Kate ran.
Not the kind of running you do for exercise. Not the kind where you pace your breathing and count your steps.
This was desperate.
Her lungs burned, her heartbeat thundered in her ears, and still—she didn't dare look back.
Was he still there?
The thought clawed at her mind.
What does he want from me?
The street blurred past in streaks of color and noise, people moving, laughing, living—completely unaware that something was wrong. That she was in danger.
Then she saw it.
Her brother's bakery.
Warm lights glowed through the front windows, the familiar gold-lettered sign hanging above the door like a promise of safety. Relief flickered in her chest. If she could just make it inside—
She risked a glance over her shoulder.
Big mistake.
He was still there.
Closer than before.
He moved with terrifying ease, his stride long and controlled, like he knew exactly how this would end. Black fabric stretched across a powerful build—broad shoulders, defined muscles, the kind you didn't miss even at a distance.
Late twenties. Maybe early thirties.
Not a random guess. She knew.
Because he wasn't just following her.
He was hunting her.
Who follows someone in broad daylight? her mind screamed. Who does that?
Her pace faltered.
Just for a second.
But a second was all he needed.
A hand clamped around her arm, yanking her back with brutal force.
"Oh!" Kate gasped, the sound sharp with shock.
The world spun as he dragged her away from the sidewalk, away from the bakery—away from safety. Before she could scream, his other hand covered her mouth, cutting off the sound.
Her heart slammed wildly as panic surged through her veins.
His grip was iron.
Unbreakable.
And suddenly, the crowded street didn't feel crowded at all.
It felt empty.
Silent.
Like no one would hear her.
Like no one would come.