Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 11

The room went quiet for a beat before a wave of laughter broke out, dripping with

sarcasm.

"Simon, you really called it this time."

Tonight, Simon hadn't brought Quinn along; instead, he had some new escort hanging on his arm.

The moment Simon spotted Clara, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by a resigned look. He frowned, setting his drink down on the coffee table. "Clara, aren't you tired of this nonsense?"

She'd already made a scene at Moonlight a few times, and now she showed up dressed like the staff. Each appearance seemed to cheapen her more.

Clara bent slightly, picked up the priciest bottle of Château Margaux, and flashed a smile at the crowd. "Who ordered this? Need a hand opening it?"

She had caught their chatter while standing outside the door. A twinge of bitterness tugged at her heart, but as she entered and saw their flashy, nouveau riche airs, it felt like staring at a gold mine. Maybe she'd rake in that hundred grand sooner than expected.

Château Margaux was a cool million a bottle.

None of them were strapped for cash, but they were way more invested in seeing Clara embarrass herself.

Nate's eyes lingered on Clara's figure before he nudged Colton with his elbow. "You gotta admit, she's looking hot."

and Simon never stepped in. Having a stunning girl cause a ruckus over him was a badge of

stunning Clara was, she was a pathetic waste. "Clara, for every bottle you drink, we'll open

money for sure, but he knew Clara's drinking habits and was a bit skeptical about opening million

she can really put

Clara had uncorked the bottle and was smiling at everyone. "Alright, you said

he leaned back, lounging in his seat. "I did say it. Go on, drink. And Clara, don't say I didn't warn you— Simon doesn't like you. Everyone here hates you. If you get wasted and make the front page tomorrow, no one's

Quinn; Clara was just unwanted

brim, and drank until the bottle was empty.

anticipation turned to discomfort, as

showed no signs of getting drunk, as if she could tackle several more bottles. Three million had already been poured out, and no matter how wealthy they were, this wasn't the way to

buzz turned to tense silence. Someone, anxious that

Clara, stop making a fool of yourself."

mockery from the room. "Who are you kidding? Tonight's all about Simon, right? Though you

the fifth bottle, and Colton's face darkened with

stood up, grabbing Clara's wrist. "That's enough, stop before

eyes landing on Colton. "If this gentleman can't cover

red with anger. "Clara, it's antics like these that make Simon despise you. You're

"Oh, so you have a

was out, causing him to panic and instinctively glance at

shoved Clara. "What nonsense are

it up by looking at your buddy's face. Maybe check