No Strings Attached

Chapter 4

After the crushing weight of her sorrow began to lift, Clara quickly packed her belongings without a backward. glance and walked out the door, leaving her past behind.

Elsewhere, a sleek black Rolls–Royce Cullinan cut through the silent streets like a bolt of lightning.

lan’s mind replayed Clara’s resolute face as she uttered the words “We’re breaking up” over and over. All because he missed her birthday, all because of a little jealousy, she was ready to call it quits. He mused that he might need to get a handle on her fiery temper.

Frustrated, lan yanked off his tie and tossed it aside. His phone rang several times before he finally picked up. “What’s up?”

A rascally, carefree voice came through the speaker. “What took you so long to answer the phone, buddy?.”

“I’m driving!”

Chase let out a mischievous chuckle. “With Ms. Clara? Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Got nothing better to do?”

just checking in. You coming to

over to lan and grinned impishly. “You look like you’ve been dragged through the mud. Trouble in paradise with Clara?”

“Ever heard, ‘a lovers‘ quarrels brings them closer?”

at you, falling ‘hard‘ for her, aren’t you?” Chase emphasized the word

kicked him lightly under the table, none too gently. “Get lost!”

back off. Just a friendly heads–up, if you’re serious about Clara, you better draw a line with Heidi. Don’t go running every time she calls. Otherwise, don’t come crying to me if

told you she’s not a

had a marriage pact since you were kids. You think any girl would be cool with her

took a deep drag, the shadows in

in, arm in arm with Heidi. “Sorry,

an apologetic look and chuckled

Of course not. Your sister is like my own. Heidi, come sit

pure, belying any ulterior motives. “You’re right under the AC

the seat next to lan and placed a small, elegant box in front of him. “lan, last time you

replied coolly, “No.”

her this lipstick as an apology. If there are any misunderstandings,

even glance at the gift as he rejected it. “No