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“Alright,” he said tightly. “I’ll pick you up in an hour. Be ready.”
“Wonderful,” Janet chirped, then ended the call.
Dante turned to Anya, walking her back to the car.
“I need to go somewhere,” he said with a faint frown. “I’ll drop you off first. Get in.”
“Where are you going?” she asked casually.
“To the Carters’ house,” he said, his knuckles brushing softly against her cheek. “They’re old family friends. Their daughter’s just returned after years of being missing. We haven’t seen her since. Mom wants to pay a visit—it’s just a courtesy call.”
Anya’s eyes widened. Panic flashed across her face.
Dante immediately noticed her reaction. Thinking she misunderstood, he leaned in to explain, pulling her face between his hands.
"Hey, it’s nothing serious, I promise," he said, brushing his lips against hers. "I’m only going there so Mom doesn’t get upset. I won’t stay long. Just a few minutes, then I’m coming right back."
But that was the least of Anya’s worries.
“Mr. Kingsley—”
“You’re still calling me that?” he frowned, leaning in again to kiss her. But she pulled back, making the crease on his brow deepen.
“At least stop calling me that in private,” he muttered, voice low and heated. “We’ve even slept together. Or have you forgotten how you were moaning my name in bed?”
The memory rushed into her mind at once. That night. The way she’d clung to him, breathless and desperate.
“Stop it!” she hissed, slapping his hands away from her face. “We’re in public! You need to stop doing this to me.”
“What, making your cheeks turn red?” he teased with a knowing grin.
She let out a huff and glared at him. “Since you’re not going to be at the office now, can I leave early?”
“Sure,” he muttered, eyeing her carefully. “Are you feeling okay?”
She nodded quickly and pulled his hands away, lowering them. “I’m leaving now, okay?” she muttered, then turned and rushed off.
Dante stood there, watching her disappear into the crowd, confusion flickering in his eyes.
***
Back at the Carter residence, Anya burst through the door and ran straight inside, her voice ringing out in panic.
“Dad? Dad! Where are you?!”
Charles rushed out of his room, alarmed. “What is it?!”
“Why didn’t you tell me Mrs. Kingsley was coming here today?” she demanded breathlessly. “Why didn’t you tell me in advance?! I don’t want them to find out I’m Annie!”
“What?” Charles blinked. “I didn’t know she was coming. Are you sure?”
“Yes! She’s on her way with Dante. They’ll be here any minute.” She grabbed his arm desperately. “Please don’t let them meet me—don’t let them see Annie!”
“Don’t panic,” Charles said calmly, patting her shoulders. “Go upstairs and stay in your room. I’ll handle everything.”
“Thank you, Dad,” she breathed out, giving him a grateful smile before hurrying upstairs.
Barely five minutes later, a maid approached Charles quickly.