Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 84

Simon flashed a confident grin, casually wrapping his arm around Quinn's waist like it was no big deal.

"Hop in, Quinn," he said with a nod towards the car.

Quinn slid into the front passenger seat, and Simon, ever the gentleman, leaned over to buckle her seatbelt.

After shutting the door, he turned to Clara and gestured towards the back. "Come on, Clara. We gotta get going. Mom's waiting."

Clara wasn't having it. Ignoring him, she dialed roadside assistance for her flat tire and started walking towards the street to catch a cab.

Simon jogged a few steps forward, urgency in his stride.

Just then, Quinn rolled down the window. "Simon..."

That single word seemed to ground him. It hit him-maybe Clara was ticked off because Quinn snagged the front seat. Clara had once laid claim to that seat, no questions asked. But ever since Quinn came along, that changed.

Simon's frustration simmered inside, and when he got back in the car and hit the gas, his eyes flickered to the side mirror where Clara stood, hailing a cab.

Next to him, Quinn's face twisted with irritation. Her lips pressed into a tight line. "Simon, maybe we should pick up Clara. You know how Mom is—it'll be a whole thing if we don't."

held him back. Now, with

today. It's

who once threatened to jump off a building to keep their engagement

in the mirror, Quinn clenched her fist and discreetly texted

Simon's really into my

message tapped into Colton's protective side as if he were some

call him again. "Nate, Clara's heading to your sister's place for dinner. What are you

always had his back, no matter what trouble he stirred up. Clara had embarrassed him once, and now he was determined to make

she rang the doorbell and was greeted by

"Ada, you're looking younger every

always know how to make someone

chatter flowed like a seamless

to the housekeeper, who rolled her eyes and inspected the gift box. "Clara, did you

off, thinking she must have

finding nothing, the housekeeper's face turned sour. "You always used to bring them before. It's been months since you visited, and I'm out. Did you forget? They need to be ordered in advance.

of complaint, making Clara chuckle lightly. "Are you talking to

housekeeper furrowed her brow, setting the box aside. "Who else? Never mind. I can't believe you'd forget about it. Just