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.

around, sizing up the cliff. It was steep, but there were a few trees clinging to the rocks below. If she got lucky,

was the only person she could rely on. Her life was hers to control,

calculating the odds, even as she

done waiting. His expression twisted,

would dare make a move right now, and once he and Clara were in that helicopter, there'd be nothing anyone could do. The people desperate

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

her head.

acting. "Clara, what's wrong? Are you okay? Listen, just go Don't worry about me. Let Simon go down with me if he has to.

selfless, but her eyes never left those trees below, calculating

care he thought she was faking

up! Don't think you can change my mind. The helicopter'll

and emotion

to yell again when he saw a car parked in

car.

Dylan was here?

face twisted, panic