Chapter 4

Anna

As I held the ID in my hand, I began to experience doubt about my decision to sell the jacket. I have never had a predisposition towards theft; the notion of taking things that don't belong to me has never once crossed my mind. The decision to sell the jacket was a product of sheer desperation. With a heavy heart, I looked at the ID card once more and let out a sigh. Dante Williams is a force to be reckoned with, and his reputation extends far beyond the confines of New York City.

Returning the jacket was an imperative, and I must do so with all its contents intact. Men of a menacing nature were already scouring the streets of New York for me, and I had no intention of inviting Dante William's crew to join the hunt. Seated on the bed, I scowled at the old wall clock. Why had all the wrongdoing in New York singled me out as the target, as though I were cursed since childhood?

As I lifted the ID card, I smiled at a thought that crossed my mind. Amidst all this chaos, one fact remained certain: I would not die at the hands of V, or whatever his name might be. I, Anna Scott, had no desire to discover the identity of the person carrying that moniker. After one final glance at the card, I knew that approaching Dante was my only chance, as nobody in the streets of New York would dare to cross Dante Williams.

Rising from my bed, I quickly donned my attire to meet him. While I knew that it was almost impossible to secure a meeting with Dante Williams, his men were already searching for me. Thus, I might as well make their job easier. **************** Entering the casino, I cast my mind back to my visit here two days ago. I recalled the warmth and tenderness of Dante's lips on mine, how he had demanded that I open my mouth for him, and the flutters that I felt in my stomach.

"Jesus," I muttered, shaking my head to clear my mind of the erotic thoughts. I strode toward the towering man stationed by the stairs leading to the casino's first floor. Gazing directly into his eyes, I held my head high. "I am here to meet Dante Williams."

The man scrutinized me, his expression unreadable. He assessed me, undoubtedly checking whether I posed a threat in any way. I stubbornly refused to back down, holding his intimidating gaze as he spoke into the microphone attached to his ear. Another young man, less imposing in terms of bulk, approached us. He stared at me for a moment before gesturing for me to follow him up the stairs.

Silently, I trailed him all the way up to a door, which he knocked on softly. He paused before opening the door and motioning for me to enter. For a moment, I contemplated calling off the meeting. I could simply leave the jacket with one of his men and walk away. The prospect of standing before one of New York's most prominent figures no longer seemed appealing to me.

"Bossman detests waiting," the young man informed me in a deep baritone. "Believe me, you do not want to converse with him when he is irate. Keeping him waiting is the fastest way to anger him."

Swallowing audibly, I smiled tightly at the young man before entering the office. The first thing I noticed was how dark and masculine the room appeared, with everything black or grey.

"If you're done assessing my office, Ms. Scott, you may take a seat," a voice drawled lazily. Startled by the coldness in his tone, I turned to him and inhaled deeply. This man was insanely attractive. Yes, I had kissed him two days ago, but I had not paid much attention to his face. The paparazzi had not done justice to his features. His oceanic blue eyes complemented his long lashes, and his chiseled jaw made his silky hair and beard look more defined.

However, as much as he was stunningly handsome, he was equally perilous. His eyes concealed so many mysteries that he had no intention of sharing with anyone.

"If you are done assessing my office, you can have a seat.” Dante deadpanned. His voice was laced with a lazy, almost detached air. I was taken aback by the sudden coldness in his tone and turned to face him, taking in his stunning appearance. While I had kissed him two days prior, I had not given much thought to his features at the time. The paparazzi had done him no justice. His oceanic blue eyes, complimented by his long lashes, and chiseled jawline made his silky hair and beard look more defined. His appearance screamed both danger and beauty, as his eyes seemed to hold countless secrets that he had no intention of sharing.

He snapped me back to reality with his voice, "If you wanted to stare, a good phone with a perfect internet connection should have been sufficient. Have a seat, Ms. Scott, or leave my office." I regretted my decision to see him again as I made my way to the empty seat, my finger tightening on the strap of the plastic bag.

"So, what can I do for you, Ms. Scott?" he said, pulling his cigar away from his lips and regarding me lazily. I pondered for a moment on how best to start the conversation. "I want to believe that you didn't come out of hiding just to stare at my face," he hissed.

His sharp tone brought me back to reality. "Mr. Williams," I called him out with a smirk, "Do not pretend that you are not grateful that I spared your men the trouble of searching for me." Puffing out smoke, he squashed the cigar in an ashtray.

"You were right about my men trailing you," he admitted. "I have you all figured out, but there's one question that remains unanswered. Why are you using the name Scott when your parents are Smith?"

Shit! Unable to maintain eye contact, I gazed at the painting behind him. "That question is still going to remain unans-"

"Why are you here, Ms. Scott?" he interrupted me. "I won't be generous enough to repeat this question."

Sighing, I dropped the shopping bag on the desk and pushed it towards him. "I'm here to return your jacket." Retrieving his wallet, I dropped it on the desk. "Everything is intact, not a cent missing."

Dante didn't even glance at the bag, he just stared at me, his head tilting slightly. "Why go through the trouble of stealing it if you were just going to return it?"

"I never intended to steal it," I replied honestly. "If I had remembered the jacket was still on my shoulder, I would have dropped it before running out of the casino."

"Your actions would suggest otherwise, Ms. Scott," he grumbled. "Pulling that kind of stunt and running off with my jacket doesn't seem like the behavior of a sincere person."

Did this walking bastard just call me insincere? My eyes narrowed at him. "Mr. Williams, you enjoyed the so-called 'stunt' that you're now criticizing."

His eyebrows slowly rose. Feeling drained and tired, I rubbed my hand down my face. "You know what? Coming here was a mistake. You have your jacket, and I'll be on my way." I turned, ready to leave the room.

"Am I supposed to thank you for returning something you stole, Ms. Scott?"

"For the umpteenth time, I did not steal your jacket," I hissed. "Call me Anna, and I would appreciate it if you would be less of an ass." Did I really just call Dante Williams an ass? Today must be the last day of my life. I could already envision what would be written on my gravestone.

As anger flooded his eyes, his gaze darkened and his tone grew menacing. "Be mindful of your words, Ms. Scott. For lesser offenses, many have met their demise." Before I could speak, he continued, "Leave my office immediately, lest I decide to put a bullet in your skull." I realized in that moment that my visit had been a fruitless endeavor. There was no way he would help me now, not after I had insulted him so brazenly. At least he wouldn't be bothering me anymore. All I could do was go home and wait for V to find me.

Despite my better judgment, I managed a tight smile and thanked Mr. Williams for his time. "Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Williams," I said, bowing slightly before heading for the door.

Before I could make my escape, he unexpectedly asked, "Who was after you at the casino the other day? My sources tell me you're on the run, and I certainly am not one of your pursuers."

I stared at him, contemplating whether to confess or beg for help. But I didn't want to be indebted to him any more than I already was to V. Besides, he could be toying with me. I couldn't believe that someone who had been ready to kill me just moments ago would suddenly offer assistance.

"With all due respect, sir, that is none of your concern," I replied, gesturing to the jacket I had returned to him. "I returned your jacket, and now I have no other business with you. Good day." With my head held high, I walked out of his office.

As I stepped into the chilly afternoon air, I looked up at the sky and wondered what fate awaited me. Would anyone miss me when I was gone? I chuckled bitterly and walked away from the casino. But a few steps later, I felt a presence behind me. I turned around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. People bustled around, going about their business. Trying to calm myself, I quickened my pace.

Being pursued can make one paranoid, always looking over their shoulder. I had been on edge for days, constantly feeling as though someone was after me.

My thoughts were interrupted when a black bag was suddenly thrown over my head. I struggled, but then felt a sharp pain in my neck. I had been drugged and could feel the effects taking hold. The last words I could utter were "save me." For some inexplicable reason, I called out to Dante Williams for help.