Trying to hide this burst of adrenaline, I averted my gaze when he approached my side. I caught Cassius handing over cash to the valet and sharing words with the young-looking man.
He’d lost his mind thinking this was acceptable behavior—I could scream or cry out and other guests would run to help me. My chance was finally here. It was all in the timing.
Cassius opened my door with a click of his fob. Stepping elegantly out of the car with my hand in his, I joined him on the curbside. He pulled me into a hug and with his free hand, he threw his keys to the valet.
Cassius’s mouth neared my ear, and he whispered, “Whatever you think this is, it isn’t.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t try to signal to anyone.”
I shot a glare in his direction. It wasn’t unusual for my parents to dine here, so there was a slim chance they’d be here tonight. Though what was more likely was they remained home wracked with guilt and sorrow for my loss, trying to keep Archie safe, too.
He curled his fingers against my cheek, and his tone softened. “You look beautiful.”
Those words had never been spoken to me before. What was I supposed to say? That I found him just as attractive. That being here tonight was a refreshing break from being locked up.
We made our way through the entrance as though arriving at a luxury hotel together as a couple was an ordinary event. Leaving behind the enduring heat and welcomed by the air conditioner that cooled my skin. He gave a nod to the concierge as we glided our way through the cozy foyer. Glancing left and right, I tried to get the attention of anyone who might look our way. Even after his threat.
He pulled me in tighter. “You’ll be glad to hear life in the Garden District has returned to normal.”
My flesh chilled with what he was insinuating, and my back stiffened as he guided me onward toward the dining room. The place where so many of our family dinners had been endured when my parents had brought Archie and me to this restaurant.
“What are you saying?”
“Your brother is living his best life. Back to playing video games and being a teenager without a care in the world. Seems a little strange, don’t you think?”
No, he wouldn’t have forgotten me. I refused to believe my brother was unaffected by my absence. Or maybe this was Cassius’s way of getting a rise out of me.
Swallowing my fear, I allowed him to guide me as a lover would.
“What was it you told me about your parents spending little time at home?” he chided. “Care to elaborate on who exactly is watching over Archie?”
Not only was he spying on my family, but he also had access to Archie. If things had returned to normal, my brother would be vulnerable again. Alone in that big house without me to protect him. Surely after what had happened, our home was heavily guarded.
“Understand what I’m saying?” Cassius shook me back into the moment.
Fine hairs prickled on my forearms as his insinuation burrowed into my soul. “Cassius.” My breath left me.
“Archie spends his time playing volleyball in the garden.”
“I’ll do anything. Please, don’t hurt him.”
He gave a ghost of a smile. “Do as I tell you.”
“I will.” And I meant it.
“See, this isn’t so bad, is it?”
A bitter realization. “Anyway, no one will recognize me.”
The dashing man beside me, with his arm tight around my waist, nudged me up against green damask wallpaper. His fingers trailed my scalp, and with a tug, he freed my dark locks. They spilled over my shoulders, proving he didn’t care if others recognized me or not.
The maître d’ led us to a table all the way across the full dining room. Chatter and the clatter of knives and forks on plates echoed around us. Soft piano music playing from another part of the hotel found its way to entertain those who didn’t care about paying too much for an entree.
Rigid with tension, I held Cassius’s hand as we navigated around the white linen-covered tables to find our corner table. I went to sit, and he stood behind my chair to ease it in for me, appearing as the ultimate gentleman.
He sat beside me and gave the order to the waiter, a man with a crew cut whose eyes avoided mine. “Champagne.”
I stole the chance to look around to see if I recognized anyone. Maybe if I’d worn the yellow dress, I would be more likely to spark a familiar glance. This chintzy halter neck was a spectacular misfire. It made me mingle easily with the elite crowd who hardly looked our way.
When crew cut returned for our order, Cassius gave him back the menu and chose. “A dozen oysters. On the half-shell.”
I leaned forward and whispered, “You didn’t ask if I’m allergic to seafood.”
He frowned. “Are you?”
“No.”
“Didn’t think so. It certainly didn’t come up in my report.” He flicked the napkin and laid it over his lap.
“You planned this?”
“Your father is evasive. It wouldn’t surprise me if he just disappears.”
He wouldn’t leave me here, not with this man, not like this.
There was one thing that would bring attention our way. I’d witnessed it too many times. The raised voices of my parents arguing that brought long, painful stares our way. Disapproving glances from those who overheard. The last time we’d visited here, they’d argued about a trip out of state that Mom had wanted to take.
Maybe all this would change everything.
Bring us closer.
Remind us how precious our family was before this man invaded our lives.
“What kind of man drags a woman out like this?” I muttered, testing the waters. “To have her taste freedom but not let her have it.”
He slid his knife to the left as though my words didn’t faze him.
“Did you hear me?” I hissed.
“Unfortunately for you.” He smirked. “Your ploy won’t work, Anya. I don’t argue. I debate. And I always win.”
“You have such a high opinion of yourself.” I reached into my purse, pulled out the red lipstick, and reapplied it while using the gold compact mirror. I ran my tongue sensually over my lips.
“Do you know why women wear lipstick?” I asked.
He rested the tip of his tongue in the corner of his mouth because he knew where I was going with this.
“Because a woman’s mouth reflects another part of her anatomy,” I chided.
“Thank you for explaining that so succinctly, Anya.” He suppressed a smile. “I’m envisioning it.”
My face flushed as I tucked the lipstick and compact back in the purse. Buying time so I wouldn’t see him looking this way.
“You don’t need makeup. You’re naturally ravishing.”
I wanted to believe him. I’d spent too long dressed down in drab clothes with nowhere to go.
Searching his face, I tried to see the sincerity in his usually closed-off demeanor.
His arched brow hinted he was pleased with my reaction. The flush of my cheeks. The silencing of my voice, him controlling the moment with a strike of victory.
“Anya, you’re stunning.”
I felt a fluttering in my chest that moved low into my belly.
Yes, he was evil, but he was still the first man to show any interest in me or even compliment me. I had been hidden away. Rarely allowed to mingle with others. Forbidden to spend any time with strangers. “I’m not used to. . . ”