Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 721

Dylan didn't acknowledge him, his attention locked on Clara's face.

Charles felt like as long as he got his big brother's approval, everything else would fall into place. So, he slipped out of the room, headed down the hallway, and called Griffin.

"Hey, big bro, I want to stay in Palm Bay for a while. I'm not planning to come over to your place anytime soon."

Griffin was still at the banquet. Even though he'd already decided to team up with the Fergusons and the Warrens, other families kept trying to win him over, so he still had to play the social game. And Norman hadn't even shown up yet- completely unreliable.

Now Charles was calling with this, and Griffin had to take a deep breath. One after another, they all managed to keep him on edge.

"Big bro, Dylan's already said yes. Honestly, the guy's so into my sister it's almost funny. As long as she lets me stick around as her brother, I could probably turn Palm Bay upside down and Dylan wouldn't care."

Griffin paused. His little brother might be a bit clueless, but he always knew when someone meant well or not. Maybe it was just his innocence he could always sense what was real.

If he was saying this, then Dylan must have dropped all his guard around him.

Maybe it was time to seriously rethink that whole engagement with the North American Fergusons.

"Mitch."

"Huh? Something else, big bro? I'm kind of sleepy."

"Be good to your sister. I might need her help one day."

Charles uncomfortable for a second, but the feeling

"Alright."

planning to head back to the master bedroom, but barely made it to the

the guy up and

patch of skin showing,

mask, but the guy dodged

up. "You know, you're all pretty interesting. You're not scared of me, and you still play along. All

man in black:

playing

Inside the master bedroom.

the edge of the bed, unmoving, eyes never leaving Clara. He

to say, "Sir, you need to take care of yourself, too. Those people are watching your leg now-I don't

"Mm."

seemed to register

and Clara. A few hours ago, he'd been sure he'd never see her

always

give him hope. And just when he let himself hope, she'd cut him down again.

and heartbreak, over and over.

leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, then got up to

he came back, he stood at her bedside, just

her eyes closed, lashes trembling—she didn't look like

gently lifted her into his arms and