Anna - 8
The morning light hits my face and I stir awake. I listen carefully for Luca's breathing and I hear his soft snores.
I carefully slide out of bed, making sure not to wake him.
I quickly pull clothes from the closet, opting for a simple black dress and a pair of flats.
Quietly, I sneak into the kitchen, get dressed as fast as possible and take one quick glance in the mirror before heading to the front door. I don't give a shit what I look like, I just need to get out.
I place one hand on the handle and push down to open it.
"Shit, the fucking key card," I say in a low tone.
I sneak back into the bedroom and stand over Luca sleeping.
I turn to see his jacket flung over a chair. I open up his wallet and remove the key card.
He stirs and my heart drops to the floor. Thankfully he doesn't wake.
I tiptoe out of the room and gently shut the door.
The door clicks as I swipe the key card and I walk out into the hallway. As I stand and wait for the elevator, I keep turning back thinking Luca's going to come running out to stop me.
As I step inside and press the button for the ground floor, I hear a door open. Frantically I press the close button. The doors shut just before I see someone coming out of a different suite.
For the first time since arriving here, I'm alone outside that fucking prison and I feel almost giddy.
When the elevator doors open, I make my way through the hotel lobby, keeping my head down and avoiding eye contact with anyone. When I'm about halfway through the lobby, I hear something that makes me stop dead in my tracks.
"Sofia?"
My chest starts moving up and down rapidly as I look up unsure where the voice came from.
I turn around and see Gabriel approaching. When those damn green eyes meet mine, I can't help but feel a flutter in my chest and a warmth spreading through me again that I can't quite understand.
What is wrong with me?
"Bella, it is you," he says, flashing a dimpled smile. I feel a bit embarrassed by my hurried appearance, but his gaze seems to overlook any flaws I might perceive. "What are you doing down here?"
I can't help but smile back at him as I run my hand through my hair and try to fix it and make myself presentable.
Anna, what the fuck are you doing? This man is terrible. A killer.
"I...I...uh, Luca is upstairs if you're looking for him."
Gabriel stands close to me and I look up at him. He carries the same relaxed look from last night yet somehow more well put together. I see the tattoo subtly peeking out from below his collar bone and in this light it looks like part of a wing or something, I’m not sure.
"I did not ask about him. I asked about you. What are you doing down here?"
I'm taken aback by his response. Why would he not care?
"Ah, um, I was just going to do some shopping," I reply, trying to sound casual.
"Do you not have everything you need already? Are you not being taken care of?"
I feel my cheeks flush. "Oh, no, nothing like that. I just like shopping for myself." I try to maintain a light tone, but I can't shake the unease that's creeping up on me.
He studies me for a moment, his gaze intense. I realize we’re having another moment like the previous night, were we just stare at one another, not speaking. Normally, that would feel weird, but this doesn’t.
After a few moments, he shakes his head and grins.
“You just keep surprising me. What the fuck is this?” he says and gently grabs my face. “Who did this to you?" he growls, his voice low and firm.
He notices the bruises on my face and his expression darkens. The lobby is bright and traces of them linger even after my makeup, and with him this close to me - Shit, I didn’t think about it.
I try to pull away, but his grip is firm on my face. It doesn’t hurt, but it commands my body to stay still. "It's nothing. I tripped and fell in the suite a few days ago. Ask the doctor,” I lie, trying to keep my voice steady.
Gabriel's eyes narrow, and he leans in closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Don't lie to me, Bella. Never lie to me. I can protect you from anything. Anyone. Did Luca do this?”
His words swirl through my mind and I can feel my resolve weakening. I know I should pull away, but I can't help but feel drawn to him.
“Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself," I stammer, trying to sound confident.
Gabriel cups my face in his hand, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “Tell me who the fuck did this to you.” His says, his voice low and possessive. I feel my body responding to his touch.
I reach up and grab his hands and pull them away. He hesitates at first but then frees me from his grip.
When we finally break apart, I can feel my legs trembling.
“What are you doing here?” I ask to change the direction of the conversation and hopefully, my feelings.
“I’m here to meet Luca for breakfast. I’m early,” he says without looking away from me.
“I see,” I reply. “Well, enjoy your breakfast. I have to go.”
Gabriel reaches out to grab my arm. "Not yet, Bella. I'm not done with you. Answer me.”
“Please, Gabriel I already told you. I have to go,” I say and pull away.
"Wait. Let me walk you out."
I reluctantly nod, and we make our way towards the exit. As we walk, I feel somewhat comfortable in his presence. I know I shouldn't let my guard down, but something about Gabriel makes me feel protected - especially when I compare it to Luca.
As we reach the revolving doors, he places a gentle hand on my lower back. The warmth of his touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body, leaving me momentarily stunned. I quickly regain my composure and step out onto the busy Chicago sidewalk.
"Thanks for walking me out," I say, trying to sound casual. "I guess I'll be seeing ya."
I guess I'll be seeing ya? Really?
Gabriel's jaw tightens. "Yes, I'm sure we'll see each other again soon. Be careful, Sofia."
With that, he turns and walks back into the hotel, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, feeling more confused than ever. I watch him disappear through the revolving doors, and I can't shake the feeling that our paths are inexplicably intertwined.
Either way, I have a job to do, and I can't let myself get distracted. I'm determined to find the answers I need and bring down the criminal empire responsible for Bill's death.
Now, let's go talk to the FBI.