The city lights blur past me as I run, my breath coming in short, ragged bursts. My heartbeat pounds in my ears, drowning out everything but the sound of his footsteps—getting closer.
Alex is chasing me.
Panic claws up my throat.
I don't look back. I can't let him see me.
If he sees me, if he knows I heard every disgusting word that left his mouth, I don't know what he'll do.
All I know is that I have to get away.
My heels skid against the pavement as I round a corner, my chest burning, my vision swimming. The streets are too empty. Nowhere to hide. No way to disappear. But I keep moving.
Then—headlights.
A black car screeches to a stop right in front of me. I freeze.
The window rolls down.
Michael.
His gaze locks onto mine.
There's no smirk. No amusement. Just sharp calculation.
I hesitate for half a second.
Then I hear Alex's voice.
"Emma—stop!"
I don't think.
