Warning: This chapter contains explicit sexual content (18+). Reader discretion is advised.
Earlier that evening, at the Charles Mansion…
Noah and Cassandra sat on the grand lounge sofa, the warm candlelight flickering between them. Cassandra held a cup of tea, trying to focus, but her eyes kept shifting toward Noah, who looked far too amused for her comfort.
He leaned a little closer, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Hey, Cassandra," he whispered softly near her ear.
Her eyes widened, and her ears flushed a deep red. Without thinking, her hand flew up—slap!—landing across Noah's cheek.
The room went silent for a moment.
Cassandra gasped, her hand covering her mouth. "Oh no! I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to— You just got too close suddenly, and I panicked—!"
Noah blinked, a little stunned, then chuckled quietly, rubbing his cheek. "It's nothing," he said, still smiling.
Cassandra's heart pounded. She couldn't meet his eyes. "I really didn't mean to hit you…"
