Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Eli swung open the car door and slid inside, his breath forming little clouds in the chilly air. His gaze was distant, lost in thought.

Clara sat in the driver's seat, not starting the engine right away. She'd been feeling like someone was shadowing her lately, though she couldn't pin down if it was just paranoia.

She sank back into her seat, cranking up the heater. "Where's Seth? Why are you out here alone?"

Especially at this time of night-what was going on?

Eli stared out the window, replaying the day he and Seth got snatched. The guy who took them wouldn't actually kill them, but Seth was still being held.

Seth was always the level-headed one, unlike Eli, who had a fiery temper and never held back his words. Even though they weren't blood brothers, they were as close as any could be. Holding Seth was a sure way to keep Eli from speaking out.

Clara passed him a bottle of water. "Eli, even though you're under contract with me, following someone around is seriously creepy, you know that, right?"

Eli took the bottle, gulping down a few swigs, unsure of what to say. If he slipped up, Seth might really be in trouble.

Clara exhaled deeply, noticing that his usual bravado seemed to have vanished. She couldn't quite grasp what he had been through.

"I'll take you home."

As the car hummed to life, Eli closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh.

A few minutes passed before Clara broke the silence. "You two aren't just regular artists, are you?"

Eli's eyes snapped open, suddenly alert and eager for her to continue.

But Clara kept her eyes on the road. "Kaitlyn mentioned you guys were up in the mountains. How did you just happen to find her like that? And if you were aiming for fame, you'd have gone with a bigger agency. The first time I saw you, it felt like I'd seen you before. Maybe you can't spill everything now, but I know you're not out to hurt me."

Eli's grip on the water bottle was so tight it nearly crumpled.

He leaned toward Clara but then pulled back, recalling the threat in that man's eyes.

The car stopped in front of his place, and Clara got out first, opening his door.

Eli hesitated, taking a couple of steps away, then turning back again.noveldrama

Clara stood there, a smile playing on her lips. "Eli your eyes don't lie. When you're ready, come find me. Maybe you're tailing me to keep me safe, but those dark circles say you need some rest. Lately, I feettike I could take on the world."

Eli froze, cheeks turning bright red. "Clara, you're already amazing. Remember it

soon, or I'll burst from keeping it in."

Clara raised an eyebrow, amused by his chatty nature. That was the real him.

She nodded with assurance.

Eli stepped closer. "And those little

guys you can handle, that's why

Thet

didn't step in. But if you're heading

somewhere risky, take me e with you."

She nodded again, giving him a once-over. "You really think you're that good?"

Eli let out a confident chuckle, his voice brimming with certainty. "Absolutely."