No Strings Attached

Tears streamed down Clara's cheeks, unbidden.

This mutual love, a love that raced headlong toward each other, was something she couldn't resist.

Her resolve to leave lan crumbled in that instant. She looked up at him, her voice soft and slightly nasal. "Ian, promise me, no matter what happens, you'll always keep our child safe."

lan bent down to kiss away the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I promise you, once all of this is over, we'll leave for a place where no one can find us. Just the three of us. I'll take care of you. We'll attend prenatal yoga classes together, and we'll wait for our little one's arrival."

Clara was touched and filled with longing. It was a scene she had dreamed of for so long. She wanted to raise their child together with lan.

her heart finally eased, and a long-lost smile spread across her lips. "Ian." She

tenderly.

his neck and pressed a gentle kiss to his

be

kisses peppered her

hadn't faded. Clara's voice was hoarse with lust.

forehead. "I'll follow

the car, they entered the grand hall

she caused you and your friend. Whatever you want, just don't let her go to jail. You know, she's been coddled all her life

suggesting, Mr. Paolo, that your daughter's life matters, but mine and my friend's do not? If my friend hadn't handled it well, others could have been hurt, innocent bystanders even. If we pardon such egregious actions, what's the point of having laws in this