328Claire's POVMy nerves convulsed as Scott came closer, that dark smirk was all that I could see. Rest everything had blurred out.He stopped before me and crouched down to the level of my face. His eyes bore into mine as he wiggled his eyebrows."You caught me, sister! I thought I wouldn't be caught anytime soon. But you're so clever and observant. You looked through me." He smirked harder and I pushed him back."I'm not in the mood to joke, Scott. Tell me honestly. Are you behind the attack?" I was breathing heavily. My heart was torn between my love for Hunter and my brother. What if he really did it? What will I do? Who will I support? It's the man I love on one hand and my brother on another. Though both of them have been getting on my nerves lately, I know they love me.They would expect me to choose either of themselves and I don't think I can make this choice. "Scott, be honest with me. Please." My voice shook as I said please.Scott's face hardened. A grim look took ove
327Claire's POV I came home with my mom. My goal was clear, I had to get home and make a nice and thin soup for Hunter. I know IV fluids are the best for him now, but I couldn't ignore the aching in my body. The ache that compelled me to take care of him. I wanted him to eat something made by me because I believed something made by me will make him feel better and recover sooner. I was on my way to the kitchen when my mom coughed. I turned around to look at her and I didn't like how helplessly she was staring at me. She gave me a once over and instantly I inferred what she wanted me to do. "I won't stop you from doing whatever you want to do in the kitchen but at least take a bath. You look awful." That's after she said that I noticed the smell oozing off me. The smell of tablets, sanitizer and what not. It made me want to throw out.I darted up the stairs at once and dropped my dress on the floor in the bathroom. The bathtub was filled with warm water and my favorite cocoa butt
326Claire's shoulders stiffened as she shifted into a serious gear. The only reason she decided to stay back was this— She wanted to know who he suspected. She watched as Hunter's eyes lingered on everyone 's faces. They lingered far too long on hers, causing her hands to ball in tight fists. He didn't suspect her, did he? "I don't mind them being here. What is it that you want to know, officer? Though I believe you might have looked through the footage well enough in the past four days." He said without taking his eyes off her. Claire quickly looked down. Her hunger-weakened body buzzed with feelings she shouldn't feel right now. Her stomach clenched and her face heated up. Such was Hunter's effect on her. She felt relief settle in her chest. He was alive. He was breathing. He was pinning her with that sultry, predatory gaze that was his iconic, trademark, I-am-the-Hunter-MacIntyre gaze. "We did and it's unfortunate that we couldn't find any clue, which brought us here. We would
3252 days later,"Dove, it's been three days. Don't go home if you don't want to. None of us will force you to change your clothes either. But please, eat something. It's been four days today." Andrea cried as she squeezed Claire's hand.Today marked the fourth day, including the day of the party, since Hunter was shot and brought to hospital. He hasn't yet gained his senses, and no matter how many times Cole, Rashid or anyone asked about it, the doctor's answer remained the same and repetitive.“As we've mentioned before, we've done everything within our capacity. Now it's a matter of time. His body will regain consciousness when it's ready. He’s getting every dose of his medication on time… so now all we can do is wait and hope.”Those words whirled in her mind. Claire's resolve was crumbling along with her strength. Every ticking second wa
324Lightning thundered outside. The heavy pelting of water swallowed out the sound of all else. Dominic helplessly stared at his daughter. There was undeniable spite flickering alongside his pity for his daughter. "Look at me." Dominic's fingers bit into her skin as he stared at his daughter's face.One short look in her eyes and he was able to see through her soul. He let go and turned around as a look of relief washed over his features. It was as if he made a very rare discovery. He was basking in that feeling when Tyler chose that very moment to appear behind them."Why would you lie to me, Tyler? You almost gave me a heart attack." Dominic said, displeased."I lied to you? About what?" Tyler paused in his track.Dominic pointed at Claire behind his back, "About my daughter. I'm honestly disappointed in you, Tyler. I didn't expect this from you. I left Claire in your care so you would look out for her, not blame her for the crime she didn't commit.""I don't understand what you'r
323Claire jumped as she looked up. Rashid was advancing towards her like a bull. He grasped her arm and yanked her on her feet. "Are you happy now? He's finally dying." Those words slithered over her like a sharp knife. Claire's lips turned white. Though Rashid was squeezing her arms tightly in a punishing hold, she hardly felt it because of the hollowness she felt in her chest after hearing his words. "He isn't breathing. His heart's not working properly. Be happy now, Claire. Your prayer is finally heard." Rashid shook her. He was seething intimidatingly. Cole immediately came over to free her from his grip. No matter what she did, it was between her and Hunter. Neither Rashid nor anyone else had any right to rebuke her for her actions. That's the reason Cole didn't show his anger to Claire even if he was craving it. Not that Hunter would have appreciated it. "Rashid, let her go. Hunter won't like it if he finds out. Let's respect his feelings and—" "No, Cole. You worry abou