Chapter 172

"You…" Claire's temper, which had been boiling just moments ago, was completely doused by those two words of apology from Nelson. She hadn't expected that tone from him. He dragged her out here just to say that? She'd even prepared a whole speech to tear into him! Nelson had no idea what was running through her mind. He just noticed her wrist turning red where he'd grabbed her, so he loosened his grip slightly and simply kept her in his arms. "I'm sorry about what I said earlier," he said. "I lose my temper sometimes. When I saw you with Anthony, I just… I thought—whatever. He's not exactly trustworthy. You shouldn't be hanging around him." As his grip slackened, Claire immediately pulled her hand back, eyes sharp and wary as she stared at him. "Apology noted. If there's nothing else, please get out of the way." She didn't say anything else. Whether Anthony was a decent guy or not, she'd judge that for herself. The dinner had been awkward, sure, but he had helped her, and she wasn't th