Temperature's Rising. [WATTYS 2023]

Temperatures Rising: Chapter 40. (Unedited)

Omniscient

Big revved the engine of his lambo truck, the scent of freshly bought flowers permeating the air inside. Clutching the bouquet tightly, he surveyed the entrance of Heaven's workplace, his pulse quickening. Memories of shared laughter and stolen glances flooded his mind. He knew he couldn't have her now, but it wasn't stopping him from hanging her mind.

He pulled up, the worn tires crunching on the gravel lot as he pulled into the smooth grounded parking lot , and scanned the surroundings. There she was, Heaven, elegant and composed, unaware of his presence, speaking away at someone on the inside, barking out orders. He kept his car parked out front of the building, keys tossed in his pocket. His breath caught in his throat as he approached, flowers in hand, hoping to rekindle something that had once felt like magic.

The imposing figure of a female bodyguard materialized before him, a human shield guarding his gates to Heaven, ha. That was a good one. Big swallowed hard, frustration building as he tried to peer past her formidable presence.

"Heaven!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the stillness of the parking lot. "I just want to talk. Please!" He let the door closed behind him, quickly moving closer only to be blocked by the female guard he'd never laid eyes on before.

The bodyguard remained stoic, unmoved by Big's pleas. A mixture of determination and desperation etched across his face, he continued to shout over the distance, pouring his heart into each word. The bouquet felt heavy in his hands, a fragile peace offering in the midst of emotional pleas. "Big, this is my place of business." Heaven sighs, approaching him. "A, I got this. Big, follow me."

"Heaven, that's not a good idea. Who is this clown?" The bodyguard questioned, not moving. She sized Big up and down like he was a prisoner in a prison yard.

Heaven sighed. "He's a friend. Angela, I'm fine. I'll be real quick, You can even stand outside the door, but I promise you.. he's not gonna hurt me." A sucked her teeth, Big clenched his jawline. He was annoyed, what did she know about protecting the woman he loved most in this world? They couldn't even protect her when she was shot right outside those doors. That would've never happened if he and his brother was in charge of her security detail. "I'll be out here, give you two time to talk. If you not out here in five, I'm coming back there."