Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 709

Charles was supposed to meet up with Clara today, but he'd been calling her since early morning and she still hadn't picked up. Not once.

The last call finally connected, but it wasn't Clara on the other end-it was some guy.

Ryan was already at his limit. Whoever kept spamming Clara's phone had been at it all day; her poor battery probably couldn't take much more.

But before Ryan could snap at him, the stranger spoke first.

"Hey, sis, I'm at Palm Bay but there's literally no one here. Where are you? Which way am I supposed to go?"

Charles's helicopter was parked right there on the Palm Bay lawn, bold as anything. As he'd landed, he could almost feel the unfriendly vibes-like a hundred eyes were following him. Now, he was just standing in front of his shiny chopper, bored out of his mind.

Hearing someone call Clara "sis" made Ryan bolt upright. "Who the hell are you?"

Charles seemed just as confused, running his fingers through his hair. "Who are you? You don't sound like Dylan. Did my sister trade up for someone new? Is she cheating on Dylan or what?"

That didn't make sense. She'd looked perfectly happy the last time she walked off with Dylan.

Ryan took a deep breath, rattled off the address, and told Charles to come over.

When Charles showed up, what he saw was Clara sprawled out on the bed, completely passed out.

He rushed over and scooped her up, panic written all over his face. "Sis, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

was being and stormed over, prying

you think you're

over, squinting at

of nowhere. What kind

She'd fumbled for her phone, sent a half-asleep text, and immediately passed

her

What the hell did you do to get Clara

night, Ryan's world had flipped upside down-again. Losing his dad, Johnny, had already changed everything, but last night had taken things to a

bed, glancing at Clara for a few

you two really siblings? You don't even look

life for him. His chest burned with a

no point talking to

like a kid, but he could tell when someone meant well or not. He crossed his arms.

my sister

we'll sort this out."

phone rang. It was

family party was about to start, and everyone was already heading to

know

"Mitch, where are you?"

scratched his