Charles welled up in tears as he rose from the bed, drawing in a deep breath. "What exactly have I done to deserve someone like Augustine?" he questioned himself, placing a trembling hand over his lips, trying to steady his breath.
Swallowing hard, Charles turned to face the door and, with hurried steps, rushed over and swiftly pulled it open.
With a swift movement, Charles ran down the staircase, his robe fluttering behind him like a storm about to break.
"Hey!" Charles called out breathlessly, his voice catching just as his feet hit the final step.
Augustine, who had been pacing the sitting room in restless loops, froze mid-step. His eyes locked with Charles's, the tension in his shoulders melting.
"Hey, Pookie," Augustine purred, his voice soft and warm—like velvet against bare skin.
Charles smirked, biting down on his lower lip as his eyes drank in the sight of Augustine.
