T's & C's (don't) Apply

35. (Don't) Visit the Rooftop

I'd never been more relieved than when Duncan won the bid. I had no idea what I thought by agreeing to a bought date, but the second the bids were shouted, I grew more anxious. I looked at Duncan gratefully, and he assured me with his eyes.

I was a little disappointed that Kai didn't object to the bidding. I knew I was only an employee, but a tiny part of me expected him to shut down Rosalind's auction the second she somewhat agreed to it.

I figured he was giving his all to make his relationship work. He and Rosalind hadn't left each other's side all evening. I tried not to look their way, but every time my eyes moved in their direction, they were holding onto each other, smiling and laughing.

"You're braver than you look," Duncan diverted my attention.

"Pardon?"

"I didn't expect you to agree to a date with a stranger," he clarified.

"Thank you," I finally expressed my gratitude. "If you didn't step in, I don't know what I would've done."

Duncan grinned handsomely. "Don't mention it. I had to do something before one of those scumbags won."

"Scumbags? Aren't they your friends?"

Duncan shook his head. "Hell no. They're Kai's friends, and I happen to know them."

I sighed and looked around the room. "I wonder what he sees in having so many empty relationships."

"Hmm?" Duncan didn't seem to hear what I said.

I smiled and shook my head. I glanced at the half-empty glass in my hand and decided to down the entire drink.

"Easy, you should pace yourself."

I ignored the burn in my throat from the alcohol and swallowed the last bit. My face twisted into an expression I was glad I couldn't see.

"It's boozy iced tea. How bad can it be?"

"It's not real-"

"I need a refill," I cut him off and headed straight for the bar.

"Are you sure you can handle another?" Duncan asked as the barman handed me my drink.

I nodded. "I can handle my alcohol."

No, you can't. Stop or regret it later.

I ignored my subconscious and sipped my drink as I bopped my head to the music. The atmosphere felt a lot better than earlier. I would've danced if the guests hadn't been so uptight. Everyone was more obsessed with drinking than anything else.

Duncan was at my side the entire time, and whenever some of the guys who had bid a date with me approached, he told them to get lost before they even got a word out.

"You're making sure you get your hundred and fifty thousand quid worth, eh?" I teased.

Duncan quickly shook his head. "No, that's not it. I know these guys, and they only have the worst intentions."

I laughed. "You're quite the knight in shining armour."

"You're too kind," Duncan grinned. "But I don't deserve all the credit-"

"Can you dance?" I abruptly cut Duncan off.

The music was good, but the vibe wasn't. I wasn't an expert but knew that parties were more than just drinking. Everyone was stuck in their spots and didn't even tap their foot. I wanted to dance, and if no one else was going to get the dancefloor started, I was.

"Clover." Duncan looked blurry, but I heard the concern in his voice. "I think you had one too many. Let's sit down for a bit, hmm."

"I'm fine, I promise," I assured him. "In fact, it's the best I've felt all nigh-"