The Daughter Extraction

Tipsy Temptations

•LUNA•

My feet are aching in these heels, and I can feel the smile on my face starting to wane. At this point, I'm beginning to believe that formal parties and events are definitely not for me.

I think I've circled the room three times, talking and smiling at the same people I've already introduced myself to. My social battery is at its lowest point right now, and there's nothing I want more than to get out of here, go home, and rest.

Alec left my side a couple of minutes ago, something about a quick debrief with his team outside, and I haven't seen him since. I can't wait until he gets back so I can beg him to escort me home.

My eyes are starting to feel heavier by the minute, and I don't think I can keep up this smile any longer. I know it's just my first public appearance at an exclusive party, but there's only so much I can handle when it comes to socializing all night.

This is clearly my father's thing, not mine.

I exhaled another sigh, and when I turned away from the champagne table, I saw Alec walking back into the party, aiming straight toward me through the dance floor.

I quickly placed my champagne glass behind me and met him halfway across the room, clinging to his arm and attempting to pull him back in the direction he just came from.

"What's happening right now?" he asked in confusion while letting me pull him away.

"We're leaving."

"Why? The party is not over yet," he said, chuckling at me.

"Dad and Uncle Danny can handle things here. I need to get out. My heels are killing me, and the amount of champagne I've consumed in the past few hours is starting to make me feel a bit woozy."

More than woozy, actually, considering how I'm starting to ramble in front of Alec right now. The alcohol is working really fast.

"Alright then," Alec responded and grabbed my hand, leading the way out instead.

But only after making sure to place another arm around my waist to keep me from falling or tripping over my dress. He quickly noticed that I was already tipsy.

We stood waiting outside, and a few seconds later, our car pulled up in front of us, and the parking valet got out and passed the keys to Alec.

"Thanks, man," I heard him say to the parking valet, then he opened the car door for me.

He gently ushered me inside and closed the door behind me. Sleep was catching up with me really fast, and the minute my head hit the headrest, my eyes involuntarily closed.

I felt Alec's presence next to me when he occupied the driver's seat, and then I felt the car start to move. A comfortable silence immediately enveloped us during the ride, but then suddenly, a reminder popped into my head, making my eyes snap open.

"Take me to my apartment. I don't want to go home tonight."

Alec swiftly turned to see me and then nodded while reaching for my hand and placing a kiss on the back of my palm.

"You feeling okay?" he softly asked, and I angled my face towards him and smiled.

Before I could voice my response, my eyes dropped to his neck, admiring the perfect Adam's apple on his throat and also taking in his perfect side profile. Something immediately awoke inside of me as I continued to eye him.

I bit the side of my bottom lip when I saw how hot the picture being realistically portrayed before my eyes was. The way he clutched the steering wheel with his left hand while his right one intertwined with mine between our seats.