A Job With Him

She's My Black Pearl

"I-I'm their next t-target?" I stuttered as I took in more breaths. No, am I going to die like the others?

"Amber, calm down. Let's listen to Officer Zeph first alright?" Josh patted my back and tried to calm me. I regained my composure and looked squarely at the officer as I asked about everything that happened for the past seven years. He explained that because the murders were only once every year, it was hard to link them together since they were executed in different ways. Some were killed by poison, others through a house break-in. It was only last year did they realise that all 7 victims were linked as the only thing they all had in common was studying in the same junior college, in the same class, in the same year. It seemed like someone was killing the entire class one by one every year. But why?

"So that's what's been going on for this serial killer's case. You two best be careful since both of you are in the same class as well. Since we already know that Amber is the next target, we will ensure you are protected by a group of undercover officers. Just make sure you're always with someone and keep your windows and doors locked at home. The good thing is, it will be harder for the attacker to get you now since he has been found out and you recognize him by his unique coloured eyes. However, make sure to always take caution and don't walk around alone at night," Officer Zeph concluded and I nodded. The thought of being the next victim of the murderer was still stuck in my head. Even if it would be harder for the attacker to trap and kill me now, I'm still terrified of the possibility.

Josh and I left the station and he walked me back home. I remained silent and looked down at my shoes the entire time. Josh then spoke up, "Amber, don't think about this alright? I'll protect you and be with you always so don't worry about the killer. How has applying for auditions been going?"

I suddenly stopped in my tracks. Shoot! I didn't check my email for the past few days cause of everything that had been happening. Josh asked what was wrong but instead of answering him, I made a beeline to my house and got in. Josh ran after me and managed to enter before the door closed and auto-locked. He panted heavily as I whipped out my laptop and went to my emails. As I scrolled through them, he took a seat beside me and watched what I was doing. My eyes widened when I spotted a reply from the large company I applied to audition for in Singapore. At the drop of a hat, I opened the email and read it out loud.

"Congratulations! You have been selected to join us in our next audition this Friday. Details are attached in the link below."

"Congratulations Amber!" Josh said as I placed my laptop away and started jumping up and down.

"Josh! I can't believe it! This is the first step to my career and it's already working out! I'm so happy!" I yelled and jumped on top of him, engulfing him in a hug. Josh hugged me back and chuckled. At that point, I realised the position we were in. His legs were between mine and our bodies were so close to each other.

"Uh... um... sor-" Before I could get off of him, Josh pulled me back in and his mouth tickled my left ear as he whispered. "Where do you think you're going? Let me enjoy this hug for a little longer. After all, when would I see you just jump on me and hug me like this again huh?" I blushed furiously and snuggled my face even more into his neck. He chuckled and I got annoyed.

"Yah! You can't keep surprising me like this you kno-" I said as I abruptly moved back, causing me to fall backwards. Josh quickly grabbed me and pushed me down onto the sofa so that I do not fall onto the floor. I opened my eyes and saw my reflection in his chocolate-brown orbs. My lips were slightly parted as we stared at each other for a long moment.

"Do you not like it when I say or do these kinds of things?" Josh asked hesitantly which astonished me. He was usually so confident. Did I tell him to stop making romantic advances on me too much?

"I-I mean... it's not that I don't like it. It's j-just, I'm afraid I won't be able to co-control myself when you do it." I uttered and looked away.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw his lips turn up into a smirk. "Control yourself from what?"

I turned back to face him, slightly taken aback. How could he go back to being confident so fast? This is not healthy for my heart. I kept silent and he started to inch closer to my lips. I closed my eyes but felt nothing. I was tricked, once again. Josh chuckled when I opened my eyes and frowned at what he did.

"Ugh, get lost," I pushed him and tried to get up but he pinned me down again.

"Why so mad, love? Did you want me to do something?" He wiggles his eyebrows and my face started warming up again.

"N-no! Ugh just do whatever you want!" I said but before I could even escape from his grip, he pressed his lips against mine. I was shocked at first, but responded back and closed my eyes. When he pulled away, he let out a chuckle. "You were the one who told me to do whatever. Just so you know, whatever is a powerful word."

He then reconnected our lips and started biting my lower lip, asking for permission to enter. I moaned softly as our tongues fought for dominance, with him earning the victory. He began to move his face to certain angles to go deeper. His kiss was deep and passionate, unlike all the ones he gave me before. This felt so different. He wanted me. He needed me. We pulled away for a second to catch a breath. His hand went to the bandage on my neck. "I should've protected you. I should've gotten there earlier. I almost lost my beautiful black pearl," he mumbled and I cupped his cheeks with my hands. "But you didn't. You protected me, Josh. That's why I'm even alive right now. You saved me from being humiliated in junior college. And now, you saved me from death. You are indeed my hero."