Cedric watched, a mix of exasperation and helplessness churning within him. He shouldn't have let Noelle drink.

Across the room, Justin whistled at Noelle's dancing. "Not bad," he murmured.

Xenia felt a pang of jealousy. Those kinds of girls always captivated men. She'd always kept Justin at arm's length, until a panicked call—likely her father—had changed everything. She needed the Liddells' support, a quick marriage to a suitable scion. So, when Justin confessed at the bar, she'd reluctantly agreed. "Justin," she gritted out, "let's dance."

"Okay." Justin's eyes lingered on Noelle, but with Xenia at his side, he kept his interest subdued. He'd only just won her over.

Noelle saw them approaching. Annoying.

She turned towards Cedric, but a sleazy man blocked her path. "Ms. Fox, you dance so sexy. Drink with me?"

"No need."

"You're alone; don't be pretentious."

"Who says I'm alone?" Noelle hooked her arm through Cedric's. "This is my boyfriend."

Cedric stared at her. Even in the dim light, she seemed to glow. His throat tightened as he glared at the man, a cold fury radiating from him.

The man stammered, "I didn't see...he's not really your boyfriend, right?"

"Says who?" Noelle stood on tiptoe, kissed Cedric's cheek, then looked back at the man. "Proof enough?"

The kiss was a feather, a blow, all at once. Cedric froze, his heart stuttering against the pulsing music. The man backed off.

Noelle exhaled, then realized what she'd done. "I just...kissed you to get rid of him."

She felt she'd overstepped, fueled by the alcohol, the music, the moment.

Cedric's gaze deepened, drawing her in. Unease prickled her skin. "You're not mad? Worried your girlfriend will be jealous?" She admitted it was partly intentional, that she liked him.

Despite the crowd, Cedric embraced her. He leaned down, his voice husky. "Do you know what it means to kiss a man like that?"

In his arms, her heart pounded. Meeting his gaze, she whispered, "I know." Her eyes held his sincerely.