Punishment

"On My God!"

"Mrs. Knight!" It's not safe for you to stay here. Let me take you in."

Zander tried to stop Anna from going further but the horrific view in front took her further towards it tearing the crowd apart.

"Please." She stopped him to step closer with her hand. "I want to see what it is."

Her heart was thumbing wildly in her chest. As she went closer to take a look at the situation, she felt like throwing up. That was an exclusive car park area where a few cars were parked amongst which one was Regan's. She instantly identified it and froze. The cold winds couldn't stop the beads of sweat that formed on her forehead. The luxurious black Porsche was smeared in a thick red liquid. The discreet, metallic smell that it produced made her feel sick and difficult to breathe. It smelled like an abattoir. The car laid there like a corpse soaked in blood. She stepped ahead and gradually moved her trembling hand to confirm her suspicion, but was stopped in mid-air by another hand that gripped it, gently pulling to withdraw back. Anna moved her gaze to find Regan standing beside her, holding her hand.

He immediately signalled Zander to take care of the mess before taking Anna away from there. His arm was wrapped around her shoulder embracing her tiny frame, silently striving to calm her down. He eventually stopped when that dreadful sight was out of their vision. He instantly cupped her face and peeked deep into her eyes that looked troubled and fearful.

"Heart!" He gently called her.

She blinked her lashes and looked back in its direction without replying him.

"Look at me Anna."

This time, she looked at him and his grey orbs finally managed to hold her ocean blue orbs. Her face was deathly pale and rigid.

"Regan?" As if she came out from her trance, she realized his presence.

"It's your car. Was.....Was that bl.....blood? Who.....Who did that?" She asked anxiously. She looked over him to check if he was fine.

"I.....I thought something.....something happened to you and I..... Are you...Are you okay?"

He instantly hugged her to comfort.

"Shhh... It's okay. I am fine. Absolutely." He pulled to let her see him to assure that everything was okay.

The moment her eyes rested on the condition of his car, they were intently searching for him. Her mind went blank when she realized that the dark crimson liquid wasn't some paint but blood. The first thought that crossed her mind was him. She was too dismayed to realize that he wasn't in or around that car. She was still looking for him but he wasn't there. The fact that he was standing right in front of her brought a relief to her unsettled emotions.

"Are you okay?" She asked and without waiting for his reply hugged him tightly.

Regan was taken aback by her gesture.

"I was so scared. I thought something...something happened to you. Where were you? Thank God! You are alright."

He stood there dumbfounded, holding her firmly, listening to her soft voice that was laced with worry. She was worried about him, in his arms, sobbing like a baby.....for him. It was the first time that she had taken any initiative to close their distance. Whatever the situation was, he was happy to know what she felt about him. Although she hadn't said much, her eyes spoke on her behalf and he read them completely.

The momentary peace was broken when he saw Zander coming towards him in long strides as if he wanted to say something important. Anna had him wrapped in her embrace, still crying for him while he had cupped the back of her head, holding her close to him. The sight didn't only frighten her but him too as he had an idea of what it could be, and as if he was correct, Zander exclaimed in agitation.

"Mr. Knight!"

Hearing the deep voice, Anna pulled away to find Zander standing near them.She quickly wiped her face and held Regan's hand, still not letting him go as if he would vanish anytime. Regan looked at her and intertwined their hands in a firm hold before squeezing it gently.

"In my office." He curtly replied and took Anna inside the building.

However, the atmosphere inside was completely contrasting. The employees were gathered near the reception area with flowers and greetings to congratulate the couple for the wedding. As the incident happened outside the building, only a few people knew about it. Anna was still tensed but the lively surrounding brought a small smile on her face. Regan was not much fond of such informal conduct but knowing about the different professional approach between him and Anna, he stiffly acknowledged the presence of all. While he was known for being callous and conceited, Anna who too was not easy for any kind of misapprehensions was still known for her consideration and benevolence. Hence, he was not surprised to see the employees cheerfully congratulating her for the new beginning of her life.

Recalling about her disturbed state, he wanted to take her away from the cacophony but when he saw a smile lighting up her face, he couldn't help but leaned towards her and kissed the side of her head dotingly. The people gathered there awed on the loving chemistry between them. They had already noticed their intertwined hands and later watching Regan's loving gaze and sweet side for Anna, they instantly became the topic of discussion for the open display of their affection.

While Nolan felt as if his eyes would pop out anytime watching his ruthless boss's indifferent attitude and love for his lady boss, Mia skillfully excused the couple and lead them towards their office.

They called it a day late in the evening as they had to attend back to back meetings for the hotel project that were delayed due to their week long absence. Neither of them discussed about that horrific incident. Regardless, Regan assured Anna to find the culprit as she was still frazzled about it. The matter was reported to the cops and he too had his man working to look into the matter.

They were heading back in a silence. While Anna was blankly looking outside the window, Regan was driving, frequently stealing glances at her. He pulled the car in front of an Italian restaurant intending to cheer her up. Before she could ask anything, he went out and opened her door.

"Why are we here Regan?" Anna asked stepping out of the car.

"Its shopping time!" He exclaimed cheerfully and Anna got baffled.

He playfully pinched her nose. "Obviously, we are here for dinner. I don't know about you but I am famished."

He took her hand and went to a peaceful corner which was isolated from the rest of the tables. It was not much fancy but was cozy and warm just as she liked and needed at that time. Realizing how distracted she was, he ordered for both of them. Soon, the table was served with scrumptious dishes that were mostly her favorite. It had been a while since the food arrived, and she had still not started to eat. Regan sighed and kept his fork aside to sit beside her.

"Why aren't you eating?"

She looked at him apologetically. "I don't have the appetite. I am sor...."

He shut her by placing a spoon of mushroom and chicken risotto in her mouth. A small gasp escaped her lips as she was taken by surprise with his unexpected gesture which made him chuckle on her expressions.

"You are worst than a kid sometimes. How many times I have to tell you about having your food on time without escaping with this silly excuses?" He placed another spoon in her mouth which she ate without arguing. He frowned. "I hate when you skip your meals Anastasia."

He took another spoon to feed her but she held his hand stopping him mid-way.

"Its okay. I will eat on my own." She said and looked down as she turned pink.

He smiled shaking his head. "Well it's too late now."

She looked up and tilted her head.

"You will complete this whole dish and let me feed you."

"No." She said almost instantly. "I mean.....Why? I can eat on my own."

"It's your punishment."

"Punishment?"

"Umhmm...to remember to eat without arguing. " He said and feed her again. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear causing a wave of shiver run down her body. "Besides..... I love feeding my wife."

He continued until she was full. Meanwhile, he also finished his dinner with the same spoon making her turn red from pink.

They had just stood up to leave when this time, Anna intertwined her hand with his. He was surprised but smiled and turned to face her tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Are you still scared of that incident?"

"I was scared for you." She confessed truthfully. "I can't bring myself to think of anything bad happening to you. Please be careful...for me." She whispered the last part under her breath but it reached his ears exhilarating and stabbing his heart at the same time. He silently promised her to make the culprit pay back by ten folds for every tear that escaped from her eyes.