Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 595

The corridor stretching from the chapel to the main house felt endless, every sound of the wheelchair sharp against the silence, the tension thick enough to taste.

Aiden tried to break the mood. "She's okay, really. Just took a bullet to the shoulder. She's resting now."

Dylan barely seemed to hear him, his eyes drifting over the columns and pavilions around them. There was a wounded look in his gaze, something raw and exposed.

"Don't blame yourself, sir," Aiden added, a little gentler. "Mrs. Ferguson, she's always been tough..."

Dylan's attention dropped to the ring on his finger. His lips twisted into something like a smile, but it was more pain than amusement.

"I just keep wondering," he murmured, "if living in his place is really fair to anyone."

The world felt divided, always just out of reach. Only with Clara did he get a moment's peace—and even that was only because she'd lost her memory. The second she remembered, he knew that peace would be gone, and she'd slip away for good.

When they got back to Palm Bay, the doctor was already there to check Clara. But she was burning up, drifting in and out of consciousness, her face flushed and her hair damp with sweat.

The doctor set his stethoscope aside. "She's exhausted. Worn out from worry. I doubt she's slept properly in days. Should I prescribe something to help her rest?"

his fingers through hers. Seeing her like this-so vulnerable,

want me to give her a sedative?" Dylan's

hesitated. "When it's caused by stress, only she can fix it. Maybe try talking to her, help her figure out what's weighing on her mind. Once she lets go, the

was too much—especially with this fever. She might be confused for a while. She shouldn't

out to the hallway, "Get

in. Dylan's eyes lingered on the black cloak he

in a rush to see Tara, not paying

"Just... two bottles."

sharp and angry.

and slipped away. As

isn't a joke, you know. I've heard some people say

shot the man a look, half pity, half annoyance.

gives you one

right. When are you

was mutual. Aiden always

his lips together, his words coming out in a