Clara sat on the edge of the bed while he sat on the floor, close enough for comfort-like a big, lost puppy needing a little warmth.

Her hand paused for a moment, fingers threading gently through his damp hair. With her other hand, she raised the blow dryer a bit higher.

She didn't push him away. Tonight, Dylan really did seem like a stray, drenched by the rain and desperate for somewhere to belong.

After seven minutes, his hair was finally dry.

She thought he'd let go, but he didn't.

Clara unplugged the blow dryer and wound up the cord, not sure what to say next.

Should she nudge him away? He clearly needed comfort right now.

But if she didn't, they couldn't just stay like this forever.

She glanced at the wall clock-almost ten.

"Dylan, you should get some sleep."

He mumbled, "Mm," but still didn't move.

Clara ruffled his hair. "Come on, get some rest. We'll figure everything out together tomorrow."

He pressed his head gently against her waist, nuzzling her like he didn't want to let go. "Okay."

she stood up a little too quickly.

her clothes, and she was honestly surprised she'd managed to hold onto

and took a quick shower. When she came out, he was already lying on the bed, quiet and still, fast asleep. Clara walked over and looked

little good luck charm sat on the nightstand, a silent reminder that

whispered, "I'll help you through this.

an answer, she climbed into

course, she

maybe he'd try something else. She waited for any sign from the family estate. But the night passed quietly; nothing happened at

man had

in the city would just see her, Clara, as the Ferguson family's bad luck charm-the one

maybe he'd

man didn't have to admit a thing. Gossip alone would be enough to get

you got labeled as "bad luck"

matter how capable you were-you'd be pushed out. Just like that kid years ago, the one everyone said

through, Clara started

man had used every dirty trick he had-on his

breakfast, glancing at Dylan,

ever since he'd woken up, he'd been

staying here

"Yeah?"

long as you come

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