Page 203 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Yes, Master,” she whispered, blinking back tears. She honestly wasn’t sure which sounded worse, being left alone or risking Zach, or someone like him, coming over to hurt her. Oh, Alex...

“I need you for a dinner meeting on Tuesday night. I’ll pick you up at six.”

“I don’t finish rehearsals until five.”

Devin glared at her. “Then leave early.”

Anna cowered. “Yes, Master.”

Devin relaxed and leaned forward to kiss her neck. “I want you one last time before you leave.” He stood and undressed, then joined Anna in bed.

Chapter 93

Time flew by and before Anna knew it, it was time for the dress rehearsals for the student performances.

Anna and Nate spent a lot of time together and had become good friends. She could tell he liked her, but did her best to not encourage him as anything more than friends. Her heart belonged to Alex and she didn’t want Nate to get hurt. But he was very sweet and treated her with kindness. Over the past few weeks, she’d gone out with him and a small group of the other dancers, but she did her best to keep a healthy distance between the two of them.

Alex had called frequently at first, but the time difference made it challenging to keep in touch. He’d been gone for six weeks, and the last two had passed without any contact with him. Then she’d received a text from Kurt the other day, letting her know he would arrive on Wednesday with his brother and father. Why hadn’t Alex told her himself? Why had it been Kurt?

Surely Alex had a good reason, but it didn’t keep her from being hurt by his lack of communication. She pushed aside her confusion, though, and told herself to wait until he arrived. Everything would be fine once he was back in San Francisco.

During the Thursday afternoon dress rehearsal at the theater, she was standing near Nate as she listened to Isaak’s last-minute instructions when movement in the aisle caught Anna’s attention. Three tall men were walking down the center aisle and her heart leaped as she recognized them.

Alex, Kurt, and Wilhelm.

As they neared the stage, Anna instinctively stepped away from Nate. When Alex’s eyes met Anna’s, his gaze briefly shifted to Nate behind her and then back to her. His expression was difficult to read. She wanted to run across the stage and leap into his arms, but she wasn’t finished with rehearsal. She gave him a bright smile and returned her attention to Isaak.

Isaak turned and greeted the new arrivals. Alex greeted Isaak with a handshake and a friendly smile. After Isaak greeted Wilhelm and Kurt, he motioned to some seats near the stage and they sat down in them.

Kurt smiled broadly at Anna. She gave him a timid smile and took another step away from Nate. She gave Wilhelm a respectful nod and then turned to listen to Delia’s instructions.

When their instructors were finished speaking, the dancers got ready for one last run through. Anna rushed backstage. She stared at the ropes that controlled the scenery, hands on her hips, heart pounding. Knowing the three Kunzberg men were out there watching intensified Anna’s nerves, pushing them to nearly unbearable levels as she awaited her cue. She closed her eyes and sucked in deep breaths. The last thing she wanted to do was disappoint them. Especially Alex. After all, he was the reason she was there, and she wanted—no, needed—to give him her best performance.

The music changed and her worries melted away as she stepped onto the stage and became Giselle.

When they were done, there was a quick break so the older students could change into their costumes for the second part of the performance: performances showcasing the accomplishments of each class level, from the tiny beginners to the advanced class Anna was in.

After some final notes from Isaak, the rehearsal was complete and Anna jumped down from the stage to hurry to greet Wilhelm, Kurt, and Alex.

“Anna, Engel!” Kurt picked her up and spun her around. “You look so pretty!” He kissed her cheek, then set her down.

Wilhelm hugged her and kissed her cheek. “Hello, Liebling.” His deep accented voice comforted her to the depths of her heart.

She turned, giving Alex a bright, albeit nervous, smile. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest, but he pulled her arms away and took a step back. “Hello, Anna.”

An icy chill ran through her body and she backed away. Her chest tightened and she swallowed hard, blinking back tears as she stared at him. Why was he being so cold? “Alex?”

He clenched his jaw and stared over her head toward the stage. “You danced very well. I am looking forward to the real performance.”

She looked at Wilhelm in disbelief. Why did Alex refuse to look at her? Kiss her? Embrace her? What had happened?

“Liebling, why don’t you change and we can go have dinner?” Wilhelm said in a gentle voice.

Anna nodded and spun around, hurrying away from Alex’s chilly presence. She ran to her dressing room, where the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over as she fell to the floor.

Alex watched Anna run away and his shoulders slumped. He ran his hands through his hair, giving his father a desperate look. “Vati, I can’t do this to her again.”

Wilhelm stepped close and put his hand on his son’s shoulder. “We’ve talked about this, Alex. You know it’s the best way to get her safe.”

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