Billionaire's Regret
Chapter 15:

"Annie..."

Aaron stood in front of the window. His thoughts were in turmoil. He just knew this attack on his vehicle was aimed at him personally but instead Annie has gotten hurt. This certainly wasn't how he wanted to spend time with her. "I am listening," she said softly. All traces of her brief humor and sudden flood of tears now well concealed. She studies his profile slightly cast in shadows. She noticed the tension in his shoulders. She found it curious that she feels so much concern for him.

"How do you truly feel?" he turned looking directly at her. He saw her fiddling with her fingers.

"I am fine just a bit cold." She admits softly.

"I asked Doris to bring you fresh clothes."

"Thanks. Are you angry?" she asked carefully.

"Why?"

Aaron looked directly at her but she still avoids looking at him.

"I sense a kind of anger. Then also; I wanted my Mom...I don't want her to know the true reason for our relationship." "Okay," he said simply.

"I don't want...well I don't want her to have another stroke. The doctor warned to keep her away from stress."

"I agree." He said softly.

"Aaron..."

"What, Annie?"

"My Mom, she isn't stupid. She will create a moment..."

"To do what; Annie?"

"She will question you like a crime detective."

"Why?" the curiosity clear in his tone.

"Something about my past...I don't want to tell you. The result of that happening...I never dated. In all honesty I can say there briefly was an interlude with someone in my past. My Mom knows me too well. You are a surprise. I just thought you should know."

"You want me to lie to her?"

Aaron somehow feels weird doing that.

"No... I don't know what to do?"

Annie admits showing her worry.

Aaron and Annie both looked covertly at each other clearly at a loss. He moved closer and stops when his cell phone suddenly rings. He reaches into his pocket but didn't recognize the number. He simply drops the call.

"Answer your calls Aaron." She said quietly.

"I don't recognize the number."

"Okay. Do you know when I will be released?"

"The moment the doctor arrives." Aaron walked towards the door.

As he step outside he notice two men lurking around the corner. The moment he looked directly at them they suspiciously slipped away.

"Thanks for coming Doris. You may go inside."

Once the young woman left he was stop by a gentle but firm hand on his chest.

"Is something wrong, Hanna?"

"I don't want to worry my daughter. I know precisely what my daughter had sacrificed to bring me to this country."

Aaron stood quietly looking at her.

"I don't know you but for now I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Aaron, I want to go back to Cape Cove. You will accompany me along with Annie. Once she knows I am settled...well the choice is Annie and yours. While you prepare the flight I will help my child get ready."

Aaron said nothing only nods his head.

"Son, I don't know you but I want to tell you something."

"What is it Hanna? You look worried."

"What did Annie tell you about herself?"

"Not much but I am no fool."

"Good as there is more to Annie then what she tells the world."

"Why do you trust me?"

Aaron just watches Hanna smile before turning away.

"Took your time;" The man suddenly talked behind him.

Aaron turned to face him looking directly at a pointed gun. The man motion for him to walked towards the exit door. Once outside, more men made an appearance. He crossed his arms not taking another step. "What do you want?"

Matt, the bodyguard has decided on his own to bring a couple of his local friends along. The men have been on the lookout for any type of danger. He now stood looking directly at Aaron who just briefly made eye contact. "I ask again, what do you want?" Aaron may appear to be annoyed but he was waiting for any type of attack.

"The 'Boss' wants to talk." The man said who approach him with the gun.

"I don't."

"Just for the record, while we are down here, a couple of my boys are visiting your girl." The words just left his mouth...Aaron quick and viciously attack with the clear intention of hurting the man. He grabs hold of the gun. "Don't..." he stood back now holding the gun. "Stay away." He warned.

"Not going to happen. The 'Boss' wants you to pain." The man wipes his mouth while motioning for his men to stand down.

"Who is he?" Aaron asked.

"I will leave now. You won't see him coming. You better keep you girl safe. The 'Boss' wants her."

Aaron stood looking puzzled. He knows he has enemies but his instinct tells him this attack might have something to do with Annie. He can't ask Hanna. She just recovered from a stroke. "Who are you, Annie?"

Annie looked at her mother. The older woman just stood within the door looking oddly at her. The feeling of sudden unease makes her look briefly at her hands before facing her mother. "Is something wrong mom?"

"I am not sure. I just had the oddest realization."

"About what,"

"I found myself thinking about that time you went on holiday alone. I remember your father left us with such a mess. I was glad when you were able to leave on your own."

"Mom, what is it that you want to say or ask?" Annie feels her heartbeat rising.

"You never really talk about those eight months away from Cape Cove." Hanna looked carefully over her shoulder.

"Why did you never question me? I always wondered."

"Your father has left you in such a vulnerable state. I had decided I wasn't going to tell you how to live your life but I am available if you needed advice."

"Mom..."

"I remember you left on holiday scared and angry. When you returned, you were clearly hurt, scared but now with a fight within you. I was glad for how much you allowed me into your private world. It took me a moment before clarity settles the truth. It is so obvious Leonardo Black Casey."

Annie just looked at her mother the truth in her eyes.