Page 208 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

She looked at him, searching his eyes. “Do you still want to be with me?”

He cradled her cheek. “I’m not going anywhere, Kittycat.”

She smiled, but then the reality of what had happened hit her. If Devin ever found out about him... “You could get killed,” she squeaked, grief stabbing her heart like a jagged knife.

Hugo caught her before she could fall to the floor and led her to the couch. He held her in his lap with his long arms wrapped around her body.

Aaron kneeled next to her. “Anna... Kat.” He glanced at Hugo. “Kat, nothing’s gonna happen to Hugo. We’re not in San Francisco anymore, remember? You’re safe. He’s safe.”

“But Jack?—‍”

“Got lucky and now he’s gone. Hon, it’s okay to be happy for once. Don’t let your fears ruin it.”

She blinked back tears as she gazed at Aaron. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. She knew he wished that he was the one making her happy.

He brushed her hair out of her face. “I’m just the doomed best friend, destined to be forever shoved aside for your boyfriends.” He chuckled. “Maybe I should just become gay, or rather, lean further in that direction.”

Anna gasped. “Aaron!”

“What? I’ve gone out with guys before. And no other girls ever interest me.” He shrugged and then laughed. “Then I can see you naked and Hugo won’t get pissed.”

Hugo narrowed his eyes, partially mocking. “I haven’t even seen her naked.”

Anna blushed as Aaron laughed. “You really should change that.”

Hugo shook his head. “I don’t want to know why you would say that.” He laughed. “I was going to try tonight, you know.”

Anna buried her head in Hugo’s chest, her face hot. “I’m sorry, Hugo.”

“Nothing to apologize for.” He kissed her head. “Do you want to go take a shower and clean up? We can watch a movie or something afterward.”

Anna nodded. She felt gross and was sticky from blood and other things, so she stood and went to her room.

“She’s worth it, you know,” Aaron said after Anna disappeared around the corner.

Hugo nodded. “I know. I just had no idea—‍” He pressed his lips together. “She was always so reluctant to talk about her past. I guess I understand why now.” He grimaced. “That was really her guardian?”

Aaron nodded. “He started sexually abusing her after her parents were killed.”

“God...” Hugo shook his head. “And he came after her for that?”

Aaron shook his head. “It’s much bigger than just his abuse. There’s... someone out there who wants to control her and he wants her back. That’s why she’s here. To keep her from him.”

“Why?”

Aaron hesitated. “Because she’s very special. It’s the easiest way to explain it.”

“Anyone can see she’s special just by looking at her.”

Aaron smiled. Hugo was a good guy. He’d watched him as Anna explained to Tom what had happened, looking for any sign of disgust, but all he saw was sadness for Anna. Aaron couldn’t help but approve of the guy as being worthy of her. “She is.” He cleared his throat. “The thing is, with what happened tonight... She really will be okay.”

“I think that’s one of the most disturbing things I’ve heard in a long time. I can’t imagine what she’s gone through to make tonight nothing to be concerned about.”

Aaron shook his head. “You don’t want to imagine it. Trust me.”

“You know?”

“I know almost everything about her. I’ve known her since she was twelve. I danced Giselle with her back then. I was there when she found out Alex was dead. I was there—‍” He sighed. “I’ve seen her go through hell so many times I don’t even want to count them.”

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