Page 27 of Condemned By Secrets

“Yeah, it stings a little.”

That made her cry even harder.Good job, Luther.

Wanting to get her out of the hall, Luther unzipped the pocket and retrieved her room key. When he opened the door, she rushed inside—straight to the adjoining bathroom which she promptly closed in his face.

Frowning after her, Luther shut the door to Anna’s room then set her bag down by the vanity she’d turned into a desk. He wasn’t leaving until they talked this out. No matter what she wanted.

Knocking softly on the bathroom door, Luther said, “Anna, please let me in.” He needed her to . . . in more ways than one.

“No. Go away!” Her voice was muffled through the door, but he heard the tears she couldn’t seem to stop.

“I’m not leaving until you talk to me.”

When she didn’t respond, he sat down and leaned his back against the door. “Please, Anna.”

She didn’t answer and Luther questioned his sanity. Why was he pursuing a woman who’d not only been pushing him away, but had slapped him? He wanted her, yes. But was it worth it?

If she hadn’t been sending him mixed signals, maybe he’d believe she wanted nothing to do with him. As it was, he was confused and wanted answers. But more than that, he was worried about her. He wanted to know what was bothering her, to help her through whatever it was. If that meant sitting here for the rest of the night, so be it.

???

Anna leaned against the bathroom door and slid to the floor. Sobs racked her body, and she was helpless to cut them off. She hugged her knees to her chest while her thoughts swirled in a turbulent whirlpool that threatened to drown her. How could she have done that? She’d never struck anyone in her life. And she wasn’t even mad at Luther, not really. She was mad at Richard.

Thoughts of Richard made her cry even harder until she was choking from the lack of air.

Luther must have heard her struggling because he pounded on the door. “Anna! Are you okay? Please just talk to me!”

But she couldn’t. Not after what she’d done.

Unable to face Luther, Anna slumped over until her overheated cheek pressed against the cool tile of the floor. She curled into a ball and eventually the tears started to slow.

Maybe coming here was a mistake. Maybe she should look for a new job in the morning. She wasn’t sure she could handle working with Richard. And Luther—a sob bubbled up again as she thought of him. He wasn’t likely to kiss her again after she’d slapped him.

Crap on a cracker!Anna bolted upright at the realization she’d assaulted a police officer. Didn’t people get arrested for that? She feared hyperventilating as visions of jail time began to swim before her eyes.

Anna clutched at her chest when breathing became difficult. She’d have to apologize again. She couldn’t go to jail. Her family had already dismissed her for her life choices, if she got arrested, they’d disown her for good and cut her off. She’d have to pay back her student loans. Anna’s heart rate accelerated. She’d never be able to afford it!

In a panic, she pushed herself to all fours. A politician’s daughter couldn’t get arrested. It would be a black mark, one she wouldn’t be able to come back from. She had to make things right with Luther before that happened.

Anna tried to steady her breathing, but it refused to cooperate. Forcing herself to stand, she had an errant thought she was having a breakdown, but she shooed it away and reached for the doorknob. “Luther!”

He nearly toppled into her as the door swung back. Still in panic mode, she dropped to her knees beside him. “Are you all right?” Her voice rose with the question.

“What?” Luther asked as he stood, pulling her to her feet with him. “I’m fine. I was propped against the door. Areyouokay?”

He searched her face, and it had to look a mess. She hadn’t even thought to fix her makeup.

Anna managed to nod at him, but her breathing was still unsteady. Working to get it under control, she blurted, “Don’t arrest me! I’m so sorry I hit you. I didn’t mean it. Please forgive me.”

“Arrest you? Why would I arrest you?” His brow furrowed in confusion.

“Because I assaulted a police officer.”

At that, Luther blinked, then he burst into a laugh.

Anna wasn’t sure what was so funny, but she hoped that meant he wasn’t planning to take her to jail.

When he kept laughing, she started to wonder if he was the one having a breakdown. “Luther?”

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