Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Everyone looked miserable-no one had expected Clara to be such a force.

They broke off into groups, flashlights slicing through the darkness as they hunted for her. But Clara had only run a few hundred meters before sneaking back to the pitch-black house. Now, with nobody around, she hid just behind the door, peering at the three men still sprawled out on the floor.

Sometimes, the most dangerous place really was the safest. With everyone out searching, there was no way they'd double back soon.

Clara crouched low, rifling through the men's pockets until she finally found a phone. Her hands shook as she dialed Z.

She didn't even know where she was, but deep down, she knew-if something went wrong, he'd be the first person she'd reach for.

Z had been crazy busy since New Year's, but as soon as he picked up, she heard his breathing turn sharp, tense.

Clara rushed through everything that had happened. It took less than twenty seconds. Then she only asked, "Can you find me?"

"Wait for me."

Just those two words, and somehow, her panic faded.

But she wasn't taking any chances. She quickly dialed 911, hoping the police could trace the phone and get her out. Loving Z was one thing-wanting to stay alive was another.

Always good to have a backup.

All that took under a minute. Then she slid behind another door and waited. If those people came back, she needed to be ready.

Beck and the others searched for an hour, but Clara had vanished. Then Megan called again.

"Clara's brother showed up. You all need to come back."

Ryan was losing it he refused to wait, insisting on searching for Clara himself.

Megan had no choice but to call off the plan. She hated it, but she couldn't risk anyone getting suspicious now.

She was rattled. Ryan going rogue hadn't been part of her plan, and she couldn't figure out why, after Sarah's death, he still cared so much about Clara.

No time to dwell on it. She told Beck and the crew to clean up and get out.

Beck didn't argue. He led everyone back to the warehouse.

Clara heard their footsteps coming closer, her heart thudding in her chest. But they only came in to grab their gear and drag out the unconscious men before leaving.

She was so tense, sweat covered her back and palms.

Five minutes later, they were gone.

Still, she waited another ten minutes, just to be sure. When everything stayed silent, she finally got ready to slip out.

She'd barely set one foot outside when footsteps echoed behind her and the door burst open.

She didn't have time to react-someone pulled her into a tight hug.

She froze, caught off guard, but all her defenses just fell away.

"Z, how did you know I'd be here?" she whispered.

His arms were warm and steady, and his answer was simple: "I know you."

Clara frowned, confused. It hadn't even been twenty minutes since her call, but he was already here. She remembered riding in the car for almost two hours when she was brought here. Was this place really that close to Z's family home?

No way. That couldn't just be luck, right?

She was about to ask when a car pulled up outside. Before she could even look,

Z grabbed her wrist and led her down a side path.

"Clara, come on."

Her heart jumped-was it those people coming back? She followed him, running.

The night air was freezing. After being on edge for so long, Clara's vision swam with exhaustion. She didn't know how long they ran, but eventually she just couldn't keep going.

Z's voice was gentle. "If you're tired, lean on my shoulder. When you wake up, you'll be home."

She yawned, barely able to keep her eyes open. "What if they catch up?"

"Then I'll just keep running-with you in my arms."

She didn't even manage a reply before she drifted off.

Darkness surrounded her, except for the pale hint of dawn on the horizon. The sky was already starting to lighten.

Back at the house, Ryan had checked everywhere, but Clara was gone. He stared into the empty, pitch-black room, feeling totally lost. He called Megan again.

"Megan, where is she? And did we really have to drag Clara all the way out to this godforsaken place just to help her remember stuff?"

He honestly didn't even know where they were.

Megan sighed. "The guys told me she ran off on her own. No one knows where she went. Maybe try calling her again? Ryan, you said you'd trust me with helping her get her memory back-I know the old Clara best."

Ryan just pressed his lips together and hung up. He tried calling Clara, but she didn't answer.

Frustration burned in his chest, nearly making him snap.

He got back in the car and drove straight to Clara's place. As soon as he sat down outside her door and rubbed his tired face, a nearby door swung open.

Scarlette stepped out, looking exhausted. It was barely five in the morning-what was with Clara's brother? Did he have some kind of sixth sense about her?noveldrama

Ryan opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Scarlette yawned, dark circles showing under her eyes. "Lost Clara again? Why not just ask her for her room code? Then you wouldn't have to camp out in the hallway."

She turned toward the elevator, but after a few steps, Ryan called after her, "Can you try calling her?"

Maybe Clara just didn't want to answer him. Maybe she really hated him now.

Before Scarlette could answer, Ryan's phone rang—the hospital, telling him he needed to arrange Sarah's cremation, and to come as soon as possible.