No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 372

Clara couldn't wait to meet Brodie and his mother to sort things out. She casually agreed, "Yes, you're my favorite. Let's hurry up and go."

She grabbed Ian's hand and rushed toward the car.

Seeing her so anxious, Ian's eyes flashed with a deeper hue of jealousy. Just as Clara was about to open the car door, Ian pinned her against it, his handsome face suddenly tilting down, his nose brushing her cheek unintentionally, or maybe not. His voice was husky, seductive, and carried a hint of hurt. "It feels like you only have your childhood buddy in your heart, and I'm not even in the picture."

Clara tilted her head up and kissed his lips softly, soothing him, "He's just like a brother to me, and you're the one I love most, hubby. No more jealousy, okay?"

That term of endearment, 'hubby,' was like magic, making Ian's blood boil instantly. The jealousy in his eyes vanished, replaced by an uncontrollable desire. His lips curled into a sly grin as a throaty chuckle emerged. "Sweetheart, if you want me to stop being jealous, you'll have to kiss me like this."

With that, he slid his hand gently into her soft hair, cradling the back of her head and lowering his lips to capture her delicate pink ones.

The kiss, while seeming tender, carried a tinge of domination and assertiveness. A cool yet gentle breath swept over Clara, overwhelming her.

Soon, her defenses were down, the atmosphere overheating. Her beautiful eyes began to mist, her consciousness weakening. Her voice grew husky, "Ian– "

Ian slowly released her, his cool fingertips carrying a hint of lust as they softly caressed her lips. "Be a good girl and call me 'hubby' again, will you?"

Brodie, standing by the window on a call, turned at the sound of his name. His eyes met Clara's tearful ones. He walked over with a calm demeanor. "Clara, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Clara stared at him for a few seconds, then abruptly grabbed his wrist. With a swift motion, she rolled up his shirt sleeve, revealing a smooth forearm. Upon seeing the bite mark on his arm, Clara couldn't hold back her tears anymore. They streamed down her cheeks. "It really is you, my childhood friend! You're alive! But why didn't you recognize me? Don't you know I've been thinking of you all these years?"

The more she spoke, the more agitated she became, and the tears flowed even more fiercely.

Brodie was somewhat taken aback. He wanted to comfort Clara by holding her in his arms like when they were kids, but when he looked up and met Ian's icy gaze, sharp as a blade. He raised his hands, then let them fall to his sides, unsure of what to do.