Chapter 9
Anna
Damn. Damn. Damn.
We were both dancing around what had occurred that morning, but there was no doubt he hadn’t forgotten I’d interrupted his act of business.
When he pulled his arms away, the sunlight flickered off his watch to the exposed cuff of his shirt.
A dark stain furled along the edges, soaking into the material.
Blood. Enough that it wasn’t about him cutting himself shaving, especially since he had a solid two-day stubble cresting along his square jaw.
He followed my line of sight, his face expressionless. He didn’t try to explain or deny.
Exhaling, I glanced from one side of the sidewalk to the other while clutching the phone like a lifeline.
“I’m just trying to find a location somewhere around here.
” He continued studying me with a smidgeon of amusement carved into his features.
There was no way I was offering my name. Never to a stranger.
“Maybe I can help you. I live in New Orleans. It’s obvious you’re visiting.
” He was doing his best to dig information on who I was.
Oh, this wasn’t good for my continuing health at all.
How long could I keep lying to him? The sexiness in his earlier voice had given way to full annoyance.
I’d been told more than once I had that kind of effect on people.
Cold natured.
Or as some of the dancers had called me, the Ice Queen. Another act of protection I had no intention of losing for a man I didn’t know.
However, his voice was still far too alluring, kind but holding an edge that added to his sensual demeanor. Even the dark stubble covering a portion of his jaw alluded to a sense of darkness. Which was absolutely ridiculous. His personality was such that he had no intention of leaving.
“Fine. I’m looking for Indulgence. I guess it’s a club.”
He stood to his full height, rubbing his jaw, the action immediately drawing my attention. “Much more than a club. I tell you what. I happen to be going in that direction. Why don’t you walk with me? I promise to get you there safe and sound.”
“I don’t think so but thank you. I’ll find it myself.” I’d been terrified of allowing one of his men to take me anywhere, shocked when the dog had allowed me to escape. He’d cocked his furry head when I’d placed my finger across my lips, trying to tell him to keep quiet.
Since I’d gotten away, it would appear he’d been more than willing to keep my little secret.
Being skeptical about mysterious men had kept me alive.
As if a mind reader, he sensed my apprehension immediately, chuckling in the same dark tone.
“Granted, you don’t know me. At least not in the traditional sense.
I can’t blame you for being cautious. I’d be the same way if I ran into a strange man on a crowded street for the second time in a single day. ”
The bastard was playing me. I refused to allow him to win. “It wouldn’t be a good idea for a woman to place her trust in any stranger.”
My statement continued to amuse him.
“Alright. Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll walk on the other side of the street and when you’re almost there, I’ll point to the building. Enough to put your mind at ease I have no intention of hurting you.”
His words were likely meant as a tease, yet he was uncertain about me, scrutinizing every detail, every inch of clothing.
And my bruise. I’d never felt so self-conscious in my life.
“I’m sorry. I know you’re trying to be friendly and helpful.
I just have a lot on my mind and things I need to do. ” Truths.
I wasn’t entirely certain what he was getting at, but I clutched my purse a little closer.
He noticed the subtle yet pointed action, shaking his head as he briefly looked away.
“I assure you I’m not trying to be nice nor will anyone in town tell you otherwise.
I’m also not in the habit of stealing women’s purses. ”
My nerves were so on edge I fidgeted with a piece of hair, struggling to keep it tucked behind my ear.
I hated that I had to avoid anyone I didn’t know.
I hated that I had to look over my shoulder.
Maybe hate wasn’t a strong enough word. I rubbed my forehead, beginning to question, even regret my decision.
The heavy jolt of adrenaline was beginning to dissipate, leaving me anxious and exhausted.
At least he could tell I wasn’t budging in providing any unneeded information, finally offering a sharp nod.
“Indulgence takes up an entire city block. If you look just down the street, you’re only a block away.
Depending on your destination, you’ll find a set of stairs on the side of the building and a bank of elevators if you go through the closest set of doors.
And don’t worry. There are very nice people who work there. ”
I managed to half laugh as if my behavior hadn’t been alarming. “Thank you very much and I apologize for running into you.” Again. Whew. Was he really going to allow me to go?
“No problem, sweet lost angel.”
Why did he keep using that? My thoughts immediately drifted to my father.
The sexy stranger backed away, offering a salute instead of a smile. Maybe as to not further infringe on my perpetual bad mood, he turned and walked in the opposite direction. Only then was I able to take a deep breath.
I kept walking, turning around once and finding that he’d disappeared.
With my heart still racing, I headed toward the next block.
By the time I noticed a beautiful sign indicating the location where I was going, I was close to hyperventilating.
Emmeline had told me very little other than that she was the manager of a bakery and a few other small establishments.
From looking at the sign outside, including a directory, it was easy to see Indulgence was a group of businesses.
A bakery. An art gallery. A women’s clothing store. A gorgeous gift shop, whose dazzling array of suncatchers and prisms in the window was a vivid display of colorful whimsy.
A restaurant claimed the entire second floor with a club on the fourth.
As soon as I stepped inside, I was struck by the both the scent of fresh baked beignets and other mouthwatering pastries as well as the warmth of the interior.
It was bright with primal colors expertly woven together utilizing dazzling works of art splashed against bold wall colors.
The music was as eclectic as the style, jazz with a touch of Cajun. I was in love with the place already.
Crowded, I waited my turn, enjoying the chatter of others, conversations I already missed having with my friends.
At least the nerves from earlier had eased, enough the images from before were slowly beginning to fade.
A sudden flurry of activity and I was brought back on edge, wishing I had more than a switchblade with me. Someone rushed from behind the counter, heading right for me, squealing with delight.
“Anna!”
When a girl grabbed my arms, pulling me into a deep hug, I was stunned, slowly allowing the tension to fall away when I realized it was my friend. Emmeline’s smile was also exactly as I remembered, able to light up an entire room.
“Emmeline.”
She pulled away, shaking her head as she scanned me.
Where I looked plain and dull, she was as vibrant as I remembered her.
While we’d been friends of friends originally, her besties my roommate during college, we’d hit it off.
She’d told me all about growing up in New Orleans in a big family.
I’d told her almost nothing about my life, even lying that I was an orphan who’d been sponsored with the ballet theater.
Had I felt guilty about lying? No, because it had become second nature to me. Even when I’d had bodyguards the first two years, no one had been the wiser as to who they were. That had been the reason I hadn’t fought my father when he’d insisted they remain by my side.
“What happened to you?” Her voice was stern, her mouth twisting as she studied the discoloration on my face.
Laughing, I pressed two fingers across my cheek, the lie flowing easily from my mouth. “My male partner was amazing except on the last jump. He kicked me right in the face.”
“Oh, my God.” She laughed with me, although she continued studying the bruise. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d changed your mind.”
“I had a meeting with the ballet this morning bright and early. They had a dancer injured in a car accident, so given it was a very similar dance as New York and there’s a sold-out crowd, I’m suddenly dancing Sleeping Beauty in a couple days.” Just something else to irritate the other dancers.
“That’s so exciting. I mean that’s terrible for the girl but fabulous for you.”
“Don’t tell anyone but I’m thrilled.”
When my stomach grumbled loudly, she lifted her eyebrows, pulling her lips to a taut O. “Why don’t we sit down and grab a bite to eat and some coffee. Trust me, the beignets and croissants are to die for.”
Sadly, my relief must have been obvious with the smile breaking out across my face. Even though I’d taken the train, it had cost me a pretty penny. I was skimping with the rest until my first paycheck with the NOBT, which wouldn’t come for a couple of weeks.
She squeezed my hand and led me to a small dining room off to the side, motioning for me to take a seat. When I did, I realized I had a perfect view of Bourbon Street.
Almost instantly, a waiter approached.
“Boss lady. What can I get you and your friend?” He turned his full attention toward me, offering more than just a friendly smile. While handsome, he wasn’t my type.
“Anna, this is Brian, a waiter in my employ.”
“Your employ,” I repeated, not realizing she was the manager.
“Your best waiter,” he corrected, winking at me. “Anything you need, Anna, just ask.”
“Mmm… The verdict is currently out on whether you’re the best. We’ll have the combination platter. Some fresh orange juice and coffee, my special brew.”
“Coming right up.”