Our eternal affairs

Anna took the small bottle in her palm, and examined it. Mister Truce had given it to her and left. Should she drink it now? Was it even for drinking? Maybe she should show it to Cliff, they would decide what to do together. She stood up, and left the room.

A cool evening breeze rushed on her skin, the moment she stepped outside the resort. She had forgotten she had no way of getting back to Roxbury. She sighed, and walked out of the Resort. She didn't notice the sleek Rolls-Royce outside the grand gate. 

It was past ten pm, she resolved that she would sleep in the subway, and call Cliff tomorrow to come pick her up. 

It took her a while to notice that the tarred alley that led to the main street was dark and lonely; the only light came from lone street lamps, standing distances apart. Casting pale glows that stretch out like skeletal fingers, and she was the only one walking it. She held her bag tightly, and picked up her pace.

Suddenly she heard footsteps quickening behind her, but she was scared to look back. The main street was just a few steps ahead. She held the hem of her dress and ran, into a cross-section on the road. 

Unfortunately, the heels of her stiletto broke, and gave way, just when she reached the middle of the road. Bright, blinding lights suddenly appeared, and incoming car horns blared at her, she panicked and froze immediately.l

She was mere inches away from a speeding car, when a hand grabbed her by the arm, and pulled her out of the road, in one swoop, then they stumbled back onto the side walk. She was still stunned when she turned, and saw Truce's bodyguard, towering above her. 

Now, as the adrenaline wore off, Anna's body began to shake uncontrollably, her breath came in short gasps, as her heart thumped loudly in her chest. 

"I just died. I was… I just died…"

His firm grip was still holding her, and was the only thing that kept her upright, since her legs turned jelly beneath her.

"Breathe Miss." He urged, his voice low and calm. "You're safe now."

Truce stepped out of his car, that was parked by the side of the road. He saw everything that had happened, and cursed Anna for being so foolish.

He walked up to them, hands in his pocket as he sized Anna up, with menacing eyes. Anna quickly got a hold of herself, as she saw Mister Truce approaching. Dark clouds appeared on his face, and it was rumbling with thunder.

She still trembled, when the bodyguard gave way, and Mister Truce held her by the hand, dragging her barefoot, to the car. A picture of them was taken, in 'Whip 'n' Eat', a diner across the road, as a mysterious figure watched them get into the car.

They sat quiet, for a long time, the silence plunged Anna to a rave, in her mind. She wondered what he was going say. He was definitely embarrassed. From the look of things, she was solely responsible for it.

"Where were you going?" He began, in a cold voice. Anna thought the trembling ought to have stopped now. Or was it the chill in his voice?

"Th-the subway." She replied in a small voice, His interrogation wasn't over; why did everything she did remind him of Miriam? He vowed afresh, to search the matter out.

"Haven't you heard how dangerous the subway is at night? Your mum never told you that?" 

Anna's head shot up immediately, blazing eyes fearlessly caught hold of his gaze.

He was shocked at her reaction, and suddenly remembered Miriam again. Must've touched a naked wire, he would start from there. Pleased at the outcome, his anger disappeared instantly, and he looked away.

Chen, who had been shocked when she was almost hit on the road, was listening to their conversation in the driver's seat. 

 "Take us to the guest house, Chen." Truce's voice thundered from the backseat, and a jolt of fear passed through him.

"Yes sir." He said, and started the car. Anna got cold feet instantly, and lowered her head. She was startled at the mention of her mother on his lips. She didn't know where that courage came from. 

They arrived at the gate of a four-story townhouse, in a private neighborhood. Chen stopped at the gate, and said something into an intercom, within minutes, they entered into a warm space. The house itself was decorated with shrubs, and glowing lights, exuding elegance, and sophistication.

Anna stepped out of the car, the ground was cold, and she trailed behind the two, as they walked to the house, portraying power and confidence.

The house was clad in brick and ivy, with gleaming windows, and a sturdy oak door.

They entered, and were greeted by three women in the same attire. His response was a grunt, and he removed his blazer, handing it over to one of them.

Anna put her hand over her mouth, scared she'd shriek, as his crisp white shirt, molded with his perfectly muscled back. She gulped.

 "Prepare a room for the lady." He ordered, settling into a soft sofa in the living room, and another scurried away to get the task done.

 "Get a warm tea for me, and ask her what she wants," he said coolly, relaxing into the plush furniture, Chen sat adjacent him, bringing out documents from his briefcase. The last lady drew near, and politely asked her what she wanted. 

 "Oh no, I'm okay... Thank you." She smiled at her, before the lady left.

Anna turned to the two of them, hands behind her back, cleared her throat. They looked up at her before she said.

 "Thank you for saving me, again, sir." 

He just stared at her. Her dark curly hair had covered a side of her face, her lips were fitted into a tight smile. Dissuading immoral thoughts, he returned his gaze to his paperwork. 

Saying nothing.

Anna's eyebrows lifted in surprise. She should get used to this cold attitude. 

The lady that was sent to arrange her room returned, and directed her upstairs. The room was a sanctuary of warmth and luxury: soft, golden lights, illuminated the space, highlighting the plush area rug, rich wood floor, and sumptuous beddings, adorned with crisp white sheets, plush pillows. There was even a gourmet minibar! She opened it's glass doors, and immediately collected cookies, popcorns and cured meats, including flavoured water, into her lap.

She felt grateful to Mister Truce, and munched into her midnight snack. She soon fell asleep on the plush bed, the popcorn rolling from her hand.

It was past midnight when she fell asleep, and her phone kept ringing, in her purse, tucked beneath her small bag.