Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara froze for a few seconds, her mind blank. Panic took over and she snatched a vase from the cabinet, smashing it right over his head.

A rush of sweet plum blossom filled the air. The dried flowers she'd arranged so carefully scattered their petals everywhere, and the beautiful vase-one she'd picked out just for him-shattered to pieces against his skull.

But Clara had no idea the flowers were the ones she'd given him, or that the vase was expensive.

Pressed against the wall, she eyed him warily, her voice tight. "Are you clear- headed now?"

Dylan didn't answer. He just felt something warm drip down his face.

He didn't bother to touch it. Instead, his gaze drifted to her lips.

Her lips were swollen and bright red. There was even a spot of blood at the corner his doing.

Clara felt a chill under the weight of his stare. She couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the Dylan she knew.

If Dylan used to be pure white, the man in front of her now was all shadow and contrast-dangerous, unpredictable.

If the old Dylan had manners and boundaries, she used to think she could handle him.

But right now, she felt like prey, dangled in front of a hungry lion.

She dropped her gaze and made a break for the door, but his voice stopped her.

"I asked Aiden to get your household register. We're getting our marriage certificate tomorrow morning."

Clara froze, her hand locked around the doorknob.

She gripped it so tightly, her knuckles went white.

"Mr. Dylan, I told you-I have a boyfriend."

matter

four words.

forcing herself to stay calm. "That's not true.

the vase shards at his feet. "You really don't have

words hit her like

mean being heartless? She just wanted the

have to mean dragging

I leave the country, Walter will stop meddling in your marriage. I promise, I'll never come

as she finished, Dylan stepped right up to

her chin. "I said, you really have no

ached and

her lips, wiping away the

him off, desperate to put some space between

he cupped her face in his hands, his voice low and

"Clara, don't push me."

midair. She had no idea what to say, or what to do

words

I'll

fluttered. She shoved him away,

was genuinely scared now, her face gone

open the bedroom door,

the first floor, she nearly collided

say a word,

either. She

over

for the front

and rushed past,

Bay was huge-way