Dedicated to OnolexTim, @ami_dhi.

THE ASSURANCE.

My eyes dilated in shock as Joshua walked in. My hands became sweaty. My eyes pleaded with his body to look my way but he didn't. His eyes were fixed on the D.G.

"Are you not tired of being a driver? " the D.G's voice thundered with sacarsm and his voice was laced with venom.

" Are you ever tired of your work?" Joshua spat.
"No? You never were!" he shouted.

The D.G became unusually calm and there was a staring contest for seconds before Joshua looked away, shooting me a quick glance. His face softened and he smiled tightly.

Sheila decided to save the situation. "Sir, we decided to postpone this meeting due to the fact that the suspect hasn't regained her memories and we haven't gotten enough information to work on," she said nervously.

The D.G smiled. "Good thinking. Dunke send all relevant files regarding this case to me and... Sheila?"

"Yes,sir. "

" This meeting never happened. Destroy all files regarding this case after sending them to me! "

What?!

Okay. I'm not the only one shocked by his statement. I watch as their eyes dilated in shock.

" Sir?" Sheila asked, raising a brow.

"You heard me right. Anyone found with any file regarding this case will not only face the wrath of the NAVE but also be dismissed! This meeting never happened!" he yelled before turning to the woman that ushered him in. "Let's go!"

I blinked, trying to fully understand what just happened.

"uhmm I'll be deleting the files right now, " Dunke announced, she was also shaken.

Zakoko removed his glasses and placed it on the table as his shoulders slumped.

Jolade was angry, obviously and confused too. She carefully caressed her iPad as if it was a treasure she was afraid of losing. Yeah, the documents were treasures.

Daniel was silent and he walked almost immediately after the D.G. His expression was well hidden as he walked away.

And Princess, she still had that calm demeanor along with her smile. But the smile was different, it was an all-knowing one... I watched from the corner of her eyes as she tilted her head to meet Joshua's gaze and her smile became wider.

I tuned slightly to look at Joshua, he had that same smile too and he rubbed his chin before raising a brow at her.

Something's definitely up with these two. Their smiles had an hidden meaning I couldn't decipher.

"We'll leave now," Joshua whispered as he pulled my hand.

*
"Do you want to get us killed?!" I yelled as Joshua made a sharp swerve to the left, almost colliding with a truck.

He ignored me. He's been doing that since he explained to me that Mom had to go to L.A on an important assignment and we'll have to sleep in an hotel since it was already evening. I knew it's because he didn't want me to ask him questions.

He made another sharp turn making me hit my head on the dashboard. "ouch... Stop the car."

He mumbled something I didn't even hear and continued his rough driving.
"seriously you deserve an award in rough driving. Do you want to kill me?! If you kill me now, you'll be happy right? You should just kill me in a good - "

His harsh yell interrupted my chants. " shut up. Okay? Just shut the fuck about killing you 'cause I could have done that since. So just cut the crap and sit in the damn car or just get out and do whatever. "

The tears spilled. I couldn't control it even though I tried hard to. I sniffed and rubbed my eyes. I was over reacting, right? He can't kill me. He's a good guy and -

" I'm sorry, Karl darl. I just... I'm sorry," he whispered loud enough for me to hear before killing the engine.

He used a finger to raise my chin and his long fingers brushed my tears. I blinked, wanting to stop the tears.

"Just cry. You've been strong. I'm sorry for being a total jerk. "

Those were the words that finally opened the flood gates of heaven.

*
" My room is directly opposite yours. Satisfied now? "

I smiled at him. Actually this was the fourth hotel we visited. The first had no more room, the second and third had just a room left, blaming it on the fact that there was a political meeting in the state.

Joshua had jumped at the opportunity with the excuse that he was tired and that he'll sleep on the floor but... Me? I bluntly disagreed.

"sure I'm satisfied now," I replied as I walked into my room, following his lead.

I looked around. My mind subconsciously looking for any means of escape.

I jumped on the bed and sighed. He sat beside me and flexed his muscles. My breathing pressed the halt button.

"Mom called. She apologized and asked about the meeting. She must be worried. I miss her too and seriously I uhm wish she was here. She would have err hugged me, " I said, trying to start a conversation to end this awkwardness.

He was so close that my whole body was in constant conflict.

" Ask," his voice was firm and rough.

I frowned. "what?"

"everything and anything. I know you have questions to ask. "

I pressed my lips into a firm line." Why do you know so much about the NAVE? Why did the D.G want you there?"

He sighed and opened his mouth to talk but he closed it again. "can I ask a question too?" he asked after much thinking.

Ohhhhh. "sure."

His face darkened." do you want honest answers or lies?"

Like seriously, this guy is something else.

"honest answers," I replied almost immediately.

He stood up and walked northwards. He raked his hand through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh. He turned to look back at me.

I steeled myself waiting for his answer.

"I'm sorry Karleen. This is not the time for honest answers," his voice was ragged.

I nodded, masking my hurt expression with a fake smile and got ready to ask the one question that has made my insides churn all day.

"Why did you kiss me? "

He threw his hands in the air and seemed to be in a tough war with himself as he searched for the right words.
" You're claustrophobic. You had to breathe. I volunteered, " he inched closer to me.

I hurt more. I hated myself. I had been expecting the kiss to be just more than a Claus- claus what?

" what's claus... Whatever,what's it?"

"You get scared when you're enclosed in a confined place," he explained.

I was silent. I lay facedown on my bed, not caring if he was still there behind me. He was only helping me to breathe. Simple. But why did my heart refuse to accept it?

His hands touched my shoulder and I stiffened. "Karleen please, I have everything under control. I don't want to take advantage of your memory loss but I'm promising you that it will be okay. Because I'll make it okay."

A:N
Today didn't really go like I expected 😰
I am looking for a lover, Joshua my driver o 😂
What do you think about this chapter?
I'll like to know. Vote n comment too. Y'all the best.
Just me 😁