Page 302 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“They’re not cold, they’re just above emotions.” Sebastian stopped in front of him. “She was born of love between her parents. She was raised, at least for the first few years, in a home of love. Even Jack and Devin loved on her when she was younger. That is why she’s able to feel things other women like her could only dream of. That’s what makes her so powerful. That’s what makes her so vulnerable.”

Rage oozed through Alex’s veins like molten lava. A slow-burning hatred and abhorrence of the abomination that was Devin Andersen. No pain—no punishment—would ever make up for what that man had done to Anna. But he would pay. Alex would personally oversee it. Death was too kind for someone like him.

Sebastian put his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Alex, calm down. You will have your opportunity to deal with Devin.”

Alex clenched his fists. “And I will savor every moment.”

Chapter 150

“Hey, Anna, you want to come out to dinner with us?” Aaron stood in her bedroom doorway.

Anna sighed, assuming the “us” included Alex. She didn’t want to see him. He made her feel things she didn’t want to feel. Every relationship she’d ever been in had ended in heartbreak. Why would she want to go through that again? Yes, she’d been about ready to try to start things with Hugo, but... Hugo was different. He had nothing to do with The Brotherhood, and Devin didn’t know he existed. “Not really.”

“He’ll leave you alone, if that’s what you’re afraid of.”

Anna’s stomach growled and she clutched her stomach with her arms.

“We’re going to Rinaldi’s,” he added in a sing-song voice.

Anna huffed. Leave it to Aaron to pick her favorite restaurant.

“You have to come. There are too many guys, and I can’t handle them on my own.”

At that, Anna laughed and rolled her eyes. “Okay, fine. But only for you. And because of where we’re going.”

Anna dressed quickly, fixed her hair and makeup, then went out to the living room and was relieved to find only Cameron there, standing in the kitchen with Aaron.

Cameron’s blue eyes sparkled as he walked over to her. “I can’t believe I get to meet Mr. J tonight!”

Anna couldn’t keep herself from smiling at his enthusiasm.

Aaron rolled his eyes. “If you start flirting, I’ll be jealous.”

Cameron grinned and kissed Aaron full on the mouth. “Only as I would flirt with any celebrity.”

“Not encouraging.” He kissed Cameron back as though trying to brand him, and Anna envied their easy relationship.

They took a taxi to the small Italian restaurant across town. After they walked inside, a waiter led them to a large round table in the back where Stef, Jamie, and several other dancers, including Hugo, sat with Alex and his men.

Anna was not happy to see Jasmine had joined them. She was sitting next to, and blatantly flirting with, Alex. The woman had been behaving herself lately, and had even apologized to Anna for the Devin incident. Anna had a feeling it had more to do with fear of losing her position with the company than any remorse on her part, but the other dancers had slowly been allowing her back into the social circle.

After greeting everyone, Anna took a seat between Stef and Aaron. Alex had given her an affectionate smile that made her heart flutter, but she’d quickly pushed the feelings aside.

Aaron introduced Cameron to Alex, and Cameron greeted him wide-eyed and breathless. Aaron looked a little grumpy after that. Alex greeted Cameron with an amused but genuine smile.

“I can’t believe Jasmine!” Stef whispered behind the menu.

Anna glanced over at Alex, who was smiling politely and nodding, but there was no hint of flirting in his face. “She doesn’t know who he is.”

“She flirts with anything with a dick. Aaron, did you warn Alex about her?”

Aaron shook his head. “No, but Alex is a smart guy.”

“Does he know what she did with Kurt?” Stef asked Anna.

Anna shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve barely spoken to him.”

“Why?”

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