No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 364

Just as he was about to reach Clara, a gunshot echoed from behind, and the man fell to the ground. Blood flowed down the man’s spine, pooling on the ground.

Ian immediately covered Clara's eyes, whispering soothingly, "It’s okay. It's all over now. Let's get out of here." He scooped Clara into his arms and gave Dawson a few quick instructions before they left.

Clara, who had just been in a standoff with the kidnapper, now lay limp and weak in Ian's embrace. Her icy little hands clutched at his shirt fiercely, and her teeth were still chattering. Her wet eyes stared intently into Ian’s, her voice frail, "Ian, how's Katherine?"

Ian leaned down and kissed her lips gently, his voice warm, "She had to get a few stitches in her back, but she's going to be okay, don't worry."

Clara gazed into Ian's eyes. They were so similar to Brodie's. She murmured softly, "You know, a woman's instinct in the face of danger is to scream, but Katherine just charged forward. Don't you find that strange?"

Ian looked down at her. "You think she's in love with my dad?"

"It's not just a simple crush. It's love deep in her bones. That's why she had rushed in so fearlessly. If you were in danger, I'd do the same."

"But Dad always said his dalliances were just for show, that he never slept with any other woman."

"That doesn't stop other women from falling for him. Teo was a legend in his day, handsome and debonair. He must've been the dream of countless women, and there must've been some history between him and Katherine, even if he doesn't realize it."

Ian's eyes darkened slightly. He remembered words Brodie had once shared – about his mother being betrayed by a scoundrel and pursued by enemies. Whether that jerk was his father or someone else was a question that needed answering.

Clara was shaken and took a long time to calm down. She drifted into a heavy sleep once they got back home.

The gravity of the situation weighed on Ian. The enemy knew Clara was his Achilles' heel, meaning she would be in danger again. He had to get her away from here as soon as possible.

Elsewhere.

When Katherine woke up the next morning, she saw Brodie sitting by her bedside, his face etched with exhaustion. She touched his hand with a heart full of sympathy. Her voice sounded husky as she said, "Brodie, I've been a burden to you for so many years."

Brodie offered a gentle smile. "Mom, don't talk like that. I'm your son. Taking care of you is what I'm supposed to do."

"Brodie," Katherine grasped her son's hand, whispering softly, "I think I used to know Teo."