Page 227 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

She opened her mouth to retort, but the emcee began speaking, and Kurt pushed her to their table and gently into her seat. No, Kurt was nothing like Devin. He’d only ever been kind to her. But his actions made her want to lash out, and the biggest insult she could think of was to compare him to her evil Master. She crossed her arms over her chest. Kurt frowned at her, and she sighed and dropped her hands into her lap.

During the dinner, she remained silent except when asked a direct question. Kurt was very affectionate, at least physically, ignoring her coldness and keeping his arm around her between courses, or leaning in to whisper something in her ear, which she ignored.

The dancing began after the final course and Kurt led her out to the floor as it filled up with couples. He held her close, intertwining his fingers with hers and holding them to his chest. “Why are you being so hostile?”

“Why are you being such an ass?”

“I am not trying to be an ass, Anna. I am trying to... get control of the situation. To establish your boundaries.”

“Don’t you think you’re making me look like a bitch? Lavishing my affections on the handsome foreigner while ignoring my boyfriend?”

He blinked and looked down at her. “I... had not thought of it that way.” He frowned. “But you should not have a boyfriend, anyway.”

Anna huffed. “When did all these rules come into play and why wasn’t I told about them? If I had known—‍” She sighed. “God, Kurt, if I’d known, I never would have gotten involved with Hugo. I could have saved us both a tremendous amount of hurt.”

“Us?”

“Hugo and I.” She shook her head. “We broke up last week because of what I learned talking to your father. Don’t worry. I won’t get into any more relationships. I don’t want to hurt anyone else.”

“I thought you were just sleeping with him.”

“We haven’t—we haven’t done that. We were going to, and then Jack showed up and—‍” She swallowed. “Because of everything, we decided it would be better if we ended things sooner rather than later.”

“You have not slept with him?” He tilted his head. “Really?”

“He was determined to be a gentleman and not push things too far. He didn’t know what I was until I told him last week.”

They danced in silence for a while, then Kurt broke the silence. “When was the last time you had sex?”

She shrugged. “I dunno. Couple weeks I guess.”

Kurt’s eyes widened. “I did not think you could go that long.”

Anna winced as his words drew blood. “Thanks a lot.” She stared hard at his chest, blinking away tears that threatened to escape. Kurt was just really trying to endear himself to her, wasn’t he?

“No, I meant—‍” He sighed. “I think it is good...”

The music ended, and Anna didn’t look up at him as she spoke. “Can I go?”

Kurt nodded and she left him standing in the middle of the dance floor. She needed some fresh air and headed outside.

“Katrina!”

Anna turned to see Stefanie hurrying toward her. “Are you okay? Is he another bad guy from your past?”

Anna gave a bitter laugh at Stefanie’s question. Ever since Stefanie had learned about Jack, she’d become Anna’s protector. If Anna was unhappy, Stef was the first one by her side to make sure she was okay. Anna was grateful to have a friend. A female friend. “No, he’s actually a good guy from my past. He’s just acting like an ass tonight.”

“I’m glad. Because he’s yummy and I’d hate to have to take him out behind the theater and kick his ass.”

Anna laughed.

“Is he why you and Hugo broke up?”

Anna shook her head. “Well, indirectly yes.” She sighed. Her heart ached for Hugo. “I was married to his brother a long time ago. He died and now I’m expected to marry Kurt.”

Stef grinned. “That doesn’t seem like such a bad thing, to be stuck with someone like him.” She frowned. “But, I mean, why are you expected to marry your husband’s brother? That seems so... old fashioned.”

“They’re a very old German family and that’s the way things work. Even Hugo, once he found out, knew eventually I’d have to go to Kurt. That’s why we broke up. Because we care about each other too much to be forced to end things later.” Anna plopped down on the bench next to the fountain and rested her chin on her hands. “But Kurt’s being a jerk tonight and I don’t understand why. He’s usually so sweet and laid back.”

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