Panting for breath, I keep running. Sheen of sweats trekking down on the corner of my face. I felt like a wave of déjà vu flashed over me. It seems like yesterday that Ashton and I were pursued by the school guards. The difference now is there are five people, which I add are scary, who are after us and running so fast like galloping stallions.

We ran through the busy streets and the beeping and horning of cars hollered as Ashton tugged me and we jaywalk passed across the street. Afterwards, we made a sharp turn at the mall, passing the queue of fruit stands and the paves we track are getting narrow and narrow every street we turn.

When I'm with Ashton, no doubt that my cardiovascular endurance is being enhance from excessive running. My breath knock in my lungs and my knees are giving up. But Ashton's sweaty hand immediately laced with mine. After ten minutes of running we reached a silent and kind of eerie avenue.

Brick walls were looming over us. I looked around me and the place was strangely deserted. I feel like I was in the dark Knockturn Alley of Harry Potter. The day light starts to fade as darkness hung around the corner.

I leaned against the wall, trying to catch the breaths I missed and I could feel my throat run dry. I glanced at Ashton and he was squatting on the ground, his hands supported on his knees.

He looked up. Exhaustion was clear on his face and his shirt damped with sweats. His moist eyes want to tell me something, but couldn't speak due to wariness. Without any word I understand what he meant so I nodded. He was asking if I'm okay.

"How about you?" I said between breath.

"Fine."

"What have you done this time?" I asked him.

He shrugged. "I didn't do anything."

I arched my brows. There is no way those guys are after us for nothing. Ashton must have done something wrong. But what is?

Approximately two minutes, not enough time to give us rest, I heard loud footsteps from the distance and our chasers' face came into view.

On cue, I ran. I ran as fast as my feet could. But when I look back, Ashton was far behind me and was in fighting position. He was surrounded by those men.

"What do you think you're doing?! Cut the hero act and run!" I yelled between breath.

"You go without me."

Is he serious?! No way in hell he can match with those gangsters!

"I know I'm stupid but not crazy. I won't leave you here."

"What's the difference now?" Ashton shot back. I glared at him.

"I'm serious Leonardo. Your heroism won't save you."

"Ann," His voice soft and gentle. "Please. Just go."

Please. It is not always I hear Ashton say the please word. It must be really serious for him to say it. I sighed. "I'll be back and call the police." I assured him.

The guys sneered. Ashton snapped his head in my direction and with stern voice he said, "No. That's the last thing you should do."

I furrowed my brows in confusion. Why not? In this situation, police is on our side for we've done nothing wrong. We were pursued for no reasons for Pete's sake!

Then he added, "They won't believe you. The executive regime in this town is not the same as you thought. They are swayed by the power of the Black Group. A group that highly supports street games. Believe me, they will just laugh at you if you go to the station."

“Good that you still remember. And if I were you, I wouldn't let my girl go. You know this street, Sullivan. There are a lot of us lurking in the dark.” The guy with piercing snickered.

Ashton faced them, a scowl set on his face. "What do you want?"

Mohawk guy spat on the ground. "Taking revenge of what your brother Sullivan done to me." He gruffed and pushed up his sleeve, showing his long (probably deep) fresh scar. I winced at the sight. Doubtlessly, he got that when Easton saved me from them. The corner of his lips pulled southward and hikes his sleeve down.

"I don't have a brother. He will never be my brother," Ashton's voice was stone-cold. "And if ever he was, what he done was the only thing I am proud of."

As if hitting a nerve, Mohawk guy promptly strikes at Ashton. But he's fast enough to dodge it. Ashton punch him square on the face making him knock on the ground. From that moment kicks, punches strikes and sound of cracking of bone could be heard.

I started to panic. I don't know what to do. Like a lightbulb flare in my head, I fumbled my phone in my pocket and dialed Brett's number but cursed when he's not picking up. Maybe doing God knows what.

Next thing that pop up in my mind was the unknown number who texted in the night Ashton left me in the restaurant. If ever this person has my number there's high possibility that I know him or her. (I just hope he's not a stalker). The familiar ring starts to blare at the end of the line but when I listen carefully, I hear a ringtone somewhere nearby. As if the owner is close to me.

"Stop calling me!" Ashton yelled at me and kicked Mike on the groin.

"What, I don't know! Sorry," Darn. It was him. I really don't have a clue until now that he was the unknown number wishing me a good night. (See chapter 14). I scanned my few contacts again and my finger hovered on his name. After four rings he answered.

"Thank god you answered. Steve I need you help, ASAP. I'm in Bringdon Avenue and—"

A painful cry left Ashton's lips and I jerk my head in his direction. He was held by two men by the arms and Mohawk guy was flogging him, particularly targeting his abdomen. My mind completely stop comprehending and my vision starts to double. I can hear nothing but his groans and cries.

"Ann? Ann why are you in Bringdon?! Are you—"

I mindlessly dropped my phone and instantly reached for the lumber on the corner.

With a warrior scream, I launched at them and with full force I hit them on the back and nape. I whipped and hit and next thing I know, they're face flat on the ground.

I panted. I feel like all the strengths left my system. Nonetheless I am so grateful I knock these men out. I could feel the loud thumping of my heart against my chest. My hands are trembling and I immediately throw the wood. I walked to the groaning form of Ashton and help him up.

"Gosh, you're heavy." I complained.

"Thanks." He said sarcastically.

A sudden feeling of anger and irritation surged up in me. I dropped him, leaving a loud thud. "Aw, why did you do that?" He glared and rubbed his butt. Guess what? I am not feeling sorry.

"For being hard headed." I grumbled and crossed my arms over my chest.

He stood up. "Me? What did I do?"

"Are you really that arrogant that you don't take other people's words? I told you to run, didn't I? Do not play that Heroic act again." I reprimanded. "You're just Leonardo okay? No cape. No mask. No horse. And most of all no powers. If we just continue to run earlier there was high chance that we can lost them. Next time you listen to—"

He placed his finger on my lips making me shut. I swatted it away. "Okay, I get it, Wonderwoman."

Ashton stepped closer and lean in. I could feel his warm hands find its way on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I'm so so sorry. I should have listened to you." His warm breath fanning my face. His face so close to mine I could see clearly his lips busted and the bruises all over his face. I shut my eyes. I never expect it would turn out like this. Suddenly, a warmish lips planted on my forehead.

"I guess this way our date will end." He muttered and placed his hands behind my back, hugging me. A small smile etched at the corner of my lips. And just like that my anger vanished. I rested my head on his shoulder. The feeling was so nice that Ashton's comforting heat engulfing me in a soothing kind of way. Making me feel protected... And loved.

"Thank you... My not so shining damsel." He whispered.