No Strings Attached

Chapter 19

Without a second thought, Clara blurted out, “Anything but that, I can agree to.”

lan chuckled as he pinched her chin. “But that’s the only thing I want.”

“lan, I know you think I had an ulterior motive when I got close to you, but I’ve taken good care of you for the past three years. I don’t owe you anything, and you have no right to keep me from leaving.”

lan gazed into Clara’s defiant eyes, her lips moving in a rapid clip. Then, there was the teasing glimpse of cleavage that was just barely visible. His Adam’s apple bobbed involuntarily.

He scooped Clara onto his lap in one swift motion, his chin resting on her shoulder, his voice husky, “Then tell me, how exactly have you been taking care of me?”

His deep, resonant voice sent shivers through Clara’s scalp, and his wandering hand slipped shamelessly inside her shirt.

Clara tried to wriggle free, but lan’s grip was ironclad. In a moment of desperation, she leaned down and bit into his shoulder. She poured all her frustration and grievances into that bite. Only when the taste of blood filled her mouth did she finally let go.

Tears welled up in Clara’s eyes, her voice trembling, “lan, don’t push me too far.” With that, she pushed lan away and left with a face full of sorrow.

shoulder with his

lan has riled Clara

of sympathy, he asked, “Mr. Hayes, need some ointment?”

look, “Do I look

thought, ‘you’re probably keeping that as evidence to settle the score with Ms. Clara later.’

his clothes, asking in a cold

down, hesitating before finally saying. “Your mother.”

didn’t anyone tell

to

my assistant or hers?”

have uncovered your relationship with Ms. Clara. She’s had someone investigate all of Ms. Clara’s comings and goings over the past three years and the dealings between Bell International and Hayes Corporation. It looks like she’s out for blood this time.”

slender fingers tugged at his tie with a force that betrayed his cool demeanor. His eyes held a frosty edge. He pulled out his phone and called his

icy voice came through. “If you’re calling to plead for the Bell