Chapter 8

Charlie leaned against the windowsill. The red ember at the end of his cigar flickered between his fingers as he unlocked his phone screen. He had yet to receive any news about Yasmine. Amidst his thoughts, the door swung open with a creak. Zara sauntered in dressed in a gauzy, wine-red nightgown and wrapped her arms around Charlie from behind. One of her spaghetti straps gently fell off her shoulder and onto her forearm, adding a sensual touch. "It's cold. You'll get sick," Charlie said, looking away as he took his jacket off and laid it on her shoulders. "Did you want to ask me something?" Zara could smell the cigar smoke on his jacket. Her ears blushed red as she gazed at him with undeniable admiration. "Charlie, I've been thinking a lot these past few days. I don't want to just be an outsider to you and the kids. I want to officially be part of your family." Charlie met her gaze. Her eyes were so similar to Yasmine's that he froze while staring at them, but the moment her lip