LORETTA

“Love is a strong word, Michelle.”

The words left my mouth quietly, almost swallowed by the music spilling out from Atmosphere. She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she kept looking at me, her fingers wrapped loosely around mine, like she wasn't going to let me dodge the question like the last time

Michelle tilted her head slowly, the sapphire hoops in her ears catching the neon lights. “It's also a very simple one.”

I drew in a shallow breath, my chest shaking with it. Elion and I... we had something; I just wasn't convinced it was love.

Attraction? Yes. There was no denying that anymore.

I was drawn to him...