Page 8 of The Life of Anna, Tenth Anniversary Edition, Act 2

Anna stood in the shower, immersed in rose-scented body wash, and let out a contented sigh. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt genuinely happy. Perhaps life wasn’t as hopeless as she’d thought.

She liked being with Kurt. He was quieter, more mature, and more thoughtful than he had been before. Devin wouldn’t approve of her having a relationship with him. But then again, maybe it wasn’t Devin’s call. After all, she belonged to Wilhelm just as much as she belonged to Devin.

Everything just felt right with Kurt. Maybe Alex hadn’t really been her soulmate. After all, she’d met Kurt before Alex. Well, if she didn’t count all those dreams she’d had about Alex...

No. Alex was dead. And a monster like Jack. Kurt was alive. And the son of her Master. An Elder-Son. They fit together. She summoned the strength to push away the fear that she was mistaken. Again.

After she’d dressed and they’d eaten dinner, Wilhelm, Kurt, and Anna were driven to the Opera House. Wilhelm doted on her like a father would, and beamed at her and Kurt together.

They walked into the Opera House and found the lobby crowded with patrons eager for the world premiere of a new symphony. Once again, she was drawn to the statue of her parents. Wilhelm spotted a couple he knew, and Kurt walked with Anna over to the statue.

She gazed up at the bronze image of her parents, her heart aching. Seeing her father before her wedding had been so wonderful. Right now, more than anything, she wished he could return and whisk her away from all her troubles. If only she knew how to go to him...

Kurt slipped his arm around her waist and nuzzled her ear. “I am glad you are dancing again.”

Anna sighed. “I’m not sure if I’m glad or not. It’s frustrating when my body won’t do what it’s supposed to.”

“You will get there.” His thumb rubbed against her ribs and she inhaled sharply, surprised to find herself getting aroused. She smiled, remembering him pushing her up against the wall the first time he took her out and Alex getting angry at him.

“Anna? Anna Perkins?”

The unexpected voice from her past sent shivers through her body. She closed her eyes, wishing she was just dreaming, then turned and gave a practiced smile to Zach. He stood with his arm around a pregnant blonde woman. The same woman he’d been with at Devin’s banquet. Ages ago. “Hello, Zach.”

He looked her up and down and grinned. “You look good.” His tone was innocent, but his eyes betrayed his darker thoughts.

“Kunzberg,” Kurt said in a low voice.

“Excuse me?” Zach turned a bright smile to Kurt.

“Her last name is no longer Perkins. It is Kunzberg.” Kurt’s hand tightened on her waist, as if to keep her by his side.

“Ah, yes. I’d heard you’d gotten married, but... I thought you were widowed?” Zach drew his brows together as he looked at Kurt.

“She was married to my brother, Mr. . . .”

“Senator, actually. Senator Zach Vail.” Zach extended his hand and Kurt shook it. “Brother, eh?” Zach grinned. “Nothing like keeping it in the family.”

Anna thought she heard a low growl come from Kurt, but he didn’t respond to Zach’s comment.

Zach turned back to Anna. “Devin said you were doing better in the last few weeks. I’m glad to hear it.” He looked at the woman. “Madison, do you remember Anna? She’s a friend of Devin’s. Anna, this is my wife, Madison.” He gently patted her protruding stomach. “And our little girl.”

The woman smiled brightly at her. “Of course. Anna. From the... CFO event, right? How are you?”

“Fine, thank you.”

Kurt raised his brows. “You are a friend of Devin’s?”

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” He smiled through his words. “You know him?”

“I do. That is how you met Anna?”

Zach nodded. “It is. About... three years ago, I believe. We lived in the same apartment building as well.”

Kurt’s jaw clenched. “I see. Well, if you will excuse us...” Kurt steered Anna away from the couple and back toward Wilhelm. “He hurt you, ja ?”

Anna nodded. “He’s very cruel.”

“Anyone can see that if they look at him for longer than three seconds.” He growled. “I remember Alex mentioning his name. I cannot believe he is in political office.”

“Devin said he’d been grooming him for several years.”

Kurt rolled his eyes. “No wonder your country is the mess that it is. If that is the type of man Devin thinks should be running the country...” He shook his head.

They found Wilhelm and then made their way into the theater. Anna couldn’t hide her smile as they passed by the doors Kurt had pulled her through the last time. She glanced up at Kurt, who watched her with sparkling eyes. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Wilhelm glanced back and gave an approving nod to his son.

Yes, Kurt has definitely changed.

Their seats were in a box slightly to the right of center stage. Anna suppressed a whimper when she saw Zach and his wife taking seats in the box next to their own. Kurt kissed her cheek, took the seat closest to Zach, and put his arm protectively around Anna’s shoulders. She sighed contentedly and leaned against him, ready to enjoy a pleasant evening. Kurt wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

“Anna, do you want to come back to the hotel with us... with... me?” Kurt asked softly as they waited outside for their limo after the performance was over.

Anna looked up into his eyes and smiled. “Yes,” she whispered.

A grin spread across Kurt’s face. “ Gut .”

“You two go on up to the room,” Wilhelm said as they walked into the hotel lobby. “I think I will have a drink at the bar.”

“Wilhelm—?”

Wilhelm shook his head. “ Nein, Liebling , you go with Kurt.”

Anna and Kurt made their way to the elevators. Her heart pounded as they rode upstairs and walked into the suite.

“Did you want something to drink, Engel ?” Kurt asked softly, closing the door behind them.

Anna shook her head. Why was she nervous? She’d slept with hundreds of men. Why was he different? Because he’s different. He’s not “other men.” He’s Kurt.

Kurt took her hand and led her through the hotel suite to a bedroom. He closed the door softly behind him and gave her a tender look. “I do not want you to feel obligated to do anything.”

“I... don’t feel obligated, Kurt. I want to.” She took a deep breath. “I want to be with you.”

Kurt grinned as he stepped forward to take her into his arms and kiss her soundly.