No Strings Attached

Chapter 63

Clara’s slap landed across lan’s cheek with a sting that was more insulting than painful.

lan was the top dog in Northbridge, a tyrant no one dared to cross, and the Hayes family’s icy heir.

Nobody would dare speak out of turn in his presence, let alone raise a hand to him. The act could spell doom.

Even Chase felt a surge of anxiety for Clara. He grabbed lan, trying to talk sense into him. “lan, she’s sloshed. Don’t stoop to a drunk’s level. Come on, let’s get you home,” Chase said, attempting to lead lan out.

lan shrugged him off, his face stormy as he glared at Clara. Seeing lan like this, Anders. immediately shielded Clara behind him. “Mr. Hayes, Clara’s had a bit too much to drink. I apologize if she’s offended you,” Anders implored.

lan’s lips twitched with barely contained fury. “You apologize for her? And you have the right?”

think you

to snatch Clara away from Anders‘ protective

love her, let her

suffered enough for you,” Anders said, his voice filled with

most precious thing in the world. It made lan’s blood boil, his temples throbbing. He sneered ominously. “Let

and ensure she’s never hurt again,” Anders

he desired to someone else. His fingers cracking with tension, Ian threw a punch at Anders. “My woman doesn’t

landed squarely on his

woman? Have you ever protected her? Have you shown her anything but harm? Have you ever loved her? lan, three years ago I stepped aside for you, but not this time. I’ll fight you for her, even at the cost of everything

his, but it was a secret to everyone else. Anders‘ feelings for Clara were an open book, known by all but Clara herself.

felt so defeated. He lunged forward, pulling Clara from behind Anders into his chest. Her slight frame nestled against him like a