Chapter 32

Clara watched as Ethan’s lips kept moving. No hesitation this time—she just picked up the bowl of oatmeal, scooped a spoonful, and shoved it right into his mouth. Just like that, the warm oatmeal silenced him completely. Ah, peace at last. She kept feeding him spoon by spoon, not in any hurry. Ethan’s eyes held a faint smile, though he hid it well. When Clara finally snapped back to reality, she caught him grinning at her. Her brows pinched together. “What’s so funny about eating oatmeal?” “Nothing,” Ethan replied calmly. That’s when it hit her—she’d been totally played. One spoon after another, she’d fed him the whole bowl without noticing. Now she was annoyed. Ethan Blackwood, you sly jerk. Clara stood up, clearly ready to leave—but Ethan’s hand caught hers before she could move. His low voice came with a hint of command, “Go grab the rest of the oatmeal.” “I’m not feeding you anymore.” Her tone was firm. “Alright,” he said, just like that. Clara shot him a suspicious look, but his e