Chasing the Star

Chapter Two

“I can see you had a great time last night,” Wyne, one of James’ trusted men marveled while staring at Hyacinth’s neck. He’d been ogling at her since yesterday and Hyacinth had to cling to Storm’s shirt because she felt unsafe.

Storm smirked but his face was stern. “Yeah, I did. You should stop stripping her naked at the back of your head.”

“My curiosity is running wild.” Wyne shrugged as if he didn’t babble such disgusting remark.

“I don’t have much energy on me now but I can still get rid of you.” Storm looked calm but his eyes were murderous as he spoke. He made it sound like a threat and Wyne seemed to have taken it seriously.

”Relax, bro. I admit, I want her the moment I saw her but— f**k!” he dodged the bread knife Storm deliberately threw at him. “What’s wrong with you?!” He was glaring at Storm who was sitting cozily across him.

“Stop wanting her, will you?” Storm was just playing with his fork, ignoring Wyne’s glare. “Hyacinth belongs to me,” he added with a hint of possessiveness.

Hyacinth kept her mouth shut. She was watching the two exchanging death glares. They must have already killed each other in the back of their head, she guessed.

Wyne rolled his eyes and threw his table napkin away. “Meet me at James’ cabin later,” he mumbled before leaving.

“You’re scared of him?” Storm asked.

She gave him a nod. “I don’t like the way he looks at me.”

“You should be careful around him.” He was busy with his food and didn't spare her a glance.

“I know. I should be cautious around you too,” she replied with narrowed eyes. Storm and his wicked tricks are bad news. “And by the way, you don’t own me,” she boldly corrected him.

Storm faked a cough. “Really?” He finally looked at her but his eyes were mocking.

“Look at me at tell me if I shouldn't—” Storm didn't let her finish her sentence. He has a bad habit of cutting her off midway. That was rude!

“I know what I did but I don’t feel sorry. Wyne would have long forced himself on you if I refused to take you and asked for money instead,” he grinned knowing he made a point.

Hyacinth wanted to punch Storm really hard for not feeling any remorse for his actions. But she is grateful because somehow, her situation is a little bit bearable compared to what would have happened to her if she fell into Wyne’s hand.

“Thank you, Mr. Savior! You still owe me an apology,” she spoke out. She was referring to what he did last night and this morning.

Storm frowned. “I did that to spare us from further doubts from— “ he paused. “Why am I explaining? Just eat more.” He thought keeping her in the dark would be safer hence he refused to clarify anything.

“I’m full. I can live with just one meal in a day.” She was used to it anyway.

“Stop being stubborn, Hyacinth,” Storm warned her and she couldn't argue any longer.

“Fine.” She was really starving anyway so she might as well listen to Storm just this time.

“Finally! I thought you’re tangled in the sheets by now!” Wyne’s snarky voice was the first thing Hyacinth heard when they entered James’ private space, the pool area.

Wyne was sipping champagne while someone was kneeling infront of him. It was a man and he was obviously just got beaten to death. He was even struggling to keep his balance.

“Did he beat him?” Hyacinth asked in a low tone.

“I think so,” Storm replied while staring at Wyne who was grinning like a devil.

Hyacinth dashed behind Storm’s back when Wyne gave her a lustful look. “Tell him to stop giving me that look,” she whispered in disgust.

“What do you want, Wyne?” Storm asked. His face turned grim but his grasp on Hyacinth’s wrist was gentle.

Wyne approached them and handed a gun to Storm. “Kill him.” He pointed at the helpless man they beat into pulp.

Storm, without a hint of reluctance took the gun and shot the man thrice. He didn’t even blink as if taking one’s life didn’t matter to him at all. He was so cruel and unforgiving. Was she wrong about hoping he’d be different from James’ men?

“Clean shot,” Wyne praised him. The satisfaction on his face is evident that he could even laugh it off. “We have a new asset right here!” He gave a light pat on Storm’s shoulder.

“You really killed him!” That was the first thing Hyacinth could ever utter after recovering from the shock. She was trembling as she took steps away from Storm. “You didn’t even hesitate,” she added.

“This is just a speck of the lives I took.” Storm looked indifferent and his eyes were veiled with icy hues. “I kill for living,” he continued.

“You’re a monster!” Hyacinth screeched and ran away, scared.

She sprinted toward the cabin and locked herself inside. The soft pillow was wet from her tears as she lay on the bed and cried her frustration away. Now, she knew she could never escape from James’ clutch because Storm was no different from them.

“Stop sulking.” Storm’s voice sent chills to Hyacinth’s spine. Her heart nearly fell from its ribcage as she came face-to-face with Storm whose back was pressed against the bedside table.

“Why are you here?” Hyacinth asked. She remembered locking the door and didn't hear any sound from Storm entering the room.

“This is my room too. I came through the window just in case you’re wondering,” he retorted.

How can he look so calm after killing someone? Was he really used to it? She couldn't help but wonder.

Storm was staring at Hyacinth and made a quick frown when he saw her swollen eyes. “You were crying,” he noted.

Hyacinth looked away and Storm figured out she didn't want to talk to him because of what happened.

“I didn’t kill him,” he said as his eyes captured hers. “I missed his heart and all the vital spots. He will spend months in the hospital but wouldn't it be better than being a goner too soon?”

“You’re not lying, are you?” she gasped. Could that mean he didn’t want to kill the man?

Storm kneeled in front of her as he let out a deep groan. “I’m not. I ordered someone to take him away. Whether he lives depends on his luck and his will to survive.”

“Why did you do that?” Hyacinth couldn't help but ask. Why would he let the man live? “Who are you, Storm?”

“I joined the organization to annihilate it. My mission is to gather the evidence of their human trafficking activities and send it to the camp before destroying James’ nest. Now, they would want me to kill one more time to prove that I’m one of them,” Storm took the initiative to explain.

“So, you’re just pretending to get on their good side?” she shot another question.

Storm gave her a nod. “I had to join their sick game but I didn’t know you were the prize. How did they get you?” He’d been wondering about it since last night.

“I felt dizzy after drinking the bottled water in the cab I booked online,” she answered.

He pulled his hair and pursed his lips together. He couldn't believe she would fall for that trick. “Are you that naive? They probably drugged you.”

“I was thirsty! I didn't know they’d be so evil!” Hyacinth defended herself.

“How old are you again?” he asked out of frustration. He’s twenty-seven and she must be years younger than him.

“Twenty-two,” she snickered.

Storm looked away and bit his index finger. She’s stressing him out! “Twenty-two? You should’ve brought a nanny with you.”

Hyacinth rolled her. “I’m old enough to travel alone!”

“Fine, fine. Now, listen to me if you want to get out of here.” His tone turned serious and Hyacinth had to pay attention to him. “One of the men is working for me, he will keep an eye on you. Wyne won’t touch you because he knows I’d kill him if he does. In the meantime, let’s pretend to be—”

“Stop!” It was her turn to cut him off midway. “You mean, let's act like a couple in front of them?”

He nodded. “That’s the only way they’d think they can use you against me if I misbehave. Let’s make them believe I’m walking straight into their trap but don’t worry, I won’t put you at stake.”

Hyacinth felt secure when she heard that from Storm. “Putting an act is easy for me. I can fool everyone.” She’s an actress after all.

Storm discussed the plan and she paid attention to every detail. He would randomly tell her to disagree if she felt she’d be taken advantage of but Hyacinth thought the plan was great. The good thing was, she wouldn’t have to do anything aside from pretending as Storm’s lover.

“That’s it? I can pull it off really well,” Hyacinth said, feeling a little bit proud for herself.

He snapped his fingers and chuckled. “Too confident, are we not?” He mocked her.

Hyacinth countered his smirk. “Try me. You might fall behind.”

“Oh, trust me, I won’t.” Storm stood up and hopped in the bed then he closed his eyes. “I haven’t had a good sleep last night,” he said with a tired tone.

Raising one brow, Hyacinth crossed her arms in front of her chest. “The bed’s mine! Be a gentleman and take the couch.”

“But I’m not a gentleman,” Storm remarked. His voice was low, he must be really sleepy. “You can have the other side if you want to rest. I won’t touch you.”

“Fine!” Hyacinth occupied the left side but she maintained a fair distance from Storm. She was about to take a nap when a loud knock echoed all over the room.

“f**k! When can I have a decent sleep?” Storm cursed as he got up and pulled his hair out of frustration. “What the f**k do you want?!” His anger was evident when he saw Wyne standing outside.

Hyacinth approached them and wrapped her right arm around Storm’s waist. She gave him a slight pinch, reminding him to watch his temper. “Don’t be too hard on him, Storm.”

“Did I interrupt something?” Wyne asked. Storm wanted to strangle him for getting on his nerves each time.

“What do you think?” Storm smirked as he stole a quick kiss from Hyacinth. He wanted to show off a little bit and mock Wyne.

Wyne hissed. “Come with me. You have to get things done before we go down to business.”

Storm tucked away the wild strands on Hyacinth’s face then he caressed her cheeks. “Stay here and lock the door. I’ll be back later.”

Hyacinth didn't say anything but nod.

“Remember to lock the door,” he reiterated as he placed a kiss on her forehead before leaving with Wyne.

“He wasn't lying. He can act pretty well,” Hyacinth mumbled as soon as she locked the door. Her heart was beating erratically that she had to take deep breaths to calm herself down.

“Clean this mess,” Storm ordered Aiden, the man who was secretly working for him to take the body to the port and hand it to the others. “Make it quick,” he added.

“I like you even better now. You and I might be invincible if we work as partners,” Wyne said.

Storm already knew Wyne would make an offer to be his partner. “Cheers to that!” he raised his glass and grinned. His plan is going smoothly.

Wyne occupied the couch across Storm and poured himself a drink. “James wants us to attend his party tonight. You’re one of us now but your woman has to come with us. We will leave six hours from now so finish your business with her and work for the organization tonight.”

Bingo! Storm thought his plan was sailing way too easily. He could get Hyacinth out of Greece tonight and send her home. He instructed Aiden to arrange everything when he told him to dispose the body this morning.

“Finally. I’ve been itching to get a real job,” Storm muttered. He planned to finish his mission tonight and take a break in his mother’s home. If he does that, he’ll surely come across Hyacinth again.

Storm knew what James’ party was for but he played dumb and listened to Wyne. Interfering with the illegal antique bidding isn’t Storm’s mission, one of his friends took the job. He needs to get his hands on the evidence before blowing the place into ashes and Hyacinth must be out of the place by then.

“Take that package with you. It was from James.” Wyne pointed at the box on the table. “I don’t know what it is,” he added.

“Is that a dress?” Hyacinth asked when Storm entered the room with a huge package.

“I don’t know. It was from James.” Storm shrugged and placed it on the table.

“You’re so clueless. I can tell it’s a dress just by looking at the brand on the box,” she encircled the printed trademark to prove her point but Storm was already on the bed with his eyes closed.

“That must be for tonight,” he answered.

“Are they holding a party tonight?” She didn't know about it. Or was it Wyne who told Storm just now?

“We’re leaving for the mainland tonight. I will send you home so get some rest.” Storm yawned after that.

“How about you? I thought we’re leaving together?” she questioned him.

Storm stretched his arms and shifted his position. “It’ll be dangerous for you to stay any longer. I still have to get my job done.”

“Will you be safe then?” Hyacinth couldn't stop herself from asking.

“Hmm,” he hummed.

“Alright,” she replied with an unsettling mind.

She really hoped they’d leave together but he had to do his job and she desperately wanted to go home. After all, they live a very different life.

Storm let out a sigh. “Don’t worry, I never failed a mission before. Let alone this one which involves you.”