Page 50 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Yes, Devin.”

“I would suggest you making my ring distinctive so you will know it’s me. Do you know how to do that?”

She shook her head. “I’ll ask Ian.”

“Good girl.” He nodded in satisfaction. “Now, shall we go have lunch?”

Anna nodded. Devin kissed her gently, his lips caressing hers. He took her hands and put them on his shoulders, then wrapped his arms around her waist. His kiss deepened, and she relaxed into his arms.

“Just do your best, Anna,” he said softly. “I know you. I’ll know if you’re trying or not.”

“Yes, Devin.”

He kissed her once more, and then straightened. “Let’s go.”

Devin opened the office door and motioned for Anna to go through. “Madison, I’m going to lunch,” he said to his secretary.

Madison gave a sharp nod.

The elevator dinged, and Anna and Devin stepped inside. He put his hand on her hip and rubbed his thumb up and down, stoking the fire of desire deep in her belly once again.

They walked to a steakhouse around the corner from Devin’s office. Everyone seemed to know him and treat him with immense respect. While they waited for their table, Devin spoke in hushed tones with a man standing next to him.

“I don’t remember your daughters being this old, Devin,” the man said with a chuckle.

Devin smiled and put his arm around Anna. “This isn’t my daughter.”

The other man raised his brow and glanced at her. “Is this her?”

Devin nodded and lowered his voice. “She looks just as good dressed, doesn’t she?”

Anna looked up at the man. He didn’t look familiar, but from their conversation, she had to assume he’d been at the Manor on Friday. She could feel his arousal radiating from him, and she stepped closer to Devin, hoping he wouldn’t give her away. Devin tightened his arm around her.

The hostess called Devin’s name and led them to a table near the window.

“Should I have known that man?” Anna asked softly after the hostess left.

Devin chuckled and opened his menu. “Not yet, no. Though you’ll get to know him better on Fridays. He’s a close friend of mine.”

As they ate, Devin questioned Anna about her time with Kurt and Wilhelm. She had few answers, but she did the best she could. When she told him she’d met Alex, he asked lots of questions, but she didn’t know much about him. She twisted her fingers together, afraid she’d disappointed him, but Devin told her she’d done well, and to continue to listen the next time she was with them.

Chapter 21

After lunch, Ian met them in front of the restaurant and drove Anna to Alex’s house while Devin walked back to his office. As she approached the door, a wave of nervous butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

She rang the doorbell. Frau Gersten answered the door. Anna smiled, and the older woman politely nodded and told her Wilhelm was in the living room.

“Thank you.” Anna stepped inside and looked around a moment before walking into the cheery room. Wilhelm sat by the fireplace reading a book. He looked up and gave her a bright smile.

“Hallo, Anna. It is good to see you again.” He placed a bookmark on the page and closed the book as he stood. He hugged her and kissed her forehead. “How are you doing?”

“I’m good. You?”

He smiled. “Enjoying a quiet afternoon while my sons are out of the house. Your necklace is up in my room. I was going to get it before you arrived, but...” He shrugged sheepishly and lifted up the book in his hand. “I got lost in my book. I will go and get it.”

“Thank you, Wilhelm.”

While she waited, Anna walked to the windows and gazed out at the city skyline. Wilhelm returned a few minutes later and handed Anna the necklace. “Was Devin very angry with you?”

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