No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 349

She had to keep her emotions in check, not just for her own sake but for the little one growing inside her. The news that Clara was forcing herself to eat every day, only to bring it all up again, stabbed at Ian's heart like needles. His fingers entwined with hers, bringing her hand to his lips for a relentless shower of kisses.

It seemed like an eternity before Clara's eyelids fluttered open. Gazing into Ian's worn-out, worried face, she studied him for a long moment before her lips parted. With a raspy voice, she murmured, "Ian."

Ian immediately leaned forward, his concern palpable. "Clara, how do you feel?"

She gave a slight shake of her head. "I'm okay. Are you hurt?"

"Not a scratch. Your man's as tough as they come. If it weren't for the bun in the oven, I could go a few rounds, no problem."

The more nonchalant he sounded, the less she believed him. Her beautiful eyes locked onto his for a few seconds, and then she opened her arms. "I need a hug."

Without a second thought, Ian bent down to hold her close. The movement tugged at his wound, causing a wince to flicker across his face. Clara's hands slipped inside his suit jacket, gently caressing him.

When her fingers reached his belly, she felt something wet seeping through his shirt. She didn't have to guess what it was.

Her eyes reddened in an instant. Leaning close to Ian's ear, she whispered soothingly, "Ian, let's get the doctor to look at that wound, okay?"

Realizing he couldn't hide it any longer, Ian chuckled softly. "As my wife commands. But I've missed you for days. Can I steal a kiss before I go?"

Seeing her distress, Clara understood. "She thinks Chase is your boyfriend?"

With a grimace, Sasha nodded. "Worse, the jerk actually admitted it. Clara, you've got to help me clear this up."

Laughing, Clara reassured her, "No worries, let's sort this out."

They all made their way to the hospital room just in time to catch Carolina chatting with Chase, her eyes gleaming with maternal approval. "Chase, now that you and Sasha are an item, let's get those wedding bells ringing soon, shall we?"