The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 262

The bathroom was quiet and dim, the light barely enough to cast soft shadows on the tiled floor. Charlotte stood in front of the sink, looking half-awake, her arms hanging loosely at her sides. Her eyes drooped, dark lashes nearly brushing her cheeks, giving her the look of someone who could fall asleep right there.

“Want a shower?” Anthony asked, his voice low and gentle. He had just finished brushing her teeth for her and was now using a warm towel to wipe her face with careful strokes.

Charlotte heard him and opened her eyes just a little, lips curving into a sleepy, teasing smile. “And how am I supposed to do that?”

Anthony glanced up, catching her gaze. For a second, he forgot what he was about to say. “Hmm?”

She drew out her words, her tone soft but with a hint of mischief, eyes glinting as she looked at him. “Don’t get any funny ideas.”

He let out a quiet laugh, pulling the towel away and brushing her lashes with his fingertips. His lips curled into a small, crooked smile. “Let Helen help you.”

Charlotte let her head rest against his shoulder, her body almost melting into him. Her voice was husky. “I’m too tired. And I don’t like anyone else touching me.”

“Alright.” Anthony didn’t argue. He scooped her up and carried her to the bed, then went back to fill a basin with warm water and set it by the bed.

Charlotte barely moved. She rolled onto her side, wrapped herself tightly in the blanket, and turned her back to him.

“Hold on, you haven’t washed your feet yet.” Anthony leaned over her, one hand braced on the mattress. He patted the blanket gently and coaxed her, “Just soak them for a bit. You’ll feel better.”

Charlotte mumbled something that sounded like agreement, but she stayed still.

Anthony smiled, a little helpless. He was about to reach for her feet, but then he remembered what she’d said about not liking to be touched.

“Lottie…”

He didn’t even finish saying her name before two slender, pale feet slipped out from under the blanket and settled right into his hands, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Just as he was about to pull away, her hand suddenly grabbed his collar and gave it a sharp tug. Before he could react, he was pulled down toward her, his lips brushing across her forehead.

The warmth of her skin sent a rush through him, her scent filling his head and making it hard to think. She was still asleep, frowning a little, completely unaware of what she’d done.

Anthony froze, not daring to move.

Was she just dreaming restlessly? Or was it something else?

“Lottie…” He placed his hand gently on her shoulder and lifted his chin, his brow furrowed in concern. “It’s okay. I’m here.”

She had no idea what she was doing, and he knew he couldn’t take advantage of her, not like this.