Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Jackson's eyes landed on Dylan, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "Dylan, whatever happened, I'm just glad you're okay."

He turned to Clara, his voice gentle but serious. "I'll have to count on you to look after him for a while. If anything comes up that you can't handle, just call one of us, alright?"

Clara nodded.

Once the others had left, Charles made up an excuse and disappeared to play with MiloBuddy.

Finally, Clara glanced at Dylan's hand. She'd noticed it earlier-his wedding ring was missing.

He used to never take it off. Now, all that was left was a chunky signet ring on his thumb.

Where did that come from? Had the Chester family sent it over as some kind of token?

Dylan didn't remember anyone, so if he accepted that ring, did it mean he really planned to go through with marrying into the Chester family?

She spoke before she could think twice. "Can I have that ring?"

He looked up, meeting her gaze. The second the words left her mouth, Clara instantly regretted it. It was a token, probably important. How could she just ask for it like that?

Sure, he was gentle with her-gentler than he was with anyone else—but this was a ridiculous request. He'd probably be annoyed.

wrist

amber ring looked regal and a little intimidating, but it was way too big for her. She had to curl her finger just to keep it from

Clara started second-guessing herself. Maybe it wasn't what

ring, unsure. "You're really giving this to

just made a quiet sound,

only guess-maybe it was just a regular old

*

someone from the old

Palm Bay. He went straight to Dylan. "Young Master, the old

soon as he finished speaking, he caught sight of the ring on Clara's finger His face darkened. "That's a family heirloom. How could you

on the couch, nose in a book. She

trace of sarcasm flickered in the butler's eyes, but he ignored her and turned

this

Only the head of the Ferguson family is supposed

trembled. The

like nothing happened. He'd handed it over so casually-she really thought it was

slipped the ring off and set it

paused for a moment, a frown creasing his

she stay with him for