ESCAPE

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Chapter Twenty

The dim, pulsating lights of the club painted Jason's face in hues of red and gold as he slouched over the bar, a half-empty glass of whiskey in hand. The bass of the music vibrated through the soles of his shoes, but the chaos around him did little to drown out the images of Seline that haunted him. Her defiant eyes, her trembling voice—it was maddening how she lingered in his mind despite everything.

"Another," he said, his voice hoarse, sliding his empty glass toward the bartender.

The man nodded silently, pouring a fresh shot and sliding it back to Jason with practiced ease. Jason tossed it back in one gulp, savoring the burn as it worked its way down his throat. He welcomed the sting—it was easier to deal with than the gnawing guilt he couldn't shake.

As he motioned for another, the presence of a woman nearby drew his attention. She leaned against the bar, her sultry smile illuminated by the club's neon lights. Jason barely registered her features; she was simply a distraction, a means to an end.

"Need some company?" she asked, her voice syrupy.

Jason nodded, his lips curling into a faint, humorless smile. "Why not?"

The woman took his hand, leading him to a quieter corner of the club. Jason followed numbly, letting her press herself against him, her hands roaming his chest, her lips seeking his. He kissed her back, desperate for something—anything—to chase away the memories of Seline. But as her lips moved against his, he found himself comparing. Her scent wasn't Seline's. Her touch lacked the fire he associated with Seline's defiance.

With a frustrated growl, Jason pushed the woman away, staggering to his feet. "I… I can't," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

The woman stared at him, stunned and offended. "Seriously? What's your problem?"

Jason didn't answer. He stumbled toward the exit, the alcohol dulling his senses but failing to numb the ache inside him. The cold night air hit his face as he stepped outside, and he leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.

What the hell is wrong with me? he thought bitterly.

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Inside the dimly lit room, Seline twisted her wrists against the ropes for what felt like the hundredth time. Her skin was raw and chafed, but she refused to stop. Gritting her teeth, she strained again, and this time, the knot loosened just enough.

Hope sparked in her chest as she wiggled her hands free, the ropes falling away. She stood, her legs shaky from hours of sitting, and turned to the plate of food left for her earlier. The sight of it—cold and unappetizing—filled her with anger. She kicked the tray hard, sending it clattering across the room.

The noise echoed loudly, just as she'd hoped. A moment later, the door burst open, and Lucas rushed in, his face filled with concern.

"What's going on?" he demanded, his eyes scanning the room.

Seline had quickly returned to the chair, slumping as though exhausted. She glared up at him, her expression defiant. "What do you think? The food is disgusting," she spat.

Lucas sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're impossible," he muttered, shaking his head. He walked toward the discarded tray, crouching to pick it up. "Jason's gone too far with all of this. I'll get you something better," he added, his voice softer, almost apologetic.

As he stood and turned toward the door, Seline's gaze flicked to the wooden club she had spotted earlier—the leg of a broken chair that had been discarded in the corner. Her fingers closed around it silently as Lucas walked away, his back to her.

"I'll be back," he said, reaching for the doorknob.

With a sudden burst of strength, Seline swung the club with all her might. The sound of wood meeting skull was sickening, and Lucas crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Breathing heavily, Seline dropped the club and knelt by his body, her fingers trembling as she searched his pockets. She found his phone and quickly unlocked it, her heart racing. She had no time to hesitate.

Grabbing the phone, she bolted from the room, her bare feet slapping against the cold, tiled floor. The hallway was dim, lined with flickering lights, but she didn't stop to take in her surroundings.

Her only thought was escape.

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