Chapter

43

Under the dim glow of the moonlight, Ryan couldn't help but study Clare. The soft liplit only seemed to make her features more striking His throat tightened as he swallowed band, a smile tugging at his lips.

ou're barely steady on your fert," he said with achuckle. I didn't realize your tolerance was so low. If I had, I wouldn't have encourage you to drink"

Back when she was under Wrens watchful eye, Clara had rarely touched alcohol. He load strict rules about places like bars and even during holidays. She was only allowed a little red wine er trist wine with low alcohol content. Tonight's two glasses of liquor had clearly been too much for her.

But Clara wasn't interested in engaging further. "Tutine. You should head back Lean manage on my own"

She turned and be

tbegan wallong again, keeping her distance.

Ryan's expression darkened briefly, his smile faltering for a second before the masked it agalit As he closed the gap between them, Ryan intentionally mudged her foot, causing her to stumble slightly In one swift motion, he caught her arm to steady her. you're not time. 11. 1 hadn't caught you, you'd have tallen."

His movements were so quick that clara couldn't tell it she'd tripped on a rock or something else.

"Trunks," the muttered, trying to free her am, but his grip didn't loosen

"It's too dark out here, and their aren't any streetlights. Let me walk you the rest of the way. I'll leave as soon as you' but with

'Clara said, feeling increasingly uneasy. Something about the situation didn't sit right with her

're sately inside."

Ryan said, his tone wa

antarid onto tier ann and was about to say something else, when a beam of light from a flashlight suddenly swept toward them.

What are you doing out this late come here," a familiar voice called out from the other side of the light.

"Alexander"" Clate bad hetantly, her voice unsure.

The beam of light moved closer, revealing Alexander's sharp, defined features. His expression, which was faintly annoyed, made him look rugged yet effortlessly cool

e was him. Cera felt emmediate wave of relief for reasons she couldn't quite explain.

"Mytomad's here to pick nie she said quickly to Ryan. "Thanks for wallding me back, Mr. Chase, but I'm fine now."

Ryan's jaw tightened briefly as losepea flicked to Alexander, sizing him up. Alexander was taller, broader, and exuded an easy confidence that Ryat couldn't

ok a step back, plastering on a polite smile. "It's late. You should go

I get some rest. I'll be heading out now."

alked back toward i

Lat the innuation in his expression as he tuned away was impossible to miss. As Ryan's car pulled away, a cool breeze the lingering effects of the alcohol Marka int stepping li Alranndey raised an eyebar

Clara birded, traure how to a

slar vald, glancing at Alexander.

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This tongue, his

mtimuryance mote exaggetsteil than gemine.

starving. Do you have anything to eat?" he asked, his brows furrowed slightly.

ilesitated,

The nexpected request. "It's pretty late, but I can make you some pasta. How about that?"

"Thurlido, "Alexander said with a slung He was picky as long as he had something to eat,

As she turned to lead inside, Alexander ranch himself staring at her sile, momentarily distracted Under the cover of aless, noticed the taint flush creeping up his