Maria sat alone at a corner table , focusing on the untouched plate of pasta in front of her that she didn’t order . The aroma of garlic and basil filled the air , but her appetite was eclipsed by the sense of unease that settled upon her .
Across the room , Anthony , clad in the Italian suit in dark olive , observed her with an intensity that bordered on intrusive . His eyes , sharp as ever , followed her every move as if deciphering a code only he could understand . Maria felt the weight of his gaze , a silent pressure that soured the taste of her meal .
Taking the liberty of Anthony being away for “work” , she had taken a trip to the supermarket to do some snack shopping and change of air with a guard and a chauffeur and both of them had followed her , everywhere .
She had thought o
