Chapter 393
“You really don’t want to know.”
Charlotte sat with her phone, fingers flying across the screen as she chatted in the Family Group. She raised an eyebrow but didn’t look up.
Anthony let out a quiet sigh, frustration and affection mixing in his expression. He reached out, gently ruffling her hair. “Come on, Lottie. I want to hear it,” he coaxed, his voice low.
Charlotte paused, fingers hovering above her phone, then glanced up at him. There was a playful spark in her eyes. “Okay, but you asked for it. I needed cash for a B20, so I took a job. Someone was offering big money for a doctor. While I was treating the patient, I met that little nurse.”
Anthony’s gaze lingered on her face, sharp and searching. “And?” His voice was rough, clearly sensing she hadn’t told the whole story.
Charlotte gave a little shrug. “The guy was causing trouble at your casino and got beat up pretty bad. I went to Netherworld Casino to figure out what’s in that spray your people use.”
Anthony’s face shifted, a chill settling over his features. He didn’t like where this was going. He had a feeling he shouldn’t have asked.
Charlotte met his eyes, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “Hey, you wanted to know. Not my problem.”
Up in the driver’s seat, Hans caught Anthony’s stormy expression in the rearview mirror and struggled not to laugh.
Charlotte finished her messages to Jackson and Adonis, then tilted her head, watching Anthony sulk. A small, satisfied smile tugged at her lips.
After a moment, she put her phone away and scooted closer to him, inch by inch, until she was pressed right up against his side.
She leaned in and gave him a quick, sweet kiss at the corner of his mouth. It was a clear peace offering.
Anthony’s eyes darkened. He didn’t hesitate, just pulled her into his lap so they were face to face.
“Anything else you want to say?” he asked, his voice low.
Charlotte arched an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “You almost had me killed just because I went against you. Honestly, you owe me more than I owe you.”
She lowered her gaze, voice light and breezy. “But I’m generous, so I’ll let it slide. We’re even now, right? I’m pretty great, aren’t I?”
Anthony couldn’t help it. He smiled,
a quiet, defeated kind of smile. He reached up, gently tugging her earlobe. You’re the best, Lottie. But from flow or stay away from trouble. And from other men And women, too.”
Hans rolled his eyes so hard it was almost audible. Anthony was completely wrapped around her finger and he didn’t even care. Beauty really was dangerous.
***
Half an hour later, their sports car pulled up in front of a grand old castle. Helicopters crowded a landing strip nearby, and bodyguards stood everywhere, closing ranks around the estate.
Bold letters across the gate read: The Hamlet Estate.
Charlotte remembered hearing rumors. The Hamlet family’s only son had gotten drunk and handsy with a waitress at the Netherworld’s Casino then had the nerve to pick a fight with their staff. It was no surprise today’s car accident was tied to him.
Anthony squeezed her hand, bringing his lips close to her ear. “Once we’re done here, we’ll head back to Cabinda at sunrise,” whispered “Stay close to me. If y olise,” he separe. you get scared, just close your eyes.”
“Will there be blood?” Charlotte asked, her tone almost bored.
“There will,” Anthony said quietly.
Charlotte nodded, her voice flat. “Sounds kind of exciting.”
Anthony’s eyes darkened. His serious tone softened with a hint of indulgence. “You like excitement, huh?”
Charlotte just looked at him, silent.
She was still young, and honestly, she had no idea what he really meant.