Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 636

Blood streaked her wrists—thin, angry lines that looked almost cruel.

Dylan pulled a small tube of ointment from his suit pocket, squeezed some onto his finger, and gently smoothed it over her raw skin. His touch was careful, almost tender, but even that simple contact made her tense up. Her arm was stiff, resisting him without a word. She knew better than to argue, though; sometimes survival meant staying silent.

This wasn't what he wanted to see.

He finished tending both wrists, then headed into the bathroom to wash the ointment from his hands. When he came back, she was still on the floor, hugging her knees, eyes distant. Dylan crouched beside her, tilting her chin up so she had to look at him.

For a second, she just stared, then squeezed her eyes shut, shutting him out completely.

Without a word, Dylan scooped her off the floor and carried her to the bed. That was when Clara snapped back to herself, thrashing in his arms.

He set her down, leaned in, and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Sleep," he said.

Clara's heart thudded painfully. She bit her lip, forcing herself to go still. She knew her limits-if she pushed him any more, things would spiral out of control. She turned her head away, chest rising and falling with every shaky breath.

Dylan straightened up, lingering at her bedside for a moment. From outside, someone called, "Sir, Ms. Warren is here."

"Okay," his eyes resting on Clara a little longer before he

door, Clara heard Tara's voice. "Dylan,

"It's fine."

after five. Tara hadn't come alone-Mrs. Ferguson was with her. Dylan, now

didn't follow right away. She peered into the room, a dangerous glint in her eyes. Clara was back-there was no one else who could have left marks

She actually hit him.

fingernails digging into her palm. The taste of blood filled her mouth, but she kept her cool. Now

Mrs. Ferguson saw the bruise on Dylan's face and shot to her feet. "What happened to your face? Who would dare lay a hand

a shrug. His voice was light, almost careless. "I made Clara

knew exactly why Dylan had

had no idea what that

done to her son, but

heir's authority. word got out Dylan couldn't

If hen control

command respect?

in a slow breath, remembering Tara's warning to keep calm, and forced