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

waiting, sleek and

worry written on his face. "Charles, you've been

for two days. Can you please just

He knew Richard would be calling again

like every minute

on, sis, let's

change Charles's

get some rest. Your

saw the concern in the doctor's eyes and

can we just rest tonight?

landing pad, looking

can get it for you just say

a moment, remembering the sparkling gemstones

in their games. "I like

But before

already dialing his phone.

bro, yeah,

Can you get

I want a

lot. You've

right? Why can't

them now.

get it done."

with a grin.

got plenty of, it's

nodded, completely innocent at ten, she

were actually worth.

to their conversation, felt like he was about to

buzzed-a call

away

voice low. The person

sounded

Charles suddenly