The Gentlemen's Club

Chapter Fifteen

"Please, I think there's been some mistake," I pleaded. We didn't take a long drive, only shortly arriving at an underground parking lot.

"You should save your breath on trying to convince me otherwise, Anna. do you think a man of my wealth and knowledge can be fooled so easily?"

The driver stopped the car and Dante unbuckled me, pulling me out with him. Was he going to kill me? That was all I could think about. "Please, you're hurting me," I cried out as his grip on my wrist grew harder.

Dante shoved me into an elevator with him, sending us up immediately. Finally, he let go and I sheltered myself in a corner.

"Are you going to kill me," I asked staring at him. He didn't look back, only glaring at his phone, typing away.

"Why would I do that? Is that the kind of person you think I am?" he put his phone away and finally turned to me, moving closer. I tried to back away further but there was no room for me to go. "I only want a favor."

"Whatever it is, there's nothing I can give you." my breath was shaky. I felt terrified."

The elevator dinged and he continued to drag me. We stepped into what felt like an apartment, very empty looking although modernized. But I wasn't interested in the architecture. What did Dante want with me?

He pulled me into a room filled with dresses and shoes. A woman was waiting for us. "Welcome back Mr.Acosta," she greeted, "wow, you were right. She's as beautiful as you've said."

Dante finally let me go again and I tried to create more distance between us but the woman already had her hands around my shoulders. I flinched as she lead me softly towards a floor-length mirror. My appearance was disbelieved. My hair ruffled and mascara smudged underneath my frightened eyes.

        "You'll need a shower before we get started." she turned back to Dante who was watching us silently. "I should be done in about an hour."

        "Good. Don't make me wait." Dante left the room and she began leading me into a bathroom.

        "Please shower." She began undressing me but I pulled away.

        "No. tell me what's going on."

        "Mr. Acosta didn't tell you? You're his date for tonight's auction."

        His what? My mind couldn't comprehend the situation anymore. From being shoved into a car, let alone my boss's rival's, to being his date where Elijah would be, my thoughts fazed out. The woman began undressing me while more people came into the room. After they took my clothes and belongings, I was put into the shower.

        There wasn't a moment of privacy, except for the sheer curtain that covered my body. When they decided my time was up, I was put in a robe and sat in a chair while a makeup artist tended to my face, pointing out skincare tips and products to try.

        Did no one understand I was kidnapped and forced here? Or maybe they aren't oblivious and this wasn't so out of the box for them. That meant no one would be willing to help me, and that terrified me.

       Dante came back after a while and observed the finished product. His eyes trailed quickly up my red ball gown, then to my hair, never looking directly at me. "You clean up quite well, Ms. Merritt. I assume she's ready," he asked one of the stylists.

        "Yes, sir. She's dressed in the Valentino you suggested."

        He walked over to me and handed over a black coat. "Are you ready? We're going to be late if we don't leave soon."

        I took the jacket and stared at the floor. "Why are you doing this," I muttered. "I'm just his employee."

        "So was that man they found in the Hudson the other day. And when he refused to help me, he met his fate, would you like me to show you yours?"

        The man in the Hudson? The one the spa employees were talking about? I wanted to cry out of fear but as if reading my mind, Dante grabbed my chin and brought it up to his face. "So, what will it be? A night with me or a nighttime swim?"

        He asked as if there was any real choice for me. I could always refuse him, but that'd be the road to my death. I don't want to die, let alone be murdered in some gruesome way by the hands of this man. But if I go, I'd be walking into the lion's den. Elijah would be there, and I'm guessing the motive is to rile him up, and the last thing I want is to be on his bad side. But is it better to be on Dante's good side?

       "You're right," I said as he released his hold on my face, "We'll be late if we don't miss the traffic."

~*~

"What is it you want me to do, exactly?" I asked as the limo pulled up to Elijah's hotel.

Dante didn't move his eyes from his phone. "Well, for one thing, speak to no one. Just sit and smile."

Did he not realize that I lived here? If I could escape his grip, I could find Elijah, but then what? The moment we walk through those doors, everyone would know. No one could help me now.

"Let's go." Dante grabbed my hand and looped my arm around his as we exited the car, flashing lights already blinding me. We walked through and I tried to stay calm. Dante wasted no time escorting us into the main ballroom.

On the stage were many priceless items, including paintings and jewelry. We sat at a table with other aristocrats and I looked around the room for Elijah. "So, what are you planning on buying tonight," I asked, pretending to look at the stage when I was actually looking for help.

"Besides your company, power," he responded, handing me a glass of champagne a waiter offered him, "Stop looking for him. He's not here yet."

"How are you going to buy power from purchasing a painting?"

Dante took a sip of his drink. "I can understand why you don't know much about this so I won't bother corrupting you with it. Don't worry about anything, Bella. You're here as my guest. Enjoy yourself."

Was that a joke? How would anyone enjoy this situation? I was going to flee the first chance I got. "You could've had anyone as your date. Why choose someone who has no value to you or anyone?"

Dante glanced up at the stage with a devilish grin, something I would've found attracting if it were any other man. "Trust me, Anastasia, at this moment, you are the most priceless thing in this room."

"Ladies and Gentlemen," a voice boomed over the speakers, one I recognized instantly, "I'd like to thank you for coming to our annual auction."

I looked up at the stage and there stood Elijah and his brother, Leo. "It's not easy gathering all of you here tonight, so please, enjoy yourselves and the auction will begin after dinner."

Through the clapping and quiet chattering, all eyes were on Dante. He looked striking in his suit. I wasn't surprised all eyes were on him as they always were. But within all the places for his gaze to land, it was impossible to miss his emerald eyes when they landed on Dante. More importantly, me.

~*~
This chapter is brought to you by my first day of quarantine! No I'm not sick, but I do have to quarantine for a week which means I have time to write!!! For the first time in forever!

I'll try to squeeze in another chapter or two in the next seven days.

Don't forget to vote and comment.

Until next time, M.