Chapter 11

Laura hadn't meant to run away when she left the closet. She'd headed for the privy mostly because she needed an escape. Lying down beside Axel made her all too aware of him. All too aware of her own body, which made no sense.

Problem was, if she shifted her focus from him then she was left contemplating the coffin-like space he'd locked them in. Secure maybe, but terrifying, too. Why was he locking them in? What if something happened and they couldn't get out? The walls were so close. The ceiling too low.

There surely wasn't enough of the stale air for the two of them. Panic built inside her. She had to leave. To get out. So she made up the excuse to use the privy, and then, once she exited the closet, she kept going. She had a sweaty grip around the crowbar, not that it would help. She didn't know how to fight.

But she couldn't go back. Couldn't return to that box.

To him. . .