Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 459

Clara grabbed her companion's hand once more, guiding her through the estate's now-darkened paths. Earlier, the place was alive with lights, but now shadows had taken over. Thankfully, the way out was still fresh in her mind.

As they neared the estate's entrance, a thought nagged at Clara. Why hadn't the enigmatic owner shown up? But there was no time to dwell on it; she had to get Z to the car.

The path was dim, with only a distant porch light swaying gently in the night breeze. Clara placed the bouquet of roses in the back seat, stepping back to close the door, nearly stumbling as she did.

Nearby, a fresh tire track in the snow hinted at recent visitors. She steadied herself and opened the driver's door. Z sat silently in the passenger seat, his head bowed, deep in thought.

Clara drove him back to his cozy townhouse. The soft glow from a lamp by the sofa was enough to reveal just his hand. She quietly tended to his wounds, blowing gently on his palm.

"I can't stay tonight. You need to get some rest, okay?" she said softly.

guilt. She still had to deliver the roses to

in, cradling his face as she kissed him deeply. His lips, cool at first, warmed quickly against hers.

now, she might never go. She pulled back, giving him a few more quick kisses.

said again, a soft

she glanced back at the dark townhouse, unease settling in her chest. It was already past one in the morning, and she had a long

she reached Palm Bay, exhaustion had fully set in. The security guard at

was surprised the

head in. The boss has been waiting for you all

about these roses that much? She hopped onto the estate's

stop as someone stumbled into its path. Clara steadied

she could react, a woman