Page 328 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Alex chuckled. “I think Vati nearly had a heart attack.”

“And Kurt?”

“At first he was okay, but...” He shook his head. “He’d been working so hard, and suddenly it was all gone.” He grimaced.

Anna nodded, but a frown tugged at her mouth.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just don’t understand why you couldn’t come see me sooner. Or have me go see you.”

“It was too risky, Schatzi. If Devin had found out... I wouldn’t have been able to protect you.”

“But you came to New York earlier than expected.”

“You were sick. I had to. It was difficult getting in under Devin’s radar.”

“You bought this place,” she said, looking around.

Alex shook his head. “Simon actually purchased it. I paid for it, but Simon did the purchasing.”

“Oh.”

Alex opened his arms and Anna walked around the table and sat in his lap. “I love you, Schatzi. I wanted to come to you. So badly. It was driving me crazy. But Devin needed to be weakened first. When I came, it was still too early, but Sebastian added his protections.” He hugged her hard. “We were taking a risk. If Devin had made any effort to look, he would have noticed, but thankfully, he didn’t.”

“Is he weaker now?”

“Yes.”

Anna closed her eyes and lay her head on Alex’s chest.

“And since I spent so much time with my family then, I can devote all my time to you now.”

Anna blew out a breath. “I suppose I understand.”

“I know it is difficult, my love.” He kissed her temple. “What else would you like to know?”

Anna smiled and snuggled closer. “Everything.”

Alex laughed, and he shared more details of his escape and spending time in Frankfurt with his family.

Chapter 163

“How did you come up with the idea for Mr. J?” Anna asked after he finished his story. “And the name?”

Alex gave a small shrug. “My middle name is Johannes.”

Anna nodded. “That makes sense.” She scrunched her face. “But the persona? How did you come up with him?”

“You’ll laugh.”

“Why?”

Alex scrunched his mouth. “It’s embarrassing.”

Anna grinned. “Tell me.”

Alex sighed. “Alright . . .”

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