Page 90 of Coveted

Drawing a steadying breath, I press my cool palms to my face and shut my eyes briefly.

When I open them, a figure lurks behind me in the black glass, and it wasn’t there a few seconds ago.

CHAPTER 21

Sadie

The figure is just a shadow at first, tucked between two suits of armor where the moonlight doesn’t quite reach, roughly ten yards away.

I blink, and it’s still in the reflection. The person is definitely watching me.

Holding my breath, I will myself not to turn around.

Do they realize I’ve spotted them?

Should I run, or scream? Is it Lucan, following me from the gala to apologize for being an arrogant jerk?

But no, it can’t be him. He’s taller and broader than the person skulking in the dark. And besides, he would never apologize for being an arrogant jerk.

Knowing it must be the killer, icy fear weaves around my vertebrae like snakes.

My breathing resumes, shallow and tight. I need to cobble together an escape plan, but the stun gun in my bag is several feet away. Lunging for it will take valuable seconds, giving him the chance to strike.

I have to try though, because otherwise I’m his latest victim.

A grandfather clock tolls somewhere in the museum, the low gongs reverberating through the halls. As though the sound breaks a spell, the man and I move at the same time.

Within two strides, I snatch up my bag, but before I can open the fiddly little clasp, he crosses the short distance to me.

Not having a plan B, I invent one on the spot. I hurl the bag at the man’s covered face, making him duck.

Skidding in my high heels, I dash for the soldier statue, lay both hands on its spear, and pull.

The medieval weapon is heavier than I expect. Panting with terror, but also determination, I turn on the spot fast, slicing the spear through the air. In the cramped space, I can’t line up the blade to stab him, but the rear end of the spear hits him square in the ribs.

His hooded head snaps forward with a pained grunt. If I had the stun gun, this would be the perfect time to zap him.

He recovers quickly, trying to wrench the spear from my hands. I immediately realize I’ll lose the tug-of-war. He’s way stronger than me.

Abandoning the weapon, I run from the gallery into the corridor. The spear clatters to the floor and boots pound after me.

With a clear hallway, I sprint like my life depends on it, because it does. Adrenaline sings in my blood and I barely slow down around corners in my desperation to get away. My dress whips behind me like a flag, my heels a frantic staccato on the stone floor.

When I hear music and laughter, I know I have a chance. There are security guards back at the gala and my friends and⁠—

“Lucan.”

It’s the only word from my mouth as I round a bend too fast and almost slam right into him. His firm hands catch my arms.

Safe, is all I can think, almost dizzy with relief. I’m safe.

“Hey, why are you run—” His voice cuts off when he sees the fear in my eyes. Realization darkens his features. “Where is he?”

I point behind me. “The medieval exhibit. He⁠—”

Lucan’s already running in that direction. “Get to the security guards, Sadie. Now.”

Heaving for breath, I continue toward the gala.