"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Charlotte nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said, trying to sound calmer than she felt.
Wesley's eyes narrowed, his gaze searching hers. "Don't lie to me, Charlotte," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I know my mother can be... difficult. But I want you to know that you're safe here. You're under my protection, and I won't let anyone hurt you."
Charlotte felt a lump form in her throat as she looked up at Wesley, his words touching a deep chord within her. She knew that she shouldn't trust him, not completely, but in that moment, she felt a sense of safety and security that she hadn't felt in a long time.
"Thank you, Wesley," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
