"So why are you doing this? I know you are a busy man, don't you have a company to run," I was trying to understand this guy.

"No, I am paying employees to finish work, besides can you stop asking questions and just enjoy your time. You are lucky I am your tour guide, it never happens." He looked out of the window. I wanted to ask him where are we going... "You look like a lost puppy, it is a surprise, don't even think of asking. No objection," with that he folded his arms.

I was looking through the window, New York is an eclectic place. It is a beautiful day. I should stop stressing over everything. Samuel is right, I need to relax and enjoy my day.

"Welcome to the Empire State Building, it is the icon of New York since 1931, has been featured in thousands of movies." He said with a smile on his face." Let's check it out."

"This is beautiful," I took a breathe. The view was mesmerizing.

"It is indeed"

I turned to Samuel but I couldn't read his expression. He turned his head, the exact minute I turned mine.

Our next stop was Times Square, our visit took place after sunset. All that wattage made me feel the light was still out. It was breathtaking. We strolled the streets and ate a snack at Restaurant Raw .
From Times Square, I insisted on Samuel to leave the car, thus it took us about fifteen minutes strolling, it was a sunny day -heading North on Sixth Avenue, passing the classic sights of Rockefeller Center.
"Samuel, I mean Mr. Gates, this is unreal, do you always come here?"

"Call me Samuel. I used to come with my father but he passed away... I stopped... I stopped everything..." He walked ahead of me.

"Come on, I am going to show you the world's finest collections of contemporary art."

I nodded but I knew he wanted to change the subject so I didn't pester.

"The Museum of Modern Art, I've always wanted to_"

"I know," he said still watching the huge painting on the wall.

To say I was speechless and astonished was an understatement. I didn't know whether it was the painting or Samuel. He knew everything about me, things I like and dislike. My favorite food. I think he knows more than I know about myself. It sounds funny, but he has to stop his investigations about me. I knew he could do anything, he has too many bank accounts to do it easily.

"Were you thinking about the picture all this time?" He asked though he knew the answer. He knew I was confused about him, but I will remain silent for now. "N-No," I managed to put a smile on my face.

After that we went to Bronx Park. "What a huge place?" I said and Samuel had a huge grin on his face. I am going to ask him what does he  want exactly but I am waiting for the right moment.

"This is Bronx Zoo," he said pointing to the printed letters on the gate.

"I didn't know that" I said sarcastically.

"I am trying to be a good tour guide. You're welcome, Ms. Bloom," he entwined his hand with mine. He pulled me closer. "Stay close or else you'll get lost," he whispered in my ear. I nodded and we entered the gate and I couldn't utter a word being that close to him. Ugh, what was wrong with me?!

"There are about six thousand animals representing in excess of six hundred species," he stopped and I followed his gaze, sea lion pups. "awwww, how cute," I was making weird faces.
"I think you are scaring them," he chuckled. I hit his shoulder playfully,
"So untrue, you are just jealous. They are not paying attention to you."  Samuel walked away so I was obliged to leave my new friends and follow him.

"Wait for me, " I shouted out but he was nowhere to be found. I saw another gate entitled, "Flora Fanatics"
He must've entered through this way. I walked inside and I saw him, I moved towards his way, preparing myself to give him a lecture about leaving me, but stopped mid way when I saw a tall lady with long blond hair. I slowed my pace. I had a weird feeling, I was annoyed. He abandoned me to have some fun. I made up my mind.

I turned my back to walk away to be stopped by his voice. "Julia, I want to introduce you to someone." He was in front of me took my hand. "Julia this is my twin sister Samantha, Sam this is Julia my-"

"Your hero," she giggled and embraced me in a suffocating hug.

"Thank you.. Thank you... Thank you.." She was bouncing in front of me like a very happy child. "I am happy I met you too." I turned to Samuel who was enjoying the view, "Is she always the energetic type?"
Samuel was about to open his mouth,
"Oh no, I am not always energetic. I wanted to meet you the first time I heard about you." She looked at Samuel then continued, " You saved my brother's life."
"I did what I had to do, anyone in my situation would've done the same thing."

"No, you are brave and humble too." She nudged her brother, "She's a keeper, my stupid brother was just lucky, thanks to you."

I didn't know what to say, I just looked at the flowers near me. Trying to look away to hide the blush on my cheeks.

" Awww, she is shy," she nudged her brother again which made me giggle.

"Don't lose her." She cracked a laugh and winked, "I'll see you in a bit."

Samuel and I were left dumbfounded. We were surrounded by a variety of flowers. His gaze was fixed on me and I was trying to look away. His blue eyes were sincere and I felt safe. It was as if time was stopping, I was feeling his breath, he was moving closer and I felt my heartbeat quickens with every breath he takes, then he looked at my lips, I was about to have a heart attack, I closed my eyes and then his lips touched my cheek. I opened my eyes to meet his gaze. I touched my cheek, it was burning and I was on fire.

"Come on yo guys" Samantha entered holding her purse.

We moved away from each other. I fumbled with my locket. Samuel went the opposite direction.

"Um...Sorry, did I interrupt something?" she said with a smirk on her face.

"No," Samuel said with a stern look. "Let's go."

He walked and I followed him with his sister by his side.
~~~ ~~~

After the weird encounter, the three of us ended up in a fancy restaurant.

"Sir, would you like the usual?" a guy opened the restaurant's door.

Samuel nodded his head. His sister was leading the way, he put his hand on my small back and we walked. I was trembling from his touch. A guy was waiting at our table. He gave us the menu as soon as we sat down.
I was silent all the time. His sister was rambling non-stop, I learned she is a scientist and worked at Flora Fanatics.
Samuel was older by few seconds. She has a lovely personality and a sincere one.

"Are you usually that brave?" She said with a smile.

"I acted upon instinct, at that moment, I knew I should do something, waiting wasn't an option. Even if it meant losing my life, I would do what I believe is right. No one deserve to die in such a horrible way so I did it and that's it." I didn't want to talk more so I excused myself and went to the washroom. I hated attention and since the topic was about me, I was getting uncomfortable.

I wanted to drop the topic. It was hard talking about it. It was strange and I didn't know why.

When I washed my hands and was headed back to open the door, it was locked. "What the hell?" I knocked at the door. "Helppp, the door is lock-"
A hand was on my mouth and my face was stuck between the door and the unfamiliar figure. "You are going to regret the day you were born." His deep voice was so close to my ear. I was disgusted. I bit his hand and ran to the other side of the room.

"Who are you? What do you want? I don't have money" I said with a scream of terror. I tried to see his face but it was well hidden by the mask. I was scared. He was moving closer and I was trying to move to the other direction. Then knocking was heard, "helpppp," I shouted out loud.

Then it happened so fast, he pulled from his jacket a gun and I had a blur vision. I fell to the ground. My head was spinning. I was looking at the door which was becoming smaller and I felt I was falling in a dark hole. I heard a loud noise, my eye lids were growing heavier, my mind was protesting I should stay awake, I felt two strong arms pull me from the ground. Am I flying?

Then soothing heartbeats  gave permission for my eyes to close, I drifted into darkness.

Hey lovely readers, chapter 4 is available on the chapter list just scroll down and you'll find it. It was rearranged incorrectly. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Love you loads ♥️