Chapter 230
I barely had time to draw a full breath Bexore a gunshot split through the estate.
I shoot upright in bed so fast it feels like my soul leaves my body for half a second as my heart slams violently against my ribs.
The sound of the gunshot still rings through my ears almost deafening me and for one terrifying moment, I can’t breathe.
Oh God something is wrong, horribly wrong.
“Zane p>
But he’s already gone…the empty space beside me sends a fresh wave of panic crashing over me as adrenaline floods my body so suddenly my hands start shaking.
I throw the sheets off me and stumble out of bed, my bare feet nearly tangling in the blankets as I try to make it for the door only to realize I’m naked, completely naked.
“Shit, shit, shit p>
My voice is barely above a frantic whisper a si drop to the floor, grabbing the first pieces of clothing I can find from last night.
My shirt and pants.
My fingers are trembling so badly it’s hard to even pull the fabric where it needs to go.
I snatch my phone off the nightstand with clumsy hands and immediately dial Lucas, as it rings, I yank my shirt over my head and I step into my pants, nearly falling over in my panic.
“Come on, Lucas… pick up p>
My breathing grows harsher, louder, my chest tightening so painfully it almost burns.
Then…Another gunshot rings out, much louder and Closer now and I freeze, every muscle in my body locking as my blood turns to ice as the sound tears through the estate, and this time there’s no mistaking it.
There are people here armed people.
“Oh my God p>
My voice breaks as Lucas finally answers on the fourth ring, his voice groggy and confused with sleep.
“Elaine p>
“Lucas p>
I practically choke on the word.
“There are people in the house p>
Sleep instantly vanishes from his tone.
“What p>
“I’m serious,” I whisper harshly, terrified someone might hear me. “There are gunshots Zane went to check I don’t know what’s happening but I need help now p>
I hear rustling on his end, movement like he’s already up from bed.
“I’m coming p>
That’s all I need. I end the call before wasting another second. Because I know my brother will come for me will come, lucas always comes.
My hands finish dragging my pants over my hips, and I quickly button them, my pulse hammering so violently it feels like my entire body is shaking from the inside out.
Of all days, off all possible nights…Why today?Why is this happening on the exact night Zane sends most of the staff home? And there’s zero of no guards?Usually the estate is crawling with guards and security.
Tonight? I saw barely anyone, when Zane and I walked in.
My stomach twists violently this cannot be random. This has to be planned.
I force myself to breathe, though every vein in me in screaming to think.! Think’
I can’t just stay here defenseless and wait for the intruders to find me and I absolutely cannot wander this house unprotected.
Then I remember somethinf I saw in Zane’s office. Months ago, during one of my many stubborn episodes of snooping, I noticed the hidden handgun beneath the bottom drawer of his desk. At the time, I’d brushed it off.
Now? It may be my only chance.
I swallow hard only to realize my mouth is painfully dry.
My legs feel weak, but fear pushes me forward as I Quietly, I creep toward the bedroom door.
Every tiny sound feels magnified, the soft rustle of my clothes, my uneven breathing and the pounding of my own heart.
I grip the handle carefully, twisting it as slowly as possible, trying not to make any sudden noises or mistakes.
The door opens just enough for me to peek out The hallway is dim and silent and somehow…That’s even scarier than the gunshots. I ease the bedroom door shut behind me with painstaking care, every tiny movement feeling unbearably loud in the suffocating silence. My bare feet meet the cold marble floor, and I neary shiver from more than just temperature.
The hallway stretches endlessly me as my
pulse pounds so violently I swear it could give me away. I force myself to breathe through my nose slowly but it’s nearly impossible.
Because somewhere in this massive estate p>
There are armed intruders and somewhere else Zane and I don’t know if he’s hurt or even even if he’s alive cause I heard the gun ahots the thought nearly buckles my knees.
No.Don’t think like that, I can’t be thinking like rthat.
I clamp down hard on the panic threatening to consume me and quickly assess my surroundings.
Zane’s office its on the other side of the upstairs wing, far enough that getting there means crossing open stretches of hallway.
Far enough that if any of them are nearby…i could run straight into them.
My stomach twists violently, I close my eyes for one brief second and pray. Please. To whatever God that is listening Please don’t let me die tonight.
Then I move, each step is painfully slow as I keep close to the wall, my body tense, my ears straining for anything Footsteps, voices or Movement. Anything.
My breathing is shallow now and my palms are slick with sweat as i reach the staircase landing, i Pause and listen n but I hear nothing so I keep moving.
One step. Then another, every inch forward feels like walking deeper into a nightmare.
The door to Zane’s office finally comes into view down the corridor and relief hits me so hard it almost weakens me…just a little farther just a few more steps.
My legs feel like lead, but I force myself onward. I’m so focused on the office door ans So desperate to reach it…That I almost miss it, that subtle shift behind me as a
Strong arm snakes around my neck from behind and my body is violently jerked backward into a crushing chokehold.