A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 202

It almost felt like Rowan was trying to clarify things for Elissa—trying to make sure she understood his relationship with Lorraine.

Tanya leaned in close, whispering in Elissa’s ear, “I have to give it to your boyfriend—he’s quick to shut down any rumors. Doesn’t even give you a chance to wonder.”

Elissa wanted to set her straight, to tell her the truth, but she bit her tongue.

Even though Rowan hadn’t spared Lorraine’s feelings, Lorraine chose to stay in the lounge with everyone else.

The mood shifted, a subtle tension threading through the room.

Rowan acted oblivious, dropping onto the couch and glancing briefly at Tanya beside Elissa, then lowering his gaze to his phone, idly scrolling or maybe texting someone—no one could tell.

Elissa didn’t dare sit next to Frank; instead, she tugged Tanya over and they claimed a spot in the far corner.

In the end, it was Bradley who broke the ice. “Let’s play truth or dare,” he suggested, trying to liven things up.

They went with the classic rules: spin the bottle, and whoever it points to has to answer a question or take a dare from whoever spun it.

No one had to think too hard; whether they’d played before or not, everyone joined in easily.

They were all friends here, or at least familiar enough, and the game quickly brought the laughter back. Lorraine, ever the social chameleon, slipped right back into the group’s rhythm.

After a few rounds, folks started to loosen up.

Elissa managed to dodge the bottle every time, narrowly escaping the spotlight.

But this round, the bottle stopped right in front of Tanya.

One of Bradley’s buddies grinned and asked, “What’s your type? Any requirements for your ideal partner?”

The group immediately erupted with teasing shouts and whistles.

They were adults—everyone knew exactly what was being implied.

Tanya wasn’t the shy type. She laughed and started ticking things off on her fingers. “Let’s see… at least six-foot-one, works out every day, totally loyal—”

“Alright, alright, we get it.”

She didn’t get to finish; the door swung open with a sudden thud.

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