Chapter 23

"He barely looks like he's out of his nappy's, what the f*ck." I couldn't help but blurt out in shock, my eyes wide as I stared at the boy in disbelief. Well, maybe my manners weren't as strong as I'd first thought. He cleared his throat awkwardly at my outburst, "I'm eighteen, ma'am." My head leaned forward in even further disbelief, "Jesus Charlest, you're an infant." "Well he's the only one we've got, so it's him or no one." Charles intervened with an even more clipped tone, crossing his arms once again and daring me to argue further. "Sorry, that was really rude of me." I grimaced, placing a hand to my forehead as I stepped forward and held a hand out to shake, "Nice to meet you." He flashed a small, hesitant smile, "It's alright. I'm sorry for asking, ma'am... but are you okay? You're ugh, looking a bit..." "Beaten?" "Yeah..." He winced, letting go of my hand as he did. "I'm pea