Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 47

Clara had barely settled in for a half-hour rest when a knock interrupted her quiet time.

She opened the door and found Aiden standing there. His tone was as formal as ever. "Ms. Clara, Mr. Dylan has invited you for dinner."

Clara, having only snacked on apples earlier, was more than ready for a proper

meal.

As she stepped into Dylan's room, the lights were glowing brightly, showcasing a lavish dinner spread. Dylan sat at the table, engrossed in a book. He heard her enter, looked up slowly, and said, "Please, take a seat."

Clara felt her stomach rumble and sat down without fuss. "Thank you, Mr. Dylan."

The table was filled with at least fifteen different dishes-a showcase of culinary delights from land, sea, and air. Clara was taken aback by the luxurious spread, impressed by the effort Dylan had gone to.

She picked up her cutlery and started eating at a leisurely pace. Dylan put his book aside and began slicing into the steak on his plate.

Clara was nearly full when she noticed Dylan had hardly touched his food. She was surprised, expecting a man of his stature to have a bigger appetite.

Just then, a knock echoed through the room, but it wasn't Dylan's door-it was hers.

voice called, probably

sharp pain in her knee made her stagger. Her hand instinctively grabbed the tablecloth, pulling

spilled onto a rather embarrassing spot, and it took her a moment to realize that

gaze. He reached out, gently taking her wrist.

stood up straight. "I'm really sorry, Mr. Dylan. My

knee continued to

few moments longer, then asked, "Is it

North Ashford tonight. It's a bit of a drive from South Ashford, and I won't be back until late. There are apple orchards there, too, and I plan to talk to

neglected by the government in favor of South Ashford's more famous apples. If Clara's help was needed there, that was where she would

grip on her wrist tightened slightly, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin, leaving a warm sensation. He let go and said, "The farmers in North Ashford can be tough to deal with. They've got a lot of grudges from being overlooked." Clara was surprised he knew so much. Had he thought about North Ashford, too? "I know. I'll make sure they see I mean business. North Ashford's apples are just as good, and

to leave, but then Dylan's phone rang, the screen

Talk about bad timing.

What did Simon want

Clara staying? I just got to South Ashford and need to

pleased. It either meant delivering a luxury

his tone neutral, "Why

and now they're going after Quinn. Quinn's been crying, and I want Clara to apologize. She's her older sister, after