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 to the

helicopter sat waiting, sleek and ready to

doctor hurried over, worry written on his face. "Charles, you've

two days. Can you please just

knew

felt like

let's

doctor, seeing he couldn't change

some rest. Your body still

the doctor's

rest tonight? I don't really

from the landing pad, looking worried.

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

moment, remembering the sparkling gemstones they'd

in their games. "I like the ones with jewels on

But before

already dialing his phone.

bro, yeah,

you get

a helicopter? I want a

lot. You've got

right? Why can't

now.

get it done."

Clara with a

brother's got plenty

innocent at ten, she had no

were actually worth.

their conversation, felt like he was about

buzzed-a

away to

voice low. The person

end sounded

does Charles suddenly