Page 172 of Inferno

But I won’t belong to Declan. Or Decadence. My heart wants to tell him everything. But if he won’t listen? I run. I fight. I win.

There has to be an edge to this forest. A hole in the fence. Something.

"Not far now," Conan mutters.

I stop cold, wrists still behind my back.

He turns, scowling. "No fucking around." He steps toward me.

I glance at the gun, then smile.

"What are you gonna do about it?"

I hope I’ve read him right.

He lifts the pistol, aiming for my shoulder.

Gotcha.He won’t shoot to kill.

"You’re defenseless, and I’ve got a gun. Thought you were smarter than this."

I bite the inside of my cheek. Stay silent.

He flicks the safety off. "Move."

I shake my head.

"Make me."

His aim shifts to my forehead. That’s when I move, snatching his wrist, twisting hard. The gun hits the ground. I dive for it and aim.

He doesn’t fight me. Just smirks.

"Silly girl."

I fire. Or try to.

Click.

Nothing.

Shit.

His laugh echoes as I drop the gun and run.

Adrenaline explodes through me. I sprint, lungs screaming, heart pounding so loud it drowns everything else. Drago’s voice is in my head:

Survive.

I don’t get far before Conan’s heavy steps start to get closer behind me.

Then roaring engines erupt, and two black 4x4s cut across the path, blocking me. I dart my head left and right, my body starting to head in one direction. But then Declan steps out, rage written all over him, and I freeze.

"Get in the fucking car, heartbreaker!" he roars.

I stop. A gunshot cracks, splintering the tree trunk inches from my head.

"Next time I won’t miss. Get in. Now!"

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