Chapter 18- Pierce Gets Suspicious
292 Words
Later that evening, Clara sat alone in the hotel lobby reviewing apartment listings when Pierce suddenly appeared.
Like always, he looked expensive enough to own entire countries.
Dark coat. Sharp jawline. Dangerously calm expression.
Clara blinked in surprise. “Do you secretly stalk people?”
Pierce smirked slightly before sitting beside her.
“You’ve been avoiding everyone.”
“Not everyone.”
“Your best friend thinks you’re working overtime every night.”
Guilt hit instantly.
Clara looked down quietly. “I didn’t want Lily worrying.”
Pierce studied her face carefully.
“You look exhausted.”
“Thanks.”
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
Despite everything, Clara laughed softly.
Pierce watched her carefully afterward.
Like hearing her laugh relieved him somehow.
Then his expression shifted slightly.
“Who’s Sandra Vale?”
Clara frowned. “A coworker.”
“She approached you today.”
“How do you know that?”
Pierce’s jaw tightened faintly.
“Because I pay attention.”
Something about his tone made Clara nervous.
“She offered to help me find an apartment.”
Pierce’s expression darkened immediately.
“No.”
Clara blinked. “What?”
“Don’t go anywhere alone with her.”
Confusion flooded her instantly. “Pierce—”
“I’m serious.”
The intensity in his voice shocked her.
“She’s connected to people you don’t want around you.”
Clara stared at him carefully. “What does that mean?”
But Pierce suddenly stood.
“I’ll find you another apartment.”
Clara sighed tiredly. “I don’t need rescuing.”
Pierce looked down at her quietly.
“Maybe not. But you still deserve protection.”
For one dangerous second…
Clara almost leaned into him.
Then her phone buzzed.
Sandra’s address had arrived.
- Writer
