No Strings Attached ( Sharp and Clara’s )

Chapter 7 

lan’s kisses had always been assertive and domineering, leaving Clara no chance to escape his grasp. He pinned her against the office desk, one hand firmly cupping her chin while the other held her waist in a vice–like grip. 

The soft, sweet sensation of her skin electrified every nerve in his body. The beast within him, trapped for so long, was relentlessly battering against its cage, aching for release. 

When he was with Clara, their lovemaking was beautifully in sync. No matter how much he demanded, she went along with his desires. Even on the days she was exhausted to the point of fainting, she never complained. 

But now, Clara was beneath him, fiercely defiant, relentlessly struggling for freedom. Hot tears streamed from the corners of her eyes. 

lan halted, his fingers, long and well–shaped, gently wiped away the tears from Clara’s eyes, his voice husky with frustrated desire. “Clara, the game between us only ends when I say it does! Do you understand?” 

Clara looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears, her lips parted and blood–stained. “Ian, I won’t stay for your humiliation!” 

lan bent down and licked the blood from her lips, his smile not reaching his eyes. “If you’re not afraid of putting the Bell family out of business, you’re welcome to try!” With that, he stood up, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Clara’s disheveled skirt and the slender, shapely legs beneath. 

Humiliated, Clara quickly straightened her clothes and marched towards the door. As she pulled it open, she saw Heidi standing there, innocently clad in a white sundress, a harmless smile on her face. “lan, I brought you breakfast.” 

This was Clara’s first close encounter with Heidi. Their resemblance was uncanny, especially around the eyes and nose. 

Clara’s suspicions were confirmed. Ian had kept her close, mistaking her intentions because she had been a stand–in for Heidi. Three years of what seemed like mutual affection ended with her being just a substitute. 

Clara’s heart felt like it was being sliced open. She composed herself, nodded slightly at Heidi, and left. 

The moment the office door closed behind her, lan’s eyes turned cold as he stared at Heidi. “What are you doing here? 

Heidi’s eyes instantly reddened, her head drooping like a scolded puppy, her voice choked with emotion. “I’m sorry, lan. I heard you’ve been skipping breakfast lately, and your stomach’s been acting up, so I came to bring you something to eat” 

lan’s brow furrowed, his voice devoid of warmth. “Just leave it there.” 

Heidi’s face lit up with joy as she scurried over and placed the pink lunchbox on his desk, her voice sugary sweet. “lan, I remember how much you love tuna and ham sandwiches. Please try it and tell me if it’s good.” 

lan looked at the neatly presented sandwich in the pink lunchbox and felt no appetite. He pushed the box aside and said in a deep voice, “I have a meeting to go to. I’ll eat later.” 

Disappointed yet obedient, Heidi nodded. “Okay, you go ahead. I’ll wait here for you. I won’t disturb you.” 

“There’s a lounge next door. Wait there.” He then pressed the intercom for Dawson. “Take Ms. Heidi to the lounge and find someone to accompany her.” 

Dawson was swift to act, and in less than a minute, he appeared at the door, gesturing politely for Heidi to follow