Chapter 69
The bar was alive with energy, the hum of conversations blending with music and bursts of laughter. Margaux felt herself relax as the group settled into their seats, but the evening had already been a whirlwind. Kate and Raph were immersed in a debate about the best cocktail, Archie was attempting to organize a round of shots, and Margaux, for her part, was trying to ignore the pointed glances William occasionally shot her way.
“Margaux, you’re unusually quiet tonight,” Archie teased. “What’s the matter? Need some liquid courage?”
“I’m fine, thank you,” Margaux replied, forcing a smile.
“Oh, she’s fine, all right,” William interjected smoothly from across the table. “She’s just trying to figure out how to prove me wrong.”
Margaux turned her sharp gaze on him. “You’re delusional if you think I care enough to try.”
William smirked. “If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be glaring at me like that.”
“Am I glaring?” she asked innocently, tilting her head.
“Positively fuming,” William replied, his grin widening.
Kate leaned over, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear, “You two are insufferable. Can’t you just flirt like normal people?”
Margaux choked on her drink. “Excuse me?”
William laughed, looking utterly delighted. “Oh, I think she might be onto something.”
“Absolutely not,” Margaux said firmly, narrowing her eyes at Kate.
“Denial’s a classic sign,” Archie added with a wink.
Margaux groaned, burying her face in her hands. “I hate all of you.”
“Don’t lump us all in with him,” Kate said, pointing at William. “He’s the troublemaker.”
“Thank you,” Margaux muttered, though she wasn’t sure if she meant it.
As the night wore on, the group became more animated, their laughter filling the air. But Margaux couldn’t fully relax. She found herself sipping on her drink more often, letting the chatter flow around her without actively engaging.
She noticed William watching her every so often, his gaze thoughtful rather than teasing. It made her self-conscious, so she tilted her glass and took another sip.
“Margaux, you’ve barely said a word tonight,” Kate said, leaning in with a concerned look.
Margaux waved her off with a small smile. “I’m just enjoying listening.”
Raph interrupted with a booming laugh, his story about a disastrous hiking trip commanding everyone’s attention. The group roared with laughter, but Margaux only managed a faint chuckle.
William leaned closer to her, his breath warm against her ear despite the chill of the night. “Want to get some air?”
She glanced at him, debating for a moment, then nodded. “Fine.”
They stepped outside, the cool London air hitting her like a slap of reality. Margaux tugged her coat tighter around herself, her breath visible in the cold.
“You’re quieter than usual,” William observed as they walked a few paces away from the bar’s entrance.
Margaux shrugged. “Maybe I just didn’t feel like talking tonight.”
William glanced at her, his brows raised. “Or maybe you’ve been too busy with your drink?”
She turned to him, about to protest, but a small hiccup escaped her lips instead. Her eyes widened in embarrassment as William burst out laughing.
“Point proven,” he said, grinning.
“It’s not like that,” Margaux said quickly, trying to save face. “I just… I don’t know, I guess when you’re not talking, you’ve got more time to sip.”
“Uh-huh,” William said, his tone playful but his eyes probing.
Margaux avoided his gaze, taking another step before stumbling slightly on an uneven patch of pavement. William caught her arm instinctively, steadying her.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softer now.
“I’m fine,” she said, brushing him off. But when she looked up at him, there was a flicker of something else in her expression—fatigue, frustration, maybe even sadness.
William hesitated, then asked, “For real, Margaux. Are you okay?”
She sighed, tugging her coat tighter again. “I am. It’s just been a lot lately, that’s all.”
William studied her for a moment, then nodded, letting it go.
“Maybe I should head home,” Margaux said suddenly. “I’ve had enough for one night.”
William tilted his head. “You sure? You could stay a little longer.”
“I’m sure,” she replied, her voice firm.
“Then I’ll walk you home,” he said simply.
Margaux blinked. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Maybe not,” William said with a shrug. “But I will.”
She sighed but didn’t argue, falling into step beside him as they began the walk to her flat.
The streets were quieter now, the bustle of London winding down. Margaux tried to focus on walking straight, but the alcohol was making her steps less precise than usual.
“You’re wobbling,” William noted, his tone amused.
“I’m not wobbling,” she retorted, though her next step was a little less than graceful.
“Want me to test that theory?” he asked with a smirk.
“Test away,” she said defiantly.
William stepped in front of her, holding out his hand like a referee. “Alright, try walking in a straight line. Go.”
Margaux rolled her eyes but obliged, taking careful steps forward. “See? Perfectly fine.”
“Impressive,” William said, though there was a mischievous glint in his eye. “Now try this.”
He spun on his heel, executing a dramatic twirl. Margaux laughed and followed suit, managing a wobbly but successful spin.
“Not bad,” William said, clearly enjoying himself. “Alright, one more. Let’s see a cartwheel.”
“A cartwheel?” Margaux repeated, raising an eyebrow.
“Yep,” William said, crossing his arms and waiting.
“I’m not doing a cartwheel in the middle of the street,” she said firmly.
“Chicken?” he teased, leaning closer.
Margaux groaned. “Fine.” She took a deep breath, attempting a clumsy version of a cartwheel.
The move started well enough, but halfway through, she lost her balance. Before she could hit the ground, William stepped in, catching her mid-air.
Her body pressed against his, his arms steady around her waist as she gasped in surprise.
“Careful,” William murmured, his voice low and teasing.
Margaux looked up at him, her cheeks flushing from more than just the alcohol. She could feel his warmth against her, his hands firm but gentle.
“Thanks,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
William’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Anytime.”
For a moment, neither of them moved, the air between them charged with something unspoken. Then Margaux cleared her throat, stepping back quickly.
“We should keep going,” she said, brushing herself off.
William nodded, though his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before they resumed walking.
By the time they reached her building, Margaux’s head was spinning—not from the alcohol but from the way William had looked at her, the way his hands had felt on her waist.
“Home safe,” William said as they reached the door.