No Strings Attached

She had to keep her emotions in check, not just for her own sake but for the little one growing inside her. The news that Clara was forcing herself to eat every day, only to bring it all up again, stabbed at lan's heart like needles. His fingers entwined with hers, bringing her hand to his lips for a relentless shower of kisses.

It seemed like an eternity before Clara's eyelids fluttered open. Gazing into lan's worn-out, worried face, she studied him for a long moment before her lips parted. With a raspy voice, she murmured, "lan." lan immediately leaned forward, his concern palpable. "Clara, how do you feel?"

She gave a slight shake of her head. "I'm okay. Are you hurt?"

"Not a scratch. Your man's as tough as they come. If it weren't for the bun in the oven, I could go a few rounds, no problem."

The more nonchalant he sounded, the less she believed him. Her beautiful eyes locked onto his for a few seconds, and then she opened her arms. "I need a hug."

second thought, lan bent down to hold her close. The movement tugged at his wound, causing a wince to flicker across his face. Clara's hands slipped inside his suit jacket, gently caressing

reddened in an instant. Leaning close to lan's ear, she whispered soothingly, "lan, let's get the

"As my wife commands. But I've missed you for days. Can I steal a kiss

lips traced her ear as he spoke, sending shivers throughout her body. His eyes, filled with longing, never left hers as his husky voice set her senses aflame. "Baby, I've missed you so much. I thought about you

moment, that if the bullet had strayed just a bit more,

of yearning, his lips finally found hers, kissing her as if she were the rarest treasure. Holding Clara's face, he kissed

didn't notice the door opening. Sasha entered, only to cover her eyes at

She sat

not Casey. It's me. My mom found out about my injury. She stormed my room, caught a glimpse of Chase, and then, well..." She couldn't continue,