Page 18 of Nowhere to Run

“For today.”

My eyes welled up. “It’s getting dark,” I whispered, my breath catching. “I don’t want to get lost in the woods at night.”

“Why not?” he questioned, tilting his head, amusement written all over his face. “Afraid of the creatures out here?”

He stepped closer, his presence thick, suffocating. “Or maybe…” he leaned in, his breath warm against my skin, “the most dangerous predator already has you in his grasp. Ready to destroy you.”

A shudder ripped through me.

He was right.

There was nothing I feared more than him. His note flashed through my mind, the thought of him taking me, here in the woods. Taking every part of me. A chill snaked down my spine. I had to at least try to escape.

“Yes.”

The word barely left my lips, trembling, fragile. “I’ll run.”

My jaw set, determination flickering in my eyes as I met his gaze.

His lips curved, slow and knowing.

“Brave girl.”

Then, he covered his eyes with his hands, and began to count. “Ten…nine…”

Fuck.

I stumbled backward, my pulse thundering in my ears.

Turn. Move. Now.

I spun, getting my bearings.

The path was straight ahead. I could make it. I launched forward, my feet pounding against the ground, hurdling over roots, dodging branches.

The path came into view—closer, almost within reach.

Adrenaline flooded my veins, a wildfire surging through me. I practically threw myself onto it.

But it was futile. Adrian was faster. So much faster. His body slammed into mine, tackling me to the ground. A choked gasp escaped me, my breath crushed from my lungs.

His weight pressed into me, inescapable.

His chest heaving, mine heaving.

His breath was warm against my ear, his voice almost tender.

“Sorry, baby,” he cooed, “You were so close.”

His finger trailed down my cheek, a mockery of gentleness.

“You almost got away.”

A wave of ice slid down my back, locking me in place.

I bit my lip, fighting the tremble.

The sharp clink of metal sent a shock through my system.

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