Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara narrowed her eyes and let a sly smile cross her lips. "So, Jared, do you know what's going on?"

Since Eli had been tailing her, he should be up to speed on her recent activities.

He pressed his lips together and nodded, "Yeah, I know."

"Did he set up tonight's mess?"

"No, that was Jeff."

Clara lowered her lashes. Jeff, huh? This should be a breeze.

She grabbed her phone and sent Jeff a few charged-up texts using an old number. Just as she expected, Jeff took the bait and agreed to meet.

Clara almost laughed. With brains like that, if he weren't a Smith, he'd have been eaten alive ages ago.

As she started to drive off, Eli jumped in. "Where are you going alone?"

"I'm meeting Jeff. Her random hatred for me... I need to know if Eden's behind it."

Eli opened the passenger door and slid in. "I'm coming with you."

Clara didn't argue, just shrugged her acceptance.

They pulled up at the agreed rendezvous spot.

Before Jeff arrived, Clara turned to Eli, "Aren't you supposed to be the tough one? When she steps out, just knock her out and bring her over."

She made sure they parked out of sight of any cameras.

Eli glanced out the window and nodded. "Got it."

Jeff showed up fast, storming out of her car, fuming. But before she could take a step, Eli knocked her out cold with a swift move.

Clara planned to take her to Z's place, a spot so deserted you'd be lucky to catch a glimpse of a ghost.

As they drove, Eli's unease grew with each passing mile. When they stopped in front of the dark, ominous house, dread washed over him.

Clara got out and knocked on his window. "What are you waiting for? Let's go."

Eli eyed the house, feeling likenoveldrama

invisible eyes were watching him. He turned away, trying to shake off the feeling. "I'm not going in. Clara, be careful with that lunatic inside."

Clara was taken aback. Did Eli know Z?

She shoved Jeff back into the car, curiosity piqued. "You know my

boyfriend? Have you been to

vel

Nightshade? He's just a server there. How do you know him?"

From what she knew, Z only had one doctor buddy.

Eli opened his mouth to respond, "Clara..."

But then her phone rang. It was Z.

She quickly answered, "I'm outside.

It's no

deal. I brought a couple of

people. If you don't want to see them, just hang upstairs. I'll handle it."

Eli clammed up, feeling defeated.

Clara hung up, pulled Jeff out of the car, and splashed her awake with a water bottle.

Jeff woke up screaming, furious when she saw Clara. "Clara?! What the hell?! You kidnapped me?!"

She tried to get up and run, but froze when she saw the knife Clara held.

It was a blade she'd grabbed from Eli.

The knife's edge glinted at Jeff's cheek, as if ready to draw blood.

Jeff hesitated, then struggled harder. "Don't kid yourself. Would you really hurt me? Do you know who's got my back?"

As soon as she said it, the knife nicked her neck, and blood spread fast.

The cut was shallow, but the bleeding was intense.

Jeff clutched her neck, screaming.

Clara, worried Z might hear, snapped, "Shut up!"

Jeff went silent, shaking. She couldn't believe the woman in front of her was

Clara. Wasn't she just a pushover?

Tears fell as she avoided Clara's eyes.

Clara crouched beside her, voice steady. "Jeff, why the hate? Is someone pulling your strings?"