Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

After hanging up, she trudged over to the big bed, feeling drained.

Charles lingered in the doorway, looking uneasy. "My brother just called again. I was supposed to stay another month, but he wants me back in North America tomorrow. Sis, I'm sorry-I have to go. Dylan should be heading there in a month, so we'll probably meet up then."

Clara looked up, not ready to let him leave, but she knew Charles had his own path to follow.

She wasn't a fan of the Chester brothers, but she understood that Charles still cared about them in his own way.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" she said quietly.

Charles nodded, then remembered something. "I'm leaving MiloBuddy with you. I'm good in a fight, and those guys back in North America don't like them anyway. With them on your side, you'll be able to track down anyone you need."

Clara didn't argue-she honestly had no idea what she was about to face.

"Thank you, Charles."

He didn't want to leave either, but when it came to his big brother's orders, he didn't have a choice. "Just promise me, don't go head-to-head with Louella unless you have to. If you do, make sure it's somewhere no one's watching. MiloBuddy will warn you first. If you get caught by those people, nobody can save you."

He stopped himself from saying more, knowing if he kept going he might not be able to walk away.

He'd never felt this kind of heavy, bittersweet feeling before. It was almost too much.

should go. I need to get back to my place and pack. I'll text you the address. The helicopter will be waiting there for you. If you

nodded again, eyes stinging with

already turned, gave a

Clara couldn't sleep. She ended up taking a long bath, changed into fresh clothes, and stood

still hadn't come home, and worry gnawed at

Aiden, but

Now that Ms. Louella had arrived in the Capital, she was sure the old man

and Aiden's numbers over and over, but

choice, she

he picked up, voice cool and

set his pen down slowly. "He didn't come home

"No."

in his chair.

overseas Ferguson family has been at the old house lately. Who knows what he's planning. Clara,

the Capital

eyes. Of course she wanted to stay

house for

pen between his fingers. "You're

pressed her lips together. "Didn't you say you wanted things to work out between