Page 98 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Wilhelm gave her a sad smile and a single nod. She took that as permission and hurried up the stairs.

At the top of the stairs, she paused and glanced down the hallway to the closed door where she’d stayed with Kurt. Tears stung her eyes as she turned away to her own room. Oh Kurt!

No wonder Alex had put her up here. He must have known Kirsty was coming over.

She closed the door behind her and slumped to the floor, staring at the bed as tears streamed down her cheeks. Why had she dared to imagine Alex cared for her other than as she was? She was his slave and nothing more.

Wilhelm excused himself from the downstairs turmoil and headed up to his room upstairs, shaking his head. If Alex had dealt with Kirsty sooner, Alex could have taken Anna to bed with him and solidified their bond. But Alex had pushed it off, and now he had a jealous mess on his hands.

He paused, his hand on the doorknob of his bedroom, as a sound caught his ear. He looked around, crept closer to Anna’s room, and realized she was crying. Not very loudly, more sniffing than sobbing. But he had two daughters at home and knew well the sound of female misery. “Oh, Anna,” he whispered to himself, and knocked on the door.

The room grew silent. Then he heard a faint, “come in.” Her voice cracked on the last word.

He opened the door and saw Anna furiously wiping at her face as she stood, then clasped her hands in front of her. She’d changed into a large t-shirt Wilhelm recognized as one of Alex’s. He must have left it in her room for her to sleep in. “Hello, Wilhelm.” She didn’t look up as he entered.

“Oh, Liebling...” He sat on the bed and pulled her into his arms, pressing her head gently to his chest. He didn’t know what to say to comfort her, but after a few minutes, she relaxed and stopped sniffing. “Anna, would you like to stay in my room with me tonight?”

She stiffened. “Whatever you would like, Wilhelm.”

He realized what his question had sounded like and he shook his head. “Liebling, just to sleep. I will hold you. That is all.”

“We can have sex if you want.”

Wilhelm shook his head. “No, Anna. I just want to comfort you. Let me hold you as you sleep.” He helped her to her feet and guided her to his room.

Chapter 40

Fingers stroked the skin on the back and side of Anna’s neck as she woke. She let out a soft breath, remembering whose body she’d curled against all night, and whose strong arms hugged her against him. She’d slept well.

“Guten Morgen, Liebling,” Wilhelm whispered.

“Good morning, Wilhelm.” She ran her hand down his lean chest toward his cock, but he stopped her hand. She froze as a chill ran through her body. Would he reject her like Alex had?

“I am fine. You do not need to.”

Anna had learned from Alex not to keep trying if he said no. She didn’t want to upset Wilhelm. “Yes, Wilhelm.” But his not wanting her still stung. She inhaled a quiet breath, trying to erase the stab in her heart.

He kissed the top of her head and sat up on his elbow. “Shall we get some breakfast? Then, unfortunately, I need to get to the airport.”

She nodded and sat up. “I’ll go get dressed.” She slipped out of bed to go to her bedroom, heart heavy, and stopped in the doorway, looking around. She’d left her clothes on the bed, but they were missing.

“Wilhelm?” She returned to his bedroom and paused when she saw him stretching near the window, admiring his fit form. He was as handsome as his sons.

“Ja, Liebling?”

“Do you know where my clothes might be? They’re not in my room where I left them.”

“Frau Gersten must have washed them. Check with Alex. He is probably in the kitchen having breakfast. Do you know where that is?”

She nodded. When she’d stayed with Kurt, they’d eaten lunch in the kitchen. She headed downstairs.

The lowest level of the house had a large room divided in two by a huge, heavy wooden table with eight heavy wooden chairs surrounding it. The walls were made of weathered brick and the floor was smooth, worn wood. On one side was a large living room furnished with a couple of black leather couches, a coffee table, and a large TV. A large kitchen with a massive island was situated on the other side. The area was far less formal than the rest of the house.

Seth and Tony were sprawled on the couches couch watching TV. Anna froze at the sight of Kirsty and Alex sitting together at the table. Alex kissed Kirsty’s neck and she giggled. She looked nice when she smiled.

Alex looked up and his lips parted when their eyes met. He pulled away from Kirsty, who frowned at him before turning to follow his gaze. Kirsty narrowed her eyes at her.

“Anna! H-how did you sleep?” He awkwardly put his arm back around Kirsty, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. He kissed her temple and Anna kept her expression neutral, even as her heart broke. She scolded herself. Of course Kirsty would have stayed the night. She was Alex’s girlfriend. She belonged here. Anna was Alex’s slave.

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