Page 199 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

His fingers caressed just above her collarbone at her neck and she sighed and lifted her chin even more.

“Katrina . . .”

She opened her eyes and saw him gazing down intently at her. He wanted her. She could feel it.

She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, sliding her hand up his chest and around his neck. His hand came up to cup her neck and he deepened the kiss, delving his tongue urgently into her mouth. He turned toward her, deepening his kiss while caressing the side of her neck.

When he pulled away a few minutes later, they were both breathing heavily. Anna watched the expressions on his face change as he stroked her cheek. He was conflicted, wanting her but not wanting to press himself on her.

“I should go,” he said in a husky voice.

No! Her jaw trembled. “Did I do something to upset you?”

He frowned. “Why would you think that?”

“You don’t want to stay.”

Hugo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Kittycat, there is nothing I would like to do more than stay, but—‍” He cleared his throat and looked at her sheepishly. “I don’t want to do something you’ll regret.”

“Regret?”

He studied her. “Katrina, I am very, very attracted to you, in case you didn’t know.” He grinned. “But pushing too fast—‍” He sighed. “I don’t want you to resent me for... for moving too fast.”

“Why would I resent you? I’m attracted to you, too.” She leaned forward to kiss him again, but he pulled back. Tears burned in her eyes and she dropped her gaze to her hands.

He lifted her chin. “I like you, Kittycat,” he said softly, and then shook his head. “I’m going to be a gentleman and leave before things go too far.” He kissed her chastely on the lips and then stood. She could see his erection straining against his jeans, and she licked her lips.

“Hugo...” she said softly, feeling herself going into seduction mode. She looked up at him for a moment and then turned away. No, she didn’t want to seduce him. She just wanted him to stay.

He kissed her on the top of her head. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

She stared at her hands until the apartment door opened and closed, and then she burst into tears. Part of her understood why he’d gone, but the other, larger, part of her felt rejected and lonely. And the pain was pounding at her heart once more, threatening to overwhelm her again.

She glanced at her watch. It was eleven-thirty. She wanted to call Wilhelm. It was, what... a nine-hour difference between them? It was early, but not too early...

She got her phone out of her purse and made the call.

“Anna?” His voice was very gravelly. “What is wrong?”

“Wilhelm...” She swallowed. “I’m sorry to wake you so early, but I... just wanted to hear your voice.”

“Liebling, I do not mind you calling, but I am much better at conversations that do not occur in the middle of the night.”

“Middle of the night? Isn’t it six there?”

Wilhelm paused and then laughed. “Anna, you are in New York, not San Francisco. It is three in the morning.”

“Oh, God! Oh, Wilhelm, I’m so sorry! I forgot.” Her night was not improving. “I’ll call you later. I’m sorry.”

“Nein, Anna. It was important enough for you to call. Wait a moment and I will go into the sitting room.” She heard him speaking in German to someone. Probably Ilsa. “Alright, Liebling,” he said a few minutes later. “What happened?”

Tears escaped and Anna told him what had happened between Hugo and herself. When she was finished, he was quiet for a while. She knew he was thinking and respected his silence.

“It sounds like he is an honorable man, Anna. He left because he respects and cares for you. Do you remember how long it took for Alex to make love to you?”

“Yes.” She sniffed. Months! And why did he have to bring up Alex?

“Do not be angry with him for waiting, Anna. Most men do not take the time to rein in their desires without thinking about how it will affect the woman he is with.”

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