Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 841

When Clara walked back into the master bedroom, Dylan still had his eyes closed. But she knew him too well-not a chance he was actually asleep. His mind was always a storm, and right now, it was probably running wild with thoughts he'd never admit out loud.

She repeated what the mysterious stranger had told her, then asked quietly, "Dylan, do you think this is aimed at me or at you?"

He finally opened his eyes, staring up at the ceiling, looking lost. But it wasn't tonight's drama that had him shaken; it was something else, something deeper he wouldn't let her see.

"Clara, I just want to sleep," he said, voice flat.

She came over, worry creasing her brow as she caught the emptiness in his gaze. Gently, she pressed her hand to his forehead-just to reassure herself-then let out a soft sigh.

"Don't keep me guessing, Dylan. If something's wrong, just say it. Don't make me figure it out on my own."

He was already impossible to read, and when he chose to hide things, she felt completely shut out. She was terrified of making things worse for him without even knowing it.

But if he was the type to open up easily, maybe he wouldn't be so broken in the first place.

She took a deep breath, leaned down, and kissed him-just a gentle brush, a wordless comfort.

His hand started to reach for her, but fell back halfway.

Clara lay down next to him, her head on his shoulder, her voice soft. "You don't like Eli and Seth either, do you?"

say he wanted to sleep at a moment

dislike for people. Just look at how obvious he was with

squeezed her hand tight.

past was tangled up with Eli

pressing her cheek to his chest. "Why not? Or are you just

quietly, eyes still closed. "They hate me. Hate me so much, they

silent, her brows furrowing. Something flashed through her mind,

dark as she closed them,

*

next morning, someone from the Ferguson family's old

come in acting all high and mighty. Today, he was humble, almost

have to go

on the couch reading his newspaper, completely ignoring

few seconds, the butler dropped to his

should take it. He's not even asking you to leave Clara for good-you can still have her with you if that's what you

put down the newspaper, irritation flickering in

butler, realizing Dylan wouldn't respond, turned and kneeled in front

used to look down on

going to just watch him throw away everything he's worked for? If you love him,

quiet for a moment. "If he's happy, that's all

then snapped, "What kind of answer is that? The master was always happy until you showed up! You're the reason he's acting crazy