Page 73 of Square Deal

She shook her head, laughing under her breath. “Nah, that’s just what I watch to unwind.”

“So, what about your family now? I mean, you plan parties for a living. Isn’t that kind of what they wanted?”

Hannah’s face fell as she looked back out the window as we navigated the busy Manhattan streets. “I’m thirty and single. I moved five hours away from them and I believe in marrying for love, not for money.” She looked over her shoulder at me and sadly said, “There’s nothing I can do to make them accept that I don’t want to settle for a loveless marriage and a padded bank account. I know I shouldn’t be complaining. I mean, I have a trust fund and make good money doing what I do. Why should I get to feel sorry for myself? ”

Alice looked over her shoulder as she pulled up to the curb in front of my building. Her expression was much softer this time.

I tilted Hannah’s chin up and kissed her gently.

She rested her forehead on mine and whispered, “Please don’ttell anyone. I just… I’ve never talked about all that with anyone back in Beaufort.”

I kissed her again. “Your secret’s safe with me, Princess.”

Alice opened the door and ushered us out. “Have a good day, Mr. Lawson. Miss Hayes.”

“Thanks, Al,” I said as I offered Hannah my hand.

Her slender legs were the first thing out of the car. I glanced left and right to double-check for any paparazzi. Alice had circled the block twice before deeming it quiet enough to drop us off.

Hannah was a ten. No doubt about it. She had the kind of look that was made for magazine covers, but I was a selfish bastard. I wanted to hide her away from the world and keep her beauty all for myself. I didn’t want there to be a single photo of her tan legs in those goddamn stockings and stilettos.

She stood up straight and looked at the building. Her brows furrowed and her pouty lower lip was trapped between her teeth. “This looks familiar…”

I shrugged and led her into the lobby. She looked around at the marble floors and the art on the walls. A million expressions flashed across her pretty face.

“What’s going on in that head of yours, Princess?”

“This is where Luca lives… Isn’t it?” She pulled out her phone and swiped through some photos.

I led her into the elevator and pressed an unmarked button.

Hannah Jane turned her phone and showed me the screen. There was a tabloid photo of Maddie and Luca outside the building. He was leading her to the car and she was a stunner in a short, bronze dress.

“I knew I recognized it. You live here too? Or are we staying at Luca’s apartment?”

I chuckled as the elevator rose through the floors. “I own the building.”

Her eyes widened.

“I also live here. Sometimes, anyway. The top three floors are mine.”

“Oh.”

“Luca lives a floor below my place. He’s a decent neighbor.” The elevator doors opened into the entryway of my apartment. I took her hand and led Hannah through the door. Her jaw hit the floor. “Like what you see?” I asked, leisurely strolling around the place.

Her mouth opened and closed like she was fighting off whatever unladylike thought was about to sneak out. She pursed her smirking lips and hummed, “Mhmm.”

I chuckled. “Han, stop being so fucking proper and just say what you think.”

She walked around for a moment, taking it all in. She trailed her finger along the edge of the floating black stairs. Looked at the dark slate floors. Studied the gas fireplace that stood tall in front of the black leather couches. The black and white art on the walls was minimalist and could probably be recreated by a three-year-old with a paintbrush. And because it was New York and the artist thought they were someone special, it cost a pretty penny.

Finally, when Hannah finished her assessment, she turned and looked at me. “It could use a bowl of lemons.”

I couldn’t help myself. I threw my head back and let out a hearty laugh. This woman was going to be the death of me.

“I’m thoroughly convinced that you’re a supervillain and this is your secret lair,” she stated matter-of-factly. “Do you have gadgets?”

Another bark of laughter ripped out of my throat.

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