No Strings Attached

With a conspiratorial grin, she shoved a box of cupcakes into Clara's hands and whispered in her ear, "Don't let him catch you too easily. Guys always want what they can't have, and once they get it, they take it for granted, you know?"

Before Clara could gather her wits, Greta was already out the door. She stepped outside and immediately called Grandma Rose.

"Grandma, sleep tight tonight. They're cuddling up together - how long till they share a bed?"

At this, Rose was over the moon. "Wonderful! That little sacrifice was worth it. Tomorrow, the whole family is off on a vacation abroad, and all the housekeepers will be on leave. I know my future granddaughter-in-law wouln't have the heart to let my grandson suffer."

Greta had nothing but admiration for Rose's tactics. It was like that old saying. "You can't catch the wolf without risking your sheep."

Clutching the cupcake box, Clara stood frozen for a good fifteen seconds, Greta's words echoing in her head. She knew that lan's selfless act had indeed touched her heart.

to three years ago, but the courage she had back then was long gone. Now, she was cautious

lan called out softly, "Clara,

Clara replied, "Oh, nothing. She got you some cupcakes. Fancy

eyebrow. "You sure I can

and quickly corrected herself. He shouldn't eat for 24

cupcakes on the table and poured lan a glass of water, feeding him one gulp

it been since he had touched those soft, pink lips? In the quiet of the night, his yearning would drive him to the brink of madness. Just the thought sent his

he called out, his

full of concern. "What's wrong, does

water down

Clara wondered. She was sure she had been feeding