Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 514

Just when Eli figured Clara had finally let it go, she spun around and gave her order, voice cold as ice.

"Beat him within an inch of his life, then toss him back in the slums."

With that, she headed straight for Megan's room.

The two rooms were only about fifteen meters apart-close enough that anything happening on Eli's side was sure to be heard in Megan's. But Megan didn't move, didn't flinch. She just sat there on the couch, waiting.

Clara walked in, and Megan finally got to her feet.

"Clara, who's that guy who's always with you lately? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Clara shook her head slowly. She crossed to the coffee table, reached for the water glass, but hesitated, fingers stopping midair.

"Megan, have I ever told you anything about where I come from?"

"No, never. Why? Is there something you want to say?"

Clara smiled a little and pushed the glass away.

"It's nothing. I've just been having issues with Ryan lately. He's suddenly gotten way too good at lying, so I had to set him straight. You know, sometimes you wear a mask for so long that when you finally rip it off, it takes some skin with it. Hurts like hell."

Megan's face almost slipped. She had no idea what Clara really meant-was Clara hinting at something? Had Megan let something slip? But ever since meeting Beck, she'd been careful. Beck had played it cool, too, keeping his head down, never making eye contact.

maybe that very first

was no way Clara could figure things

wouldn't have been able to

felt herself relax, letting out a quiet

your brother. Whatever's going on, just

stood up,

heading out. Don't mention

watching her

in the hall, Clara let out a

Eli came out, Beck slung over his

a sack of potatoes.

the backseat without a

says it was all Eden's

drove, her

the edge of the slums. Eli took a quick look around for cameras, then shoved Beck into muddy ditch next to a stinking

right away,

short distance

glanced over. "Clara, what are

sat through the night,

sunrise.

end, it was a