Chapter 19

Ryan’s mind raced. He knew something was wrong. He made a few calls, mobilizing his contacts to find her at her mother's house and at the club. Hours passed with no word, and his fear and anger grew.

Iris searched the abandoned house with her eyes for anything that would help her escape, her heart thumping in her chest the whole time. Her gaze settled on a loose piece of metal lying on the floor.

Just as she grabbed it, one of the men noticed. “Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” he snarled, diving at her.

Iris swung the metal piece, hitting him across the face. He staggered back, giving her a moment to run.

Spotting a small, dirty window high on the wall, she took a deep breath, gathering all her courage. She quietly moved towards the window, trying not to draw any attention from the second man.

The piece of metal she had grabbed earlier was still clutched in her hand. Using it, she pried open the rusted latch. The window was small, but she was determined. She squeezed through, he