No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 211

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Ian had enveloped Clara in a protective embrace. His large hand gripped her shoulder tightly. His face was a thundercloud, and his eyes were a stormy glare fixed on Brodie. Each word he spat out was laced with frost. “No way! She’s my woman.”

Every cell in his body was bristling with rage.

Brodie’s little act couldn’t fool him. Brodie was pretending to need a fake girlfriend, but actually attempting to snatch his girl. He had just managed to send Anders and Ryker packing, No way was he going to let another man anywhere near Clara. If it hadn’t been for the fact that Brodie had saved Clara, Ian would have happily decked him one.

Brodie glanced at Ian, then, with impeccable tact, turned to Clara. “I apologize if I’ve caused Ms. Clara any discomfort. Forget I said anything. Let’s call it off. I don’t need any compensation. Please, go on your way.”

He nodded politely, ready to lie down for a rest.

Just then, Clara’s voice, soft and clear, cut through the tension. “I agree to your terms.”

At the sound of her voice, Ian’s arm tightened around her shoulders. He pulled her closer. His dark eyes churned with emotion. “Clara, you can’t trust him; this is all his scheming.”

Clara stepped back, breaking free from Ian’s hold. Her expression was calm. “I’m capable of making my own judgments, Mr. Hayes. We’ve settled our debts, remember? There’s nothing between us anymore.”

Her words slapped him across the face. Those heartless words he said to Clara before became a knife targeting his own heart.

He clenched his fists. His voice dropped an octave. “Clara, is this really how you want to treat me? You’d rather trust a stranger than believe in me?”

Clara’s smile was faint. “Didn’t you do the same? Trusting Heidi over and over, pushing me to the brink?”