A Thief's Kiss

20| Secrets

Chapter 20: Secrets (Alexander's POV)

When I looked back over five minutes later, Aria seemed to be having a better time. I don't know if that's because she's getting tipsy again or if it's because of Adrian. But time's up. 

Why am I getting irritated and angry? 

"Excuse me," I smiled before walking away. 

Her laughter faded and she pulled away from him when I walked over. "Hey," she said softly. 

"You ready? The party is nearly over." 

She nodded. 

"Oh well, I'm sure you can let us dance for however much longer we've got left," Adrian said, smirking at me. 

I turned to Aria. "Would you like to dance with him until the party ends?" I arched a brow at her. 

She looked between us. "I can dance with you." 

I nearly smiled. Nearly. 

"Very well, goodnight," Adrian said, kissing her hand before walking away. 

I took over and we both started dancing after that. A few people had started leaving. Within the next ten minutes, everybody would be gone. She was looking at me, clearly amused. "What?" I asked. 

"Were you just feeling a little jealous right there?" she asked. Not tauntingly like you would expect her to. Like she genuinely wanted to know. 

"Not jealous," I lied. "I was just worried about what the guests would think if they saw you dancing with Adrian longer than you did with me." 

"Right," she said slowly. "That's what it is." She started laughing and she put her head down on my shoulder to gather herself before standing upright. "You were jealous," she concluded. 

"Whatever floats your boat, Aria." 

"You can admit it. I would be jealous if a girl danced with my fiance." She shrugged, "But only because you're my fiance. Not because I like you." 

I rolled my eyes, pushing her out and then rolling her in, her back to my chest. "I think you're a liar," I said before rolling her out again and pulling her close, spinning her once. 

"Then you lie way worse than me," she giggled. And there's the champagne now kicking in. 

"I think you're done for tonight. You're about to make a scene if you're not put to bed. Come on," I grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the few couples that were still dancing. I found my father immediately. "We're heading up," I sighed while letting go of her to take my coat off. She stumbled. I grabbed her quickly and huffed, seating her on the closest chair and taking my coat off. 

"Why? What happened?" 

I glanced at Aria who was staring up at the chandelier, trying to count all the crystals. "That happened," I mumbled, holding my coat in one hand. "She needs to be put to bed. She's drunk." 

"How much did she drink?" he chuckled, looking at her. 

"You think this is funny?" I looked at him incredulously. "She had three glasses of champagne back to back. And she's a lightweight. She needs to sleep to wear it off." 

"You seem to have learned a lot about her in a week's time," he said, smiling at me knowingly. 

"I've known her longer than you think," I mumbled, making sure he didn't hear me. I went and helped her to her feet, saying a quick bye to him and then taking her to the staircase. Which she is not in the condition to climb up. I sighed, picking her up, making sure we weren't being watched by too many people.