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!” he

of strength. “Anders, I’m burning up.” With those words,

detective work kicked in. Anders knew she was drugged. Someone had swapped

If his hunch was right, they’d

been set up. The door’s locked, the phones are out, and you’ve been

explained with urgency.

recoiled at the news. “Anders, I need a cold shower,” she insisted, her voice shaking.

you’re terrified of

If I don’t, I don’t know what I’ll do next.”

fill the tub too much, wary of triggering her phobia. Still, her fear

they continued, the drug might wear off, but Clara could lose her sanity. He quickly wrapped a robe around her.

of here. You’ll go mad if we stay,” he

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led 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 her