No Strings Attached

Clara gently stroked his back, her voice laced with confusion. "Ian, did Dad say something to you?"

lan quickly shook his head. "No, it's just... I suddenly got scared you might leave me."

"Why would I? Our baby is about to arrive, and I'm counting on you to bring home the bacon for the little one. Come on, stop worrying your head. You've been under a lot of stress lately. Why don't you go out and have a beer with the guys tonight?"

With a tender touch, Clara massaged lan's cheeks, and then, rising on her tiptoes, she planted a kiss on his face. "Feeling better now?" she asked with a smile.

lan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, his deep, dark eyes swirling with undisguised emotion. His warm lips gently brushed against Clara's cheek as he murmured in a hoarse voice, "As long as I have you, I have nothing to fear."

down and captured her soft lips in a deep, passionate kiss. They stood on the lawn, bathed in the radiant midday sun, lost

in the joy of holding Clara in his arms. The kiss grew more fervent, and he found himself not wanting to let go. Eventually, it was Clara who had to put a stop to it. "lan, that's enough...

quite strong. Have I not been working hard

in her ear, nibbling gently, "How

she playfully punched his chest. "Stop talking

her heated cheek and

in arm, they headed back

who had been standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, watched the entire exchange. Sipping his tea, he said in a low voice, "They look so perfect together. If they ever split up, lan would be devastated." Katherine, standing beside him, looked up and said softly, "Clara won't do that. She won't blame lan for Leonora's sins. They're

with unshed tears, her mind flashing

between