Chapter 35 Anna
Iexit the drugstore in a daze.
At least I know why I've been so sick lately.
I walk aimlessly and end up at Lurie Garden. I take in the flowers while I hear others talking and laughing. I find a small, secluded bench and take a seat.
It's quiet, save for a few birds calling to one another. I take out the pregnancy test and hold it in my hands. I look down at it again, hoping it would change, but it hasn't.
The day I find out both my mentor and the FBI lied and betrayed me is the day I also find out I'm carrying Gabriel's child.
The funny thing in all this is that not once did I ever think about protection when I was with Gabriel. The way he made me feel, the things he did—it was as if my mind was full, and I couldn't take in anything else.
Now's the time to decide—am I Anna or Sofia?
As I sit here, no matter what I think about, my mind keeps drifting back to Gabriel.
I think about the night I first met him. While most would say he basically kidnapped me, I think he was saving me. And during it all, there was something about him that drew me in—his fierce protectiveness, his intensity.
Then, as time went on, there were all those stolen moments—heated glances across crowded rooms, lingering touches that set my skin on fire. The way he looked at me like I was the only woman in the world.
And God, the sex.
It's been mind-blowing every single time. The way he takes control, dominating me completely, but also the tender moments, when he worships every inch of my body. He makes me feel beautiful, desired, cherished.
Safe. He makes me feel safe, I think, unable to remove that thought.
No matter what, I think that was the most important aspect for me, especially during this mission when I didn't feel that from anyone—not even the FBI.
But it's more than just physical. Gabriel has shown me glimpses of his softer side—his love of books, the way he cares for his sister, Livia. How fiercely loyal he is to those he considers family.
And there are the little things, too. Making me coffee in the morning or surprising me with that painting I loved at the gala. The protective way he wraps his arm around me when we're out in public, letting every man know I'm his and that death is what they'd meet if they ever tried anything.
Even now, after everything that's happened, I ache for his touch. I long to be back in his arms.
The realization hits me like a ton of bricks, and while I may have had hints before, this time it comes as clear as crystal. Despite everything—my mission, his criminal life, all the lies—I've fallen completely, undeniably, in love with Gabriel Falcone.
My hand drifts to my still-flat stomach. Now, I'm carrying his child. Our child. The thought terrifies me, but there's also a warmth spreading through my chest. A tiny life created from our passion for each other.
What am I going to do?
I can't go back to the FBI, not after their betrayal, and I'll need to figure out how to do that. But how can I stay with Gabriel when he doesn't even know my real identity? When I've been lying to him this whole time?
And yet, the thought of leaving him is unbearable. I want a future with Gabriel. I want to be part of him and build a life together.
My eyes swell with tears, and I blink, causing them to stream down my face. I don't try to stop them. I sit there and cry.
I'm in love with a dangerous criminal. I'm carrying his child. He doesn't know who I really am, and I have no idea what to do next.
I guess that's not entirely true. There's only one thing left to do.
I can't keep lying to Gabriel. My desires and wishes mean I need to be with him as me—as Anna. He deserves to know the truth, even if it means losing him forever. The thought makes my chest constrict painfully, and I just pray he won't kill me when I tell him.
I stand up from the bench, my legs feeling unsteady.
It's time.
Time to lay it all on the line and hope that Gabriel's feelings for me are strong enough to forgive my deception. I take a shaky breath, wiping away my tears. I'm going to tell him everything—my real name, the FBI, and the baby.
Whatever happens next, I know I can't live with any more lies between us.
As I make my way back to the car, I'm terrified but also strangely calm. For the first time since this whole mess began, I know exactly who I am, what I want, and what I'm going to do.