No Strings Attached

lan was utterly captivated by the small birthmark shaped like a petal on Clara's shoulder blade. Whenever he held her from behind, his lips were drawn to that delicate mark, as if by some magnetic force. He fancied that with each kiss, the blossom exuded a sweet, floral scent that seemed to fuel his desire. The thought that Clara could be May's daughter - and therefore his intended - sent waves of emotion through him, making his gaze grow more intense and tender.

His voice was husky with emotion, barely above a whisper. He proclaimed, "Clara, you're my destiny."

Then, he restarted the engine.

Clara, headphones in, had missed the exchange between lan and Edwin, and even lan's heartfelt declaration had gone unheard. She had indulged in a glass or two of wine that evening, and with Anders away she'd been swamped with cases at the firm. It had been days since she'd had a proper rest.

As the soothing music played and the enchanting night view passed by the window, Clara's consciousness began to drift. She fought the encroaching sleep for a moment, but within three minutes, her neck slumped and she was out cold against the seatback.

by the insistent ringing of her phone. Groggily, she grabbed the device and answered without checking who it was. Sasha's voice, laced with surprise, came through, "Clara, where the

voice was rough with sleep as she mumbled with her

been calling your name at

magnetic voice filled her ears. "Clara, did you wear yourself

in unison. "Clara, why are you with that jerk? Please don't tell me you fell for his tricks and

stared at lan, with her phone in her hand. She was

silk robe. It was slightly open at the chest to reveal his

was in lan's house - more specifically, in the bed that had seen countless nights of passion between them.

had a new code I couldn't crack, so I