Anna was once again and staying in the window less room was really making her feel depressed. The fact that Jackson had put security and blockage around the place said a lot about how she didn't underestimate her. She was going to find a way to escape no matter how long it took and Jackson knew that. But time was running out as her husband was approaching New York. The thought of him in danger made her feel like wanting to die. He was her life. What was she going to do if anything happened to him? Arturo was one Who truly loved her. He was playful but he never hurt her like how Jackson had. The thought of Jackson stroking her hair made her cringe. She was a married woman and he felt totally free to touch her knowing she belonged to another man. Arturo had never allowed another woman touch him, ever. She was his first and last. Arturo was faithful and forgiving.

After what she had done about Amethyst she didn't think her husband would even go looking for her when she went missing but he was doing it personally endangering himself. She wasn't worried about her children. Ambrogio Voltolini was the husband of Arturo's cousin Portia so them being related had created a tie of blood. He automatically protected her children when Arturo was away. He was quite efficient too even though he wasn't fond of Arturo's good relationship with Francesco. He still held a grudge because he had lost in the war with Francesco but Anna was sure he was grateful to be alive and he was happy with his wife. Even though they had no children he looked at Scorpious like his own son. As he said it, blood was blood. His nephew was son of Alessio Voltolini who was married to Arturo's sister Alicia and Scorpious was as good to carry the burden of being Ambrogio's heir since Alessio was a priest.

The door opened and Anna looked away as she was sitting on the sofa not wanting to greet Jackson. He said he was going to be long gone. Why was he back?

"Anna." a whisper came.

Anna froze. She turned and stood up not believing who was standing there.

She walked towards him "Antonio..." She then closed the distance between them and embraced her cousin tightly. She let go of her emotions and cried as hard as she could.

Antonio rubbed circles behind her back "Shh... It's ok..."

Anna sobbed "How can it be ok Antonio? Our family is torn apart. You are banished now. Aren't you? I didn't Now you can't go back and if you do Francesco will kill your wife who is also banished elsewhere. And now I am in this mess... I have to look at Jackson to walk in any minute and run his hands over my hips.. Why Antonio? Why..."

Antonio said in a low tone "What? He touched you?" He broke away and looked into her eyes "I will kill him ... if it didn't make things worse but I will talk to him. He can't touch you."

Anna said "He has nothing to lose. Does he now? He has passed on his kingdom to Tristan so he has no full responsibilities. But he can use all his resources when he wants. He has friends and allies who will bail him out... He doesn't care for anyone so he doesn't mind if anyone comes after his sister and nephew. Vincenzo was plotting to abduct them. He told me that. But he still went ahead with abducting me not caring much for their lives. He is a monster."

Antonio looked around and then at Anna "Just do as he says Anna. You will be free. Soon. Francesco and Arturo won't let him get away with it."

Anna looked into his eyes and said "You know. I am so glad to see you alive. I don't want to even know what's your purpose here. You are not here to rescue me. Otherwise you would be doing it. Has he abducted you too? Or ... you came to him willingly?"

Antonio said with a sad tone "I was banished as you said. Francesco didn't even set guards to watch me leave ... to Canada. He said to me through Costanzo that I should leave and never come back unless i want to bury my wife. I left but the car changed direction. I was drugged with some gas released into the back of the taxi. Next thing I knew I woke up in this building."

Anna asked "What does he want with you?"

Antonio said "I am a hostage. But he says I am a dead man walking now that my family is taken from me. I would never see my son and wife so he wants me to ... co-operate. He can use me as bait or some other way. Who knows?"

Anna said "What are you going to do? You can try to escape. Obviously he doesn't think you are a threat. He lets you walk free."

Antonio shook his head "He is watching me. His guards are following me non stop. They just remained outside ... But yes. He shouldn't let me around without restraints knowing him am a security expert. I was Francesco's head of security. Well. He is aware that I won't try anything drastic. If I step foot outside, my wife dies. He knows that. This is New York. If I run away and Francesco's men see me, my wife dies. I can't risk that and he knows it. Besides he said you are here. As long as you are in this building, so am I. I won't leave you at his mercy Anna. I won't. I am so sorry he touched you. He will pay for this. He is mad for thinking he can just have you..."

Anna took a step away and shook her head as she wiped her tear soaked face that was now dry almost "He knows he can win this time. Look around us. We are two Rosarios caught single handedly by him. He hardly made any effort. He is winning. Sooner or later I have to surrender but the thought of it makes me sick. But at least you know where we are. What kind of building is this?"

Antonio said "This is where no one will suspect you are kept. This is not somewhere anyone associates with Jackson. There is a helicopter landing area on top of the building. If we can reach on top and we get a hold of a helicopter we can leave but so can he. You see. He has put you on top of the tower. You are kept right beneath his lent house. So one floor up and he can run away."

Anna said "Do you think we can reach the top?"

Antonio said "It's not impossible if I can get rid of the guards but I need equipment. I have nothing. If I get some weapons I can get us up there but there is no guarantee for any helicopter to be up there for me to steal."

Anna said "How about going down? Can we go down to escape somehow?"

Antonio said " The route down is only possible by the elevator. I don't have a key and it's blocked to go by stairs. The elevator doors are heavily guarded and double locked. And like I said. If I get down my wife dies. It will take one phone call to Francesco and she will be buried 6 feet under. She is only alive because of Vincenzo. He didn't think I should have been punished. But his father wanted me to pay. In the end, Costanzo was the one who suggested this punishment. Francesco would have executed her in a heart beat by my hands actually. That was the original verdict I think. He was within his rights to do it. But Vincenzo didn't want it. I deserve to die. I believe that. But I don't think my wife should die. She is innocent."

Anna said sadly " I know how it feels...I made a mistake too. I am no saint. I let doctors operate on my daughters when she could die as a result. I didn't tell my husband and did it. I should have died for that. Playing with his child's life was a sin. You played with Vincenzo's life..."

Antonio said "I hate myself for it. I pray for forgiveness every day from the lord. But actions have consequences and sadly others will suffer for my crimes. My son can't see me or his mother again. He is too young for this..."

Anna leaned close and embraced him. Anna whispered "I am sure there is way out but ... I am scared Antonio. I am so scared. What if something happens .... to my husband? He is coming to rescue me...."

Antonio said "Anna. You are worth the risk. It's not that easy to find you. Once they find you they can try to rescue you but it's not easy. They have big weapons up there. They can shoot. It can be a slaughter. I say reaching the top from the bottom is easier but he may escape. Don't worry Anna. It's going to be ok. I promise. Francesco won't let you be in captivity long..."

Anna pulled away "Its not easy to find me and rescue me. For all I know it can take months or years. Who knows?"

Antonio said softly "Don't say that Anna. It won't take that long..."

Anna said "What If it does? No one knows it's him behind this abduction... He wants me to divorce Arturo and Marry him or he wants to kill Arturo. Whichever comes first my faith will be sealed... as his wife." Her voice broke "I don't want to be near him. I hate him."

Antonio shook her head "Anna. Don't let him get into your head right now. Trust me. You shouldn't give in. He should know his place. He can't have you. Don't let him blackmail you... It won't happen. You won't be forced to marry him. Arturo won't die..."

Anna said "What if he dies trying to save me? My life would be meaningless without him. I would rather die than face life without him. I can't live without him. But if I divorce him and marry Jackson at least he lives."

Antonio was shocked "What? Anna? Are you mad?"

They were interrupted as there was a knock on the door and a security guard called up Antonio "Mr Rosario. You need to leave."

Antonio looked at Anna "Look. Get these crazy ideas out of your head. Ok? You cant give up hope. I have to go but I hope he lets me see you again."

Anna reluctantly said goodbye and watched him leave. Jackson was gaining ground by capturing two of them.

Antonio walked out and followed the guards to where O'Kane had his well equipped office. He entered and waited at the door. He saw O'Kane sitting behind a desk and he seemed busy reading through some papers. Antonio leaned to the wall and stood motionless. O'Kane wasn't a man to be played. He was one to play with others. He was going to play mind games with his prey until they broke.

O'Kane after minutes of silence said without looking up "You may talk Antonio. I am waiting."

Antonio whispered "What do you want from me? Why am I here?"

O'Kane looked up "I told you. I brought you here because I could. Francesco didnt care for your safety. Neither do I. So I just be grateful I even let you live. I should chop off your head and send it to Francesco."

Antonio said " Then why dont you?"

O'Kane said "You are worth more alive. His eldest son idolises you. He wont let you die. Do you want me to chop off your head? Have you given up on life? You are a prized possession after all the work you have done for your family. Yet they discard you like you mean nothing."

Antonio said "I made mistakes. I deserve this treatment and worse. I dont see why you need to keep me here alive. Like you said. You can just kill me and drop off my corpse somewhere public. That would be headline news."

O'Kane said "You have quite the imagination. Is this how much you think you are worth? You can bring Francesco's empire down with all your knowledge. You were his head of security."

Antonio said "Yet, you let me walk around here. Even Anna noticed it. Why do you trust me to be free and standing in front of you. Dont you feel the threat that I could be? I am loyal to Francesco."

O'Kane smiled "Oh. I know exactly what you are capable of. I also know of your intelligence. You wont try anything. You know it can go wrong. You understand you have no control over this situation. So you decide to wait. Wise move. I am trusted. No one knows I have two hostages here. I can send men to kill your son. He is at Costanzo's home. I can win and you know you dont want to fight for the losing side..."

Antonio said "You can win. There is 50 percent chance. But there is 50 percent chance you may not win. You have prepared to run away if you lose. I can imagine you can just buy an Island and hide if you lose... But what if you are caught? I think you must plan for that. You havent."

O'Kane said "You sound so sure..."

Antonio said "Your plan has flaws. You want to kill Arturo and you may succeed. It is possible. But then you have Francesco to face too. If you get caught, Francesco will chop off your fingers one by one for touching Anna. She told me you touched her..." He had balled his hands into fists but he knew O'Kane could beat him to a pulp if he attacked him now. He was no match for him physically.

O'Kane narrowed his eyes "What did she say to you exactly? I have not touched her inappropriately."

Antonio said "But you have touched her. Anna hates you for hurting her this way."

O'Kane said "I have not hurt her."

Antonio said "Touching without consent is hurting. You may survive if Anna felt sympathy for you. I am sure Francesco would have felt some sympathy and understanding. He respects men who fight for their women. He left Ambrogio alive. Didnt he? Ambrogio loved Adele and Francesco could kill him. He had the option to spill his blood. Many families would have backed him up but he respects men who fight and are willing to die for their women. But you have destroyed any chances of any ounces of sympathy from Francesco. You hurt Anna. If Anna pleaded for your life, you could live. But you hurt her and she cant ever forgive you if you hurt her husband..."

O'Kane corrected "Soon to be ex-husband. She will learn to love me." He then stood up and walked towards Antonio "You are civil. You are a reasonable man. You know all the answers. You even know I can win..."

Antonio remained silent and looked O'Kane.

O'Kane stood up in front of him "So. Think long and hard Antonio. Who's side do you think has the biggest chance to win? I have many resources. An Irish King wont bow to a roman emperor. He will fight hard. Your boss has an army. So do I. Pick the winning side Antonio. I could bring the Rosarios down. Do you really want to be loyal to Francesco and Arturo Agostini? I think not. Think about it. Time is something you will have." He then opened the door and ordered his men to lock up Antonio.

Jackson O'Kane made his way to Anna's room. He entered the room and saw Anna sitting alone watching TV.

Anna immediately stiffened but didnt move. She watched him get close. He sat next to her and his hand reached hers. She instinctively pulled her hand away. Her heart was racing.

Jackson put his hand behind the coach and sat closer to her. He looked at her "Why do you hate my touch so much?"

Anna closed her eyes "I am married. I have a husband. He is the father of my children."

Jackson said "Thats not the answer to my question. Why cant I hold your hand? Why do you hate me? I dont expect you to love me. But my question is. Why do you hate me?"

Anna opened her eyes and looked at Jackson " I dont wish to talk to you about my feelings Jackson. You have abducted me. What makes you think I would like to discuss my feelings with you. My feelings for you are buried deep in the past. I cared for you. I did. Not any more. I dont love you."

Jackson looked into her eyes and said "You still havent answered my question "Why do you hate me so much? Antonio said you hate me for touching you. I havent even done anything to you and you hate me already."

Anna said "Would you want to do something to me that you havent already done? You have abducted me and have taken away my freedom. You want to murder my husband. How can I not hate you?"

Jackson said " You are avoiding the question. You are lying to me Anna. Dont. I want the truth. Tell me willingly. What made you change your feelings for me. You did have some feelings for me. Where did it all go that I cant even stroke your hair without you cringing?"

Anna looked away.

Jackson grabbed her chin with one hand and turned her face forcefully towards himself "Dont ever look away when I am talking to you Anna. It makes me mad when you ignore me. I will try to hold back but if you misbehave I wont try. Now tell me. Why did you stop loving me? When did your feelings turned to hate?"

Anna remained silent and swallowed hard.

Jackson said "You dont wish to tell me or you dont know the answer. You are lying to yourself Anna. You dont hate me. You dont hate my touch. You still love me. You feel guilt when I touch you because you now have a husband. If he was dead you wont cringe away. You are faithful to him because you have to be as his wife. You dont hate my touch. You hate yourself and what it makes you feel. Admit it Anna. You love me. You still do." He then leaned closer and looked at her lips. " I tried to forget you Anna. I could never. I tried hard. I thought time would heal my wounds. It didnt. I need you Anna. Give into me." His lips were close to hers now. He wanted to see if she would kiss him.

Anna swallowed hard "Jackson... Stop. I cant do this. Please just stop this madness. Let me go and I wont tell anyone what you did. I wont tell anyone you abducted me. Set me free. Please. Lets end this war before it begins."

Jackson smiled "You see Anna. You care for me. Listen to yourself." He leaned closer and his lips were dangerously close to her.

Anna tried to pull away but Jackson's grip on her chin didnt let her go. She pushed on his chest. "Please let me go. I dont want this... You cant accept the fact that I chose Arturo over you. It hurts you. He wanted me more than you did. He fought harder for me. He made me fall in love with him. You didnt make me fall in love with you ... Now you are hurting me... if you loved me, you wouldn't hurt me... He proved he was a worthy man to be my husband..."

Jackson's eyes hardened. He was gentle as gentle as he could be. He loved her. He hadn't stopped thinking about her all his life. Here she was throwing it in his face that he was not worthy for her "I was not allowed to come near you... My father forbid it... You did not wait for me... You were unfaithful to me Anna. I will kill your husband. I will marry you and you will spend the rest of your life dedicating every minute to me as your husband making up for all the lost time. You always belonged to me."