Elaine's POV
By the time the music fades and Zane releases my waist, my smile feels glued on, my cheeks ache from holding it for so long. My pulse is still doing something stupid in my throat, but I refuse to let him see that. I step back first, creating space, smoothing my dress like nothing happened.
"I'm going to find my brothers," I say.
He doesn't argue. He just nods once, jaw tight, his eyes unreadable again. That look where he puts himself back behind glass.
Fine by me, not like I care
I turn and slip into the crowd before he can say anything else.
The room feels louder now. I weave through clusters of people who look at me a second too long.
I spot Noah first near one of the tall cocktail tables, his jacket off, sleeves rolled up, drink in hand. Caleb is with him, laughing at something someone says. Lucas is nowhere in sight, which immediately makes me suspicious.
I slide up beside Noah and take his glass without asking
"Hey hey" he says. "That's mine."
