Chapter 74: Connor Hayes's Deep Voice Cut Clearly Through the Night

"It's you I want to kiss."

Connor Hayes's deep voice cut clearly through the night.

Clara Whitmore jerked her head up, pupils dilating.

She must have misheard.

Moonlight outlined Connor's profile with silver edges. His usually gentle eyes now held a hint of intoxication.

"Surprised?"

He leaned closer, his breath carrying the mingled scents of alcohol and sandalwood cologne.

Clara instinctively stepped back.

"You're drunk."

"I'm perfectly sober."

Connor chuckled, his long fingers undoing the top button of his shirt. "I've wanted to do this since the moment I first saw you."

Heat rushed to the tips of Clara's ears.

"Stop joking."

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

Suddenly he advanced, trapping her against the wall.

She could feel the heat radiating from his chest.

"Connor!"

She pushed against him. "Have you lost your mind? Grant is your best friend!"

"So?"

One hand braced against the wall, the other tracing her hairline. "He already lost you."

Clara's breath hitched.

"I love you."

His whisper was feather-light. "Long before Grant ever did."

The words exploded in Clara's mind like a bomb.

She'd never imagined this moment.

Who was Connor Hayes?

Grant Holloway's most trusted brother-in-arms. A rising star in the business world. The unattainable dream of countless socialites.

And now he was saying he loved her.

"Impossible."

She turned her face away. "Between us..."

"Shh."

His finger touched her lips. "Don't reject me yet."

Sudden footsteps pounded from the distance.

"Connor!"

Grant's roar shattered the night.

The next instant, Connor was violently yanked away.

The sickening thud of fist meeting flesh made Clara flinch.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

Grant's eyes burned crimson as he grabbed Connor's collar and landed another punch.

Clara stood frozen, stunned by the sudden violence.

"Grant..."

Connor wiped blood from his lip, still managing a smile.

"You dare laugh?!"

Grant raised his fist again. "She's my girlfriend!"

"Ex-girlfriend."

Connor calmly corrected. "Besides, you were the one who let her go."

The words ignited Grant's fury.

"You're dead!"

Under the moonlight, the two towering men became a tangle of flying fists.

Clara remained rooted to the spot, her limbs turning to ice.

She'd never imagined becoming the spark that destroyed their brotherhood.