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.

breath, but the heat didn't

she thought she was back in that shabby apartment she'd once called home. In the next, maybe she was here, maybe she

over, suddenly aware

"Hot."

all she managed. She squeezed his hand tighter, reaching for something-anything-that might make the burning

but all she found was the steady, cool presence of

him, murmuring, "Be good,

let go,

of protest, fumbling blindly

but everything was

tried to make out the face hovering above her, but it wouldn't come into focus. Still,

who was that,

laughed, pulling him down so she

get

was answering, her voice

to gently pry

his

clumsy but intent.

looked so serious, like she was

remembered what the doctor had warned: the meds might leave her lost in her own

for a tissue, meaning to wipe the sweat from her

suddenly she leaned in, pressing a few kisses to

froze, lashes trembling, then closed his

kissing along his jaw and finally

a hand behind her back, making it easier for her to stay