Cecilia's brows furrowed the instant Achilles introduced himself—especially when he declared that he would be her personal bodyguard.

Oh, great. She didn't even bring Childe, her actual personal bodyguard, on this vacation because, for fuck's sake, she wanted to be free. And now, that impassive mafia boss didn't just keep her in an unfamiliar place, but he also assigned a personal bodyguard for her.

Seriously, what the heck?

"You're my what? Bodyguard?"

Achilles winked at her. "The one and only."

"Wait, hold on. Yelisei assigned you as my bodyguard? Again? I seriously don't need one—"

"Achilles."

Both Cecilia and Achilles turned to see Yelisei approaching them. His gaze lingered on Achilles before shifting to Cecilia.

"I finally meet Her Highness," Achilles said with a wide grin.

Cecilia ignored him. Instead, she focused on Yelisei, their eyes locking immediately.

"What are you doing out here? Mari's been looking for you," he said, his expression as blank as ever.

"She was trying to escape—" Achilles cut in.

"I was not! I had no plans of escaping!" Cecilia protested. Well, I did, but I don't even know where the heck I am, so I couldn't exactly pull it off!

"Oi, you literally told me earlier!" Achilles shot back. "You even said that if this place was familiar to you, you would've run off already!"

What the hell?! I did not say that! "I never said that! You're twisting my words!"

"Oh, so you're admitting that you did say something along those lines?"

"I did not!"

"Yes, you did!"

"No, I didn't!"

"Yes, you did!"

"No, I didn't!"

"Achilles."

Both of them shut up immediately when Yelisei called his associate's name.

"Keep quiet."

"Okay, Boss," Achilles said, making a show of zipping his lips.

Cecilia turned back to Yelisei, crossing her arms. "I should be the one asking you questions. Where exactly am I? The last time I checked, I was in Tagaytay."

"We're in Laiya-Aplaya, Batangas. I own a private beach and property here, so I brought you here. I needed to change locations for your safety. The Montemayors still have their eyes on you, and we have yet to identify Ellias's killer. It's best to relocate for now."

"As much as I want to take you back to Manila, I can't. It's too risky. If they track you down there, it'll be even more dangerous." Yelisei glanced at Achilles.

"You've already met Achilles. From today onward, he'll be your personal bodyguard. He'll be keeping an eye on you as well."

Cecilia frowned at that. "But you said you would be the one protecting me."

"I will," Yelisei replied. "But there will be times when I'm not around. We have things to take care of, and we're still investigating this case. Achilles will watch over you when I can't." He paused. "He may not look trustworthy—"

"Hey!"

"—but he's strong and reliable."

"I mean, you can totally rely on me, Princess," Achilles chimed in. "I can do whatever you need—whether it's for your security or, you know, entertainment." A smirk tugged at his lips before he winked. "You're gorgeous, but your body's not really my type. Still... I can keep you entertained. Whatever you want."

Cecilia immediately clung to Yelisei's arm as the latter immediately pulled out his gun and aimed it at Achilles.

Achilles raised both hands in surrender. "Whoa, whoa, calm down, Ackerman! I just meant that I can keep her company if she ever gets lonely. You know, keep her from feeling isolated here. That's all! Chill, man. I'm not gonna do anything you wouldn't approve of."

Cecilia leaned in closer to Yelisei and whispered, "A-Are you sure this guy is actually safe for me? Because, honestly, I feel like I'm in more danger with him than with that rival syndicate of yours..."

Achilles scoffed. "Ouch. That's harsh, Your Highness. Judgmental much?"

Yelisei, however, remained unfazed as he spoke. "He may have so much experience with women and I couldn't deny that, but I could guarantee that you're safe with him. He's one of my strongest, most skillful, and most trusted associates. He has also been working with me for years now. You don't have to worry, Princess."

Achilles let out a dramatic sigh. "Yelisei... man, come on. You make me sound like some womanizer—which, okay, fine, I am. I won't deny it. I mean, I'm handsome, manly, and charming."

"Yeah, you have a sweet mouth that could lure them to be with you on the bed. Now, shut up. I am not interested in your sexcapades and I want you to do your job properly."

"Okay, fine. Yes, Boss."

Cecilia remained silent, her grip on Yelisei's arm tightening.

I want nothing to do with the mafia. Or with anyone, for that matter. I came here to escape...to be free. I can't just sit around waiting for shit to happen. I'm sick and tired of this. I need to get out of here

"Is something wrong, Princess?"

Cecilia let go of Yelisei and shook her head. "I'm fine. I'm just... tired. I'll head back now. I'm sure Mari is waiting for me."

Yelisei simply nodded in response. He glanced at Achilles before watching Cecilia walk back toward the house. As she did, she could feel Yelisei's piercing gaze following her every movement, as if he were studying her, watching her like a hawk.

But she couldn't let that intimidate her. She had already made up her mind.

I will get out of here. No matter what it takes.

"Achilles."

Achilles turned to Yelisei, who was still watching the princess intently.

"Keep an eye on her. No matter what."

"I mean, of course. That's what you hired me for, right?"

Yelisei's eyes narrowed. "I don't fully trust the princess. And by the looks of it, she's planning something." He turned to Achilles. "Do your job. Don't let her step foot out of this place."