Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 671

Charles took a deep breath, then walked straight over to Clara and gently

grabbed her hand.

"Clara, I'm just going to be real with you. You're not actually my sister, but from

now on, you're as good as. If anything ever happens, call me your brother. If

you're in trouble, I'll be the first one there for you, no matter what."

Clara looked at him, her eyes wide with confusion, then surprise. "Brother, what's

wrong?"

Charles looked into her clear, innocent eyes and felt a sharp ache in his chest.

She really didn't understand. In her mind, she was still just a ten-year-old kid.

He tried to smile. "Nothing's wrong. But listen, we can't go out tomorrow. I want

you to memorize my phone number, okay? This one's special-only my big

brother and Mitch know it. If you need anything, call me. No matter where I am, I'll

come find you."

She nodded and reached up to wipe a tear off his cheek. "Brother, why are you

crying?"

Charles let out a shaky laugh and waved her off. "Hey, guys can cry too. It's not a

big deal."

Clara didn't quite get it. "So... are we still playing cards tonight?"

He shook his head. "No, not tonight. I'm taking you to see the stars instead."

letting him lead her up

a helicopter sat waiting, sleek

over, worry written on

ragged for two days. Can you

Charles couldn't sit still. He knew

like every

let's

seeing he couldn't change Charles's mind,

should get some rest. Your body

doctor's eyes and glanced back at

just rest tonight? I don't really

down from the landing pad, looking worried. "You

do you want? I can get it for you just say

moment, remembering the sparkling gemstones

their games. "I like

in disbelief. But before he could say

already dialing his phone.

big bro, yeah, I need

you get them

I want

lot. You've

can't you do

now. Send someone

get it done."

Clara with a grin.

got plenty of, it's

innocent at ten, she had

were actually worth.

listening to their conversation, felt like he was

phone buzzed-a call

stepped away to answer,

The

sounded

Charles