Chapter 269

The next morning, sunlight spilled through the curtains, warm and bright, filling the room with a gentle glow.
Charlotte blinked awake, still a little sleepy. She peeled the heating patch off her stomach and noticed right away how much better she felt. The pain had faded, and she actually looked healthy for once.
She tossed back the covers and padded across the soft, white carpet to her desk. Last night, she’d set up her laptop to record herself, determined to prove she could get through the night without any sleep aids, and that she wouldn’t do anything… weird.
But as soon as she played the recording, she just stared in shock.
The chair she’d wedged under her bedroom door? Still perfectly in place. On the video, she watched herself find another hidden door and wander out like she’d done
it a million times. It was almost too smooth, like she’d practiced.
She always woke up in her own bed, which could only mean Anthony must have found her, realized something was off, waited until she fell asleep again, and then carried her back without waking her.
Back in the video, she saw Anthony lean over, gently cup her chin, and kiss her. The memory of it washed over her in a rush.
Her cheeks turned pink. She rested her head on her hand and mumbled, “He really is in amazing shape
In the living room, Anthony sat at the table, holding a slice of toast with a layer of jam. He was on his phone, his voice low and smooth.
“Yeah, somewhere quieter,” he said, his whole vibe so calm and collected it was impossible not to notice. “And pick up some of Charlotte’s favorite healthy snacks
He looked up as Charlotte came in. After a couple more quick instructions, he ended the call.
He stood and walked over to her, his gaze soft as he asked, “Did you sleep well last night?”
Charlotte just looked at him, then said, “You don’t look like you did.”
He couldn’t help but give a tired, resigned smile. He really hadn’t. After leaving her room, he’d spent two hours taking a cold shower, then basically just lay awake until morning.
“Come eat breakfast first.” Anthony pulled out a chair for her and set a glass of milk and some toast in front of her He asked Helen to bring the ointment for her swelling. “You eat while I take care of your hand.”
“Okay.” Charlotte didn’t even hesitate. She held out her right hand and, without thinking, let it rest on his thigh.
Anthony’s grip on the ointment
tightened. He pressed his tongue to the inside of his cheek, a wild, playful smile flickering at his lips He was Starting to think she did this kind of thing on purpose. ‘
When he finished, Anthony moved back to his seat, watching Charlotte nibble her breakfast, amusement dancing in his eyes.
After a few quiet seconds, he asked, “Lottie, do you know you sleepwalk?”
Charlotte paused, mid-chew. Her lashes fluttered and her eyes met his, wide and bright, all innocence.
“Hmm? I think so. I didn’t do anything to you, did I?” She looked completely harmless.
“You’ve come to my room almost every night since you got here Anthony leaned forward, lacing his
fingers and resting his chin on them. His dark eyes sparkled with a teasing light. “And you really don’t behave yourself.”
Charlotte stopped chewing.
She leaned back, draping her arm over the table. Her calm, confident look made her
seem just as self-assured as he was. “I’ll take responsibility.”
Her voice was soft and sweet.
“What?” Anthony blinked, caught off guard.