Page 144 of Crucible

“We’re overrated,” I tell him.

“Do you think I can have your autograph? My sister is a huge fan.”

“Sure. Got a pen?”

“Oh, crap.” He blushes so cutely at his folly. “No, not here.”

“Maybe next time, then.” I turn to go. The faster I get away from him, the safer we’ll both be. “See ya, Pete.”

I hold my breath, praying he doesn’t try to stop me. Instead, he does something even more foolish.

He follows me.

“So, uh…what are you doing out here? Are you lost?”

“Very.”

Pete nods, and I can see him stealing glances. I can feel his confusion and the questions he must have. I know what he’s thinking.

I look pretty damn good for a girl who’s been missing for seventeen days.

The world around me slows at the reminder.

Seventeen days…

Is that all it’s been?

“Well, listen. We have a camp not far from here and a van. We can take you to town. Easy peasy.”

I stop walking and turn to face him. “We?”

“Yeah, some buddies of mine. We came out here for a little hunting, drinking, and R&R. Never thought I’d find America’s sweetheart. Dude, I’m going to get so laid after this.”

While Pete yammers on about how his brother won’t get to think he’s better than him anymore, I weigh my options like I have all the time in the world.

I’ve already been gone too long.

It’s a testament of Seth’s misguided trust and infatuation that he hasn’t already come looking for me.

“Okay, Pete. I accept your help, but how about I skip the ride and use your phone?” Nice smile or not, I’m not risking falling prey to another asshole.

“You could try, but there’s no signal out here. We’re totally off-grid.”

Goddammit!

I’m still debating my options when a voice that is not that far away and closing in fast warns me that I’m out of time.

“Sunshine!” The blood in my veins goes cold. “Sunshine, where are you?”

Pete frowns. “Who’s that?”

I look up at him, and my breath shudders out of me, billowing in the stark cold. “Run.”

“What?”

“No time to explain.” I take Pete’s hand, and we start running in the direction I saw him come from.

“You mind telling me what the hell is going on?” he shouts.

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