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.

ready to slip away, but he caught her wrist and, without saying a word, slipped the signet ring

big for her. She had to curl her

Clara started second-guessing herself. Maybe

with the ring, unsure.

made a quiet sound, not bothering

was just a regular old ring after

*

evening, someone from the old house showed up the butler

straight to Dylan. "Young Master, the old master wants to know-are you choosing

His face darkened. "That's a family heirloom. How could

a book. She looked up at

sarcasm flickered in the butler's eyes, but he ignored her

Master, this

of the Ferguson family is supposed to weaDit. Giving it

The

like nothing happened. He'd

and set it beside him. "You should

paused for a moment, a frown

with him for