Ten

Valeria’s POV

I marched back to the spot where I had been standing with Noah, but he was no longer there. The mass of people to my left briefly parted, and I saw him, talking and laughing with a group of important looking people.

Good. I wanted to be on my own for a while. I took a glass of champagne, leaned against the bar, sipped it and stewed in anger. The nerve of Damian, talking to me like that!

I was careful though, to keep my face expressionless. I nodded, smiled at those who caught my eye. Again, I raised the glass to my lips. Nothing came out. I needed another drink. Badly. There was a waiter up ahead. The place was noisy and he would not hear me if I called out. I took a couple of steps towards him and stopped. The ground seemed to undulate under my feet. The room spun. I clutched the glass in my hand tightly, hoping, praying that I wouldn't fall and disgrace myself.

"Hey. Are you okay?"

Relieved, I sagged against Noah as I felt his arm slide around my waist.

"I guess so