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 honor among

No matter how stunning Clara was, she was a pathetic waste. "Clara, for every

sure, but he knew Clara's drinking habits and was a

she can really

uncorked the bottle and was

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

knew the Bradfords favored Quinn;

it to the brim, and drank until the bottle was

discomfort, as if ants were crawling all

she could tackle several more bottles. Three million had already been poured out,

Someone, anxious that

stop making a fool of yourself." Clara finished

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

opened the fifth bottle, and

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

on Colton. "If this gentleman can't cover

his face was red with anger. "Clara, it's antics

finished her last glass. "Oh, so you have

secret was out, causing him to panic and instinctively

shoved Clara. "What nonsense are

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