Chapter 100 Narrow Escape
Anna's POV
Lucas slowly raised the pistol. Then, with a sharp metallic click, he cocked it.
My heart slammed painfully against my ribs.
Every warning Serena had given me echoed inside my head.
Don't trust him.
Don't be alone with him.
If anything feels wrong, leave immediately.
I held my breath.
Lucas looked at me for a long moment before extending the gun toward me. "Take it."
I blinked. "What?"
"The gun."
Relief washed over me so suddenly my knees almost weakened.
I carefully reached for the pistol, making sure the muzzle never pointed toward either of us.
"For a second..." I breathed, "I thought you were going to kill me."
Lucas looked almost offended. "You know I'd never do that." His voice was gentle. "And you wouldn't have come looking for me if you truly believed I would."
I looked down at the weapon in my hand before nodding slowly. "You're right."
A small smile appeared on his face.
Before I realized what he intended, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me.
I stiffened.
His embrace was warm, familiar, and heartbreakingly sincere. "I'll always love you, Anna." His voice was barely above a whisper. "I hope one day you'll forgive me."
"And maybe..." He hesitated. "...maybe you'll choose me."
I closed my eyes briefly. "I'll try."
It wasn't the answer he wanted, but it was the only honest one I could give.
He slowly loosened his embrace but didn't step away completely.
Instead, he leaned closer.
I knew what was coming.
His lips brushed mine. For one suspended moment, my mind went completely blank.
I didn't push him away. To my own surprise, I almost responded.
Then he pulled back. His eyes searched mine one last time. "Take care of yourself, Anna."
"You know where to find me."
I nodded quietly. "I do."
Without another word, I turned and walked toward the door.
Downstairs, Bella was standing by the window, watching the street outside.
She glanced at me as I approached. "Thank you for having me."
She snorted softly. "Don't thank me."
"Thank him." She folded her arms. "I don't trust you."
"And I have a feeling you're going to get Lucas killed one day."
Her words stopped me.
I studied her face more carefully. Something about her... Something felt familiar. "You know..." I narrowed my eyes. "Looking at you now..."
"I can't shake the feeling we've met before."
Bella shook her head immediately. "No."
"We haven't." Her answer came a little too quickly. "Now leave."
"Before your people trace you back here."
I wanted to press further. The familiarity refused to leave my mind.
But Serena was waiting, and every second mattered.
I opened the back door and slipped outside.
I hurried through the narrow path connecting the neighboring houses until I reached the safe house.
The rear door stood slightly open.
I slipped inside.
Voices drifted from the living room. "I hope this isn't some trick." A man's voice. "Where is Anna?"
Before Serena could answer, I stepped into the room. "Sorry for keeping you waiting."
The man immediately stood.
He straightened his jacket before bowing respectfully. "Ma'am."
"I suppose you're the associate I spoke to on the phone."
"Yes. My name is Cole."
For a second, I forgot every excuse I'd prepared.
I hadn't expected to actually speak with him for long.
I cleared my throat. "I wanted to personally thank you."
"For your devoted service to Xavier. He appreciates loyal people."
The reaction was immediate.
Cole's shoulders stiffened.
Only slightly.
Most people wouldn't have noticed.
I did.
So did Serena.
Our eyes met for the briefest moment.
Years of training had taught us that tiny changes in body language often revealed far more than words ever could.
Still, I smiled as though nothing had happened.
An idea suddenly formed. "We believe Zack has operations around this area."
Cole nodded. "That's correct."
"In fact, I'd say this is where he earns most of his money."
I tilted my head. "Really?"
"Yes, I was actually planning to contact the Don. I've been hearing rumors."
"What kind of rumors?"
"That Zack intends to make this district his primary base. If that's true... He'll eventually attack the Don's businesses here."
"He'll want complete control."
I exchanged another quick glance with Serena.
Interesting. Very interesting.
I smiled warmly. "That's valuable information. It gives us somewhere to start."
Cole nodded proudly. "I'm glad I could help."
I rose from my seat. "That will be all for today. My assistant will contact you if we require anything else."
He bowed once more. "Of course, ma'am." Without another word, he turned and left.
The front door clicked shut.
Only then did I release the breath I'd been holding.
Serena did the same. "That was close."
"It really was."
She looked at me. "How did things go with Lucas?"
I looked toward the window. "Not as well as I'd hoped. I needed more time. But now I know exactly where he is. The rest should be easier."
Serena's expression remained serious. "Just be careful and don't let Lucas distract you. Our mission hasn't changed. Zack is still the target."
I nodded. "I know, the good thing is they're both connected to this city. So solving one problem may help solve the other."
She smiled faintly. "I hope you're right." Then she picked up her handbag. "And don't ask me to arrange something like this again."
"I nearly had a heart attack."
I laughed quietly. "I won't."
Together we walked outside.
Lilly was standing near the convoy, talking to Cole.
I frowned. I thought he'd already left.
Before I could call out— Everything happened at once.
Several of Xavier's men surrounded Cole.
He spun around in confusion. "What—"
One of the guards grabbed his arm.
Another twisted both hands behind his back.
Metal cuffs clicked into place.
Cole struggled. "What are you doing?"
"There must be some mistake!"
No one answered him. They dragged him toward the black SUV parked nearby.
One of the guards lifted the trunk.
Another shoved Cole forward despite his protests.
My eyes widened. "What is going on?"
Cole disappeared into the trunk. The lid slammed shut.
The sound echoed through the quiet street.
I stood frozen, staring at the vehicle in disbelief.