Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 618

Ryan pressed his lips together and looked away. "Who does he think he is, forcing you to marry him? And did you even know he has a kid? Clara, he's got a child with another woman, and he's done a pretty good job hiding it. I'm telling you— even if he acts all sweet with you, don't fall for it. He's hiding a lot from you. Maybe he just wants to marry you so his kid has someone to call mom. Who knows who the real mother is? For all you know, it might even be Tara, like you said."

Clara honestly hadn't heard anything about a child.

A headache started to pound behind her eyes. Dylan always did this to her-just thinking about him made her head hurt. So she decided not to think about him at all.

She took a long, steadying breath. "Ryan, get in touch with Z. Tell him if he has questions, he can ask me in person. Just say I didn't have a choice."

Ryan didn't like it, not one bit, but he could see she actually cared about Dylan. He didn't have it in him to argue anymore.

He didn't want to leave. He'd barely gotten to see Clara, and he wanted a few more minutes.

But Clara didn't give him the chance. "Go home. And don't say a word to anyone about tonight. Not a single word."

Ryan nodded, dragging his feet as he left, glancing back at her every few steps. "Ryan." Clara called out again.

He perked up, thinking maybe she wanted him to stay after all, but she just pointed to Emily, who was half-asleep on the couch.

"Take her with you. Find her somewhere safe to stay, or just let her crash at your place."

was just the basics-tea, water,

and lifted Emily onto his back, then turned to Clara. "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything

noticing for the first time how much sturdier Ryan looked these days. She smiled.

her sound so gentle made

was all his fault,

Emily out, but Emily

eyelids drooping

reached out and

gently.

the rehab center. Don' worry. Once things settle

"

"That's not what I meant. Just... take care of yourself, okay? I heard what Grandpa said. If big names are involved, don't get caught

still carrying her, scoffed. "Take care of me? I don't need anyone

temples, shooing them away. "Go. I need to

didn't want to leave, but he knew better than

the passenger seat of his

was barely awake, but she managed to mumble, "Clara, you're the

the steering wheel a little tighter. "Of course she

faintly, then drifted off