playing the part of someone wit

lashed Charlie a beaming smi

e didn't waste a moment. He summoned a maid urgent

nxious, approache

pretended to be terrified and gently tu

me!" Charlie ex

na's face fell in

ned over, lifted Helena in his arms, and carried her inside

ned her as he set her down by the si

onto the noti

nder the tap and, ignoring the mu

him, seizing her wrist with a stern, low th

tears starting to

she misunderstood. She probably thought

r cheeks, Helena wept, garne

n, briefly concealing a gli

fingernails gave Charli

t any further, he passed her

now, Mr. Wallace can't stand germs. Try not to touch him next ti

to herself. Touch him?

lubs and his audacity to take her to bed the night

omplaint about him touching he

nds, the maid guided her

ill briefin

t. Why don't you head upstairs and p

tairs, Charlie's commanding ton

ears like a summons to

ched him, nervously twisting her

houlders. He eyed her soiled dress with displeasure. "Next tim

d uncomfortabl

be ready for him to take her to bed again? What

tightened a kno

intricate Henna tattoo on the back of his

up to lock eyes with him. "Behave well,

t to go out wi

heir last encounter flooded back; s

ive? The possibility of i

had urgent matters to attend to and

lose, gesturing fo

trade tariffs, the presidential off

rlie responded with a lazy arrogance,

gala being organized by Gust Group ton

tion sharpened

villa this evening, it might b

barely breathing, silently

lan hinged on his d