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Gravel.

A footstep?

Vex releases my hand and moves in front of me.

"Behind me."

Every trace of the sleepy, teasing man from five minutes ago is gone.

"What's happening?"

"Stay close."

He moves toward the living room, keeping me at his back.

Through the window, I catch a glimpse of something dark between the trees.

A man.

Dressed in black.

His face covered.

My blood turns cold.

Another figure appears near the side of the cabin.

Then a third.

Oh, God.

"Vex."

"See 'em."

He reaches for his phone.

Before he can make the call, a tremendous crash shakes the front door.

I scream.

Another impact follows.

Wood splinters.

Vex shoves me behind him.

"Stay down."

The door bursts inward.

Three masked men charge into the cabin.

Guns.

They have guns.

For one horrible second, I'm back beside that black sedan, with a stranger's hand crushing my arm and a weapon pointed at me.