ART 4–CHAPTER 176
JESS
My heart pounded in my chest, the walls of the room closing in on me as Eric took a step toward the door, blocking my only way out. His smile twisted, darkening with something sinister.
He thought he had me.
That I was trapped.
But I wasn’t about to let him win.
Not like this.
I needed to run.
Without thinking, I bolted toward the door, my body acting on instinct before my mind had a chance to catch up. Eric moved fast, his hand shooting out to grab my arm. His fingers dug into my skin, and I twisted with all my strength.
“Jess, come on,” he said, his voice low, but there was an edge to it that set every nerve on high alert. “Don’t do this. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Get off!” I yelled back.
Adrenaline surged through my veins, and I slammed my elbow back as hard as I could. I felt it connect with his face, heard the solid thud and his sharp grunt of pain. His grip loosened just enough for me to yank my arm free.
100 G
08:52
PART 4–CHAPTER 176
“You little bitch!”
288 Mouchers
I didn’t stop to see the damage. I bolted for the stairs, my boots. thudding against the floor as I raced down the hallway, my breath coming in short, panicked bursts.
Behind me, Eric called my name, his voice closer than I wanted it to be. Keep running. Don’t stop
“Jess!” His footsteps echoed through the house, louder with each passing second. “You know I’ll catch you!”
I ignored him, focusing on the front door that was now in sight. My hand fumbled for the cold metal knob, and I yanked the door open so hard it nearly hit the wall. Cold air slammed into my face like a slap, the wind biting at my skin, but I didn’t care. I leaped through the doorway, slamming the door behind me.
The night swallowed me whole. Snow whipped around me in violent swirls, the wind howling through the trees, but I didn’t stop.
I ran, my boots sinking deep into the snow, slowing me down, but I forced my legs to move faster. Every breath burned in my chest, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst. I barely noticed the old, rusted car half–buried in the snow near the driveway as I darted past it, desperately searching for cover.
I spotted a large tree at the edge of the yard and dove behind it, crouching low, my body trembling from fear and the freezing wind. My breath came in shallow gasps, each exhale forming a small cloud in the bitter air. I had to stay quiet.
He can’t find me.
20 521
09
PAST 4–CHAPTER 170
Please, don’t let him find me.
The door slammed open behind me, and my heart nearly stopped.
Eric stepped out, his tall figure silhouetted against the light spilling from the house. He held something in his hand, and when the flashlight clicked on, I saw the glint of a gun.
Oh my God.
200 Mouchers
“Jess,” he called out, his voice calm and coaxing, as if this were all a game to him. “Come on. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. I told you–I don’t want to hurt you.”
The flashlight beam cut through the darkness, sweeping across the snow–covered yard like a predator hunting its prey. I pressed myself tighter against the tree, my heart pounding so loud I was sure he could hear it. My whole body felt like it was vibrating.
The light passed over me once, then twice. I held my breath, praying he didn’t see me, praying that maybe–just maybe–I’d gotten away.
But then the beam stopped.
I froze.
“There you are.” His voice was soft, almost teasing, but it sent a jolt of terror through me. “I knew you wouldn’t get far.”
I didn’t think. I didn’t hesitate. I burst out from behind the tree, the snow crunching beneath my boots as I took off toward the woods. The icy wind sliced through me, but I didn’t care. I had to get away. I could hear Eric’s footsteps behind me, faster now,
08 52
closing the distance.
“Jess!” he shouted, his voice sharper, angry. “Stop! Don’t make me shoot you!”
My lungs burned with each breath, my legs aching as I pushed myself harder. The snow was thick, dragging me down, but I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t stop.
Suddenly, a loud crack split the night air. I ducked instinctively as the gunshot echoed through the trees. The bullet whizzed past me, close enough that I could feel the air shift around it. My heart lurched, my feet slipping on the icy ground as ! stumbled forward.
Jess!” Eric’s voice was filled with rage now. “I won’t miss next time!”
My legs felt like they were about to give out, every step more painful than the last, but I kept running. The woods were closer now, the dark shapes of the trees looming ahead, promising. some kind of cover. I just had to reach them. Please let me reach them.
Another gunshot rang out, this time closer, and I felt a burst of panic so strong it almost stopped me in my tracks. But I couldn‘ t stop. I couldn’t let him catch me.
PART 4 CHAPTER 177
208 Vouchers
