Page 105 of Don't Leave Me

“Hana, I’m so sorry,” Billie consoled me, her voice soothing and calm. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t know – it’s just like, all of this with Emily and with Jack,” I started, finally venting. “It’s overwhelming,” I cried.

There was another moment of silence. “What about Jack?”

Huh?“He – he overdosed. You didn’t hear?” I immediately straightened up.

There was a gasp from Billie. “No, no I didn’t. Jack and Adam quit the band last week; they got into some argument with John, I don’t know. Is he okay?”

“He’s okay. I haven’t seen him but I talked to Adam and Jack’s sister and they said he’s okay. They’re holding him on a 5150 with Emily at the same hospital. Isn’t that crazy?” I felt like I was gossiping now.

“That…that is crazy,” Billie agreed. “But…you’re okay, right?” she asked, still concerned.

“Y-yeah, I guess,” I shrugged. “Um, I mean, I’m dealing with it. Michael has been really supportive,” I explained.

“Good,” she replied. “I miss you, Han. Let’s hang out soon, okay?”

I nodded, feeling a smile on my lips. “I miss you too. We will,” I laid back down.

We hung up shortly afterward and I looked back at my phone – Michael had texted me again: “I signed the paperwork – we can move in this weekend. Call me.” I was suddenly giddy; I had almost forgotten about the new apartment and this was just the good news I needed. I immediately dialed Michael.

“Baby, we got the apartment?” I asked as soon as he answered.

“Yeah, we got it,” he replied, a smile in his voice.

I squealed like a little girl – I had forgotten how good of a life I was living with Michael.

“I’m so happy, baby,” I giggled, standing up to let out my happy burst of excitement.

Michael chuckled. “Me too, baby. I’m on my way home.”

* * *

If you would have told me just over a month prior thattheMr. Michael Barnes was in love with me and that we were moving into a huge apartment in Chelsea together, I would have laughed in your face and then cried because like, what a cruel joke you just made. The amount of gratefulness and awe was not lost on me as I packed what little I had already unpacked, getting distracted by Michael doing push-ups in the living room and by the frightening, loud thunder that erupted every minute or so outside. I had just finished writing the article on Jessica and wassort ofcaught up on work, even though I couldn’t even remember the last time I was actually in the office.

Michael looked over at me once he was finished, catching me staring at him. He gave me a smirk as he sat on his knees and his gazestillmade my heart skip a beat.

“Enjoying the view?” he teased as he raised his eyebrow at me.

“Oh, yes sir,” I nodded from where I sat on the couch, smirking myself.

He licked his lower lip as he eyed me and stood up, slowing walking towards me as he easily pulled his t-shirt over his head and threw it on the floor. He hovered over me, putting my laptop carefully on the coffee table as he did so, his other strong and muscled arm at the side of me as he leaned against the arm rest.

“Do you remember how many times you rolled your eyes at me these past couple of days?” His voice was low and sultry.

My breathing sped up as I stared up at him and his perfect lips.

“Three, sir,” I breathed then intentionally bit my lip.

“How do you think you should be punished for being such a rude, naughty girl?” he asked, furrowing his brows, now standing upright and putting his hands to his hips.

I bit my lip to refrain from smiling – I wanted him to spank me.

“However you see fit, sir,” I responded while giving him my crooked grin.

Michael smiled to himself a little bit. “Oh, Hana. My sweet, submissive princess. Stand up,” he said, sternly now.

I straightened up and stood in front of him immediately.

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