Chapter 42

Charles carried Stella straight back to the villa. As soon as they got into the room, he gently laid her down on the bed. He'd already contacted Jason on the way there to have him come treat her. But Stella's cheeks were burning hot and her mind was getting fuzzier by the second. She blinked at Charles, teary-eyed, her voice weak and slurred, "Hold... hold me..." That moment hit Charles right in the chest. She had always pushed him away before, never letting him get too close. This was the first time she asked—for a hug. He couldn't hold back anymore. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close. Just then, Jason burst in breathlessly. The moment he stepped through the door, he froze. The air was thick with tension—a little too intimate. Yep, he'd definitely walked right into something. He stood stiffly at the doorway, not knowing whether to leave or walk in like nothing happened. Charles came downstairs at that moment, shooting him a cold glare. "Why are you just standing there?