No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 221

Before Clara could react, Ian, with a mischievous glint in his eye, grabbed her hand and shoved it down his sweatpants. The searing heat startled Clara, and she jerked her hand back as if she'd touched a hot stove. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and her voice came out raspy, "Ian, if you don't stop messing around, I swear I'm done with you!"

She had already lost control once and was determined not to fall into Ian's trap again.

Ian, staring at her slightly swollen lips from his kisses, couldn't help the smug curve that found its way onto his lips. "Clara, you still got the hots for me. You were enjoying it just now, weren't you?"

"Shut up!" In a burst of embarrassment and anger, Clara grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.

His laughter echoed in the room at her feisty reaction – this was the Clara he loved to rile up. But as he dodged the incoming pillow, he accidentally pulled at his wound and inhaled sharply from the pain.

"I'm sorry, Clara, it hurts," he winced, his voice suddenly gentle.

Immediately, Clara lifted his shirt to inspect the damage. The white gauze was soaked with fresh blood, staining even his pajama top.

She hit the emergency button without hesitation.

When the doctor arrived to check on Ian, it was clear to the experienced eye why the wound had reopened. Ian's pants still formed a noticeable tent.