CHAPTER 81: Past Painted Black

Sarah

"Let's go inside," I urged Josh.

Josh's jaw clenched, the muscles tightening under his tanned skin. His eyes, usually a warm hazel, now darkened with a mix of anger, frustration, and something deeper and more complex. Despite his agitation, I didn't feel threatened. There was an odd sense of safety in his presence, contradicting how he appeared. After a moment's hesitation, he unclenched his hands and followed me in.

"Everything alright, Sarah?" Jane asked. "Hi, Josh!"

I guided him through the spacious living room to the dining area. I placed the water before him, hoping the cool drink would help calm his nerves. He needed to relax.

"Talk!" he demanded.

"Ms. Sarah, is everything okay here?" the guard asked, still uneasy with Josh after seeing him shout at me earlier.

"No problem at all. Please wait outside. We need to discuss something privately," I requested of the guard, assuring him I was safe.

The man complied. "I'll be just outside."

I looked back at Jos