Chapter 1.

Catherine

There was a small and narrow alley and it was dark I barely see anything. It smell awful like someone threw a dead rat on the dumpster. I didn't bother the smell, all I care is to hide from the thugs that my father sent after me. I was enjoying my freedom until today when my best friend Tess saw one of them and recognize as one of my bodyguard.

We were strolling at the mall, one of the things that I do not often do in my normal life, when Tess saw Stephen, my bodyguard.

2 hours earlier

"Damn it! Why is he here?" I strode, hoping he won't catch us.

"How long have you been out? Did anyone at the mansion know that you're gone?" Tess asked, keeping her step faster to keep up with me.

"No, I sneak out the other night and I rent a room in B&B. Just so you know, that's why I called you to meet me here is because I wanted to say goodbye." I said that without looking at her. I know she will probably angry at me, but last night I made my decision. A decision that will surely change my life.

She stop walking "What? Where are you going?" her look is more concern than angry so I let a little sigh of relief. She knows my story and I trust her with my life.

"I don't know. Anywhere my feet will take me."

"Are you sure about this? You know, there are a lot of people who wants to have a life like yours."

"Yes, I'm sure. I'm 25 Tess and I feel like I'm only 7 years old the way they treated me. You know that. I hate it. I hate my life!." I can feel my blood boiling just thinking how my life turn out and the way my best friend look at me, filled w/ pity makes my eyes teary.

" I understand. Just take care of yourself and call me once you settled. Okay?" She hugged me and I hug him even tighter.

"Okay. Don't call me on my phone, I will throw it. " Just then I saw Stephen running toward us. "I got to go".

"You take care!" Tess called out and I turn back and smile.

~~00~~

I am panting, I feel like my heart just drop and left it in the pavement. I feel so tired, so scared that Stephen and his gang might catch me. It's been an hour since I'm running like there's no tomorrow, my feet burn and I mentally kicked myself for wearing heels. I removed them and carry them on my left hand. I stand straight when I heard Stephen voice calling my name.

" Ms. Chandler! Please come out!."

I feel the grease beneath my feet but I don't mind. It's slippery and wet and filthy and smelly and oh crap!

"There you are!" one of the thugs caught me.

I ran on the other side. I realize it's hard to run on this wet road. I step on a plastic wrap and I almost stumble causing me to wriggle a little. The footsteps are coming near and I knew they will catch me soon.. I keep running but the man is fast like a tornado. He caught me and lift me off the ground.

"Let me go!" I fight and wiggle out of his arms but his grip is too tight I can hardly breath. Soon enough, Stephen and the other thug came.

"Ms. Chandler, please come with us. Your father is worried sick about you."

"Huh! Really? Tell him to sulk his butt off forever! " I scream at his face, hoping he will see my face in full anger and understand me. Understand that my life is in control. "Please let me go!".

"I'm sorry Ms. Chandler but we're just following your father's order."

Just when they will start to drag me, I saw a shadow entering the alley where we stand. From afar, I can see how strong and big his body. He can help me. Suddenly I heard my voice calling him. "Hey, help me. Please help me.!" He's not looking at me. Damn it. I start to kick the man holding me and scream very loud. Hope I will catch the attention of that man. But they were strong enough, I can't win with this ugly thugs.

"Hey guys you heard her, let her go" I turn my head on his direction. Surprise that he's suddenly standing behind us. I can barely see his face. His voice is rough and husky and full of authority. I feel goose bump all over my body.

"Sorry bro, we don't talk to strangers" Stephen said with a sarcastic tone. This man really got my nerve.

"Please stranger, help me. I don't want to go with these ugly men." I beg and splash my best puppy dog face although its not working because he can't see my face clearly.

"You heard her". He try to grab my arm but Stephen caught it and twist it backward. But seems like the stranger didn't budge, instead he grab Stephen hands and did the same way. In just a second they are fighting. The man holding me loosen his arms around me so I take a chance and I send a blow on his face. My hand is sting but it's worth it. He stumbled back and cover his nose. Good. I broke it. He step forward to attempt to grab me again, but I kick his groin very hard. He fall on the floor and screaming in agony! He's lucky I don't wear my heels. When I check the other thugs they were also lying and growling, their faces are bloody. I look up to the stranger and he's walking away.

"Wait!" I run toward him and grab his arm. God, it felt hard on my hands. "I want to thank-"

"You got to go."

"No! See, I'm on the run and I-"

"So run." Why this man always cut me off? He continue to walk causing my hand slip away from his arm. He abruptly stop and tilt his head on the side. Like he's listening to something.

"Hey, I just want to thank you! Why are you so stubborn?" I ask, a little annoyed at his stubbornness. "Just say welcome and I will leave!" suddenly he's walking toward me. He grab my hand and drag me with him. My heart suddenly beat fast. I feel nervous. What if this man is going to do something bad to me.

"hey! Stop! Where are we going? Let me go!"

"can you please shut your pretty mouth?" What?

"Just because you save me from those thugs, doesn't mean I will come to you willingly! I already said thank you so let me go!" I felt his grip tighter on my wrist. I can feel his muscle on his arms tense. He's containing his anger. I hear guns shots behind us. I turn my head around and see that there are two more thugs running after us. " Who are they?" I ask confuse and worried. He didn't answer me.

~~00~~

We run and run until my feet burn. I barely feel them. The fact that I'm on the run and I run with this strange man is beyond unexpected and terrifying. I escaped from my father but here I am, running from the danger.

We stop at the corner of the street. We are hiding in a abandon building. We are standing face to face, his breath tickle on my forehead. We're both breathing hard in exhaustion. His body hard against mine. I am so tired I can't even move my hands. I look up to see his face and my heart stop.

I am facing the most beautiful man I've ever seen in my entire life. There is blood on the left side of his perfect lips. His wet thick hair from the sweat is long and soft, as well as his eyebrows. His locks covering his round brown eyes. There is a long scar on his right cheek. I wonder how he get that. So yes, in my eyes he's perfectly fine man. I can hear his heartbeat beating fast, synchronize with mine. Suddenly I have this urge to caress his broad chest and his beautiful face. Before I could lift my hand to touch him, he pull me toward him and hug me tight. I look at him, startled. He put his index finger on his lips, sign that I should keep silent. I nod and I press my lip together. His right hands are on my back pulling me to him.

I feel wet on my stomach. I touch it and gasp when I saw blood. I look up to him again, worried. "Oh my god! You've been shot!" and then I heard another gunshots. This time they didn't stop. I press myself to him afraid that they might shot me. The noise is coming near to us. God! Am I going to die? I feel his hand slipping from my back. He step on the side and he put me behind him. "Stay here. Don't move" he ordered.

"But you're bleeding" I cried.

"I'm fine. Just stay here." Then just like that he walk away. I watch him in horror, afraid that he might fall and die.

The bullets were flying around me, I scream when the bullet flew on my side and hit the stone. I put my hands on my head and sink on my knees. I cried silently, praying that they will stop. Suddenly I hear growling, ripping flesh and screaming in pain. And then silence.

I know! Boring chapter. Anyway,..

Thanks for reading! :D