Page 324 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

She grabbed hold of his wrists, growling and digging her fingernails into his flesh. He winced, but he would have sworn he’d seen a glimmer of humanity in her eyes.

“Anna, look at me.” He hesitated. He had to command her. It was the only way. God, he hated doing that. “Anna! Look at me.” He spoke in a firm, commanding tone, praying it would get her attention.

It did! Her eyes locked onto his. “Anna, Devin will pay for what he did. Please, please come back to me.”

She growled, but her pupils slowly appeared again. He held her head firmly, keeping his eyes locked on hers, and watched as she slowly—oh-so-slowly—began to relax.

Her jaw trembled and she let out a sob and collapsed into his arms, torrential tears streaming down her face, leaving black streaks of makeup on her cheeks. He sat down on the floor and pulled her into his lap, holding her as tightly as he could without hurting her.

She cried and cried as Alex held her and rocked her gently. His shirt became soaked as she showered him with her hot tears, but he didn’t care. He stroked her silky hair and whispered to her in German as sobs wracked her body.

Grief overwhelmed Anna, making her wail unlike she had in a very long time. She thought she had passed out for a few minutes because she remembered getting angry, and then the next thing she knew, she was in Alex’s lap, sobbing. She tried to stop, not wanting to impose on Alex while he was upset, but she couldn’t.

Devin! Devin had destroyed her handsome, confident husband. The anger had dissipated, leaving only the grief. Intense grief.

An eternity later, when her tears had slowed, she looked up at Alex. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I made you feel like that, Alex.”

He wiped away her tears with his thumbs. “I’m sorry I got jealous.”

“I was dancing for you,” she whispered. “I was barely thinking about Hugo as I danced. It was all for you...”

Alex’s eyes widened and grew wet. “Oh, Anna. Oh, mein Schatzi.” He grimaced. “I am a fool.”

“Devin... he hurt you so badly.” She cradled his smooth cheek. “Alex...” She leaned forward and kissed him, dragging her hands through his hair and thrusting her tongue into his mouth.

He groaned loudly and kissed her back. His hand tangled in her hair and met her tongue’s thrusts.

“Make love to me, Alex,” she murmured against his mouth. He grinned against her mouth and suddenly she was in the air.

Alex stumbled and she opened her eyes to see him giving her a sheepish smile. “I’ve had a bit to drink.”

Anna giggled and wiggled out of his arms and onto the floor. “Are you up for lovemaking?” she teased.

He grinned. “Always.”

Feeling suddenly playful, she flashed Alex a mischievous smile before running out of the room. She heard Alex laugh, and his heavy footsteps followed behind her. She figured this would be the only time she might be able to outrun him.

He laughed and said something in German as he chased her down the hall, and she screamed in delight and ran to their bedroom. His legs being so long, he easily caught up with her and grabbed her around the waist as she reached the door. She screeched and laughed, trying to get away, loving the light in his eyes. He tossed her onto the bed and jumped on after her, making the bed squeak.

“Little minx,” he murmured as he crawled over her and kissed her.

“I love you,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Alex’s gaze softened. “I love you, too.”

Chapter 161

Alex lay on his back with Anna lying on top of him, her eyes full of love. He’d been so unbelievably stupid the night before. It was a wonder Anna had forgiven him. But he was very thankful. So thankful.

She ran her fingers across his chest, giving him goosebumps, and he shivered. The delight in her eyes made him want her to do it again. He couldn’t imagine a better morning than this: waking up, making love, and then gazing at his beautiful wife for as long as he wanted. Technically, she should be in class right now, but he was glad she’d stayed home. She wasn’t dancing until Tuesday, so missing one class wasn’t too big of a deal.

It was late morning and neither of them were inclined to get out of bed. He reached out to twirl a lock of sable silk hair around his finger.

“I missed you,” he whispered, trying to maintain control of his emotions. “I didn’t mind being imprisoned so much, but it was torture being away from you.”

Regret filled her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Alex. I should have listened to you. I should have?—‍”

He pressed his finger gently to her lips. “I understand why you didn’t. Yes, things might have been different, but what matters now is that we’re here. I don’t hold it against you. None of my men do.” He flinched at the memories of his fallen men.

---