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.

somehow, her words always went straight

he managed,

go 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

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

even he couldn't help but

would probably give her his life without a second

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

reached out, pulled her into his arms, and kissed

froze for a second in surprise, then slowly

went on for what felt like forever. When

shoulder, breath coming quick

tingled. She heard him say quietly, "Say

struggled to remember

thing

meant. After thinking f

guessed,

will happen

said,

hard, and then suddenly her eyes lit up. She straightened up, proud and certain.

hands tightened on her

just about to ask what was wrong when he answered, soft and low,

the car rolled to a