Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 622

Clara had spent two days unwinding at the little inn, more relaxed than she'd been in ages. In the early evening, she decided to step out for a walk on her own.

This city sat right next to the Capital-business was booming here, too. The Capital had its famous river, but this place had the sea. Her inn was small, but if you followed the straight road in front, you'd reach the ocean in about twenty minutes.

Spring was in full swing. The flowerbeds along the way were starting to bloom, and Clara felt light on her feet. She even passed a few people selling seashells on the sidewalk.

When she finally got to the beach, the wind was wild, carrying that sharp, briny scent only the sea could have. The view was beautiful, but she couldn't help noticing how empty it felt seeing it all by herself.

After a while, she found a phone booth near the road and called Ryan.

She told him to get in touch with Z. Why hadn't he shown up yet? Was he still angry with her?

Clara didn't dare reach out to Z herself. With her ties to Dylan, there were too many people from the Capital watching her every move. She didn't want to drag Z into her mess.

"Clara, I already called him," Ryan said. "He was as rude as ever-hung up before I could finish my sentence. Are you sure you want to be with someone like that?"

Clara rubbed her forehead, feeling the ache in her head get worse with the evening breeze.

She took a deep breath. "Did he say anything else?"

he'd be furious, maybe even show up on her doorstep. But all she got was silence. She'd thought after Ryan told

how Z felt about her, but

worried Simon would catch on. When he spoke again, his

place. We planned that thing together last time, and now he's worried Dylan's going to come

like that

the shield for someone else was risky. And really, where did Simon get the idea

I just couldn't stand the thought of you being forced to marry. That's all I could think about. Clara, you have no idea how much you used to hate him. Maybe being away will

Dylan, but he didn't care. He

it any further. She just asked him to swing by Z's place if he had a

like there was something lurking there

with a guy

he drove over again, slipping through the

the little house was

sat in his car, chain-smoking, telling himself he'd wait

to.

rang. Simon was calling, asking where he

of his sight. Annoyed, Ryan had no choice but