The 'BEACh' AnD THE 'BULLET'

I woke up in the morning at 9.

Sunlight was coming through the window.

I picked up my phone.

There was 1 message. From Mr. Josh.

Seeing his name on the screen, my heart pounded.

That kiss from last night came back.

The dream one. It felt so real.

I smiled and opened the message.

It said, wanna go on a long drive?

I thought, what should I do?

I had a shoot today. A very important one.

But how could I say no to him?

My heart said say yes.

My brain said your career will be ruined.

And I closed my eyes and canceled the shoot.

Replied, yes boss.

Reply came in 2 seconds.

Picking you up in 1 hour.

My breath got stuck.

I ran to the washroom.

I rushed to get ready.

Opened the closet. Took out a white dress.

Light. Flowy. Long.

Stood in front of the mirror and said.

Damn you look hot.

I left my hair open.

Light lipstick. A little perfume.

My heart was beating so fast.

Exactly after 1 hour the bell rang.

Not 1 minute early. Not late.

I ran downstairs.

Mr. Josh was standing with the car.

He was driving himself.

That same long black car.

He looked me up and down.

Then said, you look incredibly beautiful.

My face turned red.

I said thank you softly.

He opened the car door for me.

I got in.

Leather. Scent. Cool air.

He was driving himself.

I was sitting in the passenger seat.

I still couldn’t believe it.

A billionaire.

Driving his own car.

The road was quiet.

Only the soft sound of the engine.

And the smell of his cologne.

Then suddenly he looked at my hand.

At the ring on my finger.

And he smiled.

He said, now this ring is in the right place.

Exactly where it was supposed to be.

I turned away shyly.

Didn’t say anything.

The car was heading to the beach.

I could smell the sea on the way.

When we arrived the place was empty.

Only sand. Water. And wind.

We both sat down near the water.

Light rain started to fall.

Drops fell on my hair.

Waves touched my feet.

Cold. Clean.

What I felt in that moment.

I can’t explain in words.

There was peace in my heart. And fear too.

He took my hand in his.

His hands were warm.

And he said, look at the sea Bella.

How big it is.

How quiet it is.

But how many secrets are inside.

How many depths.

I said, yes.

Some secrets are in the sea.

And some secrets are inside you.

He turned and looked at me.

And just smiled.

Then he said, thank you for coming.

The weather is nice, right?

I nodded.

My heart was saying stay here.

But time passed.

We started heading back.

The road was empty.

Big trees on both sides.

Suddenly 2 black cars came.

At high speed.

And cut in front of us and stopped.

Mr. Josh hit the brakes immediately.

His face changed.

Hard. Cold.

He said, stay in the car.

I said no.

We both got out.

4 men came out.

Tall. Muscular.

Holding iron rods.

Anger in their eyes.

Without saying anything they attacked.

Mr. Josh pushed me back.

Pinned me against the wall.

And said, don’t even move.

Then what happened I couldn’t see.

Only sounds came.

Rods. Punches. Screams.

Mr. Josh was like lightning.

Punch to one man’s face.

Kick to another’s stomach.

Broke someone’s arm.

All 4 were on the ground in 2 minutes.

He was breathing hard.

But there was no sweat on his face.

His eyes had turned red.

Then a man got out of the second car.

With a gun in his hand.

He aimed straight at me.

And fired.

I screamed.

Mr. Josh was in front of me before I could blink.

He picked up a stone from the ground.

And threw it at the man’s head with all his strength.

The man flew back and fell.

The gun dropped.

Mr. Josh’s voice boomed.

Get out of here.

Or you will all die here.

They all ran away.

Leaving the cars behind.

Only dust was left.

I was shaking.

Mr. Josh came to me.

Are you ok Bella?

I said, let’s go to the hospital.

You got shot.

There’s blood. Hurry.

He looked at his shirt.

There was no stain.

He got in the car.

And was smiling.

Like nothing had happened.

I said, have you gone crazy?

He took my hand.

And placed it on his chest.

Feel it.

Nothing happened.

His heart was beating normally.

No wound. No mark.

No pain.

I was stunned.

Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead.

So gently.

And said, don’t tell anyone about this.

And thank you for worrying about me.

My eyes filled with tears.

I couldn’t speak.

He dropped me near my house.

And said, sorry you got scared.

Don’t overthink it.

Okay?

I came home.

Closed the door.

And collapsed on the bed.

My breath was still fast.

Only 1 question in my mind.

He took down 4 men with that speed?

And a bullet had no effect?

How is that possible?

It’s impossible.

Who is Mr. Josh after all?

Is he even human?

The ring. The painting. The beach. The attack.

Everything was connecting.

But the picture was still incomplete.

I looked at the ring.

It was still glowing.

Red light.

Like it was talking to me.

And I kept thinking.

I couldn’t sleep all night.

Only 1 name.

Mr. Josh.