Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

It hit her out of nowhere, leaving her completely defenseless.

Her thoughts were scattered the whole drive back, but as soon as she dropped into her chair, she snapped right into work mode, steady and focused.

She powered through her tasks until noon, when the office door opened and someone called, "Richard's here."

She glanced up and saw him walk in, dressed sharp as always in a tailored suit.

Of all Dylan's friends, Richard was the only one who'd never been openly cold to her. From the very first time they met, there was this odd sense of familiarity between them-something she couldn't quite explain.

Richard's eyes lingered on her for a beat before he set a stack of documents beside her desk. "I thought you'd look worse today, honestly."

"Why's that?" she asked.

He sat down next to her, but didn't answer. Instead, he asked, "Is Dylan okay?"

So, he'd heard about the fire at the temple.

"He's fine. I made him stay home and rest," she replied.

Richard reached for a cigarette, paused, then set it aside. "Stick with him these days. He'll need you."

for a moment, then

brought over a glass of water for Richard, but he

was quiet-just the two of

she finished reviewing the documents, Clara smiled lightly. "Everything's in order. I'll sign

at her. “Don't bother reading any of the comments online right

the paperwork. She already knew what people must be saying about her after

a smile. "I'm not

always wanted

picked up Dylan's fountain pen, and signed her name

corner.

met his gaze. "You always seem pretty invested in me

watched her as he gathered up the papers. "Dylan and

feel about him yet," she admitted. "But I'd never do anything

"Just remember you said that. I'm not like Jackson or Nicholas-if anyone's going to be by Dylan's side, it should be you. No

said it so simply, then left the office without

starting to throb behind her eyes. It was the kind that crept in

afternoon, finished the last of her contracts, and finally got ready to

she stopped at a florist, thinking she'd

in hand, she spotted Aaron waiting

since