The sharp, clear sound of shattering glass drew everyone's attention to Ann.
Ann and Claudia's eyes met.
Claudia pouted and tossed the piece of fruit she had been holding to York's lips back onto the plate.
York sat impassively, his dark eyes fixed on that single piece of fruit in the bowl.
Seeing York's terrifyingly grim expression, Ann quickly stood up and apologized.
Peter called a waiter in to clean up the mess. To lighten the mood, he handed the dice to Darleen, signaling for the game to continue.
Darleen shot Ann a withering glare, then shook the dice with all her might and rolled an eight.
"Peter," Darleen pointed, "get over here."
The others began to hoot and holler.
Peter backed away fearfully. "Can I pick someone else?"
He had organized this gathering and invited Ann, so Darleen was clearly holding a grudge. A gentle touch was out of the question.
Seeing Peter cowering like a wimp, Darleen grew even more annoyed.
In a few strides, she closed the distance between them and landed a light, teasing slap on his rear.
After hitting him, she glared. "It's just a touch, you're not going to lose a chunk of flesh. What are you hiding for?"
Peter rubbed his smarting backside, forcing a smile as he helped her back to her seat. "Does your hand hurt? Want me to blow on it for you?"
Rock nudged Claudia with his elbow. "Claudia, is that girl Peter's weakness or what?"

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