Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 697

She broke into a radiant smile, then leaned in and peppered his lips with a few quick, playful kisses.

Outside, several cars sped off into the night.

Clara slid back into her seat, finally ready to get to the point. "So... what exactly are we doing?"

"We're going to rescue your brother. He's been kidnapped. The kidnappers want to see you," Dylan said calmly.

Clara frowned. Since when did she have a brother?

"Can't my cousin help? He's just arrived in the country. He's supposed to meet me tomorrow night, anyway."

Dylan's jaw tightened. He didn't like Charles—after all, Charles was a Chester. But he had to admit, Charles genuinely cared about Clara. The kind of care that put her first, always from a protective, almost big-brother place.

Why did all these people keep showing up... trying to take her attention away from him...

But before those jealous thoughts could drag him under, Clara slid her hand into his, their fingers lacing together.

"Honey, you're the one who matters most to me. Really," she whispered. "Last night, I sat there just staring at our marriage certificate, smiling like an idiot. I literally can't fall asleep without looking at it-otherwise, I have nightmares. No matter who else is around, you're still the most important. You're my favorite."

She always said things like this-sweet, earnest confessions, like it was the easiest thing in the world.

He should be immune by now. He should know not to let it get to him.

words always went straight to

managed,

in with me. You're only letting me go because you want my brother to be safe. You care about me so much-you'd never risk anything happening to him, so you came back for me. You're afraid if something happens to him, I'll

voice wobbled, and suddenly her eyes were shining with tears. "Honey, you

front, Aiden was driving, and even he couldn't help but sigh quietly at her

would probably give her his

Dylan turned to look at her. Her eyes sparkled-so bright, so

pulled her into

surprise, then slowly melted into the

like forever. When he finally let her go,

shoulder, breath coming quick and

She heard him say quietly,

struggled to

thing

meant. After thinking f

guessed, "With

happen to

he said,

hard, and then suddenly her eyes lit up. She straightened up, proud and certain. "Honey, you love me so

tightened on her shoulders, holding her so close it almost

just about to ask what was wrong when

car rolled to a stop-they