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."

a reason to speak to Clara, but his pride held him

sighed again, adding softly, "But she texted me today. It's almost like she wanted me

car sped up. Of course, Clara couldn't just not care. The same woman who once threatened to jump off a building

in the mirror, Quinn clenched her fist and discreetly

I think Simon's really into my sister. What should I

protective side as if he were some knight ready to swoop in and save the

him again. "Nate, Clara's heading to your

sisters always had his back, no matter what trouble he stirred up. Clara had embarrassed him

she rang the doorbell and was

all sweet and flattering to Ada. "Ada, you're looking younger every time I see you. Here's some tea Simon

you always know how to make

a

and inspected the gift box. "Clara, did you skip the

momentarily thrown off, thinking

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

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

else? Never