BEATS (Book 1) - English Version

Chapter one (2/2)

"I swear, if anyone touches him, I'm going to kill people today," I growl as I walk like a madman through the completely empty VIP area. After dialing a phone number, I hold the device to my ear and wait for my security chief to answer.

"Sir?"

"How the hell does a six-year-old kid get lost with double the security we normally have, Kevin?"

"Sir, the child got lost before he reached our care."

Damn it. I can't tell him off if it's not his fault.

"I want you to find him in the next three minutes, Kevin. Unless I find him first."

"Understood, sir. Do you need anything else?"

"No."

I end the call and stop abruptly, trying to catch my breath. Even after three rounds in the boxing ring, I've never had this much trouble breathing.

My phone starts ringing again, and when I see "Unknown Number" on the screen, my body tenses up, and my mind spirals into negative thoughts.

I clear my throat and answer the call as quickly as I can.

"Who's this?"

"Uh... good evening," a woman's voice responds on the other end in perfect English. Damn it. "Do you speak English?"

"Yes. Who is this?"

"I'll keep it short: I have a child named Chris with me, and he says you're his godfather. He asked me to call you because he's very scared. Did I dial the right number?"

"Yes," I reply immediately. "Tell me where you are."

"I'm at... wait, let me check the name of the area." The woman makes some strange noises, as if she's moving, and then returns to the line. "I'm in the RED ZONE. I just stopped right at the entrance, on the right side. I'm wearing a navy blue medical uniform. I'll wait here with the child... and if you can bring something to identify yourself, I would appreciate it."

"Alright. I'll be there in five minutes."

"Okay."

I end the call and literally run with all my might to where the woman indicated (thankfully, she's just inside the VIP zone). Unlike the zone I'm in, which is completely empty, the RED ZONE is where the other celebrities who can't come to the GOLD ZONE are, basically behind the scenes.

When I get to where Chris is supposed to be, I immediately look for the doors the woman mentioned, and my breath escapes my lungs when I see a girl who looks maybe twenty-six years old in a navy blue medical uniform. She's holding Chris against her chest, stroking his back, and talking to him as if he were practically her son. Chris has a big, albeit shy, smile, but he's looking at her with almost devotion.

Who is she, and what did she do with my godson?

When I'm able to see the woman's face once she turns around, I'm petrified where I stand. She's not the most beautiful woman I've ever seen... I have to admit that. I've traveled a lot and seen many things. But her smile... and the peaceful and pure look in her eyes make her look like the most splendid being my eyes have ever seen.

She's beautiful.

And she's a doctor.

I have to accept that my godson has very good taste.

At some point, I decide to start walking again, now less stressed because I'm sure Chris is having a great time. It's obvious that this woman knows how to handle children. I can't help but smile when I realize she's trying to distract Chris by pointing out a bunch of things and talking about who knows what while she waits for me and tries to convey that overflowing peace. It's incredible. I've never seen a woman who exudes so much peace and strength at the same time. She's... truly beautiful.

And she must be a very special person because Chris is one of those kids who can't stand anyone touching him besides his family. Of course... this angel who found him can definitely join the group of those most adored by Chris. Just look at how he's looking at her to see that he's totally in love with her.

And who could blame him?

"Good evening," I whisper, stopping behind them. Both of them instantly turn their heads towards me, and Chris's eyes light up even more, making me feel like the most special person in the universe.

I adore this kid.

"Godfather!" he exclaims, smiling broadly.

However, he doesn't let go of the doctor's neck.

"Good evening," she responds, smiling kindly at me. "I suppose you're Uncle Sher."

"You suppose correctly," I return a half-smile... because for the first time in my life, I'm freaking nervous. "Thanks for... uh... taking care of him. We were looking everywhere."

"Yes, I figured," she says, turning her gaze to Chris and smiling at him. She speaks nearly perfect English. Almost. Deep down, I can still tell that her native language isn't English... because neither is mine. Among foreigners, we recognize each other.

For a moment, I'm aware of the incredible connection that Chris has just formed with this beautiful woman, and I almost feel jealous. I wish she were holding me like that.

"Well, Chris, it's time to go back to your uncle."

"No!" he exclaims, clinging to her neck.

My eyes widen, and I can't help but let out a laugh. She looks at me with a raised eyebrow and suddenly appears quite suspicious.

"Why don't you want to go with your uncle?" I hear her ask, almost trying to keep me from hearing.

"It's pretty obvious," I reply, crossing my arms. "He's very happy with his new doctor."

She smiles at Chris and kisses him on the cheek.

"It's been a pleasure, sweetheart. But you have to go back to your mom and dad. They must be very worried."

Damn it. I forgot that Julie must be going crazy.

"Chris, Mom is very worried," I tell him, making faces to indicate that it's best to hurry. "And I have to get ready. It's time to say goodbye to the doctor."

"Okay," Chris says, pouting.I

'm surprised when he affectionately wraps his arms around the doctor's neck and gives her a kiss on the cheek, making her smile.

"Thank you so much for helping me," he says, before giving her a big smile. "I'll tell my mom that I want you to be my new doctor."

"Alright, sweetheart," she replies, setting him down on the ground. "I'll be delighted to have you as my patient. Behave well and don't get lost from Mom again."

"Okay," he gives her a final quick hug and then runs over to where I am, stretching out his arms for me to pick him up.

"Thank you," I say, taking advantage of my turn to look directly into her eyes.

And the second I do, I regret it.

When her eyes connect with mine, my stomach flips, and my brain turns to mush.

What the hell just happened?