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

person she could rely on. Her life was hers to control, and she'd always played it safe. She

even as

His expression twisted, his eyes

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

they were in the air, he'd knock

pressed to her head. Sweat

okay? Listen, just 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

but her eyes never

but didn't care he thought she was faking

you can change my mind. The helicopter'll be here in

and emotion swirling in a confusing

was about to yell again when he saw a car parked

car.

Dylan was here?

twisted, panic