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.

of lan taking a photo of his shoulder with his phone. Through the rearview mirror, he spotted the bloody bite mark

riled

asked, “Mr. Hayes,

a chilly look, “Do

thought, ‘you’re probably keeping that as evidence to

clothes, asking in a cold voice, “Who put a halt

hesitating before finally

anyone tell

not to speak

are you my

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

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

came through. “If you’re calling to plead for the Bell family, save it. I won’t