What’s her picture doing here? I don’t have time to mull it over now. The guys are bound to check my room to see if I’m up there, so I need to move fast before they realize I’m gone. For some reason, though, instead of returning the photo to the drawer, I cram it into my back pocket, then turn to the windows to test them.

And when one of them moves, I have to bite back a shout of sheer elation. Instead of announcing my excitement, I ease the window up when what I really want to do is fling it open. I only have to be careful a few moments longer, then I can run.

The drop to the mulched bed below the window is an easy one, and I waste no time once my feet are on the ground. I won’t make the mistake of going to the driveway this time. Sheer desperation sends me running through the woods surrounding the house. They open up onto another property. I know they do. Even if I get caught trespassing, it wouldn’t matter. I just need help.

I can see another house through the trees after only running for a minute or so. There’s a woman out there, weeding in a garden. I see her sun hat from here. Hope floods me, and I have to hold back tears of gratitude before I even reach the property line. How will I get them to believe me? I have no idea, but I have to try. And if they don’t, I’ll keep going. I’ll run all the way to the police station if I have to.

I don’t need to. I don’t get the chance. An arm closes around my waist, and a hand slaps over my mouth before I can scream. She’s there. I see her. All I have to do is scream to get her attention and beg for help. It’s too late. She might as well be a million miles away.

Because Nix caught me. Nix is holding me, breathing hard in my ear. “What do you think you’re doing?” he pants. “You’re going to end up getting yourself killed.” My heart sinks, and my tears roll over the back of his hand as he hauls me off my feet and begins carrying me back to the house. Colt is waiting for us at the edge of the tree line, arms folded, brows drawn together in a scowl. I kick out with my feet, drive my fists and elbows and anything else I can manage into Nix’s body, but it makes no difference.

I’m not getting away. After this, I doubt I’ll ever have another chance.

CHAPTER 30