No Strings Attached

Chapter 58

lan felt a sudden tightness in his chest. He fiddled with his tie as he stepped into the elevator alone.

Moments later, he and Clara entered a high–end boutique, their attire and demeanor a clear signal of affluence. The sales associate, spotting potential big spenders, approached with a beaming smile. “Good afternoon, sir, miss. How may I assist you today?”

lan, his face a mask of indifference, settled onto a plush sofa and busied himself with his phone. Clara nodded politely and drifted toward the shirt display, where a sea–blue shirt caught her eye. It was a color that would highlight one’s complexion, making them appear both distinguished and youthful. It would look stunning on lan, though it wasn’t his typical palette, considering his wardrobe was devoid of such hues. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Clutching the shirt, Clara glanced at lan and ventured, “Mr. Hayes, what do you think of this one?”

lan barely acknowledged her, his voice detached, “Your money, your call.”

The sales associate chimed in, “Miss, you have exquisite taste. This is one of our store’s gems, a creation by the renowned designer Oli. Globally, there are only two pieces; one in this shade and the other in iceberg green. Perhaps the gentleman would like to try both to see which suits him best?”

Clara’s gaze shifted to the other shirt. “I’ll have him try both, then.”

With the shirts in hand, she approached lan, maintaining a respectful distance, “Mr. Hayes, the fitting rooms are just over there. Would you mind trying these on?”

Reluctantly putting down his phone, he replied coolly, “Lead the way.”

Clara led him to the fitting room door, but before she could speak, lan had pulled her inside. The luxury brand’s fitting room was lavish, spacious, and surrounded by mirrors.

Pinned against the cool glass, Clara felt her chin gently lifted by lan’s hand. His chiseled features loomed closer in her vision. Her voice came out in a rush, “lan, what are you doing?”

lan’s gaze lowered to hers, his nose brushing her cheek, igniting a spark with every inch it traversed. He stared at Clara’s flushed ears, his voice husky and seductive, “Ms. Clara, aren’t we here to try on clothes? Help me with these buttons.”

lan’s usual cool exterior belied a certain allure Clara knew all too well. Whenever he chose to turn on the charm, he was irresistible. Over the past three years, it was this very allure that had ensnared Clara, allowing him to claim her, again and again.

Her fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. After three were undone, the sight of his

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sculpted chest caused a tremor in her fingertips. She tried to pull away, but lan’s firm grip held her steady, his teasing voice coaxing, “Ms. Clara, it’s not like you to leave things unfinished. Continue.”

She managed to unfasten the remaining buttons and helped him into the new shirt. Standing on tiptoes, she began to fasten them, but Clara suddenly lost balance, tumbling into lan’s bare chest.

The heat of his skin, the firmness of his muscles, and the steady beat of his heart – every detail sent her senses into disarray.

As she tried to regain her footing, lan’s hand securely encircled her waist while his voice, low and teasing, floated down, “Ms. Clara, I suspect you’re flirting with me.”

After speaking, he lifted her chin, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he looked at her. “Do you know, sometimes I can’t resist a little flirtation either?”

And with that, he lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss.