No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 63

Clara's slap landed across lan's cheek with a sting that was more insulting than painful.

lan was the top dog in Northbridge, a tyrant no one dared to cross, and the Hayes family's icy heir.

Nobody would dare speak out of turn in his presence, let alone raise a hand to him. The act could spell doom.

Even Chase felt a surge of anxiety for Clara. He grabbed lan, trying to talk sense into him. "lan, she's sloshed. Don't stoop to a drunk's level. Come on, let's get you home," Chase said, attempting to lead lan out.

lan shrugged him off, his face stormy as he glared at Clara. Seeing lan like this, Anders. immediately shielded Clara behind him. "Mr. Hayes, Clara's had a bit too much to drink. I apologize if she's offended you," Anders implored.

lan's lips twitched with barely contained fury. "You apologize for her? And you have the right?"

think you

lan's face darkened as he moved to snatch Clara away from Anders' protective grip, but

A blocked him. "Mr. Hayes, if you don't love her, let her go. Stop tormenting her.

She's suffered enough for you," Anders said, his voice filled with a plea.

lan saw the way Anders shielded Clara as if she were the most precious thing in the world. It made lan's blood boil, his temples throbbing. He sneered ominously. "Let her go? And then what?"

"I will take good care of her, and ensure she's never hurt again," Anders said, his gaze on Clara filled with restrained yet profound affection.

It was an intimacy that pierced lan to the core. Suddenly, it felt like if he didn't act now, he'd lose what he desired to someone else. His fingers cracking with tension, lan threw a punch at Anders. "My woman doesn't need your protection."

Anders, focused on shielding Clara, didn't retaliate. The punch landed squarely on his face, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Wiping the blood, Anders scoffed, "Does anyone know she's your woman? Have you ever protected her? Have you shown her anything but harm? Have you ever loved her? lan, three years ago I stepped aside for you, but not this time. I'll fight you for her, even at the cost of everything I own."

Each word stabbed at lan's heart, Clara was his, but it was a secret to everyone else. Anders' feelings for Clara were an open book, known by all but Clara herself.

lan had never felt so defeated. He lunged forward, pulling Clara from behind Anders into his chest. Her slight frame nestled against him like a submissive kitten, softening his

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Chapter 63

harsh gaze.

His voice was a husky whisper as he said, "Clara, look at me."

Clara, bleary-eyed, gazed up at him. Her eyes, wet and shimmering, were like those of a seductive siren, making his heart skip. He tilted her chin up, his perfect face inching

closer.

lan's prominent nose brushed against Clara's face intermittently, his voice seductive and alluring. "Clara, open your mouth."

Thinking he wanted her to drink more, she obediently parted her lips, but in the next instant, his hand cradled her head, his burning kiss sealing her lips with his.