Chapter 44_ Arya will always be safe with Kane!

The resounding blast of the truck's horn pierced the stillness of the night, while the blinding headlights cast a stark glow on the road ahead. In a moment of panic, Arya jerked the steering wheel to the left, veering dangerously close to the guard rail. The screeching of the tires and her terrified screams filled the air.

Thankfully, Kane was quick to intervene, his watchful gaze following her every move. Leaning over her, he grabbed the wheel and deftly took control of the car. With a turn of the key and a firm pull on the hand brake, the vehicle came to a sudden stop by the side of the road, just as the truck raced past them, mere inches away. Despite the intense scare, everyone emerged unscathed.

Taking a deep breath, Kane turned to Arya, who still looked shaken from the ordeal. With a reassuring smile, he pulled her into his arms and she relaxed against him. "We could have been killed," she murmured, her voice trembling.

Kane's embrace tightened as he spoke, his words a comforting balm. "No need to worry, Tigress. I was in control the whole time. I just needed to show you that you could overcome your fear. And you did, remarkably well."

Arya let out a self-deprecating sigh, berating herself for her mistake. "I was such an idiot. I stepped on the gas instead of the brakes."

Kane chuckled, brushing her hair away from her face. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Arya. Trust me, that's one of the most common mistakes for beginners."

Concerned, Arya asked about the state of the car. "That awful noise. I hope nothing got damaged?"

Kane reassured her with a smile. "Everything's fine. Just a few scratches on the tires. I promised I'd keep you safe, remember?"

Arya smiled in response, her gaze meeting his. "I do remember. Thank you, Kane."

Taking a deep breath, Kane offered some advice. "The most important thing when driving is to keep your emotions in check. Your mind needs to be clear so your body can react properly. And this applies not just to races, but to everyday driving as well. Most accidents happen because people get distracted."

Arya sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "But my body doesn't know how to react in those situations."

"That's why I am here. By your side, I shall ensure your safety, no matter what." Kane stated as he changed positions with Arya, taking control of the wheel and driving towards a new destination, rather than heading to Arya's neighborhood. Instead, he took a detour and stopped in an empty parking lot near a supermarket.

"What are we doing here?" asked Arya, turning her head to look at him curiously.

"I believe it is crucial that you give driving another try immediately, tonight. This location is perfect. No trucks, no cars..." Kane disclosed his plan, causing Arya to look at him with disbelief. After the near-death experience earlier, she couldn't fathom how Kane could still want her to drive.

"Are you crazy? How can you even consider letting me drive again after what happened?" She glared at him, but Kane only chuckled, finding amusement in her fiery gaze. Oh, how he loved to see her angry, it was a major turn on for him. Silently, he shook his head and responded.

"I am not insane, my dear Arya. You must try again and conquer this fear. We will not leave this place until you get behind the wheel." Kane stated firmly, causing Arya to hesitate as she nervously bit her lip, contemplating his words.

Kane is right. If I don't do this now, this fear will haunt me forever. She thought, uncertainty clouding her mind as she looked at Kane. "Is it really necessary? I am not sure I can ever become a driver anyway."

"You know this isn't simply about driving. I'm here with you, Tigress." Kane stated, his hands searching for hers and softly holding them. "Arya will always be safe with Kane."

Arya hesitated briefly before nodding and switching seats with him once more. She felt even more apprehensive now. The engine stalled a few times as she tried to release the clutch and move forward, but after a few hiccups and jerky starts, Arya began to smoothly cruise around the parking lot with renewed confidence. "I did it." She whispered excitedly, to which Kane hummed in response.

"The key to driving is in the touch. If you're gentle and deft on the controls, nothing can go wrong. Essentially, driving a car is akin to taking care of a puppy." He remarked.

"Well... it certainly didn't feel like a puppy at first, but I'm beginning to understand what you mean." Arya commented, bringing the car to a soft stop, switching to neutral, and then engaging the gears again for a smooth start.

"Yes! That was flawless, Tigress. And not an easy feat at all. To be honest, a racing car is not the best vehicle to practice on. Most cars nowadays don't even have a stick shift. But if you can handle this beauty, you can handle any car." Kane declared, causing Arya to giggle.

"Come on, you're exaggerating now." She retorted playfully.

"I assure you, I am not. As I said before, you are a natural." Arya continued to drive around the parking lot for a few more rounds until she finally let out a contented sigh and turned off the engine, turning to look at Kane.

"That was pretty amazing." She complimented, just as her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and smiled when she saw Chloe's name on the caller ID.

"Hey, Best girl." Arya greeted, her voice brimming with excitement. On the other end, Chloe raised her eyebrows in question.

"What's making you so happy?" She asked curiously, and Arya couldn't help but let out an involuntary giggle as she regaled Chloe with the events of her evening. By the time she finished, Chloe was swearing and laughing along with her.

"Why the call?" Arya inquired, realizing she had dominated the conversation instead of allowing Chloe to speak.

"I have some major news to share. Your place or mine?" Chloe proposed.

"Why don't you come for dinner tonight?" Arya suggested, and Chloe nodded unseen.

"It's a date. See you tonight." Chloe confirmed before hanging up. When Arya lowered her phone, Kane glanced at her curiously.

"What's happening?" he questioned.

"That was Chloe. She's coming over tonight." Arya divulged, and Kane nodded, returning to the driver's seat as he drove them home.

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Upon arriving home, Arya hastened to her room to freshen up and change her attire, then went to her brother's room to check on him. As she stepped inside, she saw him studying and her gaze softened as she approached.

"Hey, Alex. How are you?" she inquired, and Alex lifted his head, smiling at her.

"I'm good." he answered, and she nodded, ruffling his hair.

"Have you had dinner?" she probed, and Alex sheepishly confessed.

"I ordered pizza online." he admitted, and as Arya was about to reprimand him, he added, "I didn't want to eat the veggies at home, so I ordered one while waiting for you to return."

"Okay. I'll cook something for dinner. Chloe's coming over, I'll call you when it's ready." Arya informed, and Alex nodded as he watched her exit his room.

A few minutes later, Arya summoned Kane and Alex to the kitchen, and they sat around the small dining table. Just then, the doorbell rang. "That must be Chloe." Arya announced, stepping out of the kitchen to open the door, only to be surprised by Chloe and Alonso's presence.

She glanced at Chloe, who winked before leading them into the kitchen. Everyone sat down and ate dinner in silence. Under the table, Alonso discreetly held onto Chloe's hands, an act that did not go unnoticed by Arya and Kane.

Throughout the meal, Kane's gaze was fixed on Alonso, his brow furrowed in confusion. Alonso, too, made frequent eye contact, trying to communicate something to Kane without words.

After dinner, Alex retreated to his room, leaving Arya alone with her friends and She couldn't hold back any longer and blurted out, "What's going on with you two?"

With a slight hesitation, Chloe officially announced, "Alonso and I are dating now, Arya." The news stunned both Arya and Kane, their eyes widening in surprise.