No Strings Attached novel Chapter 10

Ian glanced down to find her feet, usually so pale and smooth, now marred with swollen, red scalds. He couldn't help but snap, "You're going to be the death of yourself!"

With that, he bent down and swept Clara up into his arms. They reached the car park, and he set her down on the passenger seat with a firm hand.

He rummaged through the glove compartment and pulled out an unopened box of burn ointment. His lashes cast a shadow as his eyes lowered, and his lips pressed into a thin line.

A storm seemed to brew in the deep ink of his eyes.

Ian opened the box and squeezed a dollop of the creamy ointment onto his long fingers. Then he gently smeared the ointment across the swellings on Clara's foot. His expression was inscrutable as he worked.

Clara's delicate brows furrowed with pain, her lips white from biting them, her fingers curling tightly into her palm.

Ian's touch softened, ensuring he covered each inflamed area. He lifted his gaze, his eyes dark and unreadable as he stared at her and almost chuckled, "With your kind of smarts, are you really sure you'd survive without me?"

Straightening up, he tossed the ointment into Clara's lap, "Apply this in the morning and night and keep your feet dry for the next couple of days. If you end up with scars, don't come crying to me."

Clara's eyes were downcast, her voice devoid of emotion. "The only way to know if I can survive is to try, isn't it?"

Ian watched her stubborn little face, a frustrated snort escaping him. "Clara, have your tantrum, but why were you dragging Heidi into this? You know she struggles with depression. I've told you, she's no threat to you. Why won't you believe that?"