One Dare Too Far — Episode 9

Lucian, it's cold outside. Did you make it in? The only person worrying whether I was cold was Lucian. Before I could think twice, I shoved the lounge door open.

Keep going. The laughter died instantly. Every face turned white. Noah shot to his feet.

Ashley! And threw it directly in his face. The entire room froze. Whiskey dripped from Noah's jaw slowly.

His expression cracked. I smiled coldly. Congratulations, Noah. You won the bet. I stepped back. Too bad.

Then I looked past him, straight toward the hallway behind him. Because I have a new boyfriend now. Absolute silence. Lucian Blackthorn stood in the doorway. Noah looked completely stunned, and before anyone could speak again,

I walked to Lucian, grabbed his hand, and left with him. The second we entered Lucian's office, I let go of his hand. Thanks for helping me back there. I forced out a breath.

But, you know I didn't mean it, right? Lucian loosened his tie slowly, then smiled. A fake boyfriend is still better than being hated by you. My heartbeat stumbled.

Noah's a child, he said. He never deserved you.