Anna.

CHAPTER 16

Venice every one is looking at us.

No they are starring at you.

Why? and these heels are death traps I think I will fall she cried.

You won't I got you just hold on to me real tight.

Okay everyone looks lovely don't they?

Mmm Anna do you care for a dance?

Huh? I don't know how to dance.

Come here it's easy he gently pulled her up to the dance floor. Dance with me he said.

The music playing was a slow one "A thousand years" by Christian P and it's soulful lyrics filled the air as other couples made way for them Venice held her in his arms and she fit perfectly. Time stopped for him he wished they could remain like this forever nothing else seemed to matter or be out of sync.

" I have died every day waiting for you darling don't be afraid I have loved for a thousand years.

I will love you for a thousand more "

I like the lyrics of the song and I can't believe you treated your girlfriend that way.

Oh look someone is waving at you he swirled her around wishing she would keep her mouth shut and not spoil the moment.

You are trying to change the topic nobody is waving at me.

She is not my girlfriend I told you before I don't have one I can't even remember her last name that's shows we ain't dating.

Right tell that to a child.

Alright if you must know she was just a mm how do I explain this -

A playmate? she finished for him confirming her fears.

Well you could say that's the case but in my defense she knew perfectly what her place was in my life. I didn't make any promises or anything in that manner. Am quite surprised of her behavior i didn't perceive as heartless sorry about that.

Venice you don't have to apologize it's not your fault you are "love them and leave them" kinda guy. You dine with them but when you get tired or bored of their company you toss them out.

He didn't like the direction the conversation was heading anymore than he liked the disapproval that dropped from her prissy voice.

Well it's not as colourful as you make it sound and busy these days to involve in all of that so don't worry.

Am not worried one bit now let me go.

I don't want to not yet.

This is awkward the dance is over and they were attracting attention to themselves.

Sir Venice was tapped gently on his shoulder by one of the Steward am sorry to interrupt but it's time for your speech.

Thanks he had completely forgotten he had speech to give he turned back to the subject of his memory lapse brushed her knuckles with his mouth and looked her over. Thank you for the dance I enjoyed every bit of it.

Go give your speech they are waiting for you.

Will you be alright over there for a bit?

Of course I will sit there and watch you awe them with your speech.

Okay I will be watching you too he said making his way to the podium.

****

Oh Anna I almost didn't recognize you you look absolutely amazing in that dress.

Thanks Stan you look great as well and it's not me it's the dress.

Deny all you want you look fabulous with or without the dress it's no wonder Venice can't keep his eyes off you tonight.

Thank you she said blushing fiercely.

That was a good speech he gave there and to think he didn't get any help.

I know right it was wonderful she gushed remembering the speech and how she had been soaked with pride that she knew him.

And that tango you two did was simply sizzling everyone felt the heat.

I don't know what you are talking about we are not together that way.

I didn't say you were together "that way" you are so defensive.

But you were insuinating that.

Here have a drink and forget I said anything.

What's that? she asked sniffing the shot. It will help you unwind and relax.

I don't think it's a good idea I don't drink.

Come on don't be chicken it's a party dear.

Maybe I should wait for Venice to come back she said her face scrunched up in uncertainty.

Really? and you say nothing is up between you two why do you have to wait for him before making a decision?

Sshh someone might hear you she drank the blueish content because she didn't have answer to his question and to shut him up and regretted it immediately.

Yeh way to go let's have a ball.

She wanted to ask him why she felt dizzy but he was dragged off by a collegue. She felt eyes boring into her back turning she saw Venice walking towards her smiling heartily. Smiling back she waved at him but he was suddenly swamped by associates which terminated his movement towards her. He smiled apologetically she nodded in understanding telling herself not to be disappointed. Bored out of her wits and tired of looking at the glittering images that only worsened her headaches. she stared at Venice once again hoping to catch his eyes one more time but he was engrossed in his conversation sighing a little she made her way outside and was rewarded by the cool breeze that almost knocked her breath away.

Standing there for a long time she enjoyed her solitude and lost in thoughts. What could have become of her if she hadn't met Venice will she be alive? Wrapping her arms around herself as much as her dress will allow she wished she could stay here till the end of the party didn't want to be in that room if she wasn't with Venice. Sighing again she realized soon enough she would have to sort out her feeling but not tonight she was still on edge with what had happened earlier during the day.

Exhaling deeply she walked slowly to the door but stopped with a start when she heard a harsh whispers thinking it was all in her head she continued on but stopped entirely when it became prominent.

It seemed like an argument between two people she was going to shrug it off after all it wasn't her business if she hadn't heard Venice's name.

What were they arguing about? and why did they even mention Venice name most importantly who were they?

Shit they were advancing towards her direction confused and looking for where to hide she quickly ducked behind a pile of giant postcards.

"I have decided you will do all you can to sabotage the operation-

But ma it would be a detriment to legacy.

just do as I say and quit asking questions.

Okay your wish is my command but it wouldn't be easy you know how meticulous he can be

I know just try harder I want his plans destroyed then I would spread news of his incompetence and his image will be crushed forever. "

Anna crounched low hiding in her position and frozen at the conversation she heard pulling her hands to her mouth to prevent a gasp from erupting.

How could this be? What the-

Christ she didn't know what think she must inform him fast but she had to find out the people plotting behind his back and what if he didn't believe her?

After all she felt light headed it was possible she was hearing stuff. she peeped carefully gosh this was real it was woman and a man but couldn't dicpher their faces because it was dark though the woman's back looked familiar to her.

Anna looked out her again but couldn't see them seems they went in inside unfortunately for them their plans will be unsuccessful she would make sure of that.