war of hearts

ch.5

Marcel approached him with a welcoming smile, his voice cutting through the noise of the event. "I’m glad you made it to my humble party," he said, gesturing around at the lively crowd.

Klaus’s eyes briefly swept over the gathering, the dancers, and the blaring music, before settling on one person in particular

her.

"I wouldn’t have missed it for the world," his gaze narrowed in on her. Despite the distractions, it was she in her midnight dress who stole his attention.

Marcel followed Klaus’s line of sight and chuckled, pleased. "This is Hayley," he said, his tone brimming with pride. "You must’ve seen her when you came in to heal Diego." Marcel spoke, and Klaus knew he made the right choice in keeping her close. She would be invaluable.

It was obvious to Klaus that Hayley was avoiding him. Her posture was stiff, her eyes choosing to hide behind Marcel rather than meet his. There was a flicker of annoyance in her expression as well, as though she were irritated merely by the sight of him. But the hybrid found it all the more amusing.

Extending his hand, he offered her a disarming smile. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hayley."

She hesitated for a heartbeat, her eyes flicking to his outstretched hand before her face broke into a big smile. She shook his hand, her grip firm, her demeanor warm. "The pleasure is mine," she replied, her voice smooth. Klaus couldn’t help but admire her poise, she was almost impressive in how well she played this game.

Marcel, noticing the exchange, gently placed a hand on Hayley’s shoulder. "I need to discuss something important with Klaus," he said, his tone kind but firm. "Why don’t you go enjoy yourself?"

Hayley nodded, understanding that this was her cue to leave. She knew well enough that if Klaus wanted her to hear what was discussed, he would make sure she knew later. So she left.

_________________

The brunette found a quiet corner away from the crowd, her glass in hand. As Klaus followed her, she sighed, frustrated, glancing at him with resignation. "I was hoping you’d leave me alone for one night."

Klaus chuckled softly, his eyes studying her face with an intensity that was almost unnerving. "You’re a cruel one."

She smiled at that, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "What do you want?"

He looked away for a moment, as if considering his next words carefully. When he spoke again, there was a slight hesitation, a flicker of something almost unsure in his tone. "A dance."

Hayley raised an eyebrow, studying him in return. She could swear she’d heard uncertainty in his voice, something rare for the mighty hybrid. After a moment, she put her glass down, reached out, and took his hand.

As they moved to the center of the room, Klaus placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her with a gentle but firm touch. Her hand rested lightly on his shoulder, and for a brief moment, she felt her breath catch, her composure slipping just slightly. Klaus’s eyes lingered on her lips before he quickly looked away, refocusing on the dance.

He was aware of every detail, from the way her breath hitched when he pulled her closer to the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips.

"What did you and Marcel talk about?" she asked, breaking the silence. Klaus couldn’t help but smile at the curiosity in her voice.

"Nothing important," he replied, though the amusement in his tone suggested otherwise.

She pouted slightly, a small habit of hers whenever she was disappointed. It only added to her charm, Klaus thought, watching her fondly.

But then Hayley’s attention shifted. She noticed Marcel across the room, talking to one of his men. His expression was tense, his usual composure slipping. Something was wrong.

She glanced back at Klaus, who seemed all too content. Her instincts kicked in, and she pulled away from him, her worry evident. "What did you do?"

Klaus’s eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance at the sudden loss of contact. He reached for her arm, stopping just short of touching her. "What was necessary."

Hayley’s gaze flicked back to Marcel, who was now leaving the party with two of his most trusted men. Her heart sank, knowing that whatever Klaus had set in motion, it was already too late to stop.