Page 113 of The Life of Anna, Tenth Anniversary Edition, Act 2

Safe. Warm. Strong arms around her. Happy.

Anna stretched and Hugo jumped behind her. She turned over to face him and gave him an adoring look. “Did I startle you?”

“No... well, maybe.” He grinned. “I’m not used to sharing a bed with someone.” His voice was gravelly and lower than usual.

She ran her hand over his rough cheek. “I’m glad you stayed with me.”

“I have to say, I slept very well.”

“Me, too.”

“How are you feeling?”

Anna thought for a minute. She wiggled a little. “Better.” She had completely healed while she slept.

He moved closer and kissed her softly. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

She felt his erection brush her thigh and bit her lip, looking up into his eyes.

“Sorry. I’m a guy.” He shrugged sheepishly. “It happens.”

Anna smiled. “I know.” She stopped herself from offering to help. It just didn’t seem appropriate.

He kissed her cheek and then stood. “Bathroom.” She watched his back muscles ripple as he stretched while walking across the room.

She stood and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window that looked over the city and the river. It was nice being here. Even with what happened last night, she still felt safe. And every day, she felt more like Katrina and less like Anna. Tonight she would debut as Katrina Engel, the dancer.

Butterflies invaded her stomach as she thought about the upcoming performance: The Firebird . The part was so demanding—in a good way—and Anna was honored that Vincent had entrusted it with her. She loved dancing as the Firebird. It was fun, flittering about the stage like a bird to the music of Stravinsky. Hugo was dancing tonight, too, and she was thankful he would be backstage with her.

She felt his warmth before he put his arms around her. “This is an incredible view,” he murmured, kissing her cheek.

“It is. I like seeing it in the mornings. It reminds me—?” She paused. “It reminds me that I’m not in California. That I’m safe.”

He gave her a little squeeze. “I’m very glad for both of those things.”

She smiled and they stood together, watching the boats in the river.

After a few minutes, he spoke again, his voice low. “Do you want to come to my place tonight?”

Tingles shot through her body at his question. “Yes,” she whispered. “If you want me to.”

“I do.”

Her nipples hardened at the thought of him touching her, kissing her everywhere, and making love to her. She closed her eyes and her breaths came in little bursts.

His hands lifted to her upper arms and he kissed her shoulder. “I should get home so I can get ready for the day.”

“But—?”

“Katrina, I know what you want and I want it too. But I don’t want to just throw you down on your bed and fuck you.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “If I stay, I will. I want to make love to you tonight, slowly, and then fall asleep holding you close.”

Anna nodded, understanding. She gave him a tentative smile. “You’re such a different type of man,” she whispered, moving to her toes and kissing him gently on the lips.

He smiled boyishly. “I try.”

“You succeed.”

Anna walked him to the door. “I’ll see you in a little while,” he said after kissing her goodbye.

After Hugo left, Anna went into the kitchen and ate breakfast. Aaron came out a few minutes later and poured a bowl of cereal. “So, did you?”

“Did I what?”

“Did you guys fuck?”

“Aaron!” She hit arm and then rolled her eyes. “You would know the answer to that. I’m not exactly quiet.”

“I didn’t hear any screaming, so I’m guessing the answer is no.”

“Correct. We’re—I’m going over to his place tonight.” She smiled. “Providing I’m not kidnapped again.”

Aaron shook his head and rolled his eyes. “You shouldn’t even joke about that. You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“Sorry.”

Aaron chuckled. “I know you didn’t do it on purpose and I’m glad you were able to defend yourself, however freaky it may be.”

“I’m just thankful Devin won’t find out I’m here from Jack.”

“So, who was the hot guy you ran off with last night?”

Anna looked up in surprise as Stefanie walked up to her before class. “Hot guy?”

“Yeah, I told Aaron about it and he freaked out.”

Anna swallowed. “That was my guardian.”

Stefanie looked at her doubtfully. “You let your guardian feel you up?”

Anna blinked. “What?”

“I was sitting above you, Katrina. I saw his hand go up your skirt. Does Hugo know?”

Anna looked down at the floor and then she straightened and looked Stefanie in the eye. “Yes, Hugo is aware that my guardian has sexually abused me since I was twelve,” she said coldly.

Stefanie’s dark brown eyes widened and her dark skin went ashen. “Oh. Oh, God, Katrina. I had no idea. Omigod! I’m so sorry.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “How did you—He took you...”

Anna set her jaw and nodded.

“Aaron found you okay? Did your guardian . . .”

“Yes, but I’m okay.” She found herself softening under Stefanie’s remorse. The woman had treated Anna with contempt since she’d arrived. At least she was showing she was human now, and Anna gave her a small smile. “He won’t bother me anymore.”

Stefanie let out a long breath and looked at her nervously. “I thought the worst of you, Katrina. I’m so sorry. Had I not—God, it might not have happened.”

“I’m okay, Stefanie. Really.”

Hugo walked up with a troubled expression on his face. He knew she and Stefanie didn’t get along. “Everything okay?”

Anna nodded and gave Stefanie a kind smile. “Yeah.”

Stefanie glanced up at Hugo and then walked away, hanging her head.

“What happened?” Hugo asked.

Anna told him.

Hugo sighed. “I hope she didn’t go blathering her mouth about it last night.”

Anna had butterflies in her stomach all morning and afternoon, even after the dress rehearsal.

Hugo beamed at her when they were done. “You’ll be the talk of the ballet world after tonight,” he murmured in her ear while Anna waited for Vincent to adjust some scenery.

Anna bit her lip and looked away.

He jumped back and laughed. “Your feathers tickle.”

Anna giggled. Her elaborate, red-feathered headdress was always getting in the way. Dave said he got a mouthful of feathers every time they danced together. Hugo wrinkled his nose and Anna laughed. “Sorry.”

He rolled his eyes and laughed. “Poor Dave.”

Dave was standing a few feet away. “What?”

“I just got a face full of feathers. I know why you make the face now.”

Dave laughed. “I try not to on stage.”

When Vincent was satisfied they were ready for the evening performance, he dismissed them so he could rehearse the other ballets. Anna headed back to her apartment after carefully hanging her costume in her dressing room.

After showering, she lay down on her bed and stared out the window across the room. Her eyes slowly closed and she fell asleep.