Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 589

She used to think he was just putting on an act he was Dylan, after all. In Manhattan, his name alone was enough to make anyone listen. What could someone like him possibly be afraid of?

But now, it hit her: everyone has a cage, even Dylan.

Clara squeezed the tissue in her hand, ready to push him away. But Dylan closed his eyes, voice raw and soft.

"Just let me stay a little longer."

Clara froze. She hated seeing him like this-vulnerable. The Dylan she knew was supposed to be untouchable, always above the mess of ordinary life.

She leaned back, and before she knew it, she'd drifted off to sleep.

Aiden came downstairs once. Seeing the two of them slouched together on the sofa, he almost smiled. It was a rare, gentle look on his face. He was about to head back upstairs when Dylan slowly sat up.

Dylan rubbed his temples, eyes lingering on Clara, still asleep. For a long moment, he just watched her. Then, almost hesitantly, he reached out, tracing the curve of her brow and the line of her cheek with his fingertips.

Finally, he scooped her up in his arms, carrying her upstairs.

the guest room, every movement careful, as if she might shatter. He bent to tuck her in, his gaze settling for a moment on her lips. Clara always looked cool and distant, but there was a natural, gentle curve at the corners of her

lips before finally brushing them with a

he straightened up, left the room, and pulled the door quietly

slept on,

his way to the study, where Aiden

Dylan's mood had been off since they got back from the

slumped into his chair,

know not to go back there,"

underestimated them-they'd even managed to find that

done," Aiden

second, voice careful. "Mrs.

Ferguson, things were about to get messy,

himself he'd never regret keeping Clara by his side, no matter what it took. Hated or despised, even if she wanted him dead he could live

the kindness in her eyes, her open honesty, it cut him deeper than he wanted to admit.

bright the moonlight, it only made the darkness inside him look