Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 253

After Clara hung up the phone, she rested her head against Z's chest, still reeling from the thrill he had given her earlier. The man held her gently, not moving, just being there for her.

Clara felt as if Simon's harsh words had somehow turned them into secret lovers, hiding away from the world. She couldn't help but chuckle.

He tilted her chin up, looking a bit serious. "What's so funny?"

"I just feel like we're living in the shadows," she replied.

His silence spoke volumes, and she realized she might have touched a nerve. Quickly, she said, "Until you're ready to step out with me, I won't push you. I'll come to see you here, is that okay?"

She held his face tenderly, almost coaxing him. He murmured an agreement, burying his head into her neck, a hint of sadness lingering.

Clara thought about suggesting they get him a place closer to her. She had some funds saved up from a deal with Naomi, and it seemed like a good use. But she held back, afraid to hurt his pride.

Sighing, she shifted the conversation. "By the way, I noticed a grave outside. Whose is it?"

He nestled into her neck and, after a while, replied in a hoarse voice, "My brother's."

Clara's heart ached. "Your brother?"

"Yeah, we were twins."

Regret washed over her for asking, fearing she had reopened an old wound. She was about to apologize when he kissed her neck lightly, saying, "He was the shining star, and I'm the shadow. So, I live here."

anymore. She cupped his face and

a long moment, she pulled back,

don't

Knowing what she did now, she couldn't

in, she was fine with that. If he had no friends, she'd be enough. She wouldn't even look at his face if that made him self-conscious.

just a fraction of his story, yet feeling so much pain for

the couch, comfortable and warm, making her sleepy. There was

securely

how long you

bad, get

was all she needed to drift

the quiet, he watched her sleep, unable to resist kissing her until she pushed him away

felt like vines were wrapping around her, holding her

a warm breakfast waiting for her.

leisurely, knowing he still wanted his privacy, she drove straight to

as she arrived at the top floor, Simon was waiting for her. His dark circles were hard to miss, and he nearly sprang from his seat when

"Clara!"

shouting, letting the entire floor know about her

whispered, taking a

smirked, grabbing her wrist and dragging her

off with some guy?! Have you no shame? Was it Dylan? Are you that far in with him? Seducing