No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 279

The icy chill pricked Clara's eyes until they stung painfully. A complex tide of emotions surged within her chest beyond the grasp of words.

Ian leaned close, his breath warm against her cool earlobe as he playfully nipped it. His husky voice vibrated through her.

"From now on, you're mine, Clara. You even think about running, and I'll break those pretty legs of yours."

After declaring his claim, he rose from the ground, scooped her into his arms with a grin he couldn't mask, and as he showered her with kisses, he murmured, "It's too cold out here, sweetheart. I don't want you catching a chill. Let's get inside, and I'll warm you up properly, okay?"

His voice was raspier than usual, laced with a mischievous chuckle, sounding like a siren's call.

Clara’s cheeks burned hot as she nestled in his embrace, utterly speechless.

Ian's footsteps crunched on the snowy path beneath. Snowflakes continued their dance, and a bone-chilling breeze whipped at her face. Yet, deep within her heart, a warm current bubbled forth, soothing and sweet, as though it could melt the frigid weather itself.

Ian laid Clara on the bed, peeling off her puffer jacket. He pinched her cold cheeks. "Snuggle under the covers and wait for me. I'm gonna take a shower."

Obediently, Clara climbed into bed, pulling the blankets over herself. Minutes later, the bathroom door swung open, and Ian emerged.

He was clad in a black silk robe loosely tied at the waist, which revealed a vast expanse of his sculpted torso. His wet, raven locks were carelessly pushed back, unveiling his sharp, commanding features.

He exuded a lazy, powerful allure that made Clara's breath hitch. Her hands trembled beneath the covers, clenched tightly together.

Outside, the world was a vision of silver serenity, but inside, passion painted the room with fervent, wild hues.

When Clara awoke the next day, it was already past three in the afternoon. The memories of the previous night's proposal from the man she'd loved for seven years sent ripples through her heart.

He'd promised a future filled with shared beauty and happiness.

A smile played on Clara's lips.

Just then, the bedroom door opened, and Ian approached the bed, bending down to press a kiss to her lips, his voice a sultry growl, "Mrs. Hayes, time to rise. We've got a marriage certificate to get."