Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 563

Z was just an ordinary waitress—a regular girl working hard to get by, a little fragile, a little too sensitive for her own good. Whenever he leaned on her, it hit her all over again: she absolutely couldn’t just walk away from someone who needed her.

Z reminded people of a small animal, the kind that made you want to protect it, even when it wasn’t doing anything at all. She just had that effect; people’s hearts softened around her without even realizing it.

But Dylan? He was nothing like that. Everyone knew how tough Dylan was. If you told someone you wanted to protect him, they’d probably laugh in your face—and Dylan would laugh the loudest. His rare moments of vulnerability felt more like a predator playing at weakness, like a wolf luring you in. The second you let your guard down, he’d bite down and never let go.

Clara had always trusted her gut, and every time Dylan let his guard down around her, she got uneasy, like she needed to get out before she got pulled in too deep. If he hadn’t been injured, she probably would’ve slipped away already—no need to stick around and make things weird for herself.

She helped him downstairs, moving slowly, Dylan’s head resting right in the curve of her neck, like he had no intention of moving away. It felt like he was putting most of his weight on her, making every step a challenge. Sweat started to trickle down her back.

He wasn’t even unconscious. Couldn’t he at least try to support himself?

Irritation bubbled up inside her. Just as they reached the car, she froze for a second. What was that warm, lingering touch on her neck?

She shoved him into the back seat, her face set and cool as she watched him. Dylan slumped back, eyes closed, lips a little flushed, looking like he was about to pass out.

Clara let out a slow breath—maybe she was just imagining things.

She quickly closed the door and leaned up to tell Aiden, “Let’s go.”

The car slipped smoothly onto the road.

Clara sat next to Dylan, watching the city blur by through the window, unable to say what she really wanted—I just want to go home.

When they slowed near Palm Bay, she caught sight of a car she recognized—Simon’s.

For some reason, seeing Simon here made her feel a little less alone.

But Aiden didn’t stop; if anything, he stepped on the gas.

Clara finally spoke up. “Aiden, could you pull over for a minute? I want to talk to Simon.”