Chapter 192: In Peril

"Get in the car, will you?" Lucas Zeller asked for what felt like the hundredth time, standing beside his sleek black sedan, his patience wearing thin.

"Just go," Claire Grace retorted without even glancing his way. She continued walking briskly down the sidewalk, her arms folded tightly across her chest. "I'm not going back with you."

"You were fine just a moment ago," Lucas said, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What happened? Did I upset you again? Is this because I haven't called?"

Claire ignored him, her pace unrelenting.

"Look," Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Roy's been out of town, and the company has been slammed lately. I've been stuck working overtime, handling everything myself. Even Sarah can vouch for me. She's been at the office every day this week."

"Oh, please. Sarah's practically on your payroll," Claire snapped, finally shooting him a glare. "Why would I trust anything she says? Honestly, I'm not surprised she's affording that ridiculously expensive apartment now. Let me guess—you're footing the bill?"

Lucas's sheepish expression was all the confirmation she needed.

"Fine, you caught me. I shouldn't have kept it from you. But I only did it because I wanted to help her and because I hoped you might come back to me. Can't you give me a chance to make things right?" Lucas's voice softened as he stepped closer.

"No way," Claire shot back, her chin tilted defiantly. Seeing him swallow his pride was a rare sight, and she wasn't about to make it easy for him.

"Come on, you can't be this cruel. I admitted I was wrong. Didn't your teachers ever say that admitting your mistakes is the first step to forgiveness? I've been trying my best to change, to be better… for you."

"Too bad you're not a kid anymore," Claire replied, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Lucas groaned in frustration. "Then tell me, what will it take for you to forgive me? Just say the word, and I'll do it."

"Maybe when I'm in a better mood. Lately, I've been in a terrible mood," Claire said bluntly, leaving no room for compromise.

Lucas sighed, leaning against the car. "If you don't get in, I'm leaving," he warned. "It's rush hour. Buses and cabs are going to be impossible to find. You're not seriously planning to walk home, are you? Besides, didn't you hear about that news story? A single woman was…" He hesitated. "Well, let's just say it wasn't pretty. There's a maniac on the loose. Do you really want to take that risk?"

"Oh, give me a break," Claire scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Weren't you just complaining about being too busy to eat or sleep? How on earth did you have time to watch the news?"

Lucas opened his mouth to reply but snapped it shut when Claire turned and broke into a light jog. "You're impossible!" she muttered under her breath, her frustration mounting.

"Stubborn snail," Lucas cursed under his breath, revving the engine before driving slowly alongside her. "Come on, Claire, you're not making this easy."

Claire's thoughts swirled as she jogged. "Does he really think scaring me with stories of ghosts and murderers will make me run into his arms for safety? Dream on," she muttered.

Lost in her thoughts, Claire didn't notice the figure stepping into her path until it was too late. She collided hard, the impact jolting her to a stop.

"Ow!" she exclaimed, clutching her nose as she stumbled back. Her eyes shot up to meet a man towering over her. He was tall, with a wiry frame and a smirk that made her skin crawl.

"Well, well," the man drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. "This street is so wide, and yet you managed to run right into me. Were you that eager to get my attention?"

"You're the one who stopped in the middle of the sidewalk," Claire snapped, her anger bubbling over. "What kind of idiot blocks someone's path like that?"

The man's smirk widened. "Feisty, huh? I like women with a bit of fire." His hand darted out, aiming for her chin.

"Back off!" Claire shouted, swinging her bag at him with all her strength. The strap caught his hand, but he barely flinched. When she lifted her foot to stomp on his shin, he caught her ankle with alarming speed.

"Whoa, now," he sneered. "Trying to take me out, huh? Let's see how tough you really are."

"Let go of me, you creep!" Claire yelled, struggling against his grip. Thankfully, her jeans protected her from full exposure, but her heart pounded with fear as his hands began to move upward.

"Nobody's coming to save you," the man whispered menacingly. "You'd better behave, or things will get ugly."

"My husband's right behind me!" Claire blurted, grasping at any way to deter him. "He won't let you get away with this!"

The man laughed, a cold, chilling sound. "Nice try. Women like you always say the same thing. If he's real, where is he?"

Claire's mind raced. Was this the killer Lucas had mentioned? Her blood ran cold at the thought.

"Scared now?" the man taunted, his grip tightening. "You should be. Maybe next time you'll think twice before crossing someone like me."

Claire's eyes darted around desperately, searching for an escape. Just as the man reached for her waist, a blur of movement caught her eye. Someone vaulted over the nearby railing, landing with a thud.

Before she could fully process what was happening, a fist connected with the man's face, sending him stumbling backward. Relief flooded through her as she realized who it was.

"Lucas!" she gasped.

Lucas stood between her and the assailant, his expression dark and unyielding. "Get your hands off her," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. The man recovered quickly, but Lucas was faster, delivering another punch that sent him sprawling to the ground.

"Are you okay?" Lucas asked, glancing over his shoulder at Claire.

She nodded shakily, tears pricking her eyes. "I think so."

"Good," Lucas said, his gaze snapping back to the man who was now scrambling to his feet. "Because this guy is about to regret ever laying a hand on you."