Sweet Revenge, Hot Romance

Chapter 4

Back at the penthouse, the chef began clearing the table, bringing my thoughts back to the present. "I hope the food was to your liking, Ms. Hastings," he said.

"It was incredible, thank you. Most of the dishes were my favorites, actually. I ate so much I'm a little embarrassed," I said, a faint blush creeping onto my cheeks.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was a pleasure serving you, Ms. Hastings. Have a great evening."

"You too, Chef Donovan. Thank you again. It really was the best meal I've ever had," I said, my words sincere.

"In that case, the pleasure is all mine," he said with a warm smile before disappearing into the kitchen.

Mr. Cross remained behind. "I'm glad to see you liked the food. The boss arranged for everything before he left. He was very specific about the dishes prepared for you."

My brow furrowed in confusion. "He was? But how would he know what I like?"

A cascade of questions filled my mind. Who was this man? Did I know him? Was it a coincidence that he had saved me, or was there something more?

As if reading my thoughts, Mr. Cross continued, "I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but I can't answer all of them. Only my boss can. I've already informed him that you're awake, and he'll likely be calling soon." He gestured toward a plush lounge area.

I walked over and sat down in a unique, beautifully carved armchair near the doorway. "I was hoping to meet him so I could thank him before I left," I said, my voice firm with my resolve.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Hastings, but the boss said you can't leave yet. It's not safe for you."

"But I have to go back to my apartment. I know I can't stay there, but I need to get some things. I'll find another place to live and move on."

"Given what's happened, your life is still in danger. If the people who wanted to kill you find out you're alive, there's no telling what they'll do. The boss said you can stay here for the time being. I'm sure he'll explain everything to you when he calls."

"I understand the risk, and I know who wants me dead, so I'll be careful. But I can't stay here. I don't want to impose. I already owe your boss so much."

"I assure you, he doesn't mind. Perhaps you should wait and talk to him before you make a decision. It's alright to accept help sometimes, Ms. Hastings. No one is an island. My boss is a good man, and he would never hesitate to help someone in need."

"I can't share that sentiment, Mr. Cross. I don't even know who he is. I need to get to the bottom of this myself. I've wasted enough time already." I stood up, preparing to leave.

Just then, his phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and answered, his eyes on me. "Hello?" he said. I couldn't hear the other side of the conversation, but I assumed it was his boss. "Yes, she's right here, sir. She was just on her way out. Okay." He held the phone out to me. "A call for you, Ms. Hastings."

My heart pounded in my chest as I took the phone. "Hello?" I said, my voice barely a whisper.

"Ms. Hastings, Allen tells me you want to leave?" a deep, magnetic voice on the other end said. It was vaguely familiar and sent a shiver down my spine.

"Uhm, y-yes." I cursed myself for the stutter. What was wrong with me? That voice was having a strange effect on me. My heart was racing, my insides felt weak.

"Hello? Ms. Hastings?" He asked again.

The sound of his voice sent another jolt through me. My body was reacting to him in a way I couldn't comprehend. I gave myself a mental slap, forcing my mind out of the gutter.

"Yes, I'm here. Sorry."

"I know you must be confused and overwhelmed. But I think you should stay put for now. It's not safe for you out there." His voice was captivating, and I had to focus all my willpower on his words rather than the effect they had on me.

"I appreciate your concern, but I need to get to the bottom of this. I also need to get some things from my apartment."

"That is the one place you absolutely cannot go, not yet."

"I know, but I can take care of myself, Mr...." I trailed off, realizing I didn't even know his name.

"Crane," he provided.

"Mr. Crane." I felt weird saying it. The name didn't ring any bells.

"I understand that you feel capable, but these people are not to be underestimated. You cannot handle them on your own." I could hear the seriousness in his tone, and deep down, I knew he was right.

"I still have to get some things from my house, though." My resolve to leave was unwavering. There were things there—photos, letters, small trinkets—that were the only connections to my birth parents, my only family.

"I can understand that. How about this? I have a bodyguard arranged for you. He can accompany you and ensure your safety."

"A bodyguard? Just one?" I asked, my mind still trying to catch up with the conversation.

"Yes, just one. He's very capable, I assure you."

I was intrigued. "Just how good is this man?" I wondered aloud.

"Trust me, Ms. Hastings. With him, you'll be perfectly safe. Once you're done, I suggest you return to the penthouse. You'll be safer there than anywhere else in the city."

"Thank you for the offer, but it wouldn't be appropriate for me to stay in your home."

"I understand your sentiment, but your fiancé–"

"Ex-fiancé," I corrected him.

"Right. The people your ex-fiancé hired are very dangerous. I handled the ones at the warehouse, but there's no telling how many others are involved. You can't risk anyone recognizing you."

"When you say you 'handled' them, what do you mean? And I'm sure my ex-fiancé must know by now that I'm still alive," I said.

A beat of silence followed, then he spoke again. "I've arranged things so that everything appears to have gone according to his plan. As far as he's concerned, the job was done, and his people have vanished as ordered."

My mind spun. "I don't understand." Jay must have found the dead bodies. It didn't make sense.

"Everything has been taken care of," he repeated. "But you need to lay low until we can figure out why he wanted you dead." The word "we" caught my attention.

"Forgive me, Mr. Crane, but I need to ask you something. What's the catch? Why are you helping me? Do I know you?"

The line went silent. I held my breath, desperate for an answer. After a long moment, his voice came back. "There's no catch, Ms. Hastings. And yes, I know you. I don't know if you know me, but it is my responsibility to help you. You'll find out why soon enough."

My heart hammered against my ribs. So it wasn't a coincidence. But who was he?

"I know this must be confusing, but everything will make sense soon."

"I don't like being kept in the dark," I said, my voice firm. "How do I know I can trust you?"

A low chuckle, a deep, rumbling sound, came from the other end. It was the most sensual sound I had ever heard, and I felt a blush creep over my entire body. Oh, God. What is wrong with me? Why am I having this reaction?

"Ms. Hastings?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

"Sorry, what did you say?" I asked, completely flustered. I glanced around again, hoping there were no hidden cameras.

"I said you can trust me. If I wanted to harm you, I would have left you to die at the warehouse, wouldn't I?"

"I guess you're right," I conceded. "But I still don't understand why you would help me."

"All in due time, Ms. Hastings."

"That's not a good enough answer. I'm afraid I have to decline your offer of help. Thank you for what you've done. I'll repay you someday. I have to go now. Have a good evening." I hung up before he could respond. It was time for me to take control of my life. I had to figure out what was going on and make Jay and Jenna pay.

I set the phone on the table and stood, looking for the exit. Mr. Cross was standing in the doorway, watching me. "Ms. Hastings, I think you should reconsider. It's not safe out there," he said.

"I know. But I can take care of myself. Which way is the exit?" I asked, my voice leaving no room for argument.

"This way, please," he said, leading me to a private elevator. He opened the door for me, and as I stepped inside and pressed the button for the ground floor, he placed a small, thick wad of cash in my hand.

"You'll need that," he said with a knowing smile before the doors closed.

I looked down at the money and a lump formed in my throat. He had thought of everything. "I'll be sure to pay it back," I whispered to myself, as the elevator descended from the 40th floor in a matter of seconds.