Page 40 of Drunk On Love

People sipped their drinks, ladies disappeared into the washrooms to powder their noses, men sealed deals with firm handshakes, and a few women entrepreneurs signed contracts in the corners with the same intensity. The music was loud—loud enough that I couldn’t help but notice a growing crowd on the dance floor.

Fantastic… I’m a cabbage tonight. And cabbages don’t dance. They’re just chopped up and tossed into a salad. But a cabbage can watch, right? So, after telling the bartender to finally cut off the endless supply of drinks, I decided to head toward the dance floor.

Manav was already there with some girl—of course. The way he looks tonight, he probably needs Z-level security just to keep these drooling girls, barely dressed except for their designer heels, at bay.

The irony? He’s dancing with her, but his eyes keep scanning the room. How rude. The least he could do was look at the girl practically leaning in, ready to kiss him inthree… two…

But why should I care? He can dance with whomever he wants. Kiss whoever he likes. Care about someone. Cook for someone. He…

“Leaving already?” Just as I was about to turn and make a discreet exit, Manav’s hand caught my wrist.

“No one’s going to be paying attention to your ‘sexy moves’ once I hit the floor.” I can’t believe this man.

“Alright, let’s see what you've got.” He signaled the DJ to start the music.

“It’s a bet. Whoever stops first loses.”I… sorry… the alcohol spoke.Because I can’t even intimidate a fly while I’m wrapped up in this hundred-meter-long saree.

He stepped closer, his eyes extra blue tonight. “The dress you're wearing says somebody's losing hard tonight.”

“Good luck,” my forefinger poked his suited chest gently.

“Careful… cheeseball!” he said, slipping off his jacket and tossing it aside as the crowd erupted in cheers. I stared at him, completely bewildered.

Is he drunk? Has he hit his head?

Yes. That’s the only explanation.

The music kicked in, and we hit the dance floor together, moving perfectly in sync with the rhythm. The entire room seemed to pulse with energy, eyes glued to us as we matched each other step for step.

And I have to admit—he's good.

If every day, Manav is already the most attractive guy on the planet, thenDancing Manavis something else entirely. His smooth, effortless moves, combined with the fierce intensity in his eyes, were enough to leave everyone in the room breathless.

The crowd was going wild, their cheers growing louder with every beat, and Roy was practically losing his voice hooting for us.

Manav extended his hand towards me. I hesitated but then accepted, and suddenly it felt like we were in a world of our own as he led me across the floor with ease.

I am going to murder Myra tonight.This saree—her brilliant idea—feels like it's going to come undone any second now. But I can’t stop. I can’t lose to him, not tonight, not ever.

The song is coming to a close, his fingers softly gripping my waist, while his other hand rests on my shoulder.

Shit… I can’t breathe… I don’t remember my name when he is this close.

My mind was screaming for me to step away, but my body refused to listen.

“Who was she?” I managed to speak.

“Who?” he tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

“The girl you were dancing with earlier?”

“Some acquaintances… I don’t know her name,” he replied casually, “Are you jealous?”

“Don’t flatter yourself… You are not my type.” I scoffed,

I saw it—the way his eyes flickered down to my lips for a moment before settling on my waist. His fingers grazed my side softly as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “How much did you drink tonight?”

“I lost count after five…” I countered, trying to ignore the way his touch was sending shivers down my spine.