Chapter 99 Lucas
Anna's POV
I stumbled forward so suddenly that I nearly crashed into the floor.
Instinct took over. I planted one foot firmly, caught my balance, and spun around, expecting to see Lucas standing behind me.
Instead, a woman stared back at me.
She looked to be in her late twenties, lean and athletic, dressed in fitted sportswear. Her dark hair was tied into a tight ponytail, and the way she stood told me she knew how to fight.
"Who are you?" I asked, my tone urgent.
She folded her arms across her chest. "I should be asking you the same thing," she said coolly. "Who the hell are you?"
I frowned. "I should be asking you that. This is my house."
She raised an eyebrow. "No," she replied. "This is my house. I bought it, and you have no right on my property."
I looked past her, searching the room. "Look, I don't have time for this. Where is he?"
"Where is who?" she said without a care in the world.
I was about to answer when a familiar voice drifted down from upstairs. "Anna."
I froze. I'd recognize that voice anywhere.
I turned toward the staircase just as Lucas appeared, casually making his way down one step at a time.
He didn't look surprised to see me. If anything, he looked delighted.
For a few seconds, I couldn't find my voice. I just watched as he descended from the stairs.
He stopped in front of me with an easy smile. "Forgive my friend," he said. "She just wanted to make sure you weren't followed."
"I wasn't followed, I made sure of that," I replied sharply.
His smile widened. "Anna, meet my friend, her name is Bella." He gestured toward the woman. "Bella, this is Anna. The woman I've been telling you about."
Bella's expression softened just enough for a polite smile. "It's nice to finally meet you, Anna." She glanced at Lucas. "He predicted you'd find him eventually."
I barely acknowledged her. My attention remained fixed on Lucas. "We need to talk." He nodded immediately. "Privately."
"Alright then, let's go upstairs," he answered as he stepped aside and gestured toward the staircase. "After you."
I climbed the stairs without another word. Lucas followed close behind.
I headed straight for my late foster father's bedroom.
The moment I stepped inside, memories came rushing back; Memories of my foster parent.
Their laughter, the family dinners. The night everything had fallen apart.
And then— Xavier, the way he had shot at my foster mom. Image of her dead body covered in blood washed over my mind.
I squeezed my eyes shut for a brief second and forced the memories away. Now wasn't the time.
The bedroom door clicked shut behind me.
Lucas leaned against it. "I have to say," he began softly, "it's good to see you, Anna. You're stronger than I gave you credit for."
I folded my arms. "I'm not here to talk about who missed who." His smile faded. "Eve is dead."
The words landed like a punch.
Lucas inhaled sharply. His eyes dropped to the floor. "I know about that, you don't have to remind me."
My eyes widened slightly. "Ooh really?" I stepped closer. "What about reminding you that you kidnapped me? Would you rather talk about that? How you deceived me, drugged me and handed me over to Eve, should we talk about that instead?"
He winced. "I'm sorry, I really am. I never meant for you or anyone to get hurt. I was stupid, I admit that and own my mistakes. I let Eve convince me that I was doing the right thing."
"I honestly believed you were too scared to choose for yourself."
I shook my head slowly. "You made everything worse for me and for you."
"I know." He didn't even argue. "I made everything worse, and I regret it, especially with Xavier. I wish I can go back in time and change things."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't even know how to face him anymore. And I understand if he wants me dead..."
I sighed. "I'm not sure what Xavier wants. But his capos do want you dead, and I don't think their minds can be changed on that."
"They think you're working with Zack."
Lucas gave a tired laugh. "I can see why, I didn't know Eve worked for Zack. If I'd known..." He stopped himself before finishing the sentence.
Silence settled between us.
Finally, he looked back at me. "Enough about that." He smiled faintly. "Let's talk about why you're really here."
"I'm glad you finally made up your mind."
I frowned. "My mind? what are you talking about?"
He nodded. "I believe you came because you've decided to disappear with me." He walked toward the window. "I stayed here. In your old neighborhood to buy you time."
I instinctively took two steps backward. "You tried to kidnap me. And you still expect me to trust you?"
He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. "I suppose not."
His voice was quieter now. "Then tell me. Why are you here, Anna?"
Before I could answer, my phone vibrated.
It was a message. I looked down at the message from Serena.
"Xavier's associate is here."
My heart skipped. Time was running out.
I slipped the phone back into my pocket. "I'm here..." I looked directly into Lucas' eyes. "...to save your life."
He stared at me for several long seconds. Then he smiled sadly. "You shouldn't have come."
"I don't care about my life anymore. The only thing I care about..." His voice softened. "...is loving you."
A knot formed in my chest. I shook my head. "Lucas, please, don't do this."
He nodded once. "All right. If you don't want to leave with me..." His expression changed. "...then I don't have a choice."
Slowly, he reached behind his back. When his hand came forward again, there was a pistol in it.
My breath caught. The room suddenly felt much smaller. "Lucas..."
I whispered. "No."
I stared at the weapon, then back at him. "No choice..." My voice trembled. "...to what?"