Page 200 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“But what do I do now?”

“Is Aaron there?”

“No. He went to California for Jenna’s funeral... Did you hear about that?”

“I did. I meant to call but... things have been very busy here the last week. I am so sorry, Liebling. I should have remembered.”

A knife stabbed at her heart at his confession. Wilhelm had known what had happened and hadn’t called her? That hurt worse than Hugo’s rejection. “It’s okay,” she said softly. “I’ll let you get back to sleep. Thank you for listening to me. Good night.” She pressed ‘end’ on the phone before he could say anything else. She went into her room, put her pajamas on, and lay down in bed. Well, her hurt had shoved away the pain in her heart once more, and diffused her need for sex. At least she’d be able to sleep now.

Wilhelm stared at his phone in disbelief. Anna had hung up on him. He silently scolded himself.

He should have called her, and he was properly rebuked. But with Alex’s return, his life had been turned upside down. Between rejoicing that Alex was alive and keeping his son calm enough to give him time to discuss with Vlad and the German Elders what to do next, he’d barely had time to think of anything else.

She would forgive him once she found out about Alex. He hoped.

Chapter 107

“I’m sorry I left you like I did last night, Katrina.”

Hugo sat down on the floor next to Anna the next morning and spoke softly. “I didn’t want to hurt you, but I probably did anyway, didn’t I?”

Anna looked up from her stretch and gave him an understanding smile. “It’s okay. I understand. I... appreciate what you were trying to do.”

Hugo blew out a breath. “I was afraid you’d be angry with me.”

She shook her head. “I’m not.” She smiled. “But I’m not as delicate as you may think I am.” She grinned mischievously, with a hint of seduction.

His eyes widened for a split second, and then he shook his head and laughed. “Not nice to look at a man like that before dance class.”

Anna giggled. “Sorry.”

He smiled, his dimples deepening. “I am determined to remain a gentleman.” He gave a deep nod. “If that’s okay with you, I’d like to take you out again tonight.”

Anna smiled. “I’d like that.”

Aaron returned Sunday night and Anna greeted him at the door with a passionate kiss.

“Are you okay?” He stepped back, his eyes wide.

“Please don’t reject me, Aaron. I—I just need you to fuck me.”

Aaron grinned. “That’s what every man wants to hear when he walks in the door.” He kissed her back, and they undressed as they kissed their way to his bedroom. They fell naked into his bed and Anna rolled on top of him, straddled his hips, and impaled herself on him.

She cried out in pain and gasped for breath. She hadn’t expected it to hurt.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s been a few days.” She hung her head and tried to relax around him.

“We didn’t have to go so fast, hon.” Aaron pulled her close and kissed her gently. “I’m not in a hurry.” He held her as he rolled her onto her back, still inside her, and kissed her neck.

Anna closed her eyes and relaxed as he kissed her. When the pain subsided, she moved her hips, wanting him to move.

“Better?” he asked, moving slowly inside her. She gasped and nodded. “Good.” He grinned. “You feel so amazing...”

“How was the funeral?” Anna asked later as she ran her fingers over Aaron’s chest while they cuddled together in bed.

“Sad.” He sighed. “Matt wasn’t taking it very well. He looked like he wanted to jump into the casket with her.”

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