Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 457

He always had that way about him-so in control, it made people want to tear their hair out. No wonder he wasn't the most popular guy around.

While things were heating up back there, Clara had already made her way a good thousand meters along the path. The higher she climbed, the stronger the scent of cherry blossoms filled the air. As the snow fell heavier that night, she kicked herself for not bringing an umbrella. After another five hundred meters, she finally came across a flat patch of land.

The cherry blossoms here were even more stunning than the ones she'd spotted near the ruins. She hurried over, planning to snag a few branches and head out, intending to swap them for an old painting first thing in the morning.

Just as she reached for a branch, the sound of footsteps crunching through the snow caught her attention. The streetlights seemed to dim, and when she saw that familiar face, she was taken aback.

"Z?"

He approached, snapping off a few branches taller than she was and laid them down in front of her. Clara blinked through the snowflakes clinging to her lashes, trying to clear her vision.

"What are you doing here?"

"I followed you. You walked right past my place but didn't stop by. Who's the lucky one getting these flowers?"

her spine. His jealousy was flaring up, and she knew she'd have

for myself. You like

tried to play it cool, quickly taking the branches he offered, then pointed to a higher spot.

over her head,

and snapped off a bunch more. "Is this

owner of the estate, nodded quickly.

back down the path, reaching out for his hand. But after just a

to his side. "Are

phone to turn on

he held her face and kissed her. Afraid the branches might scratch him, she let them

minutes. She finally turned her head, her voice thick with concern. "Why does it taste like blood?

to kiss her. Frustrated, Clara pushed him away and felt something wet on her palm. She checked his hand and found it smeared with

with an injured

surged through her, making her chest tremble. She stood, grabbed a few scattered