Chapter 559

Jackson, Adonis, and Hans huddled in the corner of the elevator, trying to make themselves invisible.
When the doors slid open, Anthony let go of Charlotte’s hand and led her down the hallway toward the presidential suite. The three men stopped at the door, giving each other looks that said everything without a word.
Once the door clicked shut behind them, Anthony slipped off Charlotte’s jacket and guided her to the sofa. He disappeared into the bathroom and came back with a warm towel, kneeling in front of her to gently wipe her face and hands.
A moment later, someone brought up his luggage along with an armful of her favorite snacks and a carton of milk.
“Tired?” Anthony asked, opening the milk and handing it to her as he settled on the sofa beside her. He spread the snacks out on the table, his voice soft. “Want to take a shower and get some rest?”
Charlotte took the milk with one hand and, without even thinking about it, started undoing the buttons on her shirt with the other. From where Anthony sat, he could see her delicate collarbones, glowing under the warm light like perfect porcelain. His mouth went dry. He looked away after a few seconds, trying to keep his cool. “I’m going to shower,” he mumbled.
Charlotte took a couple sips of milk, then stood. She reached over, fingers tracing the line of his jaw, her lips curling into a teasing smile. “Why are you blushing, Anthony?”
He caught her wandering hand, holding it firmly in his palm, his eyes burning into hers. “Don’t start,” he said, his voice low and rough. “Go take your shower.”
“What am I starting?” Charlotte didn’t move, her smile turning mischievous. She rose onto her toes, leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear. “Why are you so nervous?”
Anthony’s whole body went tense. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was doing this on purpose. She was fearless.
He lowered his head, drawn in by her pretty face, ready to close the distance between them. But just as their lips were about to meet, Charlotte put her hand between them, one eyebrow raised in playful challenge. “Okay, I’m really going to shower now.”
She brushed past him and disappeared into the bathroom, humming to herself. The sound of water filled the room. Anthony let out a breath, rubbing his brow, a helpless smile tugging at his lips.
After half an hour, Anthony sat at the desk, his long legs crossed, a black shirt stretched over his broad
shoulders. One arm rested on the et
desk as he stared at the computer screen, lost in thought. Files from the battle between X Organization and N Organization three years ago filled the monitor.
Every command he’d given back then had been final, meant to wipe N Organization out for good. If Lottie hadn’t been so smart, or if she’d
beenust a little less stron
wouldn’t have just been
Organization that disappeared. She would have vanished too?
Anthony closed his eyes and pressed his fingers to his eyelids. Guilt weighed heavy on his face. Even if it had been an accident, even if Lottie let it go, he couldn’t forgive himself. He had no idea how to make it right. He’d almost lost her, for good.
Before he could sink any deeper into that feeling the bathroom door opened behind him. Anthony turned and sew Charlotte standing there in a white bathrobe, the belt barely tied. Her long, pale legs caught his attention first, but it was the way her damp hair fell over her shoulders that made his heart skip.
She walked over, towel in hand.
“All done?” Anthony took the towel from her, his voice gentle. “Come here. Let me
dry your hair.”