Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Sweat was rolling down Clara's forehead as she pushed herself forward, step by shaky step. After a few more meters, she stopped and glanced around, heart pounding.

Milo and Buddy had picked a tough route-there were lots of spots to hide, but the people chasing them had dogs. Hiding wouldn't work; she'd get caught for

sure.

She looked over at the slope beside her, took a breath, and without thinking twice, flopped down and started rolling. It was faster than running, but the rocks tore up her hands, leaving stinging scratches all over her palms.

When she finally stopped, she'd made it pretty far. She barely bothered to brush the grass and dirt off her jeans before stumbling back to her feet and moving on.

Milo and Buddy could have left her behind easily, but they kept stopping, waiting for her to catch up.

Clara's eyes were red and stinging. She bit her lip hard, sweat dripping down her face as she forced herself on.

Another cliff edge appeared in front of her. Down below was a highway. Milo and Buddy couldn't follow her down, but they were smart-they'd find their way home.

She paused and looked at Milo. "Go on, both of you. Head back to Palm Bay. Run."

She couldn't move fast anymore, and if she tried to keep them with her, none of them would make it. It was better to take her own chances and maybe find a way back from the road.noveldrama

Milo seemed to get it. He took off at a run, barking as he disappeared into the distance.

The people chasing her must have heard; all of them—at least twenty-ran after Milo and Buddy, following the sound.

Clara didn't wait. She jumped straight down the cliff, landing in a ditch by the side of the road. The water cushioned the fall a little, but her thigh was already a mess, and the pain nearly made her black out.

She squeezed her eyes shut, biting her tongue to keep from fainting, and then, somehow, forced herself to follow the highway.

Far ahead, headlights flashed through the darkness. Clara waved her arms desperately. The car slowed, then stopped.

The window rolled down. Megan's face appeared.

Clara almost didn't believe it. "Megan?"

Megan's eyes widened. "Clara?"

Without hesitating, Clara pulled open the passenger door, slid inside, and let out a shaky breath. "Please get me to Palm Bay."

Something flickered in Megan's eyes as she pressed her lips together. "What are you doing out here? You're hurt-what happened?"

"It's a long story. Just let me catch my breath."

Megan nodded, concern all over her face. "I haven't seen you in ages. When I was working at Moonlight, heard so many rumors about you and Dylan. I never knew what to believe. Honestly, Clara, it feels like you've been hiding a lot from me."

Clara closed her eyes, every bit of strength draining away. She felt like she could pass out any second, but she gripped the last bit of consciousness she had left.

"I'll explain everything later. Right now, I just need to get to Palm Bay."

Megan didn't push. She just tightened her grip on the steering wheel and started driving.

If she'd followed her instincts, she might have floored it and crashed into the rocks-at that speed, not even fuck could save Clara. But Megan was in the car too. She

needed to make sure she was safe first. śwnovel

She'd always been careful, always

looking out for herself. If she

anted

to stay friends with Clara, now

wasn't the time to show her true colors-not when Clara needed help.

She drove fast. When they finally reached Palm Bay, Megan glanced over.

"Clara, are you still with me?"

Clara was soaked in sweat, barely conscious.

Megan's face darkened, and she reached for something beside her, but Clara's eyes snapped open.

Megan slowly set whatever it was back down, gave her a small smile, and said, "We're here. Let me help you out."

"Thanks,” Clara whispered, voice barely audible.