Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 509

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.