Chapter 575

Charlotte lounged against the back of the chair, turning her head slightly to give Anthony a sidelong glance. She lifted an eyebrow. “You look upset.”
“My girlfriend thinks I’m into guys. Should I be happy about that?” Anthony’s lips curled into a half-smile. He slid his arm around her waist and lifted her onto his lap, his chin coming to rest on her shoulder. His voice was low, a little rough. “Lottie, you really need to be taught a lesson, you know that?”
“Oh? You want to try?” Charlotte pressed her lips together, her fingers pinching his tie. She gave it a sudden pull, drawing him closer. “Go on, show me.”
“Are you trying to provoke me?” Anthony’s eyes darkened and his breath quickened. He leaned in close, lips brushing her ear, his tone half teasing, half serious. “Did you already forget how you cried last time?”
Charlotte shot him a look, her face flushing. “Shut up.”
Anthony laughed quietly, his hand cradling the back of her head as he softly stroked her hair. “How did I do today?”
“Not bad,” she replied, settling lazily against him and twirling his tie around her finger. “You really made Grandpa happy.”
“So, next time we see him Anthony’s hand squeezed her waist a little tighter, his voice dropping. “Does that mean you’ll finally make things official with me?”
Charlotte’s eyes lingered on him for a moment, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “Depends on how you behave.”
Anthony narrowed his eyes, feeling like every word she said was a test of his patience.
Imperial Heights.
Warm light filled the apartment. Charlotte was curled up on the sofa in deep blue silk pajamas, her long, damp black hair falling over her shoulders.
“I’ll be at the lab for a while. If you need anything, you can call the housekeeper, or Jackson, or Adonis,” she said, holding her phone in one hand while casually drying her hair with a towel. Her voice was soft, gentle. “Or, if you miss me, you can always video call.”
Stella nodded obediently through the phone.
Anthony came out of the shower just in time to hear Charlotte’s unusually tender
voice. His eyes narrowed a bit. He opened a drawer, grabbed the hair dryer, and sat down next to her.
“Scores come out in a week. Take
some time to think about what
school you want to apply to,” Charlotte said, glancing at Anthony before leaning back against his chest her posture lazy and natural. She finished the calf “Thats all. Ger some rest.”
She hung up and set her phone aside.
“Dry my hair.”
She made it sound so natural, like she was used to being taken care of.
“Sure.” Anthony didn’t mind at all. He smiled as he turned on the dryer.
His fingers slid gently through her hair, the warm air sweeping over every strand. After ten minutes, her hair was completely dry shiny black waterfall spilling over her shoulders. Charlotte was halfasleep in his arms.
Anthony put down the dryer and lifted her gently, carrying her to the bed.
As he set her down, he noticed the red marks on her neck and wrists. His gaze grew
darker and he started to undo her pajama buttons.
Charlotte was barely awake, feeling someone fumble with her clothes. She frowned in protest, opening her eyes to see Anthony’s face above her. Her look was pure accusation, like she was calling him a jerk with her eyes.
Anthony laughed softly, then leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m just putting some cream on,” he murmured.
The marks on her skin wouldn’t fade without it.
Charlotte hesitated for a second, then let go and closed her eyes, trusting him completely.
With her pajamas half open, her pale skin glowed in the soft light, making every mark stand out so clearly.
Seeing the evidence of his own roughness scattered across her body, Anthony’s eyes grew even darker. He silently cursed himself, guilt and tenderness mixing together as he started to care for her.