Charlotte was completely drunk, barely conscious, but she still instinctively nestled closer into Sean’s arms and mumbled softly, “Mmm… feels nice.”
Sean held her carefully. As her head came to rest against his chest, the quiet sobs and murmurs faded away. She grew completely
still.
His gaze softened like a ripple across still water, and his voice dropped into a low, soothing murmur. “Good girl.”
Holding her as gently as if she were a child, Sean carried her out of the bar in one arm, steady and protective.
A few bodyguards followed silently behind.
Sam walked over to Petra and asked, “Do you happen to know where Miss Riley’s friends live?”
Petra gave a small shake of her head.
“In that case,” Sam said, “we’ll have to send them to one of the Jasper Corporation’s hotels for the night. Miss Petra, I could use your help.”
It wouldn’t have been appropriate for him to check two unconscious women into a hotel alone.
Petra glanced toward the direction Charlotte and Sean had gone, her brow furrowed with concern.
Sensing her hesitation, Sam reassured her. “Miss Riley is safe with Mr. Jasper. And there are plenty of security personnel with him.”
Petra still wanted to follow. Her instinct was to protect Charlotte. But one look at Sophie and Jenny, both passed out and completely vulnerable, made the decision for her.
Petra usually worked as Charlotte’s assistant at the law firm, which made it easier for her to stay close and protect her. Over time, she had also grown familiar with Sophie and Jenny.
By now, the two of them could be considered her friends as well.
In the end, Petra chose to help Sam take Jenny and Sophie to one of the hotels owned by the Jasper Corporation and get them safely checked in for the night.
10
Charlotte was soft and limp in Sean’s arms, her body melting against him as if all her bones had disappeared.
As soon as they stepped outside, a wave of heat rolled over them. Without the chill of the bar’s air conditioning, the warm night air felt heavy and thick. Charlotte pressed her face into the curve of Sean’s neck, mumbling sleepily. Her breath, warm and tinged with alcohol, brushed across his skin.
The driver quickly stepped forward and opened the door.
Sean climbed into the back seat, still holding Charlotte close. He settled into the seat with her curled sideways in his lap, her head resting against his shoulder.
The black Cullinan pulled away from the curb and slipped quietly into the warm summer night of Jersey City.
Charlotte sat still, staring blankly ahead with glassy eyes. She wasn’t crying or speaking anymore. It was hard to tell whether she was deep in thought or completely lost.
Sean reached over and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His thumb, slightly rough from work, brushed softly across her warm cheek.
Her face was flushed from the alcohol, her lips slightly parted. She looked adorably tipsy, like a sleepy peach, effortlessly pulling
at his heart.
“Sean Jasper,” she murmured suddenly.
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“I’m here,” he answered in a low, tender voice.
‘Sean… can we not break up?”
Her voice wavered as if she was holding back tears. Her brows drew together, and she burrowed deeper into the curve of his neck.
Her lips brushed gently against his skin, warm and featherlight.
That soft, pleading tone in her voice wrapped around his nerves like a thread, pulling tight.
Something stirred deep in his chest. A wave of longing rose, slow and steady.
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “We won’t. Not ever again.”
She let out a quiet hum, delicate and sweet.
Sean’s eyes darkened, and his voice dropped lower. “Lottie.”
“Hmm?” Charlotte tilted her head up, looking at him with dazed, glistening eyes. “What is it?”
Her bare face, untouched by makeup, was flushed a gentle pink. She looked so soft, so tempting, that he could hardly stop himself from leaning in to kiss her.
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