Page 258 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“Hey!” Aaron hit Cameron’s arm playfully. Then he shrugged. “Eh, well. Yeah. I can imagine.”

“What were you wearing?” Hugo asked with a smile.

Cameron rattled off the designers and the fabrics, but Hugo raised his eyebrows at the words “sheer” and “micro-mini.”

“Damn summer tour,” he muttered and then laughed. “Maybe it was good I wasn’t here.” He shrugged. “Or maybe we’ll have to go to a less classy place next time so I can see you in it.”

Anna rolled her eyes and then grinned. “Don’t you know it’s unbecoming to wear the same club-wear twice?”

Hugo’s eyes glinted. “Then maybe we should have a private club here.” His voice turned husky and made Anna shiver.

“You shouldn’t tempt me like that, Hugo.” She bit her lip and took a step away.

They stared at each other for a long time, the electricity between them undeniable, until Hugo shook his head and looked away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” He cleared his throat. “You do look really nice, though.”

Anna smiled and glanced down at the short black dress she’d bought the other day. Its low V-neck was covered in sheer lace, as was the back.

Stef, Jamie, Rachel, and Tanner—dancers Anna had become good friends with—arrived a few minutes later, and the apartment became noisy with the girls’ chattering. Cameron joined in, but Hugo, Aaron, and Tanner stood on the other side of the room, shaking their heads and laughing at the girls’ excitement.

A few minutes later, the doorman called to inform them that their transportation had arrived and they all crowded into the elevator. They ooh-ed and ahh-ed about the elegant limo that waited for them at the curb, and scrambled in, excited to begin the evening.

Dinner took place at an exclusive French restaurant with melt-in-your-mouth everything in a private dining area. Then they were taken to the same club Anna and Cameron had gone to the previous week.

As they walked inside, Anna wondered if Mr. J would be there. She glanced over at the private area he’d been in before and her heart leaped when she saw that the curtains were closed, allowing only a hint of silhouettes behind. Was he here?

Cameron nudged her and nodded to the side of the archway where Simon stood, hands clasped together in front of his hips. He smiled and gave a deep nod when they made eye contact, and then disappeared into the curtains.

“He’s here!” She grinned at Cameron as butterflies filled her stomach.

Anna didn’t know if she should behave herself or give him something to watch, but smiled when they sat down at their reserved table, knowing he had a perfect view of her and her friends.

Drinks were ordered and delivered. Anna glanced in the direction of the curtained room and smiled before she took a sip of her martini. She could almost feel his eyes on her and it gave her shivers.

Hugo pulled her onto the dance floor a while later and slid his hands down her hips. “This is the one place I’m expected to molest you.” He grinned as he ran his thumbs over her hips.

Anna smiled and slid her hands around his neck as they swayed to the music. “Then maybe we should come here more often.”

“Tempting.” He pulled her close and slid his hands lower, to her ass, and her heart pounded.

Was it wrong that she wanted Hugo’s hands on her? It wasn’t like Mr. J was expecting anything other than sex from her. He wouldn’t be jealous, would he? Why else would he send her to a dance club where he’d watched her dance with men the previous week?

She pressed her hips to Hugo’s, and she faintly heard him groan as she leaned her head back so she could smile at Mr. J. Hugo’s fingers trailed down her neck and ran against the edge of her dress. When he skimmed the very edge of her areola, she straightened quickly and stared at him. “Did you mean to do that?”

“Did you like it?” His hands went back to her ass, moving her hips with his.

“Yes,” she said breathlessly, making him grin. She pressed her chest to his and he looked down her dress. “You’re not wearing a bra.” His hand skimmed up her side and brushed the side of her breast.

Anna gasped and closed her eyes. “I can’t with this dress.” Was dancing like this considered indiscreet? Chewing her lip, she pulled back. She had to take into consideration two men’s feelings tonight, and Hugo wasn’t one of them. She gave a small shrug. “I need to use the ladies’ room.”

Hugo’s face fell as she pulled away and hurried toward the other side of the room.

Damn Kurt! Dodging dancing couples, she made her way to the bathroom. The line extended out the door and into the hallway, so she continued down the hallway until she reached an open door that led out to a gated patio. A few club-goers had a similar idea. She walked to the end and gripped the metal railing, looking up at the starless sky.

“Do you know the man you were dancing with?” Simon had walked up silently and stood next to her.

“Yes.”

“You looked like you were having a good time. Why did you walk away?”

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