No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 86

lan's eyes darkened with a touch more ferocity. "Fire her. I never want to see her around here again."

"Right away. I'll handle it."

The next morning, Clara's eyes fluttered open to the sight of lan's chiseled features. His body was bare, and his arms were clamped around her like a vice, holding her tight.

Flashes of the previous night flooded Clara's mind.

She had sex with lan. More than once.

In her moments of climax, lan had coaxed her into whispering all kinds of sultry nonsense. Even now, the memory made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Clara couldn't fathom why lan had become such a flirt. She had to admit, though, he had thoroughly charmed her, and the night had been... satisfying. She had forgotten the pain Victoria had caused her, sinking into the pleasure with lan.

Slowly, Clara tried to remove lan's arm, but before she could escape, a lazy, husky voice floated down from above. "Done with me and ready to run?"

Clara jerked her head up, meeting lan's languid eyes. Her eyelashes quivered as she murmured, "I'll go make breakfast."

lan's slender fingers traced her cheek as a smile played on his lips. "You owe me a hearty breakfast, considering how I've broken my back to please you last night."

As he spoke, his hand roamed her body with a mischievous intent, sending Clara scrambling to get away. "lan, let go."

She struggled to rise, knowing all too well that lan was even more formidable in the mornings.

Instead of releasing her, lan held her tighter. His voice was a low rumble. "Move again, and you won't need to bother with breakfast. I'll just have you."

His words froze Clara on the spot. She was aware of lan's stirring response. She ceased her struggles, lying quietly in lan's embrace like a well-behaved kitten.

lan's fingers gently grazed her nose as he chuckled, "Wouldn't it be nice if you were always this good."

He planted a kiss on her forehead. His gaze seared into her. "I have a surprise for you at the anniversary celebration."

After breakfast, lan took Clara straight to a boutique. The manager greeted them with a smile, "Mr. Hayes, the gown you ordered is ready. Please, come this way." Chapter

lan ruffled Clara's hair. His lips curved into a smile. "Try it on. I'll be here waiting for you."

Clara obediently nodded. "Okay."

lan watched her ascend the stairs. There was light reflecting in his deep-set eyes. He seemed eager to see Clara in that gown..

Just then, his phone rang. He stepped into a lounge to take the call. It was James, the business magnate from Riddleton and Edwin's uncle.

As soon as lan picked up, a rich, low chuckle came through. "I hear Mr. Hayes is smitten, and with his own secretary, no less?"

A rare pleasure crossed lan's face. "Since Mr. James is in the know, shouldn't there be some sort of gesture?"

James laughed heartily, "Is that an acknowledgment, Mr. Hayes? You mentioned some big news at the anniversary celebration to the press could it be about this?"

lan's eyes twinkled with added mirth. "What do you think?"

"Ha, no need to guess then. Congratulations, Mr. Hayes, for finding the one. But I do have a small favor to ask when you're in Riddleton on business, bring your secretary along. My grandmother seems quite taken with you."