Chapter 38: Warning

                                    

                                          
-Eva's POV
                          
"I'll be back in a minute." Asher whispers in my ear and gently kissing the side of my head. His kiss lingers for a moment before he follows his father somewhere with Danielle on their heels. I roll my eyes. Of course it would be her! She smelled of so much perfume I thought if someone lit a cigarette she would blow up. I grin at my own thoughts. 
                          
"Eva, it's wonderful to see you again." 
                          
My head snaps up at the familiar voice. I realized it was the gentlemen in my uncle's office from awhile back. I give a tight smile while I feel my uncle step closer to me and Lucas place a his palm at the small of my back. He isn't alone and they both are staring intently at me. I take a deep inhale and my eyes shot open recognizing the scent. 
                          
"Hello Mr. Gantler, it's nice to see you as well." 
                          
"I believe you know my nephew, this is-"
                          
"Michael, yes I do know him." I smile politely in Michael's direction but feel his gaze still fixed on me. He doesn't respond so Mr. Gantler elbows him making Michael finally break his gaze. He clears his throat and gives a gentle nod. 
                          
"Hello Chris, I didn't know you were going to be able to make it tonight." My uncle pipes in to direct attention away from me. 
                          
"Yes well, I thought it would be a great opportunity to mingle. Plus my nephew here mentioned he knew your beautiful niece." 
                          
I once again feel uncomfortable feeling both of their eyes lingering on me. Michael's gaze stays on my face while Mr. Gantler's focus travels around my body making me squirm. I gently tap my foot twice and my uncle reaches my back tapping me once. I knew he would understand. 
                          
"Well gentlemen, if you could excuse-"
                          
"Actually sir, I was wondering if I may dance with your niece?" Michael speaks up and finally looks towards my uncle.  My uncle looks towards me and I give him a gentle nod. He taps my back once. I reach my hand out as Michael gentle grabs it and leads me towards the dance floor. I can still feel my uncle's lingering gaze as well as Lucas'. 
                          
We reach the dance floor and Michael puts me in a proper dance form. He tries to tug me closer however I do not allow it. I can smell his strong cologne however his own scent still lingers. He clears his throat before he begins speaking. 
                          
"It's nice to see you again without your bodyguard." I raise a brow and he continues answering my questionable look. "Asher, he seems to be attached to your hip." 
                          
"Well that would make sense now that we are a couple." I feel him stiffen for a brief moment but he deeply exhales before continuing. 
                          
"So Asher has claimed you." He spits Asher's name out venomously making me want to glare at him but I decide against it. 
                          
"I am not property or an item to be claimed." He relaxes slightly and tugs me closer which I try pulling back from only for him to tighten his grip. 
                          
"You need to be careful Eva." 
                          
I stiffen entirely and stop dancing. Michael stops as well and I can feel his eyes meeting mine. I try to relax my muscles however fail. 
                          
"What are you talking about?" 
                          
"They know you are here in California." He whispers so only I may hear. I pull back abruptly and I can feel my breathing begin to pick up. I look around trying to locate my uncle's scent. I am abruptly cut off when Michael tugs me back into his embrace.
                          
"How?" I barely say above a whisper. "Who are-"
                          
"That's not important. Look Eva, they are going to-" 
                          
"I'm sorry but I need to be borrow my date." 
                          
Lucas voice rings out from behind me. I jump and Michael releases me. I can feel my limbs going cold and my hands shaking. I can't find the ability to speak. Michael nods and walks away while Lucas pulls me towards the side of the room. I can feel gazes on me but can't focus on anything. I remain following Lucas towards an empty hall, my mind racing. Who is he really? Did he actually know what he was talking about? Did he mean to say attack? I pull out of Lucas grasp realizing I need more answers. I feel Lucas put both of his hands on my shoulders slightly shaking me however I am too lost in my own thoughts to realize what he is saying.
                          
"Eva, did you hear me?"I shake my head no and he repeats himself. "Eva, what is wrong. I watched you and noticed the change. What did he say?"
                          
"Take me home Lucas, now." I whisper out. He nods his head and leads me towards the exit. 
                          
"Eva" 
                          
I turn abruptly at his voice. His voice alone made me feel a little more relaxed. I can feel him walk towards me. I stand up and release a shaky breath. He cups my face looking into my eyes. His thumb caresses my cheeks. 
                          
"Eva, what is wrong? Are you leaving?" 
                          
I nod my head at him and he pulls me into a deep hug. I inhale deeply resting my head on his chest while I feel his hand glide down my hair. He kisses the top of my head letting his lips remain. I wrap my arms tighter around him and must have noticed because he equally pulls me tighter. 
                          
"May I join you?" 
                          
I smile at him and once again can feel him looking intently in my eyes. I reach up slightly and kiss his cheek. His hand resting on my sides. I can feel him still looking at me with worry. I nod my head and feel him embrace me to his side. Lucas begins walking in front of us as he leads us to the car. I lean my head against Asher's shoulder. 
                          
Once we are seated in the car. Lucas goes up front and starts up the car. My thoughts begin racing back to my conversation with Michael. I feel Asher tug on my hand and I look towards him. He grabs my hips and places me on his lap. I don't resist and allow my body to lay against his chest. I feel him lock his arms around me and I close my eyes. I am safe. I turn my head up and kiss his jawline tenderly. 
                          
"Thank you for joining me Asher." 
                          
"Anything for you..." 
                          
"Asher, I need to tell you something." I whisper out, he nods but just brushes my arm up and down in a tender manner. "It's time I tell you who is after me." 
                          
He stops his brushing of my arms and looks down at me. I take a deep breath exhaling shakily realizing once I tell him, I can't take it back. 
                          
"The Russian Mafia."