Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 58

Clara was completely wiped out. Every part of her body ached, and she was burning up with a fever, making it impossible to respond to any messages.

When she finally woke up, it was already the next day, and her fever was still raging. It hit her like a ton of bricks. Fortunately, she had managed to sell all the apples. After a quick freshen-up, she opened her room door, determined to grab a bite.

She walked into the dining room and spotted Dylan sitting at a table loaded with food. Clara was so hungry she felt like her stomach was stuck to her backbone. After asking a nearby staff member, she realized she'd slept through both breakfast and lunch. Now, she'd have to swallow her pride and ask Dylan to share his meal.

"Mr. Dylan," she called out softly.

Just saying his name was enough for Dylan to get the hint as he gently tapped his fingers on the table. "Have a seat."

Clara let out a breath of relief and flashed a grateful smile. "I'll take you up on that, then."

She was truly famished and had no clue how pale and frail she looked. Her lips were nearly colorless, and she'd lost a noticeable amount of weight.

As she savored the last spoonful of soup, a large hand unexpectedly landed on her forehead, freezing her in place. It was Dylan's hand-cool to the touch, almost detached.

"You've got a fever." His hand quickly retreated.

Clara, snapping back to reality, raised her own hand to check. "Yeah, maybe. I took some fever reducers, but they didn't really help. I'll just catch some sleep later."

Her voice was raspy, lacking energy. Dylan's gaze drifted to her neck, where a bruise crept from her back, dark and purple.

"Did you get hurt?"

Indeed, Clara had been injured. The first night she arrived in North Ashford, she'd taken a hit from a rake, leaving her back painfully sore for days. When she glanced in the mirror after a shower last night, her back was covered in alarming bruises.

"Clara, once you're done eating, get some rest.”

"Alright."

As she watched him walk away, Clara realized he wasn't as standoffish as she'd thought.

She hadn't had the chance to enjoy a bath the night before, so after eating, she took a half-hour rest, grabbed the robe provided, and headed to the hot spring pool recommended by the staff. They'd promised it would make her skin feel silky smooth.

The pool was vast, over a hundred square feet, enveloped in a thick mist that blurred everything. A subtle fragrance lingered in the air as she entered.

It was surprising that such a gem hadn't been turned into a commercial hot spring hotel-surely it would rake in profits.

She spent about ten minutes floating in the hot spring and then leaned against the edge. The warmth flushed her cheeks.

Hearing a splash, she turned to see Dylan nearby, eyes closed, having slipped in unnoticed.

Clara shot up from the water, only to remember she was completely bare. Flustered, she sunk back down, her cheeks burning.

Before entering, she'd only thrown on a robe. The staff had mentioned the water was freshly changed and unused, suggesting she could take a dip au naturel.

But they hadn't mentioned that someone else might show up. And clearly, Dylan had arrived first.

Instinctually, Clara hugged her chest. Her whole body heated up, avoiding eye contact.

The mist was so dense that she hadn't spotted Dylan until they were practically side by side. If Clara wasn't stark naked, she might've casually greeted him.

Dylan's upper body was bare, but he had swimming trunks on. A few bottles of fancy wine and some fruit were set out by the poolside-this guy sure knew how to unwind.

Now, to get back to her robe, she'd have to pass right by Dylan. Clara didn't dare move and sat silently.

Dylan's wet hair dripped as he slowly opened his eyes. Clara shifted slightly, trying not to intrude.

The space between them was uncomfortably tight, and she could almost feel his presence. Dylan's features and physique seemed almost too perfect, especially in this hazy setting, making it hard to look away.

She sneaked a few glances until he asked, "Had your fill of looking?"

Only then did she realize she'd been staring at him for a good minute. There probably wasn't anything more awkward than being caught undressed, so she found herself oddly calm.

"Just admiring something beautiful, Mr. Dylan. You're definitely the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on."

Right after her compliment, it hit her that Dylan was also her boss.

She clammed up, staring into the water.

A soft chuckle reached her ears, low and drawn-out, sending a tickle through her. She thought she might've imagined it until she turned to replace Dylan actually smiling.

His lips were curved into a slight grin, and his dark eyes warmed up like sunshine in the spring.

Clara was momentarily stunned until a robe landed over her head. "Here, use mine for now."

Caught off guard, Clara could only hear his soothing voice. So he'd noticed her lack of attire. Of course, she had unwittingly swum right past him earlier.

Her cheeks flamed as she hastily wrapped his robe around herself, tying it securely.