17 I like you

Anna did not know what to do with Kristofer Almodiel kissing the back of her hand like they were meeting for the first time in her grandmother's era. 

The gesture was heartwarming, and Anna was partly grateful that he did not blow her cover. However, Anna knew the two men before her were fighting for her attention.

Given any other day, Anna would have found the situation interesting. But she was in the middle of an investigation, and Kristofer Almodiel stood in between. 

Riding along, Anna smiled sheepishly as she gently pulled her hand free while Kristofer Almodiel held her gaze.

"It's my pleasure to meet both of you. I'm sure all the ladies in the room are killing me with daggers in their imagination right about now," Anna stated, forcing herself to look toward Brett Prestman. 

He was supposed to be the focus of her attention, not Kristofer Almodiel. 

Despite her effort, her eyes seemed to betray her as she caught herself stealing glances toward Kristofer Almodiel.

Anna thought this was probably the case because of their encounter early on. They had almost kissed if Kristofer had leaned a little closer towards her, and the thought made Anna shiver. 

It was both out of curiosity and the incredulousness of the situation. She had to admit that ever since that day, she had thought about what it would feel like. 

Anna shook away the thought. She can't let herself think that way. She can't afford to think like that right now. Her primary purpose was to keep Brett Prestman's interest in her.

"I am certain they are killing you out of jealousy for how talented and beautiful you are." 

Anna stifled her lips from smirking. She covered it up with another shy smile.

"Please, enough about me. This is your birthday." 

Brett Prestman chuckled once again.

"The lady has a point, Brett. It's your day. You should go and enjoy yourself," Kristofer remarked, raising the glass towards Brett Prestman once more.

For some reason, Kristofer suddenly felt competitive. Anna's attention seemed to be focused on Brett Prestman.

Was she somehow smitten by him?

Kristofer allowed himself to smile kindly towards Brett Prestman as the latter caught his eye, seemingly aware of the attempt he had made to chase him away. 

Yet, Kristofer did not mind. 

For him, it was better that his intentions were clear and that Brett Prestman knew they shared the same interest with one woman.

"True, it is my birthday. So, can I request a birthday wish from the beautiful damsel who made my evening quite unforgettable?"

Anna stared at Brett Prestman. She was unsure if it was a genuine question or if he was merely pulling her leg.

Without even needing to fake it, Anna looked at Brett Prestman warily. She was uncertain if she could give him what he wanted. 

If he asked her to remove her mask, she was sure he would probably recognize her as the woman in the photo with the man beside him.

Crossing her fingers behind her back, Anna silently prayed that Brett Prestman's wish would be achievable for her.

"I'd be happy to, Mister Prestman."

Right then, Brett Prestman shook his head, a look of disappointment flashing before his face.

"No, no. Mister Prestman is my dad. Call me Brett instead."

Anna suddenly placed a hand on her mouth, feigning embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry." 

Kristofer Almodiel held onto the bubbling laughter that would have escaped him. He found it quite amusing that Anna was feigning even the embarrassment.

Yet, Kristofer was aware that she must have probably pretended to be embarrassed. He was beginning to see a puzzle piece inside his head.

Was Anna here because of Brett Prestman? Was she trying to hit on him?

Kristofer shooed the thoughts away. He was not supposed to feel anything in the first place. He was supposed to be neutral.

"Oh, no. It's fine. You are not the only person who has called me that way. There were many others, so don't feel too bad about it. But from now on, please call me Brett."

Anna forced herself to smile.

"Alright, Brett. Thank you." 

Kristofer had wanted to repeat something to make Brett Prestman go away and leave him to talk with Anna. He was beginning to see why his mind had been preoccupied with thoughts of Anna. It was a natural response.

Anna had his attention from the beginning. She dazzled him, and for some reason, he might actually catch some bees if she told him to.

He probably would without thinking twice.

Kristofer opened his mouth to speak. Yet, right then, he was interrupted by someone who had called for Brett Prestman. A sheepish look was then plastered on Brett's face.

"I want to talk with you for a long time, angel. Unfortunately, I have some duties to attend to."

Anna faked a smile, hiding her annoyance. The night was not going the way she wanted it to, and it was pulling the last strings of patience she had with her.

"It's understandable." 

Brett Prestman thought for a while.

"I don't want to end this night without getting to know you, so if it's not too much to ask, can you wait for a while? I promise I'll get back to you as soon as I can."

Anna imagined narrowing her gaze at Brett Prestman. She could sense his sincerity and genuine interest.

'Will I regret even meeting him like this later on?'

But most of the guys she had punished were kind in the beginning. Give them a few minutes and a drink; their true self will come out. 

"It's not nice to keep a lady waiting. So, if I were you, get on your way, and we'll see if you know how to keep your word."

Shaking his head in amusement, Brett Prestman nodded and left Anna, winking before joining a group of men who appeared to be intent on discussing something important.

That left Anna with Kristofer Almodiel.

"Are you stalking me?" Anna stated, turning towards Kristofer Almodiel. She was finally breaking the charade she had put up to avoid sabotaging her plans.

Kristofer chuckled.

"You know, I could say the same. After all, how can I stalk you when you made yourself invisible to the world?"

Anna smirked at Kristofer. 

"Someone's being nosy. Tell me, how far did you search for me and still not find anything?"

"Why did you do it?"

Anna raised a brow toward Kristofer Almodiel.

"You're avoiding my question, I see. And why I did it is none of your business, Mister Almodiel."

Compared to Brett Prestman, Kristofer did not mind being called Mr. Almodiel. Anna made it sound much better than someone else trying to say it.

"What if I want it to be my business?"

Anna blinked at Kristofer and what he was implying.

"What?" Anna stated, her heart beginning to hammer against her chest.

Kristofer decided to make use of him being a little tipsy. He knew that it was risky. But Kristofer still wanted to do it. If he waits until he sobers up, he might never even try.

Playing down the rapid beating of her heart, Anna steadied her gaze toward Kristofer. She was waiting for his explanation of what he had just stated.

"I like you," Kristofer blurted out, locking his gaze on Anna. "I know it's crazy, but I like you, Anna. A lot."