The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 263

Anthony leaned in close, letting his fingertips brush gently across Charlotte’s cheek. He took a deep breath and whispered, “Poor thing.”

That seemed to calm her down. Only then did he stand up and quietly leave the room. He didn’t notice that, as soon as the door clicked shut, the so-called sleeping Charlotte let a tiny, secret smile curve her lips.

…

Late at night, Anthony had just come out of a cold shower and flopped onto his bed. He hadn’t even settled in when his bedroom door opened. Charlotte walked in wearing pajamas, her head lowered, moving like she’d done this a hundred times before.

She climbed into bed beside him, eyes blank, pulling his arm close as if it was all muscle memory. Her breathing quickly slowed, deep and even, like she was already drifting off.

They lay side by side, pressed close enough to feel each other’s warmth. Anthony suddenly went stiff, his heart pounding all over again after finally calming down. She really had a way of getting under his skin.

He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the heat crawling up his neck. Running a hand through her hair, he let out a quiet, resigned sigh. “Go to sleep.”

…

The next morning, Anthony drove Charlotte right up to the gates of Vanguard High School himself. Her right hand was hurt, but you’d think she’d broken every bone in her body the way he was fussing. He even insisted on feeding her breakfast.

“I’ll pick you up tonight,” he said, dropping a carton of milk and a bunch of healthy snacks into her backpack. His gaze lingered on her. “Don’t go running off again.”

“Okay,” Charlotte replied, nodding as she started to step out of the car. Before she could, Anthony caught her by the wrist.

“Hm?” She looked back, a little confused.

“It’s nothing.” He was staring at her lips, suddenly feeling his throat go dry. “Just… be careful with your hand.”

Charlotte smiled, like she knew exactly what was going on in his head.

After a pause, she reached out and poked him in the chest, her voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t be late picking me up tonight.”

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