He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 791

*Bang! Bang!*

Bullets grazed the brick wall, the sharp crack of shattering stone exploding right next to Scarlett's ear.

Julian grabbed her arm, pulling her with him as they stumbled into a narrow, dimly lit alleyway. The peeling walls closed in on them, surrounded by piles of garbage that reeked of rot and decay.

"Get down!"

Julian shoved her behind a low cinderblock wall, flattening his own body against the brick as he leaned out to check the entrance. His breaths were ragged and heavy, but his eyes were chillingly calm.

Scarlett curled up behind the barrier, her heart hammering so violently it felt like it might burst through her ribs. She could feel Julian beside her, his entire body pulled taut like a bowstring. Despite his calm facade, he was just as terrified as she was.

The sound of heavy footsteps grew louder.

If they stayed here, it was only a matter of minutes before they were found. Capture by these cartel thugs meant a fate worse than death.

Julian lowered his voice to a whisper. "Listen to me... stay right here. Don't move. I'm going to break cover and draw them away."

"Once they're after me, you run. Head east!" He gripped her shoulder. "If I remember the map right, the highway entrance is on the east side of town. There will be police. Get help!"

Panic seized her chest. She reached out, instinctively grabbing his arm. "Julian, no—"

But before she could stop him, he was already up, sprinting toward the opposite intersection.

She didn't know how long she ran. Her lungs burned like they were filled with acid, every breath a stab of pain.

Just as her knees threatened to buckle, a hand clamped down hard over her throat from behind!

Her airway was instantly crushed. She choked, unable to pull in a breath. She couldn't turn her head, couldn't see her attacker, but a faint, unmistakable scent hit her.

It was a high-end cologne, the kind that seeped into a man's pores after years of use. It smelled incredibly familiar, but in her panicked state, she couldn't place it.

As she thrashed against him, the crushing grip on her throat suddenly loosened.

But before she could gasp for air, his hand moved up, clamping ruthlessly over her nose and mouth. She clawed at his arm, desperate to break free, but his hold was like iron.