Beauty and The Beast

Twenty Two

It had been four days of our stayed in Bali. Since our encounter in a pool, i hadn't spoke to him. He came late last night, and left early this morning. Deep inside i was grateful, i didn't how to face him after that stunt he pulled yesterday. I wore a red maxi sundress and put on a strawberry lip-balm before i covered it with a nude lipstick. I made my way out the villa and found Costner nodding politely.

"Good morning, Ma'am."

"What are you doing here ? Shouldn't you be on his tail right now ? And where are my hulks ?" I looked to the left and right searching for Simon and Rick existence.

"I was instructed to guard you today, Ma'am. Mr.Black won't need my assistance today, so he took Simon and Rick instead."

"So you're my guard for today. Only in one condition." I gave him a devilish smile.

"And what would that be ?" He asked curious.

"Don't ever call me 'ma'am' when James's not around. I hate it, i'm too young for that term." I threatened and he chuckled.

"Your wish is my command, Miss. Where are you going ?"

"I want to go to the beach. It's silly that i haven't touched the beach since i got here."

"Mr.Black would be strained if we go to the crowded beach. The private one will be preferable, Miss." He suggested.

"Fine with me." I shrugged giving in.

Costner took me to the Finn's private beach. The beach was so calm. There were only couples of people on the beach. I walked barefoot to the shore while Costner stayed guarding me from afar. Sun, sands, sea. These were all a girl could ask for. I sucked in the fresh wind, felt the warm sands under my feet. I walked nearer to the waves until it brushed my dress.

What an enchanting pamper for a prisoner like me. Who was i to deserve this glamorous ? My path was to be kept and locked in the room or be sold to the cartel, not enjoying this fancy life. He said i wasn't his prisoner anymore, but his guest. A guest that he would like to keep forever, what was the difference in prisoner. I couldn't registered the words he whispered that night, but i was a hundred percent sure he said he loves me. He can't loved me, a guy like him can't possibly knew how to love. He just wanted to possess me, own me.

For the first time in months, Ryan never crossed my mind. I hadn't thought about him in days. My thoughts were consumed by James. How could I think about other guy instead of my own boyfriend ? I shouldn't have a thought of other guy, let alone feelings. Ryan had been so faithful to me, while i was sleeping with other guy. But i will be  damned if i lied about feeling safe when i was with him, Ryan never made me feel that way. I started to get used to have him sleeping next to me. His scent calmed me as a prove of his presence. And no one ever gives me the protection his arms offered when my phobia hit me. I was unsure of my own feelings, that was the reason i've been avoiding him. I supposed to hate him, not craved him.

I was lost in thoughts when Costner came behind me.

"You'll get burn, Miss. Your lunch and drink are served."

I smiled to him and made my way to the beach patio with a big umbrella on it. I savored my salmon steak while Costner got a call.

"Don't you want to join me ?" I asked when he got back.

"No, Miss. I already had my lunch."

Had he ? When did he have a time to eat while he was watching over me all day ? I didn't push him anyway.

"Well at least I required a conversation during my lunch." I looked up to him sipping my strawberry juice.

"Of course, Miss." He said calling a servant to order another glass of juice for me.