Page 15 of Nowhere to Run

I shouldn’t run. Running meant giving him exactly what he wanted. The chase. The thrill of catching me.

But standing still was even worse.

Waiting. Letting him close in.

Letting him decide what happened next.

I had seconds to decide.

My body moved before my mind could stop it.

I bolted—toward the woods.

The track blurred beneath me as I sprinted for the trail, my heart hammering in my chest. I knew this path by heart. The shortcut through the woods that led straight to my street.

I was fast—faster than him.

I had to be.

Adrian looked like he lived in a weight room, not on a track. I had a head start. I could really do this.

I’d make it home, call the police. Tell them a crazy man was after me. Tell them everything he’d done.

The thought sent a surge of adrenaline through me and I darted faster.

Pavement gave way to dirt and jutting roots. The trail was narrow and unforgiving, twisting along the river.

Risky. But possible.

I glanced back.

Adrians eyes gleamed, his wicked smile spreading.

He walked.

Walked.

Not even trying to catch up. But I knew better than to be lulled into a false sense of security.

I ran harder.

The path blurred beneath me, my lungs burning, my heartbeat a frantic drum in my ears as I maneuvered through the trees.

I risked another glance.

My stomach dropped.

He’d started jogging.

And he was closer than I’d expected.

How?

How had he gained on me so fast?

Fear surged as I snapped my gaze forward, leaping over roots, dodging branches. Up ahead, the trail veered dangerously close to the riverbank, the ground uneven and treacherous. My breath came in short, ragged bursts, the cold air burning my throat. I slowed for just a second, steadying my footing.

Another glance back.

---