No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 46

Clara chuckled softly, "I used to be so naive about love, thinking it was the most precious. thing in my life. I was willing to pay any price for it. But I never imagined that what I treasured so dearly would be nothing more than a bargaining chip In his eyes. If that's the case, there's no point in standing on ceremony. Trading once or trading a hundred. times-it makes no difference. All that matters is getting my father out of trouble."

Despite her calm demeanor, Anders could hear the pain laced within her words. He gazed at her intently, his voice tinged with frustration. "I feel so powerless. If I had the clout he does, you wouldn't have to endure all this."

Clara offered a faint smile. "You live and you learn, right? I wouldn't call it suffering. In three months, I'll be free."

"What are your plans? Have you thought about getting back into the legal field?"

"I've never even practiced as a lawyer. Who would take a chance on me?"

Anders replied without hesitation, "I'm in the process of setting up a new law firm. I'm bringing in some people from abroad and looking for fresh talent. If you're interested, the offer stands." Clara nodded, her eyes reflecting gratitude. Thanks, Anders. I'll think about it."

After dinner, Clara and Anders dropped Marco off at his hotel and then she drove back to her apartment alone. Just as she unlocked the door, a white blur lunged at her. She let out a startled yelp and was about to flee when a familiar grunting sound stopped her in her tracks.

Flipping on the lights, Clara looked down to see a white Samoyed dog excitedly circling her. She crouched down and swept it into her arms, stroking its soft fur. "Snow Mommy missed you so much." Snow nestled into Clara's embrace, licking and whining with eyes brimming with excitement. In the midst of their affectionate reunion, the bathroom door swung open. Ian emerged with only a towel wrapped around his waist, casually drying his hair with another. Clara's eyes locked onto his bare torso, and for a moment, she was silent.

lan chuckled lazily, a playful note in his voice. "Had your fill of the view? Or should I drop the towel as well?" He strolled over to Clara and draped the large towel over her head, pulling her into a tumble of limbs and fabric. The towel shrouded them both, and their eyes met in the intimate enclosure, the air thick with unspoken desire.

lan's cool fingertips gently lifted Clara's chin, his thumb grazing her lips with a husky voice. "You little heartbreaker, plotting to take me down. How should I punish you, hm?"

Clara tried to break free, but lan's arms were like a vice, holding her captive. She glared at him. "lan, you better not let Marco find out about us."

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tan pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "What's your offer?"

"Don't push it!"

"If I don't see some sincerity from you right now, I'll call the Marco myself. Tell him the man he's trying to off is me, and his darling protégée is right here in my arms. What do you think his reaction would be?" Clara was seething. If Marco found out that lan was the man she'd been pining over for seven years, he would definitely spill the beans. She didn't want lan to know. She wanted to keep some dignity for herself.

lan felt an odd pang in his chest. In a vengeful move, he bit her lip and murmured low, "Come home with me, and I'll keep your secret."