I yelp and whip around.
Rory stands with his thick arms folded and irritation simmering on his face.
My heart thunders in my ears. Despite knowing about the cameras, I’d hoped for more time. I figured if I moved quickly, I could disappear before anyone noticed.
Three seconds eek past with neither of us moving.
Then I bolt.
Tearing left, I put all the many hours I’ve spent running on a treadmill to use and sprint away from the mansion. Rory’s heavy footfalls pound after me like a monster’s in a horror film.
“Don’t make me chase you,” he growls after me.
Hell’s bells, he sounds pissed.I run faster.
Miraculously, I recognize where we are. I climbed down near the mansion entrance, where Rory brought me in. Up ahead, I spot the staircase that leads to the estate gardens.
If I reach the labyrinth with enough lead, I can lose Rory there.
I book it down the stairs, clinging to the handrail for dear life so my momentum doesn’t lead to a faceplant.
At the bottom, I sprint straight ahead. Rory’s voice chases me.
“Trying to escape me is pointless.” His tone remains serial-killer cool, only I hear the sharp edge lurking underneath.
Shit. If he catches me, he may very well murder me.
I assumed I would have more of a head start than this. How did he figure out what I was up to so quickly? My plan to be halfway over the retainer wall before anyone realized I was gone is all shot to hell.
Pumping my legs faster, I fly through the entrance to the labyrinth. The hunter green walls carry the aroma of rosemary. If I don’t hurry, that might be the very last scent I ever smell.
I barrel through the hedge maze erratically.
I need to find a part of the labyrinth that hugs the retainer wall enclosing the entire property. The first hedge I find with that description, I’m climbing.
Like my life depends on it.
Hopefully, Rory will continue to underestimate me and not call the guards for assistance right away. Though I could see him choosing to toy with me for a while, like a cat with a mouse.
I break right down a corridor and nearly scream when Rory’s muscle-bound form leaps out of nowhere directly into my path. I skid to a halt a few feet from him.
Heart somersaulting in my chest, I back away as he saunters forward. His furious eyes drill into my face, causing my skin to vibrate with anxiety.
Forget cat and mouse. I’m a deer, and Rory’s the stalking panther.
I know if I take my eyes off him, even for a second, he’ll pounce.
“Stop,” I warn. “Don’t come any closer.”
I widen my steps as I retreat, but he closes the distance anyway.
“No matter where you are, Kiara…I can andwillfind you.” Rory quickens his pace, breaking out into a jog.
Panic overrides logic. I sprint in the opposite direction, zipping around corners even faster than before.
The sound of his footfalls fades, but my nerves continue to bleat.
He won’t give up. Just because I can’t hear him behind me anymore doesn’t mean he’s not there.
