Page 91 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Kurt grunted as he sat up. “I would rather stay in bed.”

Wilhelm chuckled. “Duties, my son. They are never ending. But at least we have our Anna back.”

Kurt leaned over and kissed Anna. “That is true. The day cannot be bad if she is here.”

Anna blushed and looked down at the bed.

“I will send your clothes in when they come.” Wilhelm turned and disappeared through the doorway.

Anna turned to look at Kurt.

“Shall we shower?” His eyes glinted with mischief and Anna smiled, her heart warming with the idea of being with Kurt again.

“Together?”

“We can save water.” He laughed and pulled her to her feet.

Wilhelm was shrugging on his dress shirt when he heard the knock at the door. He went to open it and saw Ian standing there, holding a large blue suitcase.

“I’ve brought Anna’s things.” He leaned forward, peering into the room.

Ian wanted to see Anna? “She is in the adjoining suite getting ready.” Wilhelm watched the big man’s face. He stepped back and allowed him inside.

The slightest hint of disappointment flashed through his eyes but was gone instantly, and he nodded. “I believe the maid got everything, but if something is missing, let me know.” He put the suitcase down and looked at Wilhelm. “She’s... okay?”

Wilhelm was surprised at the question. This was Devin’s right-hand man. Why would he care about Anna’s well-being? “I would never hurt her.” He lifted his chin. “Neither would Kurt.”

Ian hesitated. “I know.” He gave a grateful smile, which again surprised Wilhelm. “She got pretty banged up yesterday afternoon.”

Wilhelm raised his brow. “Did you have anything to do with it?”

Ian shook his head. “I would only do so if Devin ordered me to.” He spoke intently, as if trying to convey something unspoken. “He usually prefers to do it himself.”

Wilhelm nodded. “I could see that being the case.” Maybe Ian wasn’t the evil monster he’d always assumed him to be.

“She... doesn’t heal like she used to.” Ian shifted on his feet. “She had bruises on her back and arms last night.”

Wilhelm nodded. He’d seen them this morning. “I will make sure she is alright and keep her by my side. No harm will come to her while she is with myself or Kurt.”

Ian opened his mouth, as if to speak, but clamped his lips together and nodded with a grateful look on his face.

Anna walked into the room and smiled when she saw the visitor. “Thank you, Ian.”

Ian searched her face for something, and then he smiled. “You’re welcome, Mistress.” He glanced at Wilhelm and then back to Anna with a tenderness Wilhelm had never seen in the man’s face. He looked back at Wilhelm. “If you need anything...” He nodded and left the room.

“Did you get your—‍” Kurt walked into the room. “Ah, good.” He pulled her suitcase into his room and Anna followed.

She glanced back at Wilhelm. “He’s not a bad man, Wilhelm.” She motioned to the door. “He has to do what Devin tells him to do.”

Wilhelm nodded and she disappeared into the other room. He stood for a moment, thoughtful. Ian’s care for Anna surprised him. Wilhelm tucked the information into the corner of his mind to think about another time. Perhaps it would prove useful later.

Anna leaned against Kurt as they rode down in the elevator to the main floor. A chill ran down her back, but she shook her head. There was nothing to be frightened of or concerned about. She was with Wilhelm and Kurt. All was right in the world... for the moment. She refused to think about anything beyond her time with them.

Wilhelm stood on her other side, occasionally reaching out and touch her, as if to assure himself that she was really there. She liked the assurance that he was there as well.

They walked into the ballroom they’d eaten dinner in the previous night. The tables were back in place and most of them had at least a few men sitting at them, eating breakfast. A few of the other Elder-Mistresses were there as well, dressed in pale-colored dresses that made them look elegant and aloof. Anna glanced down at her black dress, wondering if she’d dressed appropriately.

Wilhelm ran a gentle hand over her hair. “Anna, you are not like them and that is perfectly fine. You look beautiful.”

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