Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

He didn't bother saying anything-just grabbed a shirt and headed for the bathroom.

Clara, always a little clueless about these things, stayed put on the bed, waiting patiently.

When Dylan came out, he went straight to the closet, searching for a pair of pants. Clara didn't even try to look away. He hesitated, then ducked back into the bathroom to finish getting dressed.

Finally, when they were both ready, Dylan opened the door to leave.

"Where are you going? Are you coming home for dinner tonight?" Clara called after him.

He paused in the doorway, holding back for a few seconds before finally answering, "No. I won't be back tonight."

He had meetings lined up with a few business partners, and after that, he'd probably head to the old Ferguson family estate.

"You're going back to your family? What if your dad tries something again? What if, by the time you come back, whatever little bit of feeling you have for me is just... gone? I just don't trust him at all, and you don't even remember anything right now, you—"

Her worries kept tumbling out. After all, Dylan's father could easily manipulate him in his current state. What if Dylan came back even colder than before? They never really belonged in each other's worlds. If he shut her out completely, she might never see him again. After what happened, his father would probably do everything he could to get rid of her.

Dylan's hand tightened on the doorknob. He hesitated, then turned and slipped a signet ring onto her thumb.

"Keep this safe."

and looked up at him, searching

warmth of him, the familiar

this and find me in North

wall, wrapped her arms

then gave in and kissed her back. They lost themselves in each other for what felt like

if Walter tries to get rid of me?

eyelashes trembled as he looked away, gaze

die, you'll never see me again," Clara said with a teasing smile. "And if you forget me completely, even if begged for your help, you probably wouldn't care. When you're cold to someone, you

opened the door and called to the

"From now on, you stay

called him—had been

Isn't that a little risky? Walter's not exactly easy to deal with-he could probably take Kay

but Dylan could tell he was offended, just from

shake the feeling that Clara kept asking for more so much

be with you. And everyone in Palm Bay answers to