A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 315

Tristan pressed his fingertips to his brow, trying to ease the headache that pounded behind his eyes.

Jesse approached slowly, crouching down beside her mother and speaking in a gentle, soothing voice. “Mom, I just called Rex and asked him. He said that Ms. Drummond grew up with the Murphy family. She’s probably not Vera, but if you like her, I can ask her to come keep you company when she has time. Would you like that?”

Suzanne’s tears slowed, her voice trembling with hope. “Really?”

Jesse nodded. “Of course. I promise.”

As the celebration dinner drew to a close, Elissa and the others finally prepared to leave.

Cliff glanced at his watch and suggested to Elissa, “Tanya’s had a few drinks and she’s sleeping it off in the car. Why don’t you take her home early? I’ll drive our teacher.”

“Alright,” Elissa agreed.

They parted ways at the elevator—Elissa heading to the open-air parking lot where her car was parked, while Cliff made his way to the underground garage.

Elissa approached her car and reached for the door handle—only to spot, in the distance, the same man who had pulled her aside earlier in the fire escape.

He moved with an easy confidence, his tall figure outlined by the dim lights. His tie was loosened, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, giving him an air that was both relaxed and untouchable.

His words from the fire escape flashed through Elissa’s mind, catching her off guard. She swallowed hard, eager to get in the car and make a quick escape.

But just as she fastened her seatbelt, a sharp rap sounded on the passenger-side window.

Elissa thought of pretending not to hear. But beside her, Tanya Foster, who had been dozing, suddenly blinked awake. Still bleary, she rolled down the window. When she saw who was standing outside, she sobered up instantly.

Rowan arched a brow. “Miss Foster, you’re here too?”

“I… I can not be,” Tanya stammered, her mind racing—she was convinced this man must be Elissa’s boyfriend. She all but scrambled out of the car, surrendering her seat without protest.

Sliding into the back, she shot Elissa a wink, as if to say, “See how considerate I am?”

Rowan didn’t stand on ceremony. He bent his elegant frame and slipped into the passenger seat.

When they reached home, Tanya was even quicker to take the hint, hurrying off to her own apartment without so much as a backward glance.

Before she could react, Rowan closed the distance between them, capturing her parted lips in a kiss. She barely had time to gasp before he swept her up, cradling her in his arms and carrying her to the sofa.

There was nowhere to run.

A faint trace of whiskey on his breath mingled with the clean, citrusy scent of lemongrass as their lips met, sending shivers down her spine.

The living room was dim, lit only by a small lamp near the entryway. In the shadows by the sofa, Elissa could just make out Rowan’s strong features; beyond the glass doors, the rush of passing cars filled the night.

And in the hush between them, the sound of their heartbeats and the soft, urgent rhythm of his kisses.

He kissed her with a skill that felt both new and dangerously familiar, and Elissa found herself drawn in, her eyes fluttering closed as she surrendered to his pace, deeper and deeper.

When Rowan’s hand slid under the side of her dress, his touch warm and sure, Elissa trembled, unable to suppress a soft, embarrassed whimper.

That single sound felt scandalous enough—but Rowan seemed to think it wasn’t nearly enough. He drew back just a fraction, his eyes burning with hunger as he held her gaze in the shadows. His voice was low and rough: “Does my little darling like that?”