Chapter 218

Chapter 218
Hannah

"Just an observation," I deflected, scraping the last bit of frosting from my plate.
Sofia leaned closer, lowering her voice. "So what's the deal with you and Michael? That slow dance looked pretty intense from where I was standing."
"Not you too," I groaned. "There's nothing going on between me and Michael. We're old friends, that's all."
"If you say so," Sofia shrugged, clearly unconvinced. "But friends don't usually look at each other like they're mentally undressing each other."
"Sofia!" I hissed, glancing around to make sure no one had heard.
"What? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking." She patted my arm. "Anyway, I'm heading back to the dance floor."
As Sofia sashayed away, I found myself alone again, watching the party unfold around me. Michael was making his rounds, accepting birthday wishes and engaging in animated conversations with various guests. He laughed at something a tall blonde said, his hand briefly touching her arm.
An unexpected pang of jealousy shot through me, catching me off guard. I had no right to feel possessive over Michael. I belonged to Leonardo. Yet here I was, fighting unwanted feelings for a man I'd known practically my whole life.
"You look like you're plotting someone's murder," Emma said, rejoining me with a fresh drink in hand. "Specifically, that blonde talking to Michael."
"Don't be ridiculous," I muttered, turning away from the scene. "I'm just tired."
"Uh-huh." Emma took a sip of her cocktail. "You know, for someone who claims there's nothing between you and Michael, you sure get grumpy when he talks to other women."
"I am not grumpy."
"You're practically shooting laser beams at that poor girl with your eyes."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Can we please talk about something else? Anything else?"
"Fine," Emma relented. "Let's talk about how good these appetizers are. The little bacon-wrapped dates? I've had like fifteen of them."
I smiled gratefully at her change of subject. "I saw you hoarding them earlier."
"No shame in my game," she declared, popping another into her mouth. "Oh! Speaking of food, want to get brunch tomorrow? There's a new place on Sunset that supposedly has life-changing avocado toast."
"I can't," I said, feeling genuinely disappointed. "I have a project due for my design class on Monday, and I haven't even started the sketches."
"Boo, responsible Hannah is no fun," Emma pouted. "Rain check for next weekend?"
"Definitely," I promised.
The party continued around us, music pulsing and conversation flowing. I managed to avoid both Michael and further interrogation from Emma about my feelings for him, choosing instead to chat with other friends and acquaintances I hadn't seen in months.
As the night wore on, I found myself on the quieter end of the rooftop, gazing out at the city lights. The view was breathtaking, skyscrapers illuminated against the dark sky like stars brought down to earth.
"Hiding from your adoring public?" Michael's voice came from behind me.
I turned to find him standing there, jacket discarded and tie loosened, looking relaxed and slightly disheveled in the most appealing way.
"Just getting some air," I replied, turning back to the view. "Great party, by the way."
"Thanks." He moved to stand beside me, our shoulders almost touching as we both leaned against the railing. "Honestly, my assistant planned the whole thing. I just showed up where I was told to."
"Well, your assistant has excellent taste."
"She does," he agreed. "Almost as good as yours."
I glanced at him sideways. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Your dress," he gestured toward me. "It's stunning. You're stunning in it."
Heat crept up my neck. "Thank you."
We stood in silence for a moment, the party continuing behind us at a more subdued pace as the night grew later.
"Hannah," Michael began, his voice taking on a serious tone. "About what I said at the café—"
"Michael, please," I interrupted. "Let's not do this now."
"I just want to make sure I didn't make things weird between us," he pressed. "Your friendship means too much to me to risk it over some poorly timed confession."
I sighed, turning to face him fully. "You didn't make things weird. We're fine, really."
"Are we?" His eyes searched mine. "Because you've been avoiding me all night."
"I haven't been avoiding you," I protested. "You're the guest of honor. You've been busy with your other friends."
"Hannah." Just my name, but the way he said it made my stomach flip. "I know you. Something's changed."
I looked away, focusing on the city skyline. "Nothing's changed. I'm just... going through some stuff right now."
"Anything I can help with?"
If only he knew how impossible that question was to answer. How could I explain that I was contractually bound to a dangerous man who paid me for sex? That I was living a double life, lying to everyone I cared about? That despite all of that, standing here with him made me question every choice I'd made?
"No," I said finally. "But thanks for offering."
Michael hesitated, then reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my cheek. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right? Whatever's going on, I'm here for you."
I stepped back slightly, breaking the contact. "I know. And I appreciate it. But some things I need to handle on my own."
He nodded, disappointment flashing across his face before he masked it with a smile. "Fair enough. Just don't forget you have people who care about you."
"I won't," I promised, feeling the weight of his words.
Michael glanced at his watch. "I should probably get back. Apparently, there's some sort of birthday speech I'm expected to give."
"Go," I urged him. "Your public awaits."
He hesitated, then leaned forward and quickly kissed my cheek. "Thanks for coming tonight, Hannah. It meant a lot to have you here."
Before I could respond, he was walking away, rejoining the main party where someone was tapping a microphone, calling for attention.
I touched my cheek where his lips had been, the skin still tingling from the brief contact. This was getting dangerous. I needed to put some distance between myself and Michael before things got complicated.