Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara's head throbbed, a sharp ache pounding behind her eyes. She pressed her fingers to her brow, trying to massage away the pain.

Simon watched her, his lip curling in a bitter sneer. "I told you, didn't I? Dylan killed your boyfriend, but you never believed me. How could you actually fall for him? I just don't get it. You used to hate the guy!"

He'd always thought Dylan was nothing but a snake-someone who'd taken advantage of Clara while she was at her lowest and stolen her heart. The idea made Simon sick.

The world spun around Clara, her dizziness so overwhelming that Simon's voice faded into static for a moment.

"Clara?" he called, over and over. She didn't answer. Growing frantic, Simon stumbled back a few steps, his voice rising. "Who are you thinking about right now? Even now, is it Dylan? Are you really that desperate? Is any guy better than none to you?"

Down below, Megan was already awake, lying where Clara had left her at the edge of the cliff.

Megan had always been careful, always valued her own life. She never thought Simon would lose it like this.

Her eyes were red as she shouted up, "Clara, don't worry about me! I'm fine, seriously!"

Her voice wobbled, thick with tears, but even now she couldn't help putting on a performance.

If she got lucky, maybe she could catch one if she

one thing: she was the only person she could rely on. Her life was hers to control, and

mind raced, calculating the odds, even as she kept up her act

done waiting. His

say yes! My helicopter's almost here. Get in first. Once you're in, I'll let Megan go. We'll leave together. He had every escape. planned. No one would dare make a move right now, and once he and Clara were in that

soon as they were in the air, he'd knock Clara out. Then, he could take her wherever he

Clara dropped to her knees, both hands pressed to her head. Sweat dripped down her face in fat, trembling

go Don't worry about me. Let Simon go down with me if he has to. My life's not worth much anyway. Being your friend was enough

but her eyes never left those trees below,

care he thought she was faking it, trying to trick

my mind. The helicopter'll be here in ten minutes. Are you coming or

of memory and emotion swirling in a

to yell again when he saw a car parked

car.

Dylan was here?

twisted,