Conrad leaned against the doorway of your room, his large build nearly filling the doorframe. His eyes watched your movements carefully, every once and while leaving you to scan the room.

He seemed irritated...but then again, he always did. That "resting bitch face" of his didn't do him any favors.

"I don't think this is a good idea. With all the threats the host has been facing, if something happens...I don't want you getting caught in the crossfire." This wasn't the first time he had brought up his concerns about the charity gala. It was fast approaching in a handful of hours, but he didn't intend on backing down until you gave in.

"I understand that they're expecting you, but if something happens..." He paused as he heard the words coming out of his mouth. "Look, I know this might sound crazy, but could you just say you're sick? We can send a stand-in. It won't be hard to find someone who looks like they belong there."

His suggestion hung in the air, waiting for your response. He didn't want to pressure you into staying behind; he just wanted you to be safe.

He sighed softly, resigned to the fact that you were determined to go. "Alright...if you really insist on going, then at least let me come with you." His tone was firm, but not demanding. "You're my responsibility too and I won't feel right leaving you there all by yourself." He took a step closer, gaze steady as he waited for your reply.

With a faint nod, he began to relax his posture. "Alright then, let's get going." He reached for the door handle, opening it slowly as he scanned the hallway once more before stepping out into the dimly lit corridor. His presence seemed to fill up any empty spaces as you followed behind him, clutching your purse close to your side.

Their destination was just a few blocks away, and with Conrad by your side, there would be no harm that could possibly come to you...or so he hoped.

Keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, Conrad dutifully escorted you through the crowded hall and towards the host, ensuring that nobody got too close to you without his knowledge or consent. His large frame moved fluidly amongst the guests, making it clear that he didn't belong there but also serving as a warning to anyone who might consider harming those under his protection.

His focus was sharp and unwavering, taking in every detail of the surroundings and the people within them. He knew better than most how quickly a situation could escalate, and he wasn't about to let anything happen to you while he was supposed to be looking after you.

While it was good that you were enjoying yourself, Conrad couldn't help but feel a small sense of unease as he scanned the room once more. His eyes lingered on every face in sight, watching for any hint of danger or malice. He wished you could understand just how important it was to be cautious in situations like these, but he knew better than to push his advice onto someone who wasn't willing to listen.

He would continue to keep an eye out for anything suspicious, ensuring that nothing happened to mar this evening. His solemn expression never leaving his face as he continued to fulfill his role as your bodyguard and protector.

"Nice to meet you," he said with a polite nod. His gaze never left the man as he spoke, studying his every movement and expression. Though Jacob seemed harmless enough now, Conrad couldn't help but wonder if there was more to him than met the eye. As the conversation continued between you and Jacob, he stood silently by your side, ever-vigilant against any potential threats that might arise.

A small frown appeared on Conrad's face as he noticed Jacob putting his arm around your shoulder. He didn't approve of the gesture, feeling like it was inappropriate under the circumstances. But he knew better than to make a scene or say anything that might embarrass you further. Instead, he silently planted himself more firmly beside you, subtly signaling for Jacob to back off with his mere presence alone.

While you continued chatting about your favorite painting, Conrad kept his eyes locked on Jacob, not entirely trusting the man's sudden retreat. He knew that appearances could be deceiving, and there was no telling what the other man might have planned. But for now, everything seemed to be under control. His role was simply to watch over you and make sure nothing happened; he couldn't afford to let his suspicions get in the way of that.

Instantly on high alert, Conrad's instincts kicked in as he quickly assessed the situation around them. The sounds of gunfire and screams filled the air, sending panic spreading through the crowd. With deadly precision, his eyes searched for anything out of the ordinary, anyone who might pose a threat to you or himself. His large frame tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. He didn't hesitate for even a second; protecting you was his top priority above all else.

As the men in black burst into the hall, Conrad's muscles coiled tight with adrenaline. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around your waist and ducked down, using his body to shield you from any stray bullets. His free hand reached for the hidden weapon at his side, preparing to return fire if needed.

"Stay close!" he growled in your ear as he scanned the area for an exit or somewhere else safe to hide. His heart pounded wildly against his chest, every nerve on edge as he fought to keep both of you alive in the midst of chaos and carnage.

"Shhh..." his voice was rough with worry and fear as he pressed you closer against him, willing himself to remain still despite the urge to move and protect you. "Just hold on...we'll get out of here." His breath came hot against your ear as he spoke, trying to mask the sound of his panic and the thunder of his heartbeat. In that moment, all that mattered was keeping you safe from harm.

Anger and protectiveness coursed through him as one of the attackers knocked you to the floor. Without hesitation, Conrad released you long enough to spin around and launch himself at the man responsible. His powerful frame slammed into the assailant, sending them both tumbling to the ground in a tangle of limbs. Teeth gritted, he raised his fist to deliver a crushing blow when he noticed the others surrounding them begin to move in their direction.

"Get down!" he barked, his voice hard and commanding as he shoved you behind a nearby column for cover before resuming his attack on the group of gunmen. His focus narrowed, every movement precise and calculated as he fought to keep both of you safe while disposing of the threat.

Time seemed to slow down as Conrad fought against the gunmen surrounding him. He could feel their attacks, hear their shouts and footsteps, but his focus was entirely on keeping you safe. His fists flew through the air with deadly precision, knocking one assailant after another to the ground. Blood sprayed across his chest as he took a hit, but he barely registered the pain.

"Stay hidden!" he growled out between clenched teeth, aware that their position had been compromised and the attackers were now closing in from all sides. His gaze darted around the area, searching for an escape route or another means of protecting you. There was no room for mistakes; every decision could mean life or death for both of them.

"Amber!" His voice was harsh and urgent as he spotted you cowering behind the column. "Come on, now! We need to move!" He held out a hand to help you up, his gaze darting between you and the gunmen closing in from all sides. Time was running out; they had to find another way out or risk being cornered here forever.

Fear and adrenaline coursed through his veins as he heard the men call out your name. With a feral growl, Conrad quickly scooped you up into his arms, careful not to jostle you too roughly in the process. Ignoring the gunshots flying past them, he sprinted for the exit, using every ounce of strength and agility he possessed to evade their attackers while keeping you safe. He knew that they couldn't stay here any longer; their only hope was to make it out alive and call for backup.

"Just hold on tight!" he panted, ducking behind a nearby planter as another barrage of bullets flew past them. "We're almost there." His words were rough with fear and determination, but they carried the reassurance that he wouldn't let anything happen to you. Not if he could help it.

A faint growl of frustration escaped Conrad as they tumbled to the ground outside the building. He'd nearly lost his grip on you in their haste to get away, and now they were both sprawled on the pavement. Before he could register the impact, however, his weight pressed fully against your body, absorbing some of the shock from the fall.

"Are you alright?" His voice was raw as he spoke, looking down at you with worried eyes. "I'm sorry about that..." His fingers dug into the ground beside you, steadying himself while he waited for your response.

His eyes scanned the area around them, searching for movement or signs that their attackers were still nearby. They needed to find somewhere safe to hide until help arrived; otherwise, they'd be sitting ducks out in the open. "Stay down," he whispered harshly before slowly beginning to crawl away from you, using his body as a shield between you and any potential threats.