Page 128 of Trick or Stalk

My mind keeps spinning, jumping to the worst-case scenario.

I’ll be stuck in here for a couple of hours.

No. I can’t be in here that long.

I suck in shallow breaths.

Calm down, Presley.

My words make it worse.

My heavy breaths sound too loud in the small room.

“Someone! Please!” I slam both fists against the door. “Please!”

Tears run down my face.

I slam my fists on the wood harder, not caring that I’m hurting myself.

My voice cracks when I yell, “Someone. Please. Let me out⁠—”

The door is yanked open.

A tall, dark figure stands there.

I blink, and he comes into focus.

Hades.

I practically fall through it, right into his arms.

I’m sobbing so hard, I can’t say anything. I just cling to him.

“I've got you.” Fingers stroke my hair.

I suck in deep breaths. Cedar, woodsmoke, clean soap, and cold air fill my lungs.

Hades.

Somehow, my brain translates it all into one thing.

Safety.

Slowly, I pull back, looking up at him. My fingers still clutch his jacket, like I’ll fall if I let go.

“The door wouldn't open.”

“I know.” He clears his throat. “That’s what drew me here. I heard you yelling.”

“I couldn't—my phone—I left⁠—”

“Presley.” His hand moves slowly over my hair. “You're out. You're okay.”

I bury my face against his chest.

He holds me close, murmuring soothing words I don’t hear.

But they calm me.