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.

life. Is anyone giving you a hard time

trouble," he replied quickly, then paused before adding,

like he had been through some rough times

poking his chest.

and he caught her finger with a quick reflex. "You're the

a bit wronged. When had she ever given him a

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

pretty cutthroat." As soon as she said "cutthroat," the atmosphere got

dreamt of him

silent for a long

hand rest on the back of her head, followed by

loved deep kisses, the kind that left them

was giving up all control, left hanging in

"Z..."

gasped for air, resting against his

sensed he had a heavy heart, but he

pressed. Everyone had

when she woke up, he was

was surprised to find Simon