Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Ryan pressed his lips together and looked away. "Who does he think he is, forcing you to marry him? And did you even know he has a kid? Clara, he's got a child with another woman, and he's done a pretty good job hiding it. I'm telling you— even if he acts all sweet with you, don't fall for it. He's hiding a lot from you. Maybe he just wants to marry you so his kid has someone to call mom. Who knows who the real mother is? For all you know, it might even be Tara, like you said."

Clara honestly hadn't heard anything about a child.

A headache started to pound behind her eyes. Dylan always did this to her-just thinking about him made her head hurt. So she decided not to think about him at all.

She took a long, steadying breath. "Ryan, get in touch with Z. Tell him if he has questions, he can ask me in person. Just say I didn't have a choice."

Ryan didn't like it, not one bit, but he could see she actually cared about Dylan. He didn't have it in him to argue anymore.

He didn't want to leave. He'd barely gotten to see Clara, and he wanted a few more minutes.

But Clara didn't give him the chance. "Go home. And don't say a word to anyone about tonight. Not a single word."

Ryan nodded, dragging his feet as he left, glancing back at her every few steps. "Ryan." Clara called out again.

He perked up, thinking maybe she wanted him to stay after all, but she just pointed to Emily, who was half-asleep on the couch.

"Take her with you. Find her somewhere safe to stay, or just let her crash at your place."

She needed Emily looked after, even if it was just the basics-tea, water, a bed. Ryan pressed his lips together and nodded.

He walked over and lifted Emily onto his back, then turned to Clara. "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything you asked me to do."

Clara let out a breath, noticing for the first time how much sturdier Ryan looked these days. She smiled. "Thanks, Ryan. Really."

Hearing her sound so gentle made Ryan's eyes sting.

It was all his fault, somehow.

He started to carry Emily out, but Emily mumbled, "Clara..."

She was exhausted, eyelids drooping as she looked at Clara.

Clara reached out and brushed

Emily's hair gently. "I'll remember et

what happened at the rehab center. Don' worry. Once things settle down, I'll get someone to look into

"

Emily tried to smile. "That's not what I meant. Just... take care of yourself, okay? I heard what Grandpa said. If big names are involved, don't get caught up in it. I'll take care of your brother from now on."

Ryan, still carrying her, scoffed. "Take care of me? I don't need anyone looking after me."noveldrama

Clara rubbed her temples, shooing them away. "Go. I need to rest."

Ryan didn't want to leave, but he knew better than to push it.

He settled Emily in the passenger seat of his car.

Emily was barely awake, but she managed to mumble, "Clara, you're the best sister. I wish I were you."

Ryan grinned, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. "Of course she is. Stick with us, and you'll be legendary in no time."

Emily smiled faintly, then drifted off to sleep.

Ryan drove quietly, a weird sense of unease twisting in his chest.

He couldn't even explain why.

By the time he pulled into the city, it was already the middle of the night. He carried Emily into his townhouse, bracing himself for Simon.

But he'd already prepped Emily-they'd stick to the story: she was the daughter of one of Johnny's old friends, and Ryan had gone out

late just to help her. fo

Simon barely glanced at the unfamiliar girl, his attention zeroed in on Ryan.

"You're back late. You're sure Clara hasn't contacted you?"

If Clara was reaching out to anyone, Simon knew, it'd be her brother.

Ryan kept his face calm and shook his head.

Simon's worry only grew. Was Clara still trapped at Palm Bay?

But no one could get into Palm Bay. Not now.