Chapter 42

Charlotte:

I go downstairs, of course, into Anthony's room.

I open the door and lock it behind me. Anthony rotates his armchair to face me. He's working on his laptop at his desk, his reading glasses on the bridge of his nose. He's in a soft looking grey shirt and black joggers.

"You miss Daddy already sunshine?"

I don't respond and simply climb into his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I always miss you."

He palms the back of my head and puts my face in his neck. I inhale his scent and it's like a sort of calm settles over me.

"You know, if I knew beautiful, young women would fall for me, I would have entered the dating market sooner."

My head snaps up and I grip his throat with both my hands.

He throws his head back and laughs. Does he think I won't strangle him? I start to apply pressure.

"Easy tiger. That was a joke."

"Does it look like I'm laughing?"

He holds his hands up in surrender.

"Point noted. I'm sorry. But anyway, it's not even true. I didn't want anyone til