Page 292 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“You’re being ridiculous,” he said, stepping closer.

“I don’t care.” She stepped away again.

He grabbed her arm and held her firmly next to him, making her walk in step with him. “Do you want to get sick?”

“I don’t get sick,” she snapped. “I’ve never been sick.”

Greg sighed. “I didn’t know you could be so difficult.”

“Then don’t bother with me.”

“It’s my job.”

“Fire your boss.”

“I respect Alex more than anyone else in the world. I will bother with you because he cares about you.” He studied her for a moment, and then his face softened. “And I know you’re going through a really hard time right now,” he added in a softer voice.

Her jaw trembled, and tears filled her eyes at his unexpected kindness and understanding. After everything she’d done to him... She hung her head and let him lead her inside under the umbrella.

The entryway was very full. “Oh, no!” She backed into Greg when she spotted Jack across the room. She hadn’t seen him since the night she and Ben had fought.

“It’s okay,” Greg said softly. “It’s part of the reason I’m here. I’ll keep him away from you.”

Jack spotted her and grinned wickedly as he walked toward her. Greg grabbed her hand and pulled her behind him.

“Who are you?” Jack asked in a cold voice.

“I’m here to keep Anna safe.”

Jack raised his eyebrows. “You think I would hurt her?”

“Yes, I do. I have no reason to think otherwise.”

There was a pause. “Ah, you must be one of Alex’s dogs.”

“Better Alex’s dog than Devin’s prince.”

“Why you fucking son-of-a-bitch?—‍”

“You needn’t involve my mother. She’s a very nice woman.”

Anna peeked around Greg’s arm to see Jack’s face darken with anger as he glared at Greg.

“You can’t deny me my right to see Anna.”

“I can do whatever the hell I want to. I’m here on Alex’s behalf. You’re here on your own. At least, I assume so.”

“Anna!” a voice called across the room. Katherine hurried toward her, arms wide open.

She smiled timidly at the woman she had grown very fond of. Anna hugged her hard.

“Oh, honey. You’re all wet. You poor thing.” Katherine looked behind Anna. “Hello, Jack. I’m so glad you could come.”

In a flash, Jack’s demeanor changed from furious anger to humble comforter. “Hello, Katherine. I’m so sorry for your loss.” He spoke with a timbre of respect she’d never heard before.

“Thank you, Jack. Have you met Ben’s fiancée, Anna?” Anna turned to face her guardian. “Anna, this is Ben’s direct boss, Jack Koslov. Ben worked under him since he graduated college.” Katherine smiled warmly at Jack. “Didn’t he intern under you as well?”

Jack smiled. “Yes, he did.” He glanced at Anna. “Fiancée?” He raised his eyebrow in subtle mockery.

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