I never turned back.
Did not give myself a chance to hesitate.
The second James left the room, I grabbed what I could: my phone, my coat—anything. And I sprinted from the penthouse as quickly as possible. Every second was a thread being tugged as if I was seconds from being caught.
My heart was pounding in my ears as I ran down the emergency stairwell, gasping. The elevator wasn't an option. James was one step ahead of that. He'd have men stationed, cameras watching every move. But the stairs?
They were my last hope.
Just a little farther.
I pushed the side door open, night air slashing into me. My lungs burned, hands shook as I stepped out onto the sidewalk. I forced myself to walk. To run would draw attention.
The city streets lay quiet—too quiet.
James had his claws firmly entre
