Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 269

"Go ahead and get some sleep; I need to have a quick word with him."

Just as Clara began to slip out of bed, she felt his arms wrap around her waist, holding her back. "Don't go."

His voice was low and had a touch of sadness, like something was weighing on him.

Clara was a bit puzzled but kept her tone calm and steady. "Z, you should get some rest."

He slowly released her, lying back down without a word, his face half-buried in the blanket. It was hard to tell if he was upset or just lost in thought.

Clara couldn't help but feel a tug at her heartstrings. He had a knack for that.

She had planned to head out and catch up with Simon, but now she just couldn't bring herself to leave. Instead, she snuggled back into bed.

"Feeling a bit down? You seem a little off tonight," she asked gently.

Z turned to face her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Clara couldn't quite figure out what had upset him so much, but she could feel his need to be close.

She was wide awake, having taken a nap earlier, so she decided to indulge in some light-hearted gossip with him.

let's chat for a bit. Tell me about your life. Is anyone giving you a

replied quickly, then paused before adding, "At

like he had been through

turned to him, playfully poking his chest. "Really? You're

words were teasing, and he caught her finger with a quick reflex. "You're the

bit wronged. When had she ever given

about to close her eyes, he said, "Tell me about your job, your boss, your

mentioning. As for my boss, he's pretty cutthroat." As soon as she said "cutthroat," the atmosphere got a little

of him at the hospital this afternoon and

at her, silent for a long

had closed her eyes, but she felt a large hand rest on the

kisses, the kind

a fan, feeling like she was giving up all control, left

"Z..."

for air,

she sensed he had a heavy heart, but

Everyone

woke

she was surprised to find