Chasing the Star

Chapter Three

“Listen, Aiden is waiting in the left hallway. He will get you out of here after an hour when everyone’s busy with the bidding,” Storm said in a low tone. He insisted they should talk about the plan as soon as they arrived at James’ mansion.

“I’m getting anxious,” she admitted. Storm's plan was perfect but it was herself that she doubted the most. “Can I even make it out alive?”

“Aiden will look out for you. You’ll go home and forget any of these happened.” He sounded confident and Hyacinth felt a little better. At this point, she has to depend on him and his plan. Atleast she knew he wouldn’t put her in danger.

“James’ coming this way. Wrap your arm around me.” She spoke really fast when she spotted James making his way to their table. “Hi, James! You got a nice house!” she greeted him with fake enthusiasm.

He replied with a smile then he averted his gaze to Storm. “I just left for a day and you can’t keep your hands off her anymore.” His eyes were fixed on Storm’s arm wrapped possessively on Hyacinth’s waist.

Storm chuckled and gave Hyacinth a quick glance. “Who am I to resist her?”

“Ah! I knew I made the right choice not to give her to Wyne,” James said.

“He asked for her?” Storm didn’t hide the rage in his tone.

James nodded. “I had to use her and she didn’t disappoint me.”

“Yeah?” The angst in Storm’s eyes was begging to be unleashed. He disliked that James treated Hyacinth as an object he could use to pursue his greed.

“I have to talk to you about something.” James walked to the empty table and Storm followed through. Hyacinth didn't bother them, she was furious upon hearing James’ statement earlier.

Storm was busy conversing and Hyacinth had the chance to stare at him. He used to wear black jeans and a leather jacket but this time, he looked dignified in a tux. His jet-black hair was no longer messy, it was brushed up nicely with some strands left hanging on his forehead.

“It’s a pity he’s always frowning,” she commented. Storm’s thick brows formed a straight line but his black orbs remained icy and unexpressive. She never saw him smile but his lips was either smirking or pressed together, she envied his cupid bow.

Hyacinth smiled when Storm clenched his chiseled jaw, he looked lethal. Even the small cut on his cheek added to the aesthetic of creating a stubborn looks. She forgot when was the last time she ogled at someone this good-looking. Storm always looked good but the aura he gave off this time was different, he was perfect in his black suit.

She nearly lost her balance when Storm caught her gaping at him. She quickly averted her gaze to the high ceiling, pretending to admire the chandelier. Her heartbeat was getting wild when Storm returned from his private talk with James.

“The chandelier must be expensive,” Hyacinth said and let out an awkward laugh. She couldn't believe she dabbled such nonsense to cover up her embarrassment.

“What?” Storm looked at her as if she said something odd which in fact, was true. She was just trying to ward off the awkwardness of getting caught staring at him.

“Nothing. What did James tell you?” she tried to shift the subject.

“Just things about tonight’s bidding. They’re selling stolen antiques,” he told her.

“They don’t just sell women but stolen artifacts too?” Hyacinth was shocked at how vicious James was. It was a good thing Storm was sent to deal with the organization.

“They deal with other illegal things too,” Storm said.

“How’d you know?” She was curious about Storm knowing almost everything about James’ business. “Who do you work for?” she asked.

He paused for a moment. “I can’t tell you anything, Hyacinth.” He couldn't tell her about his work because it was supposed to be confidential. Even his name, he can’t give it off.

“I understand although I might have an idea of what your job is,” she replied. Hyacinth won’t force him to disclose things because she respects his reason for not telling her.

“Let’s leave it that way then,” he muttered with a consoling smile.

Storm works under Intermediary Negotiation for Rescue and Assassination (INRA) and he is the best agent out there. Although he lives a dangerous life, he established a normal life outside the organization. He owned bars but hired someone to manage them because he was too lazy to deal with the business.

“You look good when you smile,” she praised him.

He laughed at her remark. “I know you’ve been staring at me while I was talking to James.”

Hyacinth’s eyes widened. “I was trying my very best to hear what you were talking about! Why would I ogle at you?” she lied. She could feel her cheeks getting heated up.

“Hmm.” He looked entertained seeing her flushed face. He knew she was lying.

”I should’ve said you’re ugly,” she mumbled and looked away.

“But that would be a complete lie. You’d burn in hell, Hyacinth,” Storm teased her more. He liked seeing her getting uneasy on finding another obvious lie to spill.

“Don’t talk to me,” she dismissed him.

Now that Storm had the luck to stare at her openly, he realized why Wyne wanted her so bad. Her long wavy brown hair was tied in a bun, exposing her bare back. He remembered how smooth it was underneath his fingers when he fixed her hair this morning. When she talks, she does it with her hazel-colored doe eyes.

“Damn,” he whispered when he saw her smile and wave at someone across them. Her full lip formed a crescent shape as she smiled. Her cheeks would flush when she’s shy.

She looks like a doll, too flawless and dainty.

“Talk to me.” Storm took the initiative to close the gap between them. “Wyne’s watching,” he added.

Hyacinth flashed a wide smile and pretended to fix Storm’s tie. “He’s everywhere,” she remarked.

“That’s because he wants you but he couldn't do anything about it since you’re with me,” Storm whispered and kissed her shoulder.

To put on a show, she purposely wrapped her arms around Storm’s neck and gently pulled him close. “How about we make him stop wanting me?”

“That would be great but it’s time to get you out of here,” he replied then he pulled her away from the crowd. “James told me to watch for him. He doubled the security so I have to get things done before the bidding starts,” he explained as they were heading to the dark hallway.

“Someone’s coming! I think it’s Wyne!” Hyacinth had to tone her voice down. “Why’s he here again?!” she asked, annoyed.

“Shh.” Storm hummed as he pinned her on the wall and kissed her hard. His hand was placed at the back of her head and the other one was caressing her exposed back.

Hyacinth responded to his wild kiss hence making it hotter and intimate for both of them. He bit her lower lip and sucked it, she imitated him. Both were playing with fire until someone approached them and faked a cough.

“He left minutes ago.” It was Aiden and he was looking away.

She quickly pushed Storm and fixed herself. “You should’ve told us earlier,” she murmured, embarrassed that Aiden had to see them kissing in a dark hallway.

“I… I didn't know how to,” Aiden timidly answered.

“This is the building’s blueprint, I marked all the safe routes. It will take you fifteen minutes to get out of here, just enough time before the bidding starts.” Storm handed a piece of paper to Aiden and told him to look after me.

“They had the plane ready. It will take us another fifteen minutes to arrive at the airport,” Aiden replied with his eyes fixed on the piece of paper.

“Let me talk to her for a minute.” Storm signaled Aiden to leave us and he did. He distanced himself while studying the blueprint.

“If you have time to spare, you can visit Seoul. I can show you around,” she started the conversation.

“I’ve been thinking to I visit my mother’s home. I’ll look into it but you might be busy when I come around,” he answered.

“I can ask for a break.” She has to repay him for the good things he did for her.

“Alright. I’ll find you soon enough,” he replied shortly.

“You’ll be safe, right?” Hyacinth was worried he would mess up although she knew he can make it but still…

Storm smiled and ran his fingers through her hair. “Did you fall for me already?” he teased her.

“Don’t make jokes, Storm! I’m worried sick!” she admitted.

He sighed. “My friends are here so don’t worry.”

“Fine. Just be careful,” she reminded him. Hyacinth felt bad for leaving alone but she had to listen to Storm, he knew exactly what to do.

“I will. Your dress is a menace. You look breathtakingly beautiful in it but it’s giving me a headache.” Storm reached for the hem and unforgivingly tore the dress, creating an unattractive slit. “That’s better. You might have to run later,” he added.

“Storm! You just ruined it!” she complained.

“That was for your sake. You have to go now.” Storm took a step backward but his eyes were locked on hers. He liked her eyes, she would always look at him with both admiration and annoyance.

“Bye, Storm.” Hyacinth didn't smile when she waved him goodbye. He watched as she turned her back and walked further away from him. He felt terrible inside but he had to send her home safe.

Azrael Storm Beckett. He wanted to tell her who he was but he couldn't. Maybe when they cross paths again, he might reveal his name to her. For now, he could only watch her silhouette disappear from the dim hallway.

Aiden escorted Hyacinth out of the house. His movements were very cautious as they took the route Storm marked on the blueprint. A car was already waiting for them at the back of the mansion. She guessed Storm must've planned it really well.

“Are these my things?” she asked Aiden as they were drifting away from James’ house.

“Yes, ma’am. I stole your passport back. Your baggage is in the compartment,” Aiden replied.

She flashed a faint smile. “Thank you, Aiden.”

Hyacinth didn’t even thank Storm for saving her and she felt bad about it. “Do you have a pen?” She had to write him an apology.

Aiden handed her a pen and she started writing. She was grateful her manager packed a notebook for her. “Can you hand my letter to him? I don’t want to look ungrateful.”

“He will come to you soon. You have to trust him.” Aiden made a comment after he put the letter in his pocket.

She stilled when she realized she hadn't got his real name. She could've asked Aiden but it doesn't feel right. If fate wouldn't be cruel, maybe they would meet again.

“I hope so,” she shot back.

If it’s not in Seoul, any place would be fine as long as they would see each other the second time.