Game Over No Second Chances

Chapter 374

Strands of Serena's hair brushed against the side of Hugh's neck, and it felt soft and ticklish.

His breath hitched. Serena was acting playfully, almost like she was flirting. He'd never seen this side of her before.

Hugh's gaze deepened, and his heart thudded violently. On instinct, his arm tightened around her waist as he spoke in a low voice to the attendant beside them.

"Same arrangement as usual. I'll take her for a walk to let her sober up a bit." "Yes, sir." The attendant, perceptive and discreet, quietly stepped away.

Down by the shoreline, lights shimmered across the waves. Serena's heels had been kicked off and lay far behind her.

Barefoot, she stepped into the sea. She was swaying slightly but moving with wild, carefree delight.

She still held her empty wine glass aloft like a trophy, flashing a bright, unrestrained smile at Hugh. "I haven't felt this happy in ages!"

The cold water lapped at her feet, clearing her head just a little-but her heart

was still racing, and her voice was still bubbling with joy.

She turned to Hugh with a radiant look. "The room, the foie gras at tea, the birthday celebration on the deck... Hugh, everything you prepared-I loved all of it."

with shoes on. He reached for her wrist while his other hand

"You're drunk."

never say such things to an ally if she were sober. She would never pull at his heart like this unless she was lost

hard she nearly dragged him into the sea with her.

not drunk. Even if you did all this for the Larson family's reputation, or just to please Grandpa, I can feel

hand hooked around the back of his neck for balance. Standing in

not just my ally

settled firmly on her waist. His heartbeat pounded louder than the

an ally,

best friend," Serena. She brushed a stray leaf off his shoulder and patted his

And when people out there call you cold and heartless, I'll shut them down. You're my friend, Hugh. I won't let anyone talk

receded around their feet, as

Hugh's heart plummeted-fast, hard,

much

a word, he pulled her into his arms and rubbed her

with one arm, effortlessly lifting her off the ground. She kicked at the air

helped clear her head a little. She watched Hugh, still expressionless, while instructing someone to

was such a contradiction-cold as ice one moment, unexpectedly gentle the