No Strings Attached

Chapter 94

They rifled through the hotel for what felt like an eternity, but there was no sign of Marco anywhere. Clara’s voice trembled with concern. “What if it’s serious? What if he’s been rushed to the hospital?”

“Don’t panic just yet,” he reassured her, retrieving his phone to call Marco. But try as he might, the call wouldn’t go through.

Fearing his phone was the issue, Anders handed Marco’s number to Clara to try her luck. No dice. Same result.

That was when he noticed the landline cord snipped clean through. The cell signal jammed, and the phone line was cut.

A chill ran down Anders‘ spine. He bolted to the door, only to find it locked tight, unyielding to his attempts. It hit him like a ton of bricks – they’d been played.

The whole setup was a ruse to frame him and Clara and make it seem like they were together.

As the realization dawned, he swung around to gauge Clara’s reaction. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glazed with a desire he’d never seen before.

At

Anders‘ chest. “Clara!”

drained of strength. “Anders, I’m burning up.” With those words, she collapsed onto the couch.

Anders knew she was drugged. Someone

with dread. If his hunch was right, they’d been targets

been set up. The door’s locked,

explained

news. “Anders, I need a cold shower,” she insisted, her voice

terrified

I don’t, I don’t know what I’ll do

triggering her phobia. Still, her fear was overwhelming. She trembled

could lose her sanity. He quickly wrapped a robe

we’ve got to get out of here. You’ll go mad if

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her to the bed. The drug’s influence brought back intimate memories of her and lan his touch, his kisses, the sweet nothings he’d whisper. Each recollection was like poison, fueling