"Stay down!" Elena shouted, pushing Ariana harder into the back seat of the armored SUV.  

The bullets pinged off the reinforced windows as the driver swerved through the dark city streets. The pop star's heart pounded against her ribs, broken glass from a shattered side mirror sparkled on the floor.

Ariana gripped Elena's tactical vest, manicured nails digging in. 

“They actually shot at us," she gasped. Her glamorous face, usually camera-ready, now showed raw fear.

Elena kept her body between Ariana and the windows. "I've got you, just breathe." Her voice stayed calm even as the car raced toward the safe house. Her hand rested on Ariana's back, warm and...