Chapter 71

“Alex!” I scream, slamming the penthouse door open with shaking hands. My heart thunders against my ribcage, the frantic beats echoing in my ears. The dimly lit room spins around me as I lean against the door, trying to catch my breath. Alex and I thought staying here would be safer than the packhouse, but now I’m not so sure. Terror claws at my insides, making me nauseous. I can hardly catch my breath, each inhale feeling like it’s scraped raw against my throat.

Heavy footsteps pound down the stairs, growing louder with each step, and suddenly, Alex is right in front of me, eyes wide with alarm. “Hannah, what’s wrong?” His voice is taut, his face etched with worry lines as he takes in my disheveled appearance. He reaches out, almost hesitant, as if afraid of what I might say.

I open my mouth, but no words come out. Tears spill down my cheeks in hot, panicked streams. The memory of Collins’ determined eyes as he chased me replays in my mind, making me shudder violently.