C145 The Consequence

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the mansion, painting the floors with patches of golden light.

Annabelle sat at the breakfast table, absently stirring her coffee.

She wasn’t really hungry, and the warmth of the mug did little to chase away the cloud of restlessness that had been following her for days.

Maria entered the room, her warm smile a welcome sight. “Good morning, Miss Annabelle. You’re looking a little… lost. Want to talk about it?”

Annabelle hesitated, but the older woman’s kind eyes made her gave in.

“I just feel like I’m suffocating in here, Maria. I need to get out, clear my head.”

Maria nodded. “Then let’s do that. How about a trip to the market? I think the boss wouldn’t mind. We could pick up some fresh ingredients and make something together later.”

Annabelle smiled faintly. “That sounds perfect.”

Within an hour, they were on the road.

Annabelle felt a small measure of relief as they left the mansion behind.

Of course, she had had to speak to Dante but instead of the rejection she was expecting, he had simply told her to be careful.

The world outside felt lighter, freer.

She leaned back in the passenger seat, letting the soft hum of the car’s engine soothe her nerves.

And they soon arrived at the bustling market which was a vibrant maze of colours and sounds. Maria led the way, her energy infectious as she navigated the stalls.

Annabelle found herself smiling more as they picked out fresh fruits and vegetables.

But the lightness didn’t last.

As they returned to the car with their bags full, Annabelle felt the hairs on the back of her neck prick up.

She glanced around but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Maria unlocked the car, placing the bags in the trunk.

Annabelle was about to get in when a dark van screeched to a halt beside them. The doors burst open, and before

Annabelle could react, strong arms grabbed her, pulling her away from the car.

“Annabelle!” Maria’s scream rang out, but it was quickly silenced as one of the men shoved her aside.

Annabelle kicked and screamed, but her captor was too strong. A rag was pressed against her face, and the last thing she saw before darkness claimed her was Maria’s panicked expression.

*******

When Annabelle woke, she was in an unfamiliar room.

The soft glow of candles lit the space, their flickering light casting shadows on the plush furniture.

The air smelled faintly of roses, and a table was set with fine china and a bottle of wine.

Mikhail stood by the window, his hands in his pockets as he stared out at the city lights. He turned when he heard her stir.

“Annabelle,” he said softly, stepping closer.

Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of the situation. “Mikhail? What’s going on? Where am I?”

As memories filtered in, she added in a panic, "What did you do to Maria?! What is wrong with you?!"

He knelt beside her, his eyes full of something she couldn’t quite place. “You’re safe, Annabelle. Maria is fine too. You know I wouldn't hurt her. I just needed to talk to you, away from everything. Away from Dante.”

Her heart sank. “Mikhail, what have you done?”

“I had to,” he said earnestly. “You’re trapped, Annabelle. I see it every day. I just wanted to give you a chance to be free, to think for yourself without him breathing down your neck.”

She shook her head, anger and disbelief swirling within her. “You had no right…”

“I love you,” he interrupted, his voice raw. “And I know you feel something for me too. I just need you to admit it.”

Annabelle stared at him, the weight of his words crashing down on her. “Mikhail, I’m sorry, but I don’t feel that way about you. I never have. You need to let me go before…”

She was interrupted as the door burst open to show Dante in the doorway, his expression a storm of fury.

His punch sent Mikhail flying before Annabelle could blink.

When she finally get him to stop hitting Mikhail, he pulled her behind him as he said coldly to Mikhail.

“Since you don’t have enough work on your plate to go grabbing what is mine; I will give you enough to do.”

Annabelle’s heart was thumping as he pulled her out of the hotel room.

Then he ordered Angelo to take away every other protection they were still giving the Virellis.

Annabell could only imagine the consequence of that.

It would totally leave Mikhail’s family open for anyone to pick at.

Oh God.

She needed to talk to him.

"Dante..." she started but the glower he sent her made her swallow hard.

She would just do it later then.