Chapter 3

Fright overtook her. Her cheek muscles wobbled as her startled eyes flooded with tears. 

"Damn!" Brandon cursed, banging the steering wheel for the tenth time. "Stop following me, idiots."

He gripped the steering tighter, turning it wherever he could. He took a quick peek at the side mirrors. Those cars kept reemerging after each sharp turn, leaving him no choice but to keep speeding.

"How did they know you're in here?" Kyle questioned.

Clover opened her mouth, trying to claim her innocence. However, none of her words found their way out. They were stuck in her throat. Backing away from his demanding gaze, she pursed her lips and buried her face in the coat that was filled with the metallic smell of her blood.

Kyle moved closer. "H-Hey... Sorry. I'm simply asking this out of curiosity. Don't worry. We'll keep you safe." He glanced at his manager for assurance. "Right, Brandon?"

"Shut up, Kyle," he grumbled, still focusing on getting rid of the tailgaters. "I don't even know why I'm doing this. You better come up with a good excuse for not turning up at the show later."

"You just need to worry about how to shake them off."

Kyle took out his phone from his back pocket and dialed a number. A picture of a youthful man whose face was smudged with makeup appeared on the screen the moment Kyle pressed the green button. "Little D" was the name displayed. He turned on the speaker, waiting for the line to be connected.

"What's up?" A husky voice came through after the fourth beep.

"Danise, do me a favor," Kyle said.

"Yea?"

"Replace me for 'You're My Perfect Star' TV show today."

"Huh? Are you kidding me?"

"Why not?"

"This is so not a joke, Kyle."

"Because it isn't; that's why I need you."

"But why?!"

"Just do it, dude. Bye."

Thirty seconds. Short and nice. 

Kyle rubbed his phone against his ripped baggy jeans, clearing the sweat marks. "See? This is what you call a friend in need is a friend indeed."

"Yea, yea. Whatever." Brandon pulled a face.

Clover avoided the layers of concern pouring from his stare and looked outside the tinted window. Kyle's face was featured on almost every billboard that she came across. Be it the tourism ambassador or fashion brands, he was everywhere. 

"Pathetic" was perhaps the best word to describe her current situation. Still sitting on her knees, she frowned slightly. The stinging sensation was biting deep into her torn skin. But she dared not show. She didn't want to cause any more trouble for this famous celebrity next to her.

Suddenly, he turned around and grabbed her hand. 

"I think I know why they knew you were here," he said, pointing to a flashing red spot planted deep inside her furry coat.

"A t-tracking device?!" Brandon's eyes widened. "Quick, chuck it out now!”

Kyle rolled the coat into a thick ball and yanked it out of the window. A strong throw. It smashed onto the slanted electric pole nearby the abandoned building before the wind slammed it in the direction of the cars behind. Too abrupt. The tailgaters braked at once but were still a second too slow. They collided with one another and knocked over the barricades.

Brandon smirked, driving away at full speed. "A bunch of greenhorns." 

"Finally..." Clover dropped her tensed shoulders as she lost sight of those men in black. "They're away."

"See?" Kyle revealed his perfect dimples that she wasn't aware of before this. "I told you we would keep you safe."

"Thanks, Kyle." She smiled back at him. "I mean it."

Now that everything was settled, she finally had the time to take a clear look at his face—big round eyes, a distinct jawline, thin pinkish lips, high cheekbones, and a pointed nose.

Simply modellic. He was literally born for the stage.

Clover was stunned.

"So..." Brandon's voice slapped hard on her face. "Where are we going?"

He pulled over to the side of the road and lifted the handbrake. She knew his question was referring to her. Who else could it be if it wasn't her? She was the only outsider at the moment.

"Just... drop me off anywhere."

"Anywhere?" Kyle arched his brow.

"Yes. Anywhere." She tried to sound confident. "Finding a way out shouldn't be that difficult.”

"What do you mean by that?" His tone was filled with overwhelming care that she hated herself for yearning for.

'No, Clover. Don't waver. It's time to be on your own.'

She glanced at the unfamiliar surroundings, having no idea which part of the earth she had landed on. But other than leaving, she didn't seem to have any better choices. "I think I'll just get down here."

"Hey! Wait!" Kyle stepped down and grabbed her arm. He loosened a little for fear that he would apply pressure to her wounds. "Where are you going from here?"

"I'm sure it'll lead me somewhere," she said.

"Ever since I was a kid, I was taught not to leave any girls in danger." His gaze was firm. 

"You saved me, Kyle. And that's more than I can ask for. I appreciate your kindness."

"You'll probably do the same if you're in my shoes."

"Maybe?" She chuckled, trying to withdraw her hand from him. "Okay. You better get going before anyone sees us together."

"Good one, girl. You're incredibly right," Brandon said. "Come on, Kyle."

The sun was high up in the sky, radiating its heat everywhere, and there they were in the middle of a deserted road. Kyle was reluctant to let her go. She felt it. None of them said anything more, and things were starting to look weird. The harder she tried to break free from his hold, the more he tightened his grip. She saw his muscles tensing, not knowing what to do.

Clover could've continued acting like she was all right if the smarting around her wrists hadn't started to take over her consciousness. Soon, her vision was blurring.

"Kyle... Go." She faltered, praying hard he wouldn't realize her current condition. "Don't worry about me."

"You don't look right." Frowning, he pulled her closer to him.

She pushed him away with her remaining energy. "Go..."

"KYLE LEE! GET BACK IN! For goodness' sake." His manager stamped his foot on the brake pedal. 

"Don't..." Before she could finish speaking, she fell straight into his embrace. Safe and sound.

"I knew it." Clutching her by her waist, he brought her back into the van.

"Kyle Lee," Brandon hissed behind his gritted teeth. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Saving a life."

"And damaging yours?"

No response.

Staring at the unconscious girl in his hands, Kyle stroked her long fringe and tucked it behind her ears. He didn't know if it was right or wrong. All he knew was that he couldn't just leave her alone.