Chapter 172

Side Story 38.

Clara POV

“Seriously, Abel—my life is in danger and this is what you’re thinking about?” I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm even though my heart wasn’t as steady as I pretended. He slowly lifted his head from my neck, his lips leaving a trail of heat behind, and fixed his gaze on me.

“You’ve underestimated me for far too long, Clara,” he said in a low, deliberate tone. “My uncle believes he’s always several steps ahead of everyone else. But the truth is, I’m always the one moving before him.”

His eyes softened just slightly as they dropped to my lips, lingering there with intention. “Your life isn’t in danger,” he added quietly. “And it never will be. Not while I breathe.”

“I hear you,” I said, forcing myself to step back, “but I still need to go now.”