Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 509

Everyone looked miserable-no one had expected Clara to be such a force.

They broke off into groups, flashlights slicing through the darkness as they hunted for her. But Clara had only run a few hundred meters before sneaking back to the pitch-black house. Now, with nobody around, she hid just behind the door, peering at the three men still sprawled out on the floor.

Sometimes, the most dangerous place really was the safest. With everyone out searching, there was no way they'd double back soon.

Clara crouched low, rifling through the men's pockets until she finally found a phone. Her hands shook as she dialed Z.

She didn't even know where she was, but deep down, she knew-if something went wrong, he'd be the first person she'd reach for.

Z had been crazy busy since New Year's, but as soon as he picked up, she heard his breathing turn sharp, tense.

Clara rushed through everything that had happened. It took less than twenty seconds. Then she only asked, "Can you find me?"

"Wait for me."

Just those two words, and somehow, her panic faded.

But she wasn't taking any chances. She quickly dialed 911, hoping the police could trace the phone and get her out. Loving Z was one thing-wanting to stay alive was another.

Always good to have a backup.

All that took under a minute. Then she slid behind another door and waited. If those people came back, she needed to be ready.

Beck and the others searched for an hour, but Clara had vanished. Then Megan called again.

"Clara's brother showed up. You all need to come back."

it he refused to wait, insisting on searching

choice but to call off the plan. She hated it,

going rogue hadn't been part of her plan, and she couldn't

Beck and the crew to clean up and

argue. He led

their footsteps coming closer, her heart thudding in her chest. But they only came in to grab their gear and drag out

sweat covered her back and

minutes later, they

be sure. When everything stayed silent, she finally got

when footsteps

have time to react-someone pulled her into a

off guard, but all her

how did you know

arms were warm and steady, and his answer was simple: "I know

was already here. She remembered riding in the car for almost two hours when she was brought here. Was this place really that close to Z's

way. That couldn't just

ask when a car pulled up outside.

her wrist and led her down a side

"Clara, come on."

jumped-was it those people

After being on edge for so long, Clara's vision swam with exhaustion. She didn't know how long they ran, but eventually she

tired, lean on my shoulder.

barely able to keep her eyes

just keep running-with you in