Page 305 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“You’re such a fucking bitch, Jasmine,” he growled and turned to see Alex had caught Anna halfway to the front door, grabbing her around the waist from behind. He pulled her hard against him and spoke into her ear.

Anna shook her head and Aaron could see tears streaming down her face. She struggled to get away, though Aaron was pleased to see, not as hard as she could.

“I thought he was going to give her space,” Cameron said, watching the couple.

“He won’t let her get away thinking he’s interested in Jasmine. She doesn’t need to be worrying about that.”

The incident had gained the attention of everyone else at the table. Those that knew who they were to each other smiled. Those that didn’t were as bewildered as Jasmine.

“Anna, what I said at the table is true. I love you. More than anything else in the world. I have no desire for anyone except you.”

Alex’s hot breath tickled Anna’s ear as she tried half-heartedly to escape. Being held against him felt good... so good... and so right.

“You were holding her hand,” she whimpered.

“She was trying to convince me to sleep with her. I said no, several times.” He loosened his grip and he turned her around to face him. “Kurt slept with her, didn’t he?”

Anna nodded.

Alex frowned. “I didn’t know that until she told me, otherwise I would have avoided her. And I will be having words with my brother about it tomorrow.”

“Kurt’s coming tomorrow?”

He nodded. “And Vati. They’re traveling back from Chicago.”

“Oh.” She stared at Alex’s broad chest beneath his blue dress shirt. It was a similar blue to the one he wore the day after the bonding ceremony. The one that made his eyes glow.

“Anna, Schatzi...” He cupped her chin and lifted her face to his. “I will back off if you want me to, but...” He smiled. “I don’t think you want me to.”

She blinked away the tears, his face coming into focus, and gazed into the eyes of her husband. Her husband, whom she thought was long dead. Who was alive. “I don’t know you anymore...”

“I’m not saying we should go home and force our relationship to work. Just... give me a chance. Spend time with me. Let me share what happened, and you tell me about what you’ve been doing. I know you’re a different girl than the one I married, Anna. I’m very proud of the woman you’ve become.” He gave her a heart-melting smile. “You’ve become the strong woman I always knew you were, and I am proud to call you my wife. But we can take things as slowly as you need to.”

He cradled her face and wiped away her tears with his thumbs. “I love you, Anna. With everything that I am, I love you. I will make sure Devin pays for everything he did to you. And it will happen very soon.”

She knew he was telling the truth, but it didn’t take away her fears.

“I know you’re scared, Schatzi. I promised myself I would give you space, not pressure you, not—‍” He ran his thumb over her lower lip. “Not to kiss you.” His voice was hoarse. “Tell me, and I will stop.” She searched his eyes as he lowered his face to hers. “Tell me to stop...”

Their lips were a scant centimeter apart.

She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.

Aaron cheered as several dancers gasped when Alex kissed Anna. He glanced at Jasmine, who would have been shooting daggers at Anna if looks could kill.

“That fucking liar,” Jasmine snarled.

“Who?” Aaron chuckled, amused at her anger.

“Alex. He said he was going to wait for his wife, and then he goes running after that cunt?”

“I would watch what you call Katrina, Jasmine,” Hugo said in a dry voice. “She is Alex’s wife.”

Jasmine’s eyes widened. “You knew? You were dating another man’s wife?”

“I didn’t know until this morning that he was still alive. She didn’t know until Saturday.”

“And, yes, Jasmine,” Aaron said. “That is Kurt’s older brother. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from Kurt. You don’t want Alex angry at you. Trust me.”

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