Page 51 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“He seemed more disappointed than anything. But he understood once he talked to you.”

Wilhelm looked thoughtful. “I am truly sorry for forgetting to call him.”

“It’s okay. We had a very nice lunch today. He’s so different from how he used to be. I mean, he’s—‍” Anna laughed. “I’ve known him since I was little and I adored him then. He was so affectionate and loving toward me. Then he changed...” Anna shuddered at the memories, but smiled again. “But he’s back to how he used to be. He loves me.”

Wilhelm nodded, smiling, but his jaw seemed a little tense. “I am glad he is treating you well, Anna.”

Anna glanced at the sparkling necklace in her hand. “I should get going. Ian’s waiting for me outside. Thank you for letting Devin know what happened. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“I am looking forward to it.”

Anna hugged him. She liked Wilhelm. He was so kind and thoughtful and treated her like a person. As she pulled away, their eyes met and she stopped, suddenly reluctant to leave. His embrace made her feel warm and safe.

Not knowing why, she slowly leaned her head on his chest, hoping he wouldn’t push her away. He didn’t. Instead, he wrapped his arms even tighter around her.

Wilhelm is an Elder. Like Devin.

She turned in his arms and took hold of his right hand. He wore a large oval ring on his pinky with a standing, double-tailed lion holding a sword. The lion had a crown on its head. Small diamonds were inset around the edge of the ring. “Is this your Elder ring?”

His arms were still around her waist, and she leaned back against him. “Ja. Why?”

“I’ve only ever seen Devin’s.” Devin’s ring was simple, consisting of a single large diamond in the center of a heavy gold setting. Wilhelm’s was elegant and ornate. “He... said something about men of a similar status.” She traced the edge of the ring and felt Wilhelm shiver. “He meant you, right?”

“I would qualify as someone of a similar status, ja. But having the same title does not mean the same type of man.”

Wilhelm spoke softly and twisted his fingers around a lock of hair that had fallen across Anna’s shoulders. He caressed it slowly with his thumb and she sucked in a shaky breath. His hand moved to the nape of her neck and he smoothed his fingers down the length of her hair, brushing her breast as he passed by. Her heart was pounding so hard she felt dizzy. He repeated the movement, seeming to brush her breast deliberately as his hand moved down her hair.

Anna turned and looked up at him. She hadn’t considered the possibility he’d thought of her that way. He’s a man, Anna. Of course he has. She searched his eyes, feeling his desire for her building, though he was fighting it. Why? He’d always been so kind to her, though. She reached up to cup his cheek and he gazed deeply into her eyes. Then he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, his mustache tickling her lips. Tingles ran through her body as she returned his kiss. He brought his hand behind her head and ran his fingers through her hair. “Anna...”

His lips moved to the side of her neck, and she sighed into him. He sucked on the tender skin, and she moaned softly as her body reacted to his touch. He slid his hand up her stomach and to her breast, cupping it, his thumb playing with her nipple.

“Wilhelm...” She clung to his arms, rising to her tiptoes to kiss him again.

The sound of footsteps in the entryway made her jump, and Wilhelm stepped away. Anna stared at his chest, gasping for breath and rocking on her feet.

Someone spoke in German but stopped suddenly. Anna turned to see Alex standing at the entrance of the living room. His eyes were wide as he looked between her and Wilhelm. His eyebrows twitched and his beautiful cobalt-blue eyes looked... hurt? How is that possible?

Why is he looking at me like that?

Her lungs tightened and she couldn’t breathe. She needed air. Anna looked back at Wilhelm for permission to leave. He nodded, and she hurried past Alex and out the front door. She ran to the car and collapsed into the back seat, trembling.

“Did you get your necklace?” Ian asked.

Anna nodded, unable to speak, trying to understand the emotions flying through her body. They made no sense. Why did she care what Alex thought about his father kissing her? Why did he look hurt?

Why does Alex look at me the way he does?

Chapter 22

The next evening, Wilhelm and Kurt picked Anna up from the Manor and took her to a very nice restaurant near the bay. She didn’t ask why they didn’t go to Alex’s house as originally planned. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know.

Wilhelm was the perfect gentleman, not even giving a hint that anything had happened the previous afternoon. Kurt was cheery and flirtatious, his seemingly normal disposition.

After dinner, they went back to Alex’s house, though Alex was nowhere to be seen. It was still early, too early to go to bed, so Kurt suggested they watch a movie in the media room. Wilhelm declined the invitation.

Seth and Tony, whom Anna had met on Saturday, were already there but invited them in. Anna watched them warily as she settled next to Kurt on the couch. Tony sat on the end closest to the door and Seth.

Kurt put his arm around her. “Seth and Tony live here with Alex. They... work together.”

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