A Nightmare In An Island

CHAPTER 3

After lunch, Kiara said goodbye to Lexie and Brittany, who were still hyped up about the event. As they waved her off, Lexie called out, “Don’t forget, we’re practicing tomorrow! Gotta start prepping for that prize.”

“Got it,” Kiara replied with a chuckle. “See you guys later.”

With her helmet in hand, Kiara headed to the bike parking area. Since the visitors were in meetings with the university faculty all afternoon, classes had been canceled, giving students an unexpected free day. Kiara wasn’t complaining—she could use the extra time to catch up on studying and maybe get a few hours of rest.

Once she was on her motorcycle, she eased out of the parking area and down the long, tree-lined path that led off campus. The afternoon sun was warm, the roads mostly empty as students took advantage of the free afternoon. Kiara let the breeze cool her face as she rode, her thoughts drifting to the campus event and the possibilities it held.

As she approached the outskirts of campus, she noticed a crowd gathered in an alley off to the side. From the distant shouting and shoving, it was clear there was some kind of fight happening. Normally, Kiara would’ve just driven by, but something—or rather, someone—caught her eye.

In the center of the chaos, there was a guy, about her age, with striking gray hair and a cold, intense gaze. He stood tall amidst the chaos, his posture unfazed as a group of rough-looking guys surrounded him. His jaw was sharp, his expression unreadable, and his entire presence radiated an unsettling calm. He wore a leather jacket over a black T-shirt, hands shoved casually in his pockets as if he wasn’t even remotely concerned about the gang encircling him.

Kiara’s curiosity got the better of her, and she slowed down just enough to watch.

“Who’s this guy think he is, walking around like he owns the place?” one of the gang members sneered, taking a step closer to him.

The gray-haired guy raised an eyebrow, a smirk flickering across his face. “I’m just walking, but if that’s a problem for you…” he let his words hang, his voice low, calm, and somehow carrying a subtle threat.

The gang leader sneered, “Big talk for someone outnumbered. You better watch yourself, pretty boy.”

Kiara felt her heart skip a beat. She had no idea who this guy was, but he clearly wasn’t someone who scared easily. Without another thought, she revved her bike, ready to leave before things escalated further.

But just as she turned her head, her gaze met his. His icy blue eyes locked onto her, a hint of curiosity breaking through his steely exterior as he noticed her watching. For a split second, they held each other’s stare, the chaos around them fading into the background.

Kiara’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, gripping her bike handles tightly. She didn’t need any trouble, and this guy, no matter how captivating, was definitely trouble.

As Kiara tried to look away and ease back on the throttle, a sudden movement made her heart stop. Out of nowhere, the gray-haired guy jumped onto the back of her bike, landing with a thud that jolted her forward. She barely had a moment to process before he swung an arm around her waist, steadying himself.

"Go!" he barked, his voice low but urgent. "Unless you wanna be next!"

Kiara’s eyes widened in shock, completely thrown by the sudden turn of events. She had absolutely not signed up for this. But seeing the gang members closing in, there wasn’t time to think.

With a slight gulp, she tightened her grip on the handles and revved the engine. Her bike roared as she sped forward, cutting through the narrow street with the guy gripping the seat behind her. She could hear the shouts of the gang fading as they left the alley, her heartbeat thundering in her ears.