Chapter 188

Anthony just stared at her, at a total loss. Even when she was drunk, she still remembered that.
“So, do you like what you see?” His voice dropped, smooth and deep, as he leaned in close. There was something about the way he said it that made it hard to look away.
Charlotte’s head was spinning, but when she looked at Anthony’s handsome face, she felt a rush of boldness. She stretched her neck forward, lips slightly parted, and planted a soft kiss on his forehead.
Anthony’s breath hitched for a second. Did that mean she liked him?
Charlotte giggled, her cheeks flushed, and smiled up at him. “You’re good-looking,” she mumbled, “but you’re too old.”
Talk about a buzzkill. Anthony’s smile faded as her words sank in.
Charlotte’s head hurt too much to keep talking. She just burrowed into his chest, mumbling, “Wait for me
“Wait for what?” Anthony leaned in, trying to catch her words, but she was too quiet.
Lost in a daze, Charlotte leaned into him as a flood of memories washed over her. She frowned in pain, mouthing the words silently, hoping he wouldn’t hear. Wait for me to grow up. Wait until I’m really, really good, then I’ll be able to like you. I’m only thirteen. I can’t protect you yet.
Outside at Imperial Heights, their car had barely rolled to a stop before Charlotte, restless from the ride, pushed open the door and stumbled out.
“Lottie!” Anthony reached out instinctively, but she moved fast, way faster than he expected, and slipped past him.
He pressed his lips together in a helpless smile, then hurried after her.
Charlotte was crouched in front of the doghouse, hugging 98K and petting him a little too enthusiastically. The poor dog yelped, clearly not loving the attention and probably begging for someone to save him.
Anthony stood there for a second, rubbing his forehead. Only she could get this tipsy from a little fruit wine.
“Lottie, let’s get you inside to rest, okay?” He walked over, stretching out his hand and wiggling his fingers playfully. “Come on, take my hand.”
Charlotte blinked, let go of 98K, and put her hand in his. She let him guide her inside, leaning against him and not letting go.
Helen appeared the second they
walked in
eyes wide when she saw
Charlotte’s red cheeks. “How did she get so drunk?” she asked hurrying over to help.
But Charlotte wanted nothing to do with anyone but Anthony. She clung to his hand, burying herself in his arms.
“I’ll take care of her,” Anthony said. “Helen, could you bring up some sobering soup?”
Helen nodded and hurried off, but not before sneaking a smile at the two of them.
Upstairs, Charlotte stopped right outside the study and refused to move another inch.
Anthony paused, bending down with a quiet laugh. “The bedroom’s that way, you know.” She was so drunk she didn’t even know where her own room was.
Charlotte pressed her lips together then tuggèd Anthony along, wobbling into the study. She headed straight for the computer likeshe knew exactly what she was doing.
Anthony just shook his head and followed, wondering what she was up to.
Once she sat down, Charlotte fired up the computer, her fingers flying across the keyboard. Soon, she pulled up a website filled with code.
Anthony’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the screen. Something about it felt so familiar. Wasn’t this…
Nine had
the Global Defense System longs
created years ago?