The weekend flies by way too quickly, and the next two days after that go on like any other day of my life. I wake up, get ready, climb into Enzo's car, and he drives me in silence to the boutique.

I'm surprised he hasn't tried to protest. I thought he would tell me to stay at his apartment because of Cole Valdez, but he didn't. However, he's not leaving my side all day, his eyes always fixated on me.

If I didn't know him, I would have called the cops.

Because that's a little creepy. A few clients came to me, asking if I knew him. I forced a smile and replied that I did, but they didn't seem convinced.

Awkward.

I can't lie and say I'm not afraid. The more days that pass, the more I wonder when shit will go down. It's radio silence ever since Jake's birthday.

I try to prepare myself. Mentally, that is, because I don't think I can get ready physically. I'm probably too weak to defend myself against an armed psychopath.

The night at the bar was different: I was acting on adrenaline, and I had alcohol in my system. What's going to happen when I'm sober?

Not sure Mrs. Wilson will appreciate if I start coming to work drunk.

Neither will Enzo.

"The tension is so thick it's suffocating me," Jess declares, coming to stand beside me. Her curious brown eyes meet mine. "What's up with your bodyguard?"

Clearing my throat, I look down at the counter. "Nothing much."

She stays quiet for a few seconds. Then, "Right. In your language, that means 'Everything is a fucking mess.'"

I sigh. Is it that obvious? I turn to face her, and for the first time, I realize something.

She can't be seen with me. She'll be in danger.

Jessica notices my concerned expression and frowns. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I..." Swallowing, I shake my head. "Why do you think I have a bodyguard?"

She raises her eyebrows and stares at me for a moment. With a glance toward Enzo, she murmurs, "Uh, no idea. I'm not sure I want to know, now."

Jess glances at me again, her expression wary. "What's going on with you?"

"I don't want you to be involved in the mess that is my life," I say sincerely.

She blinks. "Okay, I still have no idea what the fuck is going on."

I run a hand through my hair with frustration. I can't explain her everything, especially right now when we're supposed to be working. If only we could have some time alone.

"Just be careful." Especially around me. "Watch your back."

Jess exhales slowly, nodding once. "Right. You and I need to talk sometime."

We do. I want to be honest with her, and the sooner the better. I wonder how that discussion will go.

*

Thursday. I'm ready for Friday.

Every single day seems longer than the one before. Enzo and I talk about everything but Valdez. If he has news about the whole situation, he tells me, but that didn't happen a lot this week.

We act casual around each other. We haven't talked once about the kiss that happened. I guess it's because that was just that: a kiss. We were both emotional and caught up in the moment, and it happened because he wanted to.

What did I really expect? That he would say he still loved me and wanted to be with me?

No. Of course not.

...Fine. Maybe a little. As much as I hate myself for it, that's what I wanted. But that doesn't happen in real life.

There are not a lot of people today. I'm bored for the first time this week, which means I can overthink about everything like I'm doing right now and stare not so subtly at Enzo.

If I were him, I would be so bored to stand there all day just for my protection. My eyes watch him from across the boutique as he suddenly takes out his phone. Enzo answers a call, his expression serious as he listens to what the other person is saying. His eyes meet mine for a brief moment, and I stay where I am, sensing like something is going on.

Yep. That's the moment something is going to happen. Get ready, Alex.

He hangs up and makes his way toward me. I meet him halfway, and he grabs my hand to lead me away from Jess.

Once we're in a quieter corner, he turns to face me. I cross my arms. "Spill. What's going on?"

He takes a deep breath. "Jake has a lead on Cole Valdez. He's currently following him."

My heart skips a beat. "Really?"

Enzo nods. "Yeah."

I watch him carefully. After a few seconds, I let my arms fall to my sides. "You want to go with him."

His eyes lock with mine, and he takes a step closer, hesitation flickering on his face. "If I can catch this son of a bitch and end this today, I will. That way, he'll tell us who he's working with and everything we don't know about what Dan Valdez left behind."

I slowly nod, my eyes wandering around me. "If he isn't near, he can't hurt me, right?"

Enzo shakes his head firmly. "I won't let that happen."

"Then go catch him. There's literally nobody here. I'll wait for you until you come back."

"Alex—"

"Do you want to end this or not?" I cut him off, and he stays quiet, watching me intently. "Do whatever you need to do, but arrest this asshole."

The hesitation is gone, replaced by determination. He ties his hair into a bun, his dark eyes never leaving mine. He looks hot.

Not now, Alex.

"Promise me you'll stay here," he demands seriously.

I nod. "I promise. I can't leave until my shift is done, anyway."

"All right. I'll keep you updated. Valdez isn't anywhere near here. If he happens to come here..." He grabs my hand and interlaces his fingers with mine. I swallow nervously. "You know what to do."

"Running. I can do that," I mutter, looking down at our hands.

Enzo casually takes out a knife from his pocket. My eyes widen.

"I can't keep this, Enzo! I'm working," I protest, glancing around me in case Mrs. Wilson is around.

"Couldn't care less. I'm not leaving until I'm sure you can at least defend yourself," he retorts, his fingers tucking a lock of hair behind my ear.

I sigh. "All right."

"You call me if there is anything wrong."

"Yes, I know." When I look up, my breath catches in my throat.

I feel like I'm never gonna see him again.

That's why I step forward and wrap my arms around him. He doesn't hesitate to pull me into his body, his hand tangling into my hair. I nuzzle his chest and let out a shaky breath.

He'll arrest him. He'll bring him down. He'll come back to me.

"See you, Princess." He steps back and smiles softly at me. I see his eyes landing on my mouth, but he finally turns around and walks away.

A minute later, my phone rings. I pick up, rolling my eyes. "Hey."

"Just wanted to make sure your phone still worked," Enzo says, and I walk back to where Jessica is standing.

"Okay, but I can't be seen on my phone. Just call me if anything goes wrong." I pause. "Be careful, Enzo."

He stays quiet for a moment.

"I will, love."

Then he hangs up.

I feel sick.

Jess places a hand on my shoulder. "What's going on, Alex? Your bodyguard never left once..."

I grip the counter and breathe slowly. "He just has something to do. He'll come back. And I'm safe here."

She puts her hands on her hips. "Okay, cut the crap. Safe? Seriously, are you living a double life or something like that? Are you in danger?"

"I'm not living a double life. I...I will explain everything to you later, okay?"

She gives me a strange look but ends agreeing. A few customers come in after that, and it gives me a distraction from thinking about Enzo.

That doesn't last long, though. I keep checking my phone discreetly, waiting for a call from him. I glance at the door once in a while, thinking he'll appear and tell me everything is over, that I can live my life normally again.

An hour and twelve minutes later, my phone rings. I drop a t-shirt from my hands and reach for my phone in a hurry.

"Enzo?"

"Get out," he orders roughly.

My throat tightens. "W-what?"

"Alex, get the hell out of there! We lost him. I think he's coming to you."

I almost drop my phone.

My legs move on their own, and I'm fucking glad they do. I literally run toward Jess, who turns around and looks up at me in surprise.

"Where's your mom?" I ask, my voice shaking.

"Uh, she just left to—"

"We need to leave, right now! Do you have your car?"

Her eyes widen. "Yeah, I do. Why? What's happening, Alex?"

I grab her hand. "Can't explain. Need to go. Run. Now."

I don't even make any sense. I'm losing my shit. I hear Enzo's voice at the end of the line, and I blink twice to stay focused.

"Alex? Are you there?"

"Yeah." I run toward the door, my hand tightly gripping Jess's, and she throws an apologetic glance at the other worker who's staring at us with confusion.

I can't save everyone today. I don't think I can even save myself.

"Are you leaving now? Jake and I are on our way." He sounds worried, and that makes me even more nervous.

"I am. It'll be fine. Not the first time I have to run away from a murderer."

Jess whirls her head toward me. "What?!"

She stops to her car and we quickly climb in. I shake my head at her, and she starts the car, mumbling under her breath, her eyes still wide.

"Alex, please be—"

I furrow my eyebrows. The sound is cutting. I can't hear anything.

"Enzo? Enzo! Are you there?"

Shit. I hang up and run my hands through my hair. Calm down. It's going to be okay. I take deep breaths and repeat that to myself.

"Where are we going, Alex?" Jess asks, accelerating without me having to ask.

"I don't know. Shit, I don't know!" I try to call Enzo again, but he doesn't pick up.

"Tell me what the fuck is going on now! Who were you on the phone with?"

"Enzo. My ex. My bodyguard. A secret agent," I stutter, glancing at the wing mirror. Nobody is following us.

I think.

"Hold on, what?" Jess exclaims in disbelief, giving me a look. "Your ex is a...secret agent."

"Welcome to my crazy world. Four years ago, my best friend killed the leader of a criminal organization and turns out he had relatives. Not so long ago, Enzo killed a guy to protect me, and that guy happened to be the psychopath's brother." I pause to catch my breath. "Oh, sorry. Psychopath's name is Cole Valdez. He basically wants me dead."

"Holy shit, woman." At a red light, she turns her head and stares at me, mouth agape. "I—Shit. I would have preferred the princess version."

I start laughing, and I must look crazy. Tears start to form in my eyes, making me blink rapidly. Jess still notices, and she grabs my hand, her expression sad.

"I'm sorry, Alex. Do you want—"

Someone honks behind us. We jump in surprise, and Jess quickly plants her foot on the accelerator. I glance in the mirror, and that's when all blood drains from my face.

"Jess," I murmur shakily, "you better press that damn accelerator to the floor and speed faster."

"Yeah, I'm trying to do that without getting us arrested! Why are you—"

"He's right behind." I turn my head toward her, swallowing hard. "Cole Valdez."

"Shit," she whispers, tightening her grip on the steering wheel. "Okay. Hang on."

The car jolts forward. I grip my seatbelt and close my eyes. How did he find us so quickly? How?

Jess turns down the road, and I try to call Enzo once more as I glance behind us. My eyes widen when I notice Valdez speeding faster as well, trying to catch up with us.

"Come on, pick up!" I scream at the phone. Why isn't he answering? "Damn it!"

Jess turns the next corner abruptly, and my shoulder hits the door. "Jesus, Jess!"

"A murderer is following us!" she yells back, her eyes focused on the road ahead. "I'm not used to that, okay?"

"This is crazy." I shake my head, nails digging into my palms. My eyes notice an underground parking lot, and I look at Jess. "There! Turn right."

She does and speeds up, just like my heart inside my chest. I feel like I'm about to throw up, but I force myself to stay strong and look around me.

"Shit!" Jess suddenly exclaims loudly, slamming the break so quickly I scream.

The vehicle spins, and I scream Jess's name, hoping we don't die in a freaking underground parking garage. The car finally comes to a stop, and my body jolts forward, only stopped by my seatbelt. I stay frozen, my chest rising and falling quickly, and look up to see the cause of this.

A black car is right in front of us, and another one is on our left. I hear a loud roar coming from behind, and Cole Valdez's car joins the party.

No. I share a look with Jess. She looks terrified. "I'm sorry," she says quietly, her eyes wide with fear.

I grab her hand and shake my head. "No. I am."

I unfasten my seatbelt.

"What the hell are you doing?" she asks in disbelief.

I climb out of the car and turn around. Cole Valdez is getting out as well, and I shiver at the view of him. Blue cold eyes. Satisfied smirk. Ready for murder.

"So predictable," he tsks. "I'm happy to see you, gorgeous."

"Screw you. What do you want?" I spit, hiding my shaky hands behind me.

The knife.

I take a careful look around me. All the men getting out of their cars are armed. A knife can't save me. I can't risk Jess's life as well.

"Good question. Do you have a friend in that car of yours?" He tilts his head toward the car, and my heart skips a beat.

Two men walk to the driver's car, and I try to stop them. "No! Leave her alone!"

Someone blocks my way, gripping my arm painfully. Jess is dragged outside, and she screams words I didn't know existed until now. She tries to kick the men behind her with no success, and she glances at me, silently begging me to do something.

Cole Valdez chuckles. "She's a fierce one. I like her."

I shake my head furiously. "She has nothing to do with this. Let her go."

He ignores me and takes out a gun. I panic even more when he points it to head.

"Stop! Please! I'll do anything you want! You don't have to do that."

He pauses and looks up with interest. I choke on a sob but keep going. "She won't tell anything. She doesn't even know anything, okay? Your men can watch her if you don't believe me, but don't hurt her. Please. She's innocent."

He stares at me for a moment, then nods at the men. They start dragging her to a car. Jess screams.

I glare at Valdez.

"Don't worry. She'll go home safely," he announces with amusement, walking toward me.

I meet Jess's eyes. Her eyes are watery, and I subtly shake my head one last time at her. And then she's in the car, and I must focus on the psychopath in front of me.

"Are...are you going to kill me, now?" I ask, because I know that's what he wants.

No need to wait. He just has to do it right here.

He bursts out laughing and steps closer to me. "No. I've changed my mind."

What?

"I've got an offer for you. I can make you strong, Alex. Do you want to be strong?"

I stay quiet, watching him carefully. He smiles.

"Work with me. Join my side. I'll teach you how to fight. How to be unstoppable. My men will worship you." Pausing, he brushes my cheek with his fingers. I shiver in disgust, blinking. "I'll give you anything you want. What do you think?"

"I don't believe it. Don't you want revenge for your brother's death?"

His eyes turn even colder if that's possible. But then he smiles, and that's not reassuring.

"I am getting my revenge exactly like that. That's a better deal for you, don't you think? You remain alive."

I close my eyes and grit my teeth. I hear him sigh.

"Come on, gorgeous. There's someone else's life at risk, now. We now know where your friend lives. Don't be stupid. You benefit from my offer."

I open my eyes. Inhale deeply. "You want to train me?"

He nods once.

The student will become the master.

I already smile. "Okay."

I must take down Cole Valdez or any other Valdez left for good. I can't let him hurt the people I care about.

This son of a bitch will regret his proposition. I don't go down easily.

It's time for me to become someone else.

*

OH MY GOD. I've written this chapter in two days and it's a looong chapter! I really hope you enjoyed it!!

Things are about to get pretty damn interesting...Man, this is gonna be fun.

Don't forget to vote! Let me know what you thought of this chapter!

I love you all, and I'll see you in part 2 of SAMS. 😏