Chapter 262

The bathroom was quiet and dim, the light barely enough to cast soft shadows on the tiled floor. Charlotte stood in front of the sink, looking half-awake, her arms hanging loosely at her sides. Her eyes drooped, dark lashes nearly brushing her cheeks, giving her the look of someone who could fall asleep right there.
“Want a shower?” Anthony asked, his voice low and gentle. He had just finished brushing her teeth for her and was now using a warm towel to wipe her face with careful strokes.
Charlotte heard him and opened her eyes just a little, lips curving into a sleepy, teasing smile. “And how am I supposed to do that?”
Anthony glanced up, catching her gaze. For a second, he forgot what he was about to say. “Hmm?”
She drew out her words, her tone soft but with a hint of mischief, eyes glinting as she looked at him. “Don’t get any funny ideas.”
He let out a quiet laugh, pulling the towel away and brushing her lashes with his fingertips. His lips curled into a small, crooked smile. “Let Helen help you.”
Charlotte let her head rest against his shoulder, her body almost melting into him. Her voice was husky. “I’m too tired. And I don’t like anyone else touching me.”
“Alright.” Anthony didn’t argue. He scooped her up and carried her to the bed, then went back to fill a basin with warm water and set it by the bed.
Charlotte barely moved. She rolled onto her side, wrapped herself tightly in the blanket, and turned her back to him.
“Hold on, you haven’t washed your feet yet.” Anthony leaned over her, one hand braced on the mattress. He patted the blanket gently and coaxed her, “Just soak them for a bit. You’ll feel better.”
Charlotte mumbled something that sounded like agreement, but she stayed still.
Anthony smiled, a little helpless. He was about to reach for her feet, but then he remembered what she’d said about not liking to be touched.
“Lottie
He didn’t even finish saying her name before two slender, pale feet slipped out from under the blanket and settled right into his hands, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Anthony’s lips twitched, his eyes lighting up with a quiet amusement. So, he wasn’t just anyone to her.
He took his time, washing her feet gently, making sure he was extra careful. Only when he was satisfied did he let go.
“Let’s put some medicine on your hand before you sleep.” He picked up the spray the doctor had left behind and gently lifted the covers from around her head, helping her shift into a more comfortable position. His voice was soft. “All done. You can sleep now?”
At his words, Charlotte’s eyelashes fluttered, but she didn’t open her eyes. Her hand was still badly swollen, and Anthony always had to steel himself a little before touching it, afraid of hurting her. But Charlotte never complained.
By the time he finished, she was already asleep.
Anthony set the medicine down on the nightstand, then carefully tucked her hand dback beneath the covers He watched her for a moment, her cheeks fleshed hair ling across
the pillow. He couldn’t help himself. He leaned in and gently tapped her nose with the pad of his finger.
“Lottie His voice was rough, thick with worry. “Don’t get hurt again.”
It hurt him more than he could say when she was like this.
Just as he was about to pull away, her hand suddenly grabbed his collar and gave it
a sharp tug. Before he could react, he was pulled down toward her, his lips brushing across her forehead.
The warmth of her skin sent a rush through him, her scent filling his head and making it hard to think. She was still asleep, frowning a little, completely unaware of what she’d done.
Anthony froze, not daring to move.
Was she just dreaming restlessly? Or was it something else?
“Lottie He placed his hand gently on her shoulder and lifted his chin, his brow furrowed in concern. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
She had no idea what she was doing, and he knew he couldn’t take advantage of her, not like this.