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.

was jolted awake by the insistent ringing of her phone. Groggily, she grabbed the device and answered without

rough with sleep as she mumbled with her eyes still closed, "I'm

your name at your place for ages, not a soul in

magnetic voice filled her ears. "Clara, did

yelped in unison. "Clara, why are you with that jerk? Please don't tell me you

phone

the chest to reveal his

- more specifically, in the bed that had seen countless nights of passion between them. Her drowsiness vanished instantly. She clutched the sheets to her chest. Her tone

"You fell asleep in the car last night, wouldn't wake up no matter what, and your place had a new code I couldn't crack, so I brought you here." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in