“Come on, caveman,” Alex said. “Our limo is waiting.”
Hanna linked her arm through mine, and we headed to our ride. I’d offered to meet them there, or even pick Hanna up myself, but she said they always rode together as tradition and begged me not to leave her alone with the sappy couples.
Sitting in the back, watching the way Erik couldn’t keep his hands off Alex, I couldn’t blame her. Before heading to the event, we picked up Ian and Carina. Ian didn’t even bother to be subtle about touching Carina and letting everyone know how hot he thought she looked.
I looked to Hanna to see how she was handling all the PDAs, but she wasn’t even paying attention. She stared out the window, focused on something beyond the sidewalks and city flashing by. Her hands fidgeted, clasped too tightly in her lap, and nerves radiated off her in waves. Every other pass, her thumb would slip under the collection of bracelets and rub at her scars. Not even thinking about it, I rested my palm on hers. Wide green eyes, the same color as her dress, snapped to mine. Her hand relaxed and turned over, linking our fingers.
“Thank you,” she mouthed.
I winked and held on tight. Everyone was too busy with their own significant other that no one noticed the connection. At least, almost no one. Carina’s curious stare took in our hands before rising to meet my eyes, and I quickly looked away, not lingering on her reaction. Holding Hanna’s hand was nothing. Just a friend offering support.
We waited our turn in the line of limos dropping off people ready to spend their money for a good cause. When it was finally our turn, we piled out, quickly making our way inside since none of the girls wore jackets, claiming it would ruin the look.
Hanna held tight to my arm, even after we crossed through the double doors. The vast room hummed with conversation, people mingling around the tall round tables, champagne clutched tight. Some perused the auction items, already placing their bids.
“This looks amazing.”
Hanna smiled. “I’d like to think we get better every year. The donations definitely get better as we grow.”
“Pretty soon you won’t need a simple offering of free food and drinks from a tiny bar,” I joked, referring to our donation from Voy.
She slapped my chest softly. “Oh, shut up. You have a lot more to offer than free drinks at a bar. A night at Voyeur would probably be the highest sold item if it was up for sale.”
“Probably,” I boasted. However, we both knew having a night at Voyeur up for auction at a sex-trafficking event wouldn’t be the most appropriate option.
“Thank you for that, by the way,” she said, nodding back from where we came.
“What?”
“Just holding my hand. Calming me down.”
“It’s nothing. I understand why this means so much, and it’s a huge undertaking.”
“Yeah.” She looked around the room, taking in each aspect I was sure she painstakingly chose. “Erik and I do most of it on our own. Mom and Dad help where they can.”
“Are they here tonight?”
“No. Charity galas aren’t really their thing. My mom’s so frugal, she refuses to buy a fancy dress for one evening.” She laughed before sobering. “Besides, it’s not…how they want to spend their night,” she explained delicately. “We host survivors from Haven, current and past ones, and it’s hard for them to be here and not see Sofia among them. It’s just that time of year. It’s hard on all of us.”
Hanna sniffed, and I laid my free hand over hers where it clutched my arm.
Forcing a smile, not really making it to her eyes, she continued. “Besides, we do our own thing. We have a big brunch the next morning.”
“That sounds good. Brunch is always the best choice.”
Soon after that, Hanna was forced to let go of my arm and do her rounds, schmoozing everyone out of more money. I sat back and enjoyed the free drinks and soft jazz playing from the band.
“How’s your date?” Kent asked, sneaking up behind me.
“She’s not my date,” I deadpanned.
He held up his hand in an okay sign and gave an exaggerated nod.
“Leave him alone,” Olivia reprimanded.
“Thanks, kiddo.”
She beamed but didn’t give me the reprieve I was hoping for. “So, I hear you’re helping her.”
I almost choked on my champagne, the bubbles going down the wrong pipe. I glared at Kent, more than a little pissed he passed on the information to my niece. He held up his hands and pointed to Olivia.
“We all went dress shopping together this week. Girls talk.”
“Jesus.”
“So, do you like her?”
“Olivia,” I growled in warning.
“What? I’m just curious.”
“We’re friends. That’s it.”
“Boring. That’s what she said too. Some of us were taking bets that it was more. I owe Carina five bucks.”