Chapter 352

After breakfast, Anthony drove Charlotte to school, just like he always did.
Inside the car, Charlotte lounged back in her seat, completely at ease. Her long legs were crossed and stretched across Anthony’s lap, swinging lazily as she played on
her phone.
On her screen, her opponent’s minions were running wild, begging for mercy as she picked them off one by one. Charlotte arched an eyebrow, feeling pretty pleased with herself, and got ready to finish the game. Before she could, one last minion popped out of nowhere and ambushed her.
“Idiot
Her eyes went cold. She flicked her fingers across the screen and wiped out the minion in a second.
Anthony sat right next to her, his hand resting on her waist. When he heard her mutter, his fingers pinched her side lightly and he scolded her quietly. “No swearing.”
Charlotte tilted her chin and looked at him. Her dark eyes were clear and bright, and as she took in his ridiculously handsome face, her frown slowly disappeared.
“Fine.”
“I’m leaving this afternoon.” Anthony leaned in closer, his chin brushing gently against her shoulder. His voice was low and warm. “Behave while I’m gone, alright?” Charlotte smirked, the corners of her mouth twitching. “Am I not always good?” Anthony just looked at her, saying nothing.
His steady gaze made her start to feel a little guilty. She reined in her smile and glanced away. “I’m almost nineteen. I’m not a kid.”
“To me, you are,” he said, laughing under his breath. He pulled her a little closer, wrapping her up in his arms. “Let me hold you for a bit.”
He lifted her onto his lap, turning her to face him. His eyes were filled with a longing he didn’t bother to hide. The thought of being away from her for a week was already making him miss her.
Charlotte sat on his lap, leaning forward slightly. Her loose shirt collar slipped down just enough to show off her delicate collarbone.
Anthony’s eyes flickered, his lips curving into a smile. He lowered his voice, coaxing her softly. “Don’t tease me next time.”
She grinned, tugging playfully at his tie. “Then don’t fall for it.”
When they got to Vanguard High School, Charlotte grabbed her backpack and hopped out of the car, her mood obviously great.
Anthony narrowed his eyes, catching her wrist before she could go far His gaze was steady and intense as he looked her over. “Yottre really happy I’ll be gone for a week, huh?”
He couldn’t shake the feeling she was up to something. She never could sit still.
“Was it that obvious?” Charlotte turned to face him, leaning in close with a mischievous smile.
“What do you think?” Anthony snorted softly.
“Want me to act sadder?” Charlotte flashed a sweet smile and pinched his chin for good measure.
That move…
Anthony’s eyes darkened. He was about to teach her a lesson, but she was quicker, yanking her hand away before he could react.
“Safe travels, Anthony.”
She tossed her backpack over her shoulder and took off, practically flying down the sidewalk.
Anthony watched her go, his lips twisting into a helpless, fond smile.
When Charlotte was finally out of sight, Hans finally spoke up. “Heading to the consortium now, Anthony?”
Anthony nodded. He lit a cigarette
and tucked it between his lips, the smoke curling around his face giving him a cool, dangerouswibe. He looked nothing like the man he’d just been with Charlotte.
“Find a few people to watch over Lottie, but keep it quiet,” Anthony said, tapping ash out the window. His voice was cold. “I don’t want anything to happen to her and I don’t want her to be hurt in any way.”