Chapter 20

98K hadn’t hurt Ms. Main.
It was almost unbelievable.
Anthony stood there, completely stunned, just staring at the girl and the dog, his face a mix of shock and confusion.
Charlotte was lying on top of 98K, her cheek nuzzling into the dog’s soft fur. She didn’t look scared at all.
“Awoof, awoof
98K didn’t look scary anymore. With his ears drooping and his tongue hanging out, he seemed more like a silly, oversized puppy than a fierce guard dog.
Anthony’s eyes flickered with surprise. He stayed silent for a moment, then finally walked over and crouched down, his gaze landing on Charlotte’s face.
Her eyes were open, but totally blank. Her pretty little face didn’t show a single emotion.
“Charlotte
Anthony called her name, but she didn’t react. She just kept hugging 98K, refusing to let go.
“Hey, kid?”
He frowned, realizing something was definitely off. She was spaced out, completely unresponsive.
“Anthony, I think Ms. Main can’t hear us. It’s like Helen’s voice was soft and careful as she noticed it too. “She’s sleepwalking.”
That had to be it. How else could she have jumped from the third floor?
“I heard you should never wake a sleepwalker,” Helen added. “It can be really dangerous.”
Sleepwalking?
Anthony’s brow furrowed deeper. He didn’t say anything else, just gently took Charlotte’s slender wrist, trying to guide her back to her room.
As soon as their skin touched, something changed in her eyes. She let go of 98K and slowly turned her head, her empty gaze settling on Anthony.
Her eyes were clear and bright now, but instead of that cold, distant look, there was something softer. A trace of hurt and helplessness.
Anthony felt his heart skip. He couldn’t help but reach out and touch her cheek, his expression complicated.
“Did you get hurt when you fell?”
“Woof!”
98K immediately started whining, jumping up and down next to Charlotte, pawing at her for attention.
Anthony’s eyes turned sharp. “Quiet.”
The dog’s tail stopped wagging right
away, and his head drooped as he slumped to the floor. He kept bis
eyes on Charlotte, giving hera hopeful little wag. fo
The sound seemed to wake Charlotte up a bit. She suddenly twisted her hand and locked her fingers with Anthony’s, holding on tight.
Her palm felt cool and her fingers were so slender and soft, as if they might break if he squeezed too hard.
Anthony looked down at her. Her eyes were still unfocused, but now she was staring right at him. There was something unreadable in her expression.
Before he could react, Charlotte took a small step forward and melted into his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing her cheek against his chest. fo
Her scent was fresh and clean, filling Anthony’s senses.
He tensed up, his breath coming faster.
Everyone watching was stunned. This girl actually went and hugged Anthony? Didn’t she know he never let women get close? The last woman who tried to approach him still hadn’t been seen since.
“Lottie Charlotte mumbled softly, barely awake.
“What?”
Anthony wasn’t sure if she was conscious or not. He gently tilted her chin up, trying
to get her to look at him.
“Lottie
She repeated the name, then closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his chest as she drifted off to sleep.
Lottie? Was that her nickname?
Anthony’s lips tugged into a small smile. He looked at her with a softness he rarely showed, then leaned down and lifted her into his arms.
Charlotte instinctively clung to his neck. Her warm breath brushed across his chest, sending a gentle, tingling shiver through him.