CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY

Anna's POV

Immediately the car door shut and sealed us inside Wesley’s sleek black SUV. The world outside felt distant, the few men speaking loudly outside were muffled by the tinted windows and low sound of the engine wiring up. We were finally leaving that nightmare mansion behind.

Pfft.

But I wasn’t relieved.

I sat curled up in the passenger seat with my arms wrapped tightly around myself, staring out the window at the passing city lights. 

Ouuu. I yelled almost inaudibly and pressed my palms onto my cheeks that still burned.

My wrists were bruised too, so every small movement sent sharp reminders through my body of what had just happened.

I felt… dirty. I didn't have a single privacy.

Wesley brought a bag of snacks from the back seat. “You hungry?” My eyes widened.

Food! Like edibles…

Hungry? I was dying…

I grabbed it, my hands searching inside immediately.

A hamburger looked like gold after so long. I couldn't even breathe. Just sank my teeth into it with a loud moan.

Wesley kept glancing at me as he drove, his hands tight on the steering wheel. The silence between us grew heavier with every mile but he just kept smiling. I couldn't tell what was in his mind.

“Anna,” he said gently, breaking the quiet. “Talk to me. Please.”

I didn’t look at him. My throat felt tight.

“I was terrified, Wesley,” I whispered, my voice hoarse from crying. I bowed my head slightly, fondling the loose cotton material of my shirt.

“They slapped me. Slade threatened to… to let their men do whatever they wanted. I thought that was it. I really thought I was going to die in there.”

My voice cracked on the last word. Fresh tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back angrily.

Wesley’s jaw clenched. He reached over and gently placed his hand on my thigh, but I tensed. He noticed and slowly pulled it back.

“I know,” he said, pain thick in his voice. “I’m so sorry. I should have been there faster. I should have protected you better. But I’m here now. Mnnn… You’re safe.”

“Safe?” I let out a bitter laugh, finally turning to face him. “You had the flash drive the whole time. The one I risked everything to get for you. And you brought it straight to them? What if they had decided to kill us both anyway? What if—”

“Anna.” His voice was firm but gentle. He slowed the car slightly and looked at me with his serious eyes. “I need you to trust me. I had everything under control. I didn’t come there to negotiate. I came there to get you out. The drive was only bait. It was something to make them hesitate long enough for me to reach you.”

He paused, swallowing hard. His eyes kept searching mine.

“I would never trade you. Not for that device. Not for anything in this world. You are not something I bargain with. You are the reason I’m fighting at all.”

I stared at him, searching his face. Part of me wanted to believe him so badly. The other part was still scared and humiliated.

“I was alone in there, Wesley,” I whispered. “Slade looked at me like I was nothing. His men… the way they touched me…” I shuddered. “I kept thinking about you. Wondering if you would even notice I was gone.”

Wesley pulled the car over to the side of the road and stopped. He turned fully toward me, taking both of my hands in his.

“Look at me,” he said softly.

I did. His eyes were filled with regret, love, and fierce determination.

“I noticed the moment you didn’t reply to my messages,” he said. “Sarah called me panicking. I tore this city apart looking for you. I’m never letting you out of my sight again if that’s what it takes.”

He lifted one of my hands and kissed my bruised wrist with heartbreaking tenderness.

“I’ve got you now. And I’m not letting go.”

I wanted to melt into his words. But the fear and anger were still too loud for me to ignore.

Before I could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, frowned slightly, then answered.

“Yes?” he said.

I watched his face change as he listened. He stole a glance at me for a moment before he replied.

“Tonight?” he asked. “Alright. We’ll be there.”

He ended the call and looked at me. I don't know, but there was a new information or something. Something unreadable in his expression.

“That was an assistant from the Desmond family,” he said carefully. 

I didn't reply. That was a phrase, ‘cause who is ‘we’ concerning the Desmond family?

I'm already done with rich people drama. I just want to mind my business.

“Mrs. Desmond wants to meet with you. She said it’s urgent. Something about a package she received… and a piece of jewelry that apparently belongs to you.”

My breath caught.

Huh?

The Desmonds?

A strange feeling stirred in my chest.
I literally am just in the drive leading me away from one hell of a mansion.

I couldn't even report it ‘cause these rich people were untouchable.

Wesley squeezed my hand gently.

“We don’t have to go if you’re not ready,” he said. “But she sounded… emotional. Like it was important.”

I leaned back in the seat, exhausted.