Page 183 of The Monster and the Masochist

“If I’m being honest, sir, her tongue is a big part of the appeal.”

Vivian nearly choked on her sip of champagne, and Nolan burst out laughing.

Theo glanced at Nolan, as if assessing whether he was laughing with her or at her, but he gave her a genuinely good-natured grin and held up his champagne in silent cheers.

“No doubt,” he agreed, and Edmund chuckled.

“I must say, it was quite a surprise to learn that our Cassandra had found someone to finally settle down with. How did the two of you meet?”

Theo’s smirk widened, and she glanced at me again before responding.

“She assaulted me in my mother’s kitchen.”

I gaped at her.

“Theo! You can’t just go around telling people I assaulted you.”

Theo shrugged.

“You did, though.”

“Allegedly. You don’t have any proof!”

The corners of Theo’s eyes crinkled as she eyed me mischievously.

“No, but there were witnesses.”

Nolan was howling, and both Vivian and Edmund looked thoroughly amused.

Feigning an annoyance I didn’t really feel, I scoffed.

“I didn’t assault her,” I lied.

Edmund and Vivian exchanged a look, shaking their heads.

“Honestly, none of us would put it past you. A rather unconventional way to begin a romance, but it seems to have worked in your favor.”

“Indeed,” Vivian agreed. “She’s very charming, Cassandra. Seems you’ve finally met your match.”

She gave me a knowing wink, and I felt a rush of pride bubble through me.

“Well, Vivian and I are going to make our rounds. It was lovely meeting you, Theodora,” Edmund said amicably, and we watched them wander off arm in arm to schmooze.

As soon as they were gone, Nolan let out a relieved sigh.

“I’m so fucking glad you guys are here,” he said, sounding exasperated. “This entire night has been excruciating. I had to listen to Senator Benedict talk about some new bill he wants to pass banning a brand of fertilizer for a solid twenty minutes. It was brutal.”

Theo was watching him quietly, clearly not feeling particularly interested in interacting with him, but still trying to maintain a certain level of civility.

He beamed at her, which only made her frown.

“So, Theo. Can I call you Theo? Cass tells me you’re a fighter of sorts. Are you into MMA? Did you catch the fight last night?”

Theo’s eyes widened in surprise at Nolan’s clear attempt to bond over what could possibly be a mutual interest of theirs. She relaxed slightly and nodded.

“Yeah. Cunningham was on fire.”

“No doubt, no doubt. I wasn’t expecting him to win, honestly. I thought for sure Monroe would have it in the bag.”