Noelle's embrace tightened. Cedric froze, his gaze darting away. His throat felt thick. "You're too young," he finally managed.

"I'm an adult, Cedric. Are you scared? Scared of getting close?" Noelle's voice held a dangerous edge. She'd almost believed in his feelings, but the other girls had shattered that.

Cedric's face hardened. " 'A taste of me?' That's not something to say lightly."

Noelle's cheeks flushed crimson. "Oh. All men are the same, I guess."

"You can't handle that joke, but you're trying to pick up guys in a bar?" He'd deflected, but Noelle pressed on. Looking up at him, she asked, "Cedric, why have you always been so good to me?"

He couldn't meet her eyes, terrified of revealing the truth. The truth he couldn't even admit to himself.

Her arms still around his neck, she whispered, "Don't you feel… anything?"

Her sincerity silenced him. He'd been kind to ease his guilt, not out of affection. But the vulnerability in her eyes softened his resolve. He could only offer a cruel truth.

"Little girl, I'm helping you because it's convenient. Because of your brother."

Tears welled in Noelle's eyes. His words, though gentle, were a brutal rejection. Mortified, she pulled away, stammering, "I… I was joking. Bathroom."

She fled. Cedric followed, his expression grim. Only at the restroom door did he stop, accepting a cigarette. He inhaled deeply, the smoke obscuring his face.

Alfred arrived with drinks. "How's it going?"

Cedric downed the wine. "She cried."

"I told you. Keep your distance."

"Then why are you so kind to her?" Cedric snapped, his jaw tight, frustration etched on his face.