Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 480

Eli swung open the car door and slid inside, his breath forming little clouds in the chilly air. His gaze was distant, lost in thought.

Clara sat in the driver’s seat, not starting the engine right away. She’d been feeling like someone was shadowing her lately, though she couldn't pin down if it was just paranoia.

She sank back into her seat, cranking up the heater. “Where’s Seth? Why are you out here alone?”

Especially at this time of night—what was going on?

Eli stared out the window, replaying the day he and Seth got snatched. The guy who took them wouldn't actually kill them, but Seth was still being held.

Seth was always the level-headed one, unlike Eli, who had a fiery temper and never held back his words. Even though they weren't blood brothers, they were as close as any could be. Holding Seth was a sure way to keep Eli from speaking out.

Clara passed him a bottle of water. “Eli, even though you're under contract with me, following someone around is seriously creepy, you know that, right?”

Eli took the bottle, gulping down a few swigs, unsure of what to say. If he slipped up, Seth might really be in trouble.

Clara exhaled deeply, noticing that his usual bravado seemed to have vanished. She couldn’t quite grasp what he had been through.

“I’ll take you home.”

As the car hummed to life, Eli closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh.

A few minutes passed before Clara broke the silence. “You two aren’t just regular artists, are you?”

Eli froze, cheeks turning bright red. “Clara, you’re already amazing. Remember it soon, or I’ll burst from keeping it in.”

Clara raised an eyebrow, amused by his chatty nature. That was the real him.

She nodded with assurance.

Eli stepped closer. “And those little guys you can handle, that’s why I didn’t step in. But if you’re heading somewhere risky, take me with you.”

She nodded again, giving him a once-over. “You really think you’re that good?”

Eli let out a confident chuckle, his voice brimming with certainty. “Absolutely.”