A wave of deja vu hit me. 'Shit not again!'
"I will be fine! I am not planning to drink as heavy anyways. This is my last drink of the night." Though he said that, based on how relaxed and loose he was, that was most likely a lie. "Haa I guess I can keep an eye on him." I felt like a babysitter. I gave Dean a hard look hoping he keeps to his word and does not drink heavy.
He looked at me and smiled holding his current drink up like he was doing a toast. "Yes ma'am." He chugged the drink before placing the empty glass on the table. "Alright make sure you guys head back safe. I will text you when we start heading back."
Once I was sure our parents were out of sight I slapped Deans upper arm. "No funny business I mean it. I have had one too many drunk incidents of you. Please just be sober or at least sober enough to take me back safely."
He held his arm as if my slap hurt him. But I knew well that it did not. His muscles were prominent even in his suit. It felt like I slapped a rock and I wasn't even trying that hard either. "I have a task to bring you back, trust me I am not planning to get drunk. Or at least lose my memory and sense of reason kind of drunk."
I did not feel very comforted but I had to trust him. "Ok."
We both went our separate ways as we partied the way we each like to do. I went to Rebecca and my other friends while Dean went with Alan and the other guys. Rebecca got every girl a shot to drink and she had us get in a circle so her videographer can capture the moment on camera.
Once she gave the cue I drank the first shot. If I ranked my alcohol preferences, wine was at the top of the list. It then followed with mixed drinks, beer, and at the bottom was shots. Maybe I have yet to find the best that feel smooth going down but everything tasted like the way rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover smelled.
It burned. She also did not give us any chasers to go with it so it took everything in me to not make a face. The younger girls who were old enough to drink had varied reactions. Some cleared their throats loudly while others were ready for the next round.
"Lets PARTY!" We all moved to the dance floor and with the help of the liquid courage, everyone started dancing to the music. It was a stark contrast to the ceremony earlier. What felt like something out of Jane Austen was now as if we were transported to a night club. Even though we went our separate ways I found myself looking for him. When I caught sight he somehow felt my gaze and wiggled his eyebrows letting me know he saw me.
It was like we were checking in on each other. Ensuring the other was ok.
All the candles which originally adorned the hall were put out and flashing lights of various blues and greens and purples lit the dance floor. The tables were pushed back to give more space.
The staff kept the drinks flowing. 'Damn maybe I should have warned myself.' I tried to hide or pretend to be so engrossed in the music just so I could skip some drinks but I was already buzzed and I could feel the edge of no return approaching.
I had managed to ward off yet another drink when I felt someone tug my arm. "Hey watch it!" I turned angrily but it was Dean. I calmed down instantly. "Have you been drinking?" I got close to his face to see if I could smell the alcohol off of him.
He did not move and simply held my arm to keep me balanced. "Ehh buzzed but I kept my word as I said. Just buzzed but still sane. Ish." He smoothed my hair which after dancing and drinking was sticking to my face and some sections a little wet from my sweat.
"Its nearly 3 AM should we call it?" He also spoke loudly but put his mouth by my ear so it was audible. "3 AM?!" I grabbed his free hand to look at the time on his watch but under the dark lights it was hard to see. So we stumbled our way back to our table for my phone.
Sure enough it was nearly 3AM. Because my phone automatically goes on do not disturb past midnight any messages did not come in. But once I opened the phone, a message from my parents popped up in our group chat. 'Hey honey, we are going to sleep now. Be safe!'
"There is no way that much time has passed. Our parents left maybe around 10 pm." I groaned into my hand. Deans hands rubbed my back as he comforted me. "Lets call it then."
I left a message for the happy couple letting them know we left and we made our way to his car. "Will you be ok to drive?" I was buzzed but with the way I was already feeling dizzy, I could not be behind the wheel.
"Well I am fine but we could walk to the place if you don't feel safe with me driving." I contemplated heavily but ended up choosing walking. I would rather play it safe than play it dumb.
Dean wrapped his suit jacket over me and carried me on his back since my heels would not do so well in the dirt path. Thankfully the night was not super cold but was instead a refreshing cool temperature.
I think I nodded off on his back because I blinked and we arrived to another estate. "Alright princess we are home. Lets get you to bed." I don't think he knew I was awake.
The estate was dimly lit so I could see just faint outlines of fine furniture and ornate paintings. He climbed up the grand staircase and walked off to some rooms. He opened each door to see who was in what room.
"Are they in the East wing?" I peeked up from his shoulder. Every room he entered was empty. "Hmm lets just place you here in the duchess suite. I am sure they will be here tomorrow." While still holding me he climbed up on the bed and pulled the sheet to tuck me in.
"Ok easy now." He slid me from his back but because I was up I slipped harder and while I fell on the bed he fell on top of me.
"Are you ok? I didn't crush you right?" His hands caged me in and his knees seemed to have held my legs in place. The moonlight had illuminated the room and casted a soft glow on his face.
It was like time froze. His words fading in the background. His image burned deeply in my mind. His hair framed his face as he looked down at me. He was like an angel. And the devil on my shoulder made temptation swirl in me. 'Do it. You know you want to.'
I did not need to be told twice. Maybe I was caught up in the moment, or maybe I had too much to drink. But my hands found themselves being wrapped around his neck. Using that as an anchor I pulled myself up and kissed him.