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“Where are you staying?” he asked, his voice gentling even further as he pulled back just enough to cup her jaw, his palm rough and warm. “Tell me the address. I’ll drop you off.”
“No.” She stiffened immediately. “Just drop me at Columbus Circle. I have… something to do. Then I’ll head home on my own.”
Dante’s expression changed instantly. The softness in his eyes faded, replaced by a cold, stormy frown. Jealousy surged through him like fire.
She was dressed up tonight. Her hair done, makeup perfect, wearing a tight outfit that showed off her figure. She lookedstunning. Even if the jewelry she wore was fake, she made it look like diamonds. And the thought that she might be meeting someone else looking like this—some other man—ate at him. It made it harder to keep his jealousy in check.
“I’ll take you wherever you want,” he said firmly. “But I’m not leaving. I’ll be waiting right outside until you’re done, and then I’m taking you back to where you’re staying.”
“No,” she responded quickly, then added more softly, “That’s not necessary. I want to go alone.” She called out to the driver, “Please, just drop me right here.”
But the car didn’t slow.
Anya shot Dante a glare when the driver didn’t comply. Dante’s jaw tightened, his patience thinning. With a sharp mutter, he ordered. “Stop at the side of the road,” he commanded.
“Yes, sir,” the driver replied from behind the partition, and the car came to a halt by the side of the road.
As soon as the car pulled over, Anya attempted to slip out of his grip, but Dante’s arm tightened around her waist, holding her in place. He gripped her chin, turning her face toward him, his eyes dark and intense.
“You’re coming back to work.”
Dante’s large hand cupped her cheek, forcing her to look only at him. His eyes never left hers. She sighed... then nodded.
“Yes.”
Only then did he let her go, the reluctant release of his hands clear in the way his fingers curled into fists. The space where she had been just seconds ago now felt agonizingly empty. Heclenched his fists, resisting the strong urge to pull her back into him.
He watched as she stepped out of the car and disappeared onto the sidewalk. The car drove off, leaving Dante staring blankly out the window.
Chapter 9 A Necklace
Even after reaching home, Dante couldn’t stop thinking about Anya. She had said she was living with a friend, but hadn’t said where—or with whom. The lack of answers ate at him. The thought of her living with someone else kept him on edge. He wanted her back in his house, in his bed, where he could see her, touch her, keep her close.
As he walked into the house, crossing the hallway, Janet came rushing out of one of the rooms.
“Dante!” she called, stopping when she saw him. “You didn’t see Annie today, but don’t be discouraged. You’ll meet her again soon.”
She smiled warmly and came over, rubbing his arm.
“My son is so talented, handsome, and well-known. With your good reputation and looks, Annie will definitely fall in love with you at first sight.”
“Mom, please,” he said, cutting her off. There was an edge in his voice now. “Stop talking about it.”
He didn’t want Janet to know he’d already made up his mind. Annie was never going to happen. And he knew his mother well—if she found out, she’d only push harder.
So he added calmly, “I need you to stay out of my personal life—and the company’s business. Can you do that?”
Janet’s smile faded. Her expression darkened.
“What do you mean?”
Dante took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, his voice low and controlled.
“I’ve asked Anya to return to work. She was my secretary before, and I need her back in that position. I want you to stay away from her. If you bother her again in any way, I’ll move out of this house just to make sure you stay out of my business.”
His tone was sharp, final. Then he stepped past her and stormed off without looking back.
“Really? You’re going to talk to me like this over some girl?” his mother shouted after him, her voice rising with fury. Her eyes burned with disbelief and anger. “I’m your mother! How do you expect me not to care about you or the business? Do you think you’re running some corner shop? This is a massive empire, Dante. I’ve held this house and company together!”