The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1695

When Charlotte’s clear, deep eyes locked with his, Anthony froze up. Something dark flickered across his usually calm face. He tried to force a smile, his voice gentle. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh.” Charlotte just stood there, head tilted, looking him up and down with curiosity. “So you’re not after a label? Guess I misunderstood.” Her tone was slow and nonchalant.

“Wait…” Anthony started, but Charlotte already shot him a raised eyebrow and leaned past his shoulder, stepping forward as if she was about to just walk away.

“That’s not it either.” Anthony’s face changed as he quickly reached out and caught her hand. For someone who could rule boardrooms and turn storms into sunshine, he suddenly seemed at a loss for words.

“It’s just…” He stepped closer, slipping his arms around her in a loose hug. His head dipped, lips brushing gently against her forehead as he spoke softly. “This isn’t the first time those headlines and photos have popped up online. People keep talking. We should find a way to put all that gossip to rest once and for all, don’t you think?”

Charlotte didn’t answer at first. She narrowed her eyes at him, a small mysterious smile curling at the corner of her mouth.

“So, Anthony, what do you suggest?” Her voice was light, playful, as she shuffled little steps closer into his embrace. Hands tucked into her pockets, she let her whole weight rest on him on purpose, eyes shining and smile bright, the very picture of a mischievous kitten.

“I was thinking…” Anthony slipped his hands around her waist, lifting her up so easily and setting her gently on the hood of his sports car. He braced his hands beside her, eyes so dark and intense it felt like falling into deep water. “I want the world to know that the so-called ‘old man’ in those photos really isn’t me. And that Charlotte, young and beautiful as she is, sure knows how to pick them.”

“Oh…” Charlotte drew out the word, her smile spreading as she looked at him, eyes crinkling with amusement.

After a barely-there pause, she leaned closer. One hand rested on his shoulder as she brushed his lips with hers, just a quick kiss near his mouth. “Is that you bragging, Anthony?”

“Yeah.” His hand found the nape of her neck, thumb tracing gently as he grinned. “Being chosen by you is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Surely a little self-praise isn’t too much?”

He figured she’d rather make a quick getaway. After all, if people found out about them, life could get messy for her. Still, he already knew that if the attention ever pushed Charlotte too far, he’d disappear from the public eye. Whatever she wanted, he was ready.

“Come here.” Charlotte angled the camera, making sure it caught her face and fixed Anthony with a shining, steady gaze. “Kiss me.”

Anthony’s eyes grew darker, more intense. He barely had time to think before Charlotte snatched his collar and yanked him down to her level.

His usually cool, reserved lips landed right on hers, completely unprepared.

For once, Charlotte was the one taking charge, and Anthony felt himself sinking, his entire world narrowing down until she was all he could see, all he could feel.