The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1785

“What are you up to?”

Anthony tossed his towel aside, took his time tying the robe around his waist, and settled in right next to Charlotte.

One hand found her waist, and he leaned in, his jaw pressing gently on her shoulder. His nose brushed against her neck, drinking in her scent, every breath lazy and full of longing.

“Counting red envelopes,” Charlotte answered, not even glancing his way. Her focus was totally on the pile in front of her. No cash, just stacks and stacks of checks.

She’d barely opened a quarter of them, and already the total was pushing seventy million. There was still all the jewelry and the property deeds she hadn't even looked at yet.

“I thought you said you were tired?”

Anthony flicked the torn envelopes off to the side and wrapped his arms around her waist. His warm palm came to rest on her belly, already starting to round, lips brushing her ear as he spoke in a deep, low voice. “We can finish tomorrow, okay?”

“There’s always more to do tomorrow,” Charlotte muttered, nudging him with her elbow. “Go to bed first if you want.”

Go to bed first? Did she hear herself? It was their wedding night—what kind of bride told the groom to sleep first?

“Charlotte…” Anthony didn’t move, just held her a little tighter. “It’s our wedding night. Are you really going to leave me all alone?”

Charlotte finally paused and glanced his way, meeting the heat in his eyes. A sly smile played across her lips. “It’s pretty chilly tonight. Catching a cold from a cold shower is a real risk, you know.”

With two “get out of jail free” cards in her belly, Charlotte couldn’t help feeling a little bold.

“I’ll be fine.” His grin turned devilish, fingers sliding along her shoulder, toying with the thin strap. “I asked the doctor. It’s been past three months. As long as we’re careful, it’s okay.”

“The babies are already three months?” Charlotte’s eyes flickered wide as she glanced at her stomach. Before she could say more, Anthony’s shadow was already falling over her.

A hint of blush warmed Charlotte’s cheeks. She bit her lip, gaze unfocused, lost in the moment.

“It’s okay.” Anthony knew she’d never go for those cheesy, mushy nicknames. He pressed close, voice low in her ear. “The night’s still young. We’ve got plenty of time to practice.”

Charlotte didn’t answer. But she didn’t have to.

…

Downstairs, the noise from the party finally faded. Laughter and toasts gave way to sleepy whispers. The guys, a little unsteady from all the drinks, were led to their rooms by their girlfriends, or wobbled their way back alone if they didn’t have one.

Stella stepped out of the bathroom, only to realize everyone else had already gone.