Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 596

The doctor set the vial of liquid sedative on the nightstand, his voice barely above a whisper.

"If you want to use this, sir, it's here. It won't mend her heart, but at least she'll get some real sleep."

Dylan didn't reply. He just sat there, quietly holding Clara's hand.

The doctor slipped out, closing the master bedroom door behind him, leaving the room in heavy silence.

Clara's hand was burning in his.

That little red beaded bracelet she always wore stood out on her pale wrist-he couldn't look away.

He bent over, pressing her hand to his cheek. His hair fell forward, shielding his eyes and whatever he was feeling.

Her palm was burning up, but the beads felt cool against his skin.

He stayed like that, not moving, his other hand drifting gently to her bandaged shoulder.

The wound wasn't deep, but just knowing she was hurt made his chest tight.

Clara felt like she was on fire, like someone had tossed her into a furnace and left her there.

She cracked her eyes open, only to be hit by harsh, blinding light. They fluttered shut again, tears squeezing out. Her voice was rough, barely more than a whisper.

"Can you turn off the light?"

Someone listened. The glare disappeared in an instant, darkness settling around her.

let out a shaky breath, but the heat didn't let

shabby apartment she'd once called home. In the next, maybe she was here, maybe she was somewhere

aware of

"Hot."

all she managed. She squeezed his hand tighter,

searching for relief, but all she found was

tugged at him, murmuring, "Be

let go, pulling away

a sound of protest, fumbling blindly until she found him

eyes open, but everything was blurry, her mind fogged by fever and

come into focus.

was

she laughed, pulling him down

I get it.

she was answering,

lowered his lashes, trying to gently pry her fingers from

cupped his face,

clumsy but intent.

really focus, but she looked so serious, like she was trying to memorize

warned: the meds might leave her lost in her

reached for a tissue, meaning to wipe the sweat from her

in, pressing a

froze, lashes trembling, then closed

along his jaw and finally reaching

behind her back, making