Clara Bennett
I couldn’t sit still. After Victor left, the apartment felt too small, too quiet, and way too dangerous. My hands wouldn’t stop trembling as I paced the tiny living room. Ryder’s text still glowed on my phone screen...
I stared at it for the hundredth time. Should I reply? What if I sounded too eager? What if I sounded cold and he got suspicious?
“Ugh,” I muttered, rubbing my face. My throat felt dry from all the crying. I needed water.
I walked to the kitchen on shaky legs, my bare feet cold against the cheap tiles.
I grabbed a glass from the cupboard, filled it with tap water, and took a big gulp.
The cool liquid did nothing to calm the storm inside my chest.
My phone suddenly rang.
The glass nearly slipped from my hand. Ryder’s name flashed on the screen.
My hea
