No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 247

He clutched her wrist, the one that wielded the remote control, like a modern-day scepter.

As they tumbled down the slope, Ian twisted with all his might, snapping Victoria's wrist. She screamed in agony, the remote slipping from her grasp. Their descent accelerated, and soon they vanished from view.

A deafening explosion echoed from below.

Clara, sprawled at the cliff's edge, roared into the abyss, "Ian!" Only echoes answered her call, accompanied by the rising plumes of thick smoke.

Clara's fingers clawed into the earth, nails splitting, bleeding, unaware as the pain inside dwarfed any physical wound. She lay there, boneless, Ian's name a litany on her lips, tears tracing unnoticed paths down her cheeks.

Dawson approached, his voice a soothing balm, "Attorney Clara, our teams are on their way down. I have faith Mr. Hayes is going to make it."

Despite her anguish, Clara knew the grim reality better than anyone. Ian had rolled down with Victoria in his arms. The violent impact triggered Victoria's explosives. The slope was steep, so their separation in the rapid tumble down was unlikely.

As dusk fell, the chill of the mountaintop bit through the fog that began to cloak the land, hindering the search efforts.

Clara stood at the base, her body chilled, gaze empty. Suddenly, a jacket draped over her shoulders. Ryker's deep voice reached her ears. "Clara, please wait in the car. I've brought my squad. They'll find Ian."

Her cracked lips parted, her voice a hoarse whisper, "Ryker, he can't be dead."