Page 391 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Wilhelm nodded and Tommy stepped forward and kneeled in front of Anna, taking her hands. “Hey, Anna.”

Anna looked at him for a long moment, then bowed her head. “Good evening, my lord.” Wilhelm had restored her ability to speak after completing the rituals.

Tommy frowned. “I hate it when you call me that.”

She shrugged. “It’s proper.”

He reached out his hand to stroke Anna’s cheek. The tenderness in his eyes made Wilhelm relax. This young man cared deeply for Anna.

“I’m so sorry about... everything, Anna,” he said softly.

“Thank you, my lord. You are very kind.”

Tommy’s brow twitched and he blinked and chewed his lip. Anna was being very formal, while Tommy was trying to be kind. Was she afraid of Wilhelm scolding her?

Kurt sat down gingerly on the carved wooden chair next to Wilhelm. “My ass hurts,” he muttered in German.

Wilhelm chuckled. “I’m sorry, son. But that’s how it’s done.”

“Even Alex?”

“Of course. Didn’t he tell you what happened the night before his wedding?”

Kurt shook his head.

Wilhelm told him how all the German Elders had taken Alex in the ass while not letting him orgasm.

“Men can really come from that?” Kurt’s brows were as high as Wilhelm had ever seen them.

“You’ve never been with a man?” Wilhelm was surprised. He’d been certain Kurt had done every sexual act there was.

“Only to share a woman. I’ve never been attracted to men, Vati.”

“Yes, men can come from that. Quite nicely, actually.”

Kurt’s mouth dropped open and he stared at his father. “I think I’ll stick to women.” Tommy talking to Anna caught his attention. “Who’s that?”

Wilhelm kept himself from smiling in amusement at his son’s jealousy. “Tommy Pendleton, of New York.”

“He likes her.”

“I believe you are right.”

Kurt frowned.

“Kurt, you may pursue her now, if you’d like. But you need to be gentle and patient with her.” He raised his eyebrows and deepened his voice. “And if you ever treat her like you treated Gretchen, I’ll tan your hide.”

“I wouldn’t do that to her.”

“Good.”

Kurt watched Tommy and Anna for a while. Tommy was trying to make Anna feel better, but she remained cool and aloof. Tommy looked up helplessly at Wilhelm, and Wilhelm gave him an understanding smile.

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’ll let you be alone, Anna. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Tommy got up and walked away. Wilhelm’s heart went out to him.

“Perhaps you should go to her tonight. When we go home.”

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