Chapter 8

Charles' question made me lick my dry lips. He was too shrewd and paranoid. I had almost been burned to death, and he was still more rational than emotional. But that was okay, and I answered him patiently, "Of course, I'm sincere. That was a blazing inferno, and the chances of making it out alive were slim. If it weren't for you being inside, I would've been crazy to go in." I didn't forget to slip into my manipulative persona, and I made myself sound regretful as I said, "I didn't know you weren't in there, Charles. I acted without thinking. I'm just so stupid, going through all this pain for nothing… "Charles, I'm so stupid. Are you going to like me less—" Before I could finish, Charles suddenly leaned in and kissed me ever so softly. "You're not stupid, Shay. You're not stupid at all." He sighed, refuting my words. I had a look of innocence on my face, but inwardly, I was chuckling. The one who was stupid wasn't me. It was Charles. By putting my life on the line, I had fi