Page 18 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Kurt nodded. “I have been waiting for you to get better. Vati suggested it a while ago, but you were... unwell.”

“Devin won’t approve.”

“He does not have to know. Our jet is here. We could leave without him finding out. We could stop on the way to Frankfurt in one of the countries without a waiting period and get married. Then it would be too late for him to protest.”

“Don’t the Elders have to approve your marrying someone? And me?”

“They will. Vati has spoken to them about it. You are not safe when you are with Devin, and he is becoming far too powerful while he has you.” Kurt went to his knees. “I would protect you, Anna. I do not go on missions. I would make sure that no harm came to you.” He cupped her cheek. “Vati and the Elders are willing to do whatever they can to give me the ability to fight for you, like Alex did.”

She searched his eyes, his words tempting her beyond measure. She was scared to death of Devin. He had new ways to torture her, and she was terrified of upsetting him. And she really did like Kurt. A lot. Maybe she even loved him, though she was afraid to think about it. But he loved her. That she knew without a doubt.

Anna slowly nodded. “Okay.” She gave him a timid smile.

“Okay? As in, you will marry me?”

Anna nodded again and Kurt grabbed her and hugged her hard. “Oh, mein Engel. You have made me so happy. Kommen Sie, we will go tell Vati.”

Wilhelm was thrilled with the news. “You cannot tell anyone, though. Until we are in the air, Devin can still stop us. We will leave tomorrow after your birthday dinner.”

Kurt kissed Anna soundly. “And Vati, I am not sharing her anymore. She is mine.”

Wilhelm chuckled. “Agreed.”

Chapter 12

On Sunday evening, Anna smiled as she got ready for her birthday dinner. A warm glow of hope filled her heart, a sensation that she’d forgotten existed—not that she’d felt much of anything lately. After Alex’s death, she’d truly doubted that she would ever be happy again. But when she looked at Kurt, she couldn’t help but believe it was possible.

She put on the new pink silk dress Kurt had bought her for her birthday and studied herself in the mirror. Yes, she was definitely older now. But that was okay. Twenty-three would be a good year. She would marry Kurt and stay in Germany for a little while. Yes, she would miss some performances, but if giving it up meant being away from Devin, then she would happily never dance again.

Kurt, looking incredibly handsome in his dark suit, walked into the bathroom where she was getting ready. He wrapped his arms around her waist and tenderly kissed her cheek. “Are you about ready to go?”

Anna nodded. They would go to dinner as planned, but after dinner, instead of returning to the hotel, they would drive straight to the airport. They wouldn’t check out from the hotel. Wilhelm would handle everything once they were safely back in Germany, including having their belongings shipped back home. Every precaution was being taken to make sure Devin didn’t find out about their plans. Wilhelm was so cautious that he wouldn’t even allow them to discuss it while outside their hotel room.

They arrived at the restaurant and Jenna ran up and grabbed Anna in a hard hug. When her Jenna let go, Aaron hugged her hard. And then Travis. And then a whole host of other dancers whom she’d become friends with before Alex had died.

Anna noticed a ring on Jenna’s finger. “You got married?”

Jenna grinned. “I wish you could have been there. But... you weren’t well. I tried to call you, but you wouldn’t answer. No one could find you.” She shrugged. “We can watch the video.”

“When did that happen?”

Jenna glanced at Matt. “Nine months ago? September?” Matt nodded.

Anna hugged her friend. “I’m so happy for you, Jenna. I really am.”

The hostess led them to a large round table. Kurt sat on one side of her and Jenna on the other. Jenna made a big deal about it being Anna’s birthday. Anna blushed and buried her face in Kurt’s shoulder.

Jenna leaned over to Anna after the drinks were delivered. “What’s going on with you and Kurt?” She raised her eyebrow at Kurt’s arm draped across Anna’s shoulder.

Anna shrugged, then blushed. “We just... I don’t know. I saw him on Friday and... it just clicked.”

“Isn’t he still married?”

“No. He finalized his divorce a while ago.” She smiled. “He’s... different now. Settled. And he’s so attentive.”

Jenna giggled. “Yeah, that’s obvious. But if he hurts you...” She narrowed her eyes.

“He won’t. If you spend time with him, you’ll see.”

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