Page 44 of Single Mom's Undoing

I watch helplessly as Clara darts through the hallway, headed for the western wing. I’ll be right behind her in just a second—I promised Carter we wouldn’t let her run off again, just as I promised Clara she’d always be safe with us.

“What does my father have to do with any of this?” Carter asks, clearly beginning to realize why Clara is running.

Damon shakes his head slowly. “There’s obviously a story that Clara needs to tell us, but in the meantime, you need to keep the old man busy. I’ll be right by your side. I know how your conversations tend to turn into shouting matches.”

“I’ll stay close to Clara,” I tell them.

“You do that, because she’s still itching to skip town despite her promise,” Carter warns me.

“Whatever you talk about with your father, don’t mention her,” I reply.

“Didn’t even cross my mind. Go, Jace. Keep her safe.”

I give him and Damon a curt nod, then go after Clara. Given the heels she was wearing and the state of panic she was in, she couldn’t have gotten far. A thousand theories rumble through my head as I try to make sense of everything that just happened between us.

We were off to a good start, picking up where we left off. Hell, we were able to pull her away from the edge when she tried to resign.

Then Bill Lockwood’s name came up, and poof!

“Clara!” I call her name as soon as I see her rushing through the upper-floor corridor that cuts directly along the west wing of the mansion.

She briefly glances back but keeps moving, heels clicking across the marble. I have no choice but to run after her, and when I catch her by the arm, she whimpers and pulls herself out of my grip, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“You’re safe here,” I say to her in a soothing voice. There’s a sense of urgency that has begun to rub off on me as I look at her. “Clara, take a deep breath.”

“No, I’m not safe here. I’m not safe in Blackthorn Falls at all,” she cries out. “Not anymore.”

“Listen; listen to me,” I take her firmly by both arms and hold her against the wall. Some of our staff members walk past, giving us concerned looks. I respond with stern nods, a silent order to keep walking. “Clara, look at me.”

“I can’t. I need to get out of here.”

“CLARA!”

Finally, she stills. Her beautiful green eyes wide and sparkling with tears.

“Carter and Damon are with Bill as we speak,” I say. “I’m here with you. You are safe. He doesn’t know you’re here. alright?”

She nods slowly. “I need to get out of this place, Jace.”

“I will personally escort you back to the cabin,” I tell her. “I assume Jodie’s with Matty there, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good, but first, you and I need to talk.”

“I can’t, Jace. You don’t understand.”

“Then make me!”

Again, she freezes, a conflict brewing behind her pained expression. “You’ll never forgive me.”

“Try me, Clara. I forgave you for bailing on us. I forgave your absence when we buried your brother. I forgave a lot, and I promise, I’ve got room for more forgiveness where you’re concerned, but you need to calm down and tell me the whole truth for once.”

“It’s awful.”

“Please, Clara. Trust me, just like I trust you.”

It takes a few more seconds of her considering her options before she gives me a slight nod. A moment later, we’re walking through the west wing, headed for the service stairs leading down to the training grounds.