding the paper, and placing down her empty cup she took a deep breath. "Alright, what's the schedule for the day?" She asked gently crossing one leg over the other.

Part of her wondered about his life before being a body guard. Had he worked for others? Did he enjoy working for her or did he miss his last client? She didn't know much about him though he had been with her for almost a year now.

 

[silvertongue217]

He tuned catching sight of her just as she crossed her legs. For a second he was distracted by the smooth tone of her legs and her flesh. He mentally scolded himself setting his mouth in a straight line as he moved back into attention. What was wrong with him? Why in the world did he keep letting this woman get under his skin so much.

“Because she is beautiful kind sweet and better than nay one else you’ve ever watched over” His inner voice reminded him.

“Shut up!”

“The schedule for today is as follows Ma’am” He said reciting it all from memory “we have a series of meetings throughout the morning then a lunch break at noon then finally we are done for the day” He said looking at her “we are traveling tomorrow then we have a day off before the next series of talks begin”

“So yes we have a break today Ma’am” He said clearing his throat “You have been working hard so I thought you might enjoy to spend the day touring the city I am prepared to escort you wherever you need to go and have already made the security arrangements”

 

[marine_biochild]

Listening silently she nodded before standing very carefully. "That sounds acceptable." She cooed before stopping and looking up into his warm eye. She always felt dwarfed when standing next to him. Being only five one she was usually shorter than most. Thinking for a moment she smiled brighter.

"I'd enjoy you showing me around the city but must we have all the security as always?" She asked quietly before grabbing her things. "I'm ready if you are."

Walking to the door she took one last look in the mirror, smoothing her long curling hair before stepping out.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I am afraid so Ma’am” He said his heart clenching as he watched her smooth out her hair “It is for your protection most of the time you’re the only person in their fighting for equality and reunification” He reminded her shutting the door behind them and nodding at the security teams posted at the end of the corridor.

It was true and one of the big reasons why he had such a crush on her as well as respected her. The woman was thrust into a world of politics and decades old rivalry’s always tasked with sorting out the mess and creating some thing ever lasting out of it. He didn’t know how she did it but then again he was not a patient person and most certainly not one of peace. He was a warrior and comfortable with that instead finding joy in protecting the ones who were the peacekeepers.

“I can not protect you all the time” He reminded her as they stepped into the elevator “nor can I see every thing the others are there to see what I do not and provide you with protection Ma’am” he reminded her even as his heart clenched at the thought of being in the elevator alone with her.

 

[marine_biochild]

Looking up st him she chuckled softly. "Always so serious. I've told you numerous time, please, call me Kayla. YOu don't need to keep calling me Ma'am." She smiled as she looked over her reports. "Besides. You've been with me for almost a year. We might as well get close. I'm hoping you'll stay with me for a while... if you would like." She cooed gently. With a nod she watched the elevator doors open. Closing her eyes for a moment she leaned against the wall. She had always hated elevators, having gotten stuck in one when she was a child.

"I'll still enjoy touring the city with you. We don't get much time to get to know each other even though we spend every day with each other." Taking a deep breath she glanced up at the numbers as they descended. Closing her eyes once more she tried to keep her mind off of where they were. Glancing up at him she wondered what his life was like before being a body guard but she didn't want to pry.

After another moment of silence she looked down shyly. He really was an attractive man, and she wondered if he had someone at home. Slipping a piece of hair behind her ear she bit her lip. "So...the holidays will be coming up soon. Will you need some time off to see your family or a special loved one?" She asked sweetly.

 

[silvertongue217]

“You know why I call you Ma’am Ma’am” He said though a faint smile crossed his lip and he watched her play with her hair “professionalism and respect” He reminded her his eyes flashing with rare humor as he discreetly eyed her fame up and down once more. He quickly snapped his eyes back up to her clearing his throat and contemplating her other questions.

“I had already assumed I was Ma’am” He said raising an eyebrow “I have no intention of stopping as your body guard any time soon not until you don’t wish to employee me any more”

“Oh I would be more than happy to stay in your company and tour the city” He said tipping his head politely “I have heard beautiful things about Istanbul I have no previous experience with the city but I am sure I can scrounge us up a tour guide as for the holiday no I have no wish to return to Cuba and visit my mother and she is the last member of my family alive nor do I have any loved ones I will remain at your side you can be assured” He said thinking it was a question about her protection this holiday season.

 

[marine_biochild]

Blushing at his answer she tried to hide the smile that tipped her lips. "Well...There's no arguing with that now is there." She cooed trying to stop the heat that was on her face. Hiding behind her curls she breathed a sigh of relief when the elevator stopped, the doors opening.

"Well....I'd rather not have a tour guide. We can't get into trouble with a tour guide." She teased playfully as she walked with him towards the car. "So it's just you and your mother? May I ask why you don't want to see her?" She asked timidly. She didn't want to step on any toes but she was curious

"I love you protecting my but in my opinion family always comes first. If you would like I can schedule a trip to Cuba so you can see her and wont have to take time off if you are worried about my safety." She smiled again, this time her hand gently touching his arm for just a moment, lingering long enough to show her concern before she pulled back. She didn't want to be unprofessional or make him uncomfortable.

Taking her time she wasn't really eager to go to her next meeting. She had a feeling this one would be rather aggressive. Neither parties wanted peace but she was supposed to try and dictate it.

 

[silvertongue217]

“That wont be necessary Ma’am” He said resisting the urge to lose his cool at her touch. It stoked some thing inside of him some thing long thought dormant and dead. He pushed it out of his mind and opened the door for her nodding at every one to get into the escort cars while he rode with her. He scanned the area looking for any thing out of place before he finally climbed in after her and shut the door.

“My mother and I don’t see eye to eye” He said simply feeling weird about discussing his personal life “I don’t have any wish to go to Cuba either I am sure there is some thing you would rather do for the holidays since I joined you just after the holidays last year I will lt you decide where we go”

“As for the trouble in Istanbul” He said smiling as the car finally pulled and began to move through the streets “I am not sure that is a good idea I have no idea where any thing is in the city I am not sure if I can properly guide you around” He reminded her glancing out the window to make sure every thing was okay but with one eye still on her discreetly watching her studying her.

And if he was honest eye fucking her

 

[marine_biochild]

Looking up at him she nodded before speaking gently. "Ok I'm sorry I brought it up. I'll probably be in a hotel as always during the holidays." She chuckled before taking a deep breath. Glancing out the window she sat in silence for a long moment thinking about his response to touring the city.

Crossing one leg over the other she spoke again, her eyes curious of his answer. "Than what about we go to dinner? And maybe go dancing." She said sweetly. "I haven't been to the club in years, I hear the clubs here are fun. We could dance for a little while and then come back to the hotel." She smiled sweetly. She figured he wouldn't go for the idea though it was fun to think about. She had an old dress she could probably wear and dancing was always fun. Secretly she wondered if he would dance with her if they went.

Was he the type to hold his partner close while he whispered sweet nothings in their ear, or did he dance quickly, running rough hands along the smooth curves of the body. She wasn't sure which he was but she was curious as to which he was. The idea stroked her interest and curiosity. She wonder if he enjoyed slow music or if he rather had the thumping that made someones chest pound.

She was in deep thought on the concept when he spoke again, breaking her reserve. Blinking she looked back at him a smile tipping her lips.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I am sorry if I was short with you” He said wincing immediately feeling bad. She was sweet and naturally curious possessing that innocent that he found so hard to believe still existed in the world. Of course he was and had been a soldier all his life things like sweetness and innocent were things that didn’t exist on the battlefield and he could never remember a time before that chapter of his life. Still there was a sadness there within her as well some thing that made his heart clench. More and more he was starting to become convinced his simple crush was rapidly moving into some thing much much more powerful.

“Dancing” He said frowning “I am not sure that is a good idea a club is a dangerous place Ma’am I would be unable to provide you adequate protection dinner though I would be honored to escort you to dinner and perhaps I can arrange some thing for the dancing as well”

He was desperate to please her or make her happy. He knew her work was important and as such there were a lot of enemies that might or might not wish her harm. He was probably being over protective but there was more than a mission here he cared about her and didn’t want he to come to any harm.

“We are here Ma’am” He said nodding at the steps to the embassy “we will talk after the meetings and figure out some thing we can do in the city okay?” He said taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

 

[marine_biochild]

"It's alright Ezekiel." She said sweetly as she smoothed her skirt slowly. "I understand that not all memories are happy memories." She cooed sweetly before glancing out the window, sliding a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She never wanted to make him hurt, and something in his eyes said he was sad for some reason. He looked as though he was hiding from something but she couldn't put her finger on it.

She chuckled when he turned down the club, covering her mouth as she did. "It's a nice dream isn't it? Walking around as if the world is safe." Grinning she shook her head. "Dinner... would be wonderful, but only if you eat with me. Let the boys handle security tonight. YOu deserve a break as well." With a wink she glanced out the window for a moment.

"Looks like we are." Stepping out she glanced down as he took her hand. Squeezing it back she stepped closer to him "I'll be ok" She whispered before turning to walk with him, her shoulder brushing his as she walked. She only hoped this meeting would be quick and to the point.

The embassy was beautiful, it's ornate paint making the building look as if it deserved to be in a museum instead of housing the corrupt in the country. Taking a deep breath she held it for a moment before exhaling slowly. It was time to do what she always did. Make peace and find the light in the darkness.

 

[silvertongue217]

A few hours later

Ezekiel waited his hands behind his back and his legs spread as the door finally opened. He knew if he glanced at his watch that four hours had passed since the talks began. He internally winced trying to imagine how his charge would feel after such an ordeal. Peace was some thing he championed and worked for but some thing he couldn’t actually imagine fighting for like she did. He was a simple soldier he followed the orders of an army and didn’t put much mind into the why and who. Some might call him simple for enjoying that but he was comfortable in who he was besides he would never be an ambassador and so h devoted his life to protecting them.

And now apparently loving them

Before he could dwell on that to much the door opened and he spotted her coming out. He moved forward bringing her coat around off of the rack and coming over helping her in it.

“Hungry Ma’am?” He asked leading her away gently and nodding at the other members of his staff “I have a limo waiting to take us to that restaurant you liked since your day is over I will have the security team go ahead and take the night off as well so you can have some time away from it all” He said bringing out his elbow for her to take and starting down the hall way.

 

[marine_biochild]

Stepping out of the room she looked tired. They had not taken even the littlest step foward to their goal. They had spent four hours speaking in circles, most of the time she had spent listening to both sides screaming at each other. Running a shaking hand through her curls she couldn't help but let out a defeated breath. A smile touched her lips when he walked up. "Thank you." She said softly, allowing him to help her with her coat.

Looking around she was silent for a moment before looking down at his arm. Taking his arm she leaned against him, placing her head on his shoulder for a moment. "What would I do without you Ezekiel. You make all of this so much easier." She cooed. "Dinner sounds wonderful though I'm not exactly dressed for dinner. My hair is also a wreck, I think I pulled out half of it sitting in that room." She joked, trying to make light of the long day.

Walking slowly she enjoyed the tranquility of being with him. "Will you join me? As my guest tonight instead of my body guard?" She asked her eyes large as she stared up at him. She attempted puppy dog eyes, not quite sure if it was working.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I” He said faltering under her puppy dog look. What power does this woman have over me? He thought to himself unable to stop the kind smile from appearing on his face as he led her out of the building and onto the streets. He nodded at the security team letting them know they were okay to go back and spend the evening off before finally turning to her.

“I think you look lovely first of all” He said leaning down to kiss the top of her head unable to stop himself “and I will sit and have dinner with you and enjoy your company but you know I wont stop protecting you or being vigilant” He said before nodding at the Limo waiting for them.

“If you wish we can swing by the hotel and you can change and get comfortable” He said opening the car door for her “Our lunch reservations are in an hour however” He told her helping her inside before getting in after her and closing the door behind them.

 

[marine_biochild]

The kiss on her forehead surprised her, accompanied by the compliment she was left speechless. Her cheeks flared a bright pink and with a small shy smile she nodded softly. 'Alright...but as long as you are with me I know I'll be safe. " Her stomach flipped. She didn't know what had come over him but most of all she didn't know what was coming over her. She followed him to the car.

"I would like to get changed, put on more comfortable clothes and get freshened up. " Taking a seat across from him she smiled again, crossing one leg over the other. Rubbing her bare leg she shivered in the air conditioning before becoming acclimated. "Thank you for joining me for lunch. I hate eating alone." She murmured staring at the hand that lay in her lap.

She didn't understand why she had enjoyed the simply kiss so much but what she did know was that it was wonderful.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I do as well Ma’am” He said biting his lip and watching her rub her legs. The way she dressed was always tasteful and maybe that was why he found it so sexy. It represented a word he stood guard over but didn’t participate in necessarily. It took him a long time to learn to wear the armor he did know and even though he could pass for one of them he kept the distance in his head. She threatened that distinction in his head forcing him to go into that world more and more as he spent time with her. He probably should have left a long time ago but h couldn’t because the feeling was so much more than h had in a very long time.

Even if it threatened to undue him

“The hotel sir” He said watching as the limo pulled away and turning to her “I will make sure to always keep you safe” He said smiling at her again before feeling the car slide to a stop. He led her out of the car and back into the lobby deciding to wait until she came back down and give he the chance to prepare alone.

 

[marine_biochild]

Looking up at him she spoke softly her eyes gentle. He always seemed so worried about her. "I'll meet you here in half an hour." Standing on her toes she touched his shoulder to steady herself before kissing his cheek gently "And Ezekiel...thank you" She whispered against his ear. With that she was gone, taking the stairs up to her room.

By the time she got there her heart was pounding. What had gotten into her. She knew she was attracted to the poor man but that was no reason to lose her head. Smoothing her suit she thought for a moment before moving to her suit case.

Half an hour later-

Stepping into the lobby she rubbed her arm. She looked completely different from her usual self. Being they were going to lunch she had opted for a more casual look. Her usual suit skirt she stood in a shorter skirt that flared matched with a blue blouse that made her eyes pop. Her curly hair was pulled back revealing her bright features as she waited for him.

 

[silvertongue217]

He waited patiently trying to keep his mind from going into over drive at the thought of spending the evening with her alone. He tried not to think much of it and instead focused on how he could best keep her safe. It wasn’t really some thing that took to much of his concentration but reviewing the security plans he put into place was sufficient enough to keep his mind off of his upcoming “date”.

That was until he saw her

He sucked in a startled breath his calm demeanor slipping as his eyes widened in surprise. Did she do this just to tempt him? He wondered watching her his eyes taking in her appearance before his mask slipped back into place.

“You look breath taking Ma’am” He said taking her hand and giving it a gentle kiss “I would be honored to escort you to lunch” He said letting her take his elbow and escorting her back to the car.

 

[marine_biochild]

Looking up at him blushing shyly as he kissed her hand. " Oh you don't meant that, and please... Just for lunch... Call me Kayla." she cooed to him as she took his arm. Smiling she walked with him her eyes showing a shyness she really hadn't shown before. Standing in front of thousands she could put on the facade, act as if she was brave but standing in his presence looking like a woman and being seen as such she was all soft innocence and timid allure.

Stepping into the car she got comfortable, sitting in her usual seat but this time she was a simple woman going to lunch with a friend. After a moment of silence she looked up at him. "So... Where will we be traveling to next?" she asked curiously.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I booked you for lunch at your favorite place” He said stepping in and closing the door. They were off as soon as it closed gliding through traffic as he smoothed out his suit.

“Your favorite table as well” He said referring to the semi private table that over looked the western side of Istanbul. He watched the traffic for a few minutes before turning and favoring her with a rare smile.

“Are you ready to be in Paris next week?” He asked referring to their next stop “the most romantic spot in the world they say and if you continue to wear outfits like that I see I will have to beat the men back with a stick” he said attempting to be funny and charming even though he wasn’t sure how.

 

[marine_biochild]

Laughing softly at his joke she smiled. " I don't believe you'll have to do any of that." She teased as she leaned back, smoothing her skirt. "Besides, with your demeanor and tour good looks I might not have a head of security once we land. All of the girls in Paris are going to be vying for your attention." she cooed.

Blushing she looked down at her hands as she spoke. "to be honest... I was surprised when you told me you don't have someone special... I... Guess I assumed someone as handsome and caring as you would have been scooped up the moment they could." she said softly. Running her fringers through her hair she smiled. "guess I'm just lucky to be able to spend a lunch date with you." with that she gave him a whole hearted smile before glancing back out the Window.

 

[silvertongue217]

He blinked his eyes widening in surprise

Was she flirting back?

His mind blanked struggling with that new piece of information. She was beautiful beyond compare and a good person yet she seemed to have an interest in him? He was just seeing things right? Yet here she was flirting shooting his lines back at him with ease. Which of course meant he was flirting some thing he didn’t want to face but now had no choice to and if the two of them where flirting…….

Then he wasn’t the only one with the crush

“I have no intention of being snapped up by any girl in Paris” He said smiling back at her trying not to blush “and no it’s been a solitary life for me Ma’am” He said watching as the car pulled up “I was a soldier for so long things like romance seem surreal and strange for me” He said getting out and opening her door for her.

 

[marine_biochild]

Blushing she bit her lip. He was flirting back and although she had managed one good response she didn't know if she could manage two. Stepping out of the car carefully she took his arm hiding her ever reddening face. "I didn't know you were a soldier. I assumed you were some kind of military but I wasn't sure." Finally looking up at him she spoke softly her smile widdening. "Well I think you do a fine tike at being romantic. With the way you treat me I can't fathom how you would treat someone you truly care about."

Stepping into the restaurant she looked around enjoying the smells before looking back up at him. "you are very handsome and just from spending time with you I can tell... You have a big heart." She smiled gently before following the waiter to the table.