Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 119

When Clara woke up, a cozy warmth wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. It took her a moment to realize she was already snuggled up in bed. She quickly got up, dashed to the bathroom, and splashed some cold water on her face. That was when she noticed a red mark on her neck. Leaning closer to the mirror, she rubbed at it furiously, but it wouldn't budge. Fancy that, even rich folks had mosquito problems.

She spotted a brand-new toothbrush waiting for her, so she freshened up and headed downstairs. It was the crack of dawn, just six o'clock, but breakfast was already laid out. Dylan was by the floor-to-ceiling windows, deep in a phone conversation.

Clara didn't want to interrupt, so she thought she'd just nod to the housekeeper and quietly slip away. But she didn't get far.

"Ms. Clara, please have some breakfast before you leave. Mr. Ferguson made a point of it," the housekeeper insisted.

Clara felt a warm flutter in her chest. Dylan had a frosty demeanor but really had a soft side.

"Has he eaten yet?" she inquired.

"No, he said he'd wait to share breakfast with you."

She took a seat at the dining table, expecting a long wait, but no sooner had she sat down than Dylan ended his call. He maneuvered his wheelchair over and started eating silently.

Clara thought about wishing him a good morning but hesitated when she sensed he wasn't in a chatty mood. Her hand dropped back down.

Maybe it was her imagination, but Dylan's ears looked a bit red, like he'd caught a touch of embarrassment. It was strange, for someone who always seemed so composed, like a noble figure in an oil painting, to have rosy ears.

She shrugged off the thought, intent on finishing her breakfast when the housekeeper piped up beside her. "Ms. Clara, what happened to your neck?"

night." The housekeeper handed her a small bottle of ointment. "Try some of this." "Thanks," Clara said,

It seemed a bit over-the-top to avoid each

aimed to take the driver's seat, only to find Aiden already there. So, she

hopped out first to open Dylan's

"Ms. Clara, you should head

distance was being

made her way upstairs solo. No point in letting Aiden's dislike

top floor, she ran into Simon, sporting some serious dark circles. He

as she sat at her desk.

now he's in the hospital. Naomi wants you to come with

that served him right. Still, she couldn't help but worry about her foolish brother. Ryan wasn't all bad, so she

No need for

scent-Clara never wore perfume, and yet she always smelled so captivating. He took a quick

a wheelchair-Dylan had arrived.

mischievous grin, leaned even closer, his cheek nearly

to shove him away, but then he dropped

you at Palm

he know that? Unless he'd had

have me