Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 782

But Noreen had learned her lesson from that particular disaster. She was more careful now at these networking events, always keeping her guard up. For instance, if she was drinking with someone like Yves Selwyn, she'd make sure to touch base with Mrs. Selwyn beforehand. Perhaps she was just lucky, but she hadn't run into another predator like Perry since. The men who had lecherous thoughts didn't have the guts to act on them. So Perry's current reaction struck Noreen as odd. She couldn't figure out what he was so afraid of. Was it Castle? That seemed possible. As the party wound down, Noreen started to feel a little drunk. It had been too long since she'd had to schmooze like this; her tolerance had clearly taken a nosedive. Castle noticed her discomfort and had someone escort her to a room upstairs to rest, telling her he'd handle the rest. Noreen didn't object. She was truly drunk. Once in the room, she tried calling Claire to let her know, but the call went to voicemail. She must be busy. So, Noreen sent her a text and then climbed onto the bed. She felt a tightness in her chest, maybe from the form-fitting dress, maybe something else. Her breathing grew shallow and rapid, her heart pounding in her ears. She touched the back of her hand to her cheek and found it frighteningly hot. She'd been drunk before, but never like this. As time passed, her temperature climbed, her mouth and throat becoming painfully dry. Her body felt boneless, as if all her strength had evaporated, leaving her unable to even sit up. The last shred of rationality in her mind screamed that something was wrong. This didn't feel like being drunk... it felt like she'd been drugged. It had happened once before, years ago, at The Half-Light Club. The symptoms were identical. While fumbling uncomfortably with her dress, she reached for her phone to call for help. But before she could find it, the door clicked open. Someone had come in. The lights were off, so she couldn't see clearly, but she assumed it was one of Castle's men. "Mr. Joyner," she slurred, her voice trembling, "I think I might have eaten something bad." Her rational mind was disintegrating. A moment of silence filled the room, followed by a familiar, questioning voice. "Noreen?" She was too far gone to place it. Her breaths came in ragged, desperate gasps, each one louder than the last. Her body writhed in discomfort on the bed. Seth flicked on the lights, and the scene that greeted him was a gut punch. His mind went blank, a buzzing sound filling his ears. All reason exploded. Were the Caldwells trying to get revenge on him, or were they rewarding him? No. This was pure torture. Noreen avoided him like the plague now. If he did anything, anything at all, she would never forgive him once she was sober. But just then, Noreen tore at her gown. The dress fell half-open, the soft lamplight spilling over her skin, revealing tantalizing glimpses. Seth's throat went dry, and he swallowed hard. He rushed over and grabbed her hands, his voice tight with restraint. "Don't move." "So hot..." Noreen's consciousness was a chaotic haze. Her face was flushed with a red that screamed temptation, and soft moans escaped her parted lips. Her warm, sweet breath washed over his face. His already fragile control nearly shattered. Jaw clenched, he forced the words out. "Hang on. I'm taking you to the hospital." He grabbed the bedsheet and wrapped her up tightly. She struggled uncomfortably, protesting, "Let me go." "No." Seth scooped her into his arms and went to the door. But it was locked. It wouldn't budge. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Noreen took the opportunity to fight her way out of the sheet, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as she pressed herself against him. The moment her lips brushed against his skin, they both shuddered.