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.

shaky breath, but the heat didn't let up. Everything

in that shabby apartment she'd once called home. In

suddenly aware of a hand holding

"Hot."

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

she found was the steady,

tugged at him,

hand let go,

of protest, fumbling blindly until she found him

but everything was blurry, her mind fogged by fever

out the face hovering above her, but it wouldn't come into focus. Still, some part of hef

who was

she laughed, pulling him down so she could see

I get it. It's

who she was answering, her

pry her fingers from his

his face,

clumsy but intent.

she looked so serious,

what the doctor had warned: the meds might leave her lost in her own head, floating somewhere

tissue, meaning to wipe the sweat from her

she leaned in, pressing a few

trembling,

kept going, kissing along his jaw and finally reaching the

gently slipped a hand behind her back, making it easier for her to