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.

morning, Clara was jolted awake by the insistent ringing of her phone. Groggily, she grabbed the device and answered without checking who it was. Sasha's

as she mumbled

I've been calling your name at your place for ages, not a

magnetic voice filled her ears. "Clara, did

sound, both Sasha and Clara yelped in unison. "Clara, why are you with that jerk?

at lan, with her phone in her hand.

was slightly open at the chest to reveal his well-defined pectorals, a point of pride. His dark eyes were fixed on her,

sat up abruptly. Looking around, she realized she was in lan's house - more specifically, in the bed that had seen countless nights of passion between

matter what, and your place had a new code I couldn't crack, so I brought