Page 33 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Anna grinned and kissed his neck, running her hands through his hair. She sucked on his collarbone and stroked his cock again. “I want to taste you, Kurt.”

He groaned against her neck. “I wish we had time, Engel, but the woman who will help you get ready is going to arrive very soon.” He nuzzled her neck. “And I need to take a shower.” He rolled off her and sat up, grinning. “I am so glad you are here with me. I have had a very good time with you today.” He gave her a tender look. “I wish...” He shook his head. “I am going to go shower. The remote is on the nightstand if you want to watch something.” He kissed her again and strode through a door in the room’s corner, which Anna could see led to a bathroom.

Anna crawled off the bed and walked to the window. The buildings of downtown San Francisco were not that far away. What a beautiful view! Master Jack lived only a few miles away, too.

Though she knew this view well, it seemed different today. Not so out of reach. After all, she was going downtown to see a ballet performance! Anna clapped her hands and hopped on her toes. She hadn’t been to a performance in ages.

Not only had Master Jack forbidden her from performing after her parents died, she wasn’t allowed to attend any performances, either. She’d heard about them from Jenna, her childhood best friend, during their secret conversations in the bathroom at the studio when they still danced together, but that was years ago. Before Jenna had been accepted into the company.

Maybe Anna would see her dance tonight. Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful! And maybe, if I’m allowed to leave the Manor and take more ballet classes, Jenna and I could be real friends again. Maybe Jenna could help her learn to be a normal person again. Anna could ask Devin if Jenna could help her with “social refinement,” as Master Jack had mentioned. Jenna always knew how to behave in social situations.

A knock at the door interrupted Anna’s reverie. Kurt was still in the shower, so Anna hurried across the room to answer the door.

Wilhelm greeted her with a radiant smile and motioned to a short, thin woman with impeccably styled red hair. “Anna, this is Tiffany McCombs. Ilsa spoke with her and has made all the arrangements.” He turned to Tiffany. “Will this room suffice? There are other rooms in the house that are available if not.”

Tiffany looked around and nodded. “This will be wonderful, Duke von Hessen. There’s good light in here and that’s what I need to work best.” She flashed a megawatt smile, then turned to Anna. “It looks like I have a beautiful canvas to work with, too. That’s half the battle.” She stepped into the room. “I will return her to you looking like a princess.”

He smiled at Anna, warmth in his eyes. “She already does.” He nodded and left.

“I’ll let Kurt know you’re here.” Anna hurried into the bathroom as Kurt was turning the water off. The shower door was clear glass and she could see him in all his masculine glory. Oh, my...

He grinned as Anna stared. “I would ask you to join me...”

Anna shook her head. “The lady who’s helping me get ready—Tiffany—she’s here.”

He nodded. “Danke. I will make sure I am covered before I leave the bathroom.”

Anna glanced back one last time, biting back a smile, before returning to the bedroom.

“Boyfriend?” Tiffany glanced up as she pulled out bags and plastic containers out of a large case.

“Um . . . something like that.”

Tiffany raised an eyebrow and smiled. Anna shrugged and Tiffany laughed softly. “Well, now. Let me take a look at you. Turn around.”

Anna turned around several times as Tiffany studied her and nodded.

“And your dress?”

Anna pulled her dress out of the wardrobe and held it up.

“Oh, what a wonderful color for you! You have excellent taste.”

“I didn’t really pick it out... Wilhelm and Kurt know more about this sort of thing than I do.”

The bathroom door opened in a whirl of steam and Kurt emerged with a navy-blue towel wrapped low around his hips. “Guten Abend... Tiffany, correct?”

The woman nodded, wide-eyed, then cleared her throat. “Tiffany McCombs.” She lifted her chin and gave a warm smile as she extended her hand. “You must be Kurt?”

He nodded and shook her hand. “Ja. I will get my clothes and dress in another bedroom to give you ladies space.”

Anna and Tiffany watched as he walked over to the wardrobe, removed a dark suit, and left the room. Their eyes met as Tiffany turned around and they both giggled.

“Damn! You’re a lucky girl.” Tiffany grinned. “You two will make quite the couple tonight.”

“He’s very handsome. And kind.”

Tiffany found a bench in the bathroom. Anna sat and the cosmetician got to work, chatting and asking simple questions that helped Anna relax.

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