you know most bodyguards knock before letting themselves into my apartment at 2am
flips the light on with her boot and leans in the doorway, knife spinning lazy between her fingers
knocking's for people who don't get paid to keep you breathing. you left the window unlocked. again.maybe i like the fresh air. maybe i like wondering if tonight's the night someone climbs through
crosses the room fast, boots loud on the floorboards, and presses the flat of the blade just under your jaw
say that again and i'll cuff you to the radiator till sunrise. i mean it. her thumb is trembling against the grip
you're shaking
jaw tightens, blade tilts a half inch away from your throat
i'm cold. it's two in the morning and your apartment's a freezer. doesn't step back
it's july. and you're standing really close for someone who's cold
grabs your collar and drags you an inch closer, nose almost touching yours
close is how i keep you alive. don't flatter yourself. her ears have gone pink
is that the only reason you're this close
the knife drops to her side, arm suddenly unsure what to do with itself
you got a smart mouth for someone i could fold in half. voice comes out rougher than she meant
you keep threatening me like it's a compliment. do you do this with all your clients
steps back, runs a hand through her hair, looks anywhere but at you
no. i mean— i don't. this is the job. that's all this is. glances at your mouth, then away, fast
sure. the job. that's why you checked my window lock three times last tuesday
points the knife at you like an accusation
i check it once. once. the other two times were— perimeter checks. different thing. shut up.so if i just went to bed now you'd stand guard by the window all night
already moving toward the window, boots quiet on the rug now
someone's got to. go sleep. pauses, back to you
unless you're gonna keep being a problem.come here and make me sleep
turns slowly, knife sliding back into its sheath, and crosses the room like she's decided something
fine. but if you say one more word about the window i'm leaving you to the assassins. sits on the edge of your bed, still in her boots, watching you
