Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

She broke into a radiant smile, then leaned in and peppered his lips with a few quick, playful kisses.

Outside, several cars sped off into the night.

Clara slid back into her seat, finally ready to get to the point. "So... what exactly are we doing?"

"We're going to rescue your brother. He's been kidnapped. The kidnappers want to see you," Dylan said calmly.

Clara frowned. Since when did she have a brother?

"Can't my cousin help? He's just arrived in the country. He's supposed to meet me tomorrow night, anyway."

Dylan's jaw tightened. He didn't like Charles—after all, Charles was a Chester. But he had to admit, Charles genuinely cared about Clara. The kind of care that put her first, always from a protective, almost big-brother place.

Why did all these people keep showing up... trying to take her attention away from him...

But before those jealous thoughts could drag him under, Clara slid her hand into his, their fingers lacing together.

"Honey, you're the one who matters most to me. Really," she whispered. "Last night, I sat there just staring at our marriage certificate, smiling like an idiot. I literally can't fall asleep without looking at it-otherwise, I have nightmares. No matter who else is around, you're still the most important. You're my favorite."

She always said things like this-sweet, earnest confessions, like it was the easiest thing in the world.

He should be immune by now. He should know not to let it get to him.

But somehow, her words always went straight to his heart.

"Mm," he managed, voice low.

Seeing his reaction, Clara lit up again and leaned back, beaming. "And with you here, I know nothing will happen to my brother. But those people want to see me, right? That's why you can't go in with me. You're only letting me go because you want my brother to be safe. You care about me so much-you'd never risk anything happening to him, so you came back for me. You're afraid if something happens to him, I'll blame you."

Her voice wobbled, and suddenly her eyes were shining with tears. "Honey, you love me so much."

Up front, Aiden was driving, and even he couldn't help but sigh quietly at her words.

If she asked, the boss would probably give her his life without a second thought.

As if on cue, Dylan turned to look at her. Her eyes sparkled-so bright, so sincere it made his chest ache.

He reached out, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her hard.

She froze for a second in surprise, then slowly melted into the kiss.noveldrama

It went on for what felt like forever. When he finally let her go, his forehead rested

against her shoulder, breath coming quick and rough.

Clara's lips tingled. She heard him say quietly, "Say that again."

She struggled to remember which

thing

meant. After thinking f

bit, she guessed, "With you

nothing will happen to my

"No," he said, shaking his head.

She frowned, thinking hard, and then suddenly her eyes lit up. She straightened up, proud and certain. "Honey, you love me so much."

His breath caught. His hands tightened on her shoulders, holding her so close it almost hurt.

Clara was just about to ask what was wrong when he answered, soft and low, "Yeah."

Just then, the car rolled to a stop-they were there.

Clara reached for the door, remembering the kidnappers only wanted to see her.

But Dylan caught her hand before she could open it.

The place outside looked rundown, but it was a clever choice. Cars

couldn't get any closer, and the

tower nearby was high enough to let the kidnappers see everything betow.

If anyone tried to follow Clara up there,

the toexan would be thrown f It would haunt her formet

her

in an instant, right in

of

Dylan pulled her back, one hand gently cradling the back of her head, the other

slipping a small, elegant pistol into her pocket.

He pressed her up against the car door and kissed her again, while outside, raindrops tapped steadily against the window.

The sound of their kisses mixed with the rain, blurring together in the chaos of the night.