Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

"What are you laughing at now?"

The way she looked at him made Jackson feel like a complete idiot.

Kaitlyn just rolled up her window. "Move, I'm heading home."

He stood outside, helpless, watching as her car disappeared down the street.

The thought of her going home to her husband left him with a weird, unsettled feeling he couldn't quite name.

He stayed there for a moment, wondering if this was just what happened when you'd been single too long. She was supposed to be just a hookup, nothing serious. But now he found himself not wanting to let go-totally not his style.

Sighing, he pulled out his phone. Nicholas had blown up his messages, asking about Dylan's latest post.

Nicholas still thought Dylan married Clara just to get back at her.

Jackson didn't even bother to argue. Nicholas was too simple to bother explaining it all.

*

Dylan's post was everywhere in under half an hour.

Even if you weren't following him, you'd heard about it from someone.

And with the news that Tara Warren was already on her way back, people were buzzing-was the engagement between the Fergusons and Warrens still happening after this mess?

Everyone was waiting for the drama to explode, eager to see how it would end. Right on cue, Dylan's phone rang. It was the estate. Walter wanted to see him.

The butler sounded nervous on the line.

"Mr. Walter isn't in the best mood. Maybe take this time to really talk things out."

Dylan hung up and told Aiden to wheel him downstairs. He needed to make an appearance at the estate.

As soon as they reached the lobby, Clara was there, waiting quietly like she'd been there forever.

She stood up right away and followed them out without a word.

When Dylan got in the car, Clara slipped in too. He didn't say anything, which surprised her.

She watched the mansion gates slide past as the car pulled away. Finally, when they got close to an intersection, she turned to him.

"Mr. Dylan, you can drop me off here."

Dylan's eyes stayed lowered, like he hadn't heard her.noveldrama

She repeated herself. He finally looked at her and asked, "Where's your ring?"

Clara's lips quirked. The wedding ring?

She'd taken it off the first day-honestly, she had no clue where she'd put it.

She racked her brain but couldn't remember, so she said nothing.

Dylan didn't push.

That's when she noticed: he was still wearing his ring.

Was Dylan really taking all this that seriously? For a second, she almost fooled herself into thinking he might actually like her.

The car pulled up to the massive Ferguson estate. Dylan got out first, and Clara hurried after him.

He didn't stop her, just turned and asked, "You sure you want to come?"

Clara had no idea what was waiting inside, but this was one of the only chances she had to get out. Maybe

she could even find alle

home.

to go

"Yeah. Is that a problem?"

He straightened, like he'd made up his mind about something.

"Up to you."

Clara stared at the huge old

mansion, nerves suddenly kicking in. She wasn't sure if Walter knew what was going on between her and

Dylan. If he did, showing up now would be a disaster.

But if he didn't, she could always use the same old excuse-helping Dylan with

his insomnia or something.

She hesitated for a few seconds, watching Dylan get closer to the door.

In the end, she lost her nerve. She turned to leave, only for a group of bodyguards

to appear out of nowhere, bowing politely.

"Ma'am, please get in the car. Wait here until the gentleman returns."

No wonder Dylan let her come-he'd set this up from the start.

Annoyed but out of options, Clara

through the open window as the grand estate loomed in fron of her.

climbed into the car and watched et