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."

a stunning girl cause a ruckus over him was a badge of honor among

of disdain. 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 bit

she can really put

could finish, Clara had uncorked the bottle and was smiling at

see her drunkenly humiliated, so 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

knew the Bradfords favored Quinn; Clara was

it to the brim, and drank until the bottle was empty. Then she started on

to discomfort, as if ants were crawling all over

million had already been poured out, and no matter how wealthy they were, this wasn't

turned to tense silence. Someone, anxious that Colton couldn't handle

a fool of yourself." Clara finished the fourth bottle, then smiled at him. "And who

you kidding? Tonight's all about Simon, right? Though you

fifth bottle, and Colton's face darkened with

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

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

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

her last glass. "Oh, so you have a

out, causing him to

shoved Clara. "What nonsense

tell I'm not making it up by looking at your buddy's face. Maybe check if he's