Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 842

His hand froze on the fork. He didn't say a word.

Clara reached over, her palm gently covering his, right where he'd hurt himself. "You're still upset about those two words, aren't you? Okay, I promise I won't mention them again."

He looked up at her, eyes searching her face, like he wasn't sure he could believe her.

Honestly, Clara didn't get why he was so sensitive about it. Her handwriting was a mess; nobody would've figured out the words meant "mentor." She only recognized them because she'd been called that before. Otherwise, she'd never have guessed. So, did Dylan really figure it out? And was he that certain?

Her head started to ache, thoughts swirling, her expression flickering for just a second.

But she softened her voice. "I won't bring it up anymore, but you shouldn't dwell on it either. Just focus on eating and getting stronger, okay? And if you ever try something like that again-seriously, I'll be mad this time."

Being mad meant she cared.

He knew that. That's probably why he went to such extremes. If she truly didn't care, she would've just walked out and left him behind.

He dropped his gaze, about to start eating again, when she added, "I have to head out later, just for a bit. Meeting a friend. You stay home and rest, all right?"

As soon as she said it, she remembered what Aiden had warned her: Don't leave Dylan alone-take him with you, or he'll get lost in his own head.

she was meeting Kaitlyn, and it wouldn't

any files while you're home,

shoes, when Dylan suddenly asked, "Can't I

heart squeezed, sharp and

like some abandoned stray, always bracing for the moment someone might leave him behind. He never made a scene; he just hurt himself in

"I'll be back

say

worry. She pulled the housekeeper aside, quietly asking her to keep a close eye

set did she finally head out to meet

saw Clara, she looked her up and down, only relaxing once she was sure Clara was

and Seth are all the same," Kaitlyn teased. "Always vanishing. I guess that means you're not

worry about money these days. When she and Kaitlyn first started working together,

had first found Eli and Seth. She was starting to think their backgrounds might have something to

hidden this whole time. Had she been wrong all

night's phone call. Maybe those people would finally show themselves if she

just

back in her chair, rubbing her forehead. "Kaitlyn, what