“Okay,” she sniffed.
“I’ll keep my evenings free so we have time together. I’ll try and get the work done during the day while you’re gone.”
Anna nodded, feeling miserable.
“You can call Vati anytime you need to. I’ll speak to Aaron and let him know to keep you company. If you want, he can stay here with you. Or Jenna.”
“I don’t want anyone except you,” Anna said softly.
“I know, Schatzi. But I’d feel better if someone was here with you.”
“Whatever you’d like, Alex. I can’t really think right now.” Her mind felt like a jumbled mess of goo and she couldn’t think straight.
Alex held her tightly until dinner was ready. She didn’t eat much, even though Alex encouraged her. When he mentioned the baby, she gave in and tried to eat.
Greg and Jason arrived later that evening. Alex got them settled in and then he took Anna to bed and held her until she fell asleep.
*****
To Anna’s misery, the week went too quickly. Devin insisted on her attending the Friday Gathering. They spent time with Jamie on Saturday morning.
Devin said he was very pleased with how Jamie had been trained. She would do anything for them now. Anything. And she would get immense pleasure from it. Devin handed Jamie a wire brush and told her to fuck herself with it. She did it eagerly and bled profusely as she cried out in pleasure.
*****
Sunday night, after they made love, Anna lay in Alex’s arms. Suddenly, an unexpected, overwhelming feeling of dread came over her that brought tears to her eyes. She turned over and looked intently into Alex’s face.
“I don't want you to go.”
Alex gave her an understanding look. “Schatzi, I know. I don't want to go either. But I have to.”
She shook her head. “No,” she said softly. “I have a really bad feeling about it.” Tears came to her eyes. “Please don't leave me.”
Tears welled up in Alex’s eyes. “Schatzi...I...I can’t not go. I can get into a tremendous amount of trouble if I don't.”
Her eyes widened. “You’d get punished?”
Alex nodded. “A disobedient assassin is of no use to the Brotherhood.”
“You mean they’d....” She didn’t want to finish the sentence.
“I would definitely not be here next week if I don’t go.”
She swallowed and tried to push away the sickening feeling in her stomach. “I need you, Alex,” she whispered. “I need you to come home to me.”
“I need to come home to you too, Anna.” He wrapped a lock of her hair around his fingers. “I won't abandon you.”
She clung desperately to him as she fell asleep, and her sleep was troubled with dreams of Alex being taken from her.
*****
Aaron kept a very close eye on Anna Monday and Tuesday during rehearsals. She was distracted when she danced and anytime there was a lull in the dancing, she just stood silently and stared at the ground. More than once, he had to get her attention to begin the dance.
Aaron was thankful Isaak was sympathetic and let it slide. He knew Alex was leaving in the morning and she was having a hard time coping. Some of the other dancers mumbled behind her back, but Aaron was firm in defending her. They had no idea what she was going through.
Aaron followed her home Tuesday after class. He was going to stay the night at their house so that she was not alone when Alex left early the next morning. He had promised Alex he would watch out for her, and Aaron would keep his promise, no matter what.
Anna stayed quiet all afternoon and evening, holding Alex’s hand and not leaving his side for a moment. Her eyes were full of fear and Aaron’s heart went out to her.
Alex hadn’t told him what he was doing, but he knew that he did special things for the Brotherhood. He’d never wanted to know more. But from Anna’s reaction to his leaving, it didn’t seem very safe. A simple business trip would make Anna miss him terribly, but she seemed fearful that he wouldn’t return.
Alex had told him that he was to comfort Anna in any way he could. If she needed someone to make love to her, then he wanted Aaron to be the one to do it.
Aaron didn’t know if he could handle being that intimate with Anna again, knowing Alex would be returning and he would once again be separated from her. But he loved Anna and would do as Alex asked. She obviously couldn’t drink her way out of misery. Sex would help. It had helped her cope with Ben’s death.
Alex especially told him to be aware of Anna when she returned on Monday. She would return sometime Monday afternoon, and Alex wanted to make sure someone was here when she got home. Aaron had spoken to Isaak and took that day off so he could be at the house when she arrived home.
Aaron felt out of place at dinner. All of the guys gathered around the table were big guys, like Alex and Seth and Tony. He had met Erich and Greg, but none of the other guys. They all looked like they were in the military. Anna’s fears began to make sense if they were doing some sort of military operation. He’d never suspected Alex was involved in something like that, but now that he thought about it, it made sense.
Chapter Fifty
Alex lay in the darkness trying to sleep. He needed to sleep, but couldn’t. Anna had cried herself to sleep an hour earlier after a long lovemaking session.
He had spent an incredible amount of time making love to her. He wanted to memorize every part of her to take with him. He wanted to leave her with happy memories to keep with her while he was gone. He wanted her to know she was loved.
He had wracked his brain to death this last week, trying to figure out a way to get out of his mission, but there was no out. He had to go. He had to leave Anna behind. He kept telling himself it was only a week, but it didn’t soothe the ache in his heart every time he looked into her sad eyes.
She was trying so hard to be brave for him, which made him feel even worse. Fuck, there was nothing that would take away his guilt for leaving. Maybe it was time to retire. But retirement wasn’t easy. Not until his father died, and he was in no hurry to say goodbye to Vati. Alex wasn’t ready to be an Elder yet.
“Alex.”
Alex jumped at the whisper. Seth stood over him. He looked at his watch. It was three-thirty. “Fuck, why didn’t you wake me earlier?” They were supposed to wake him at two-thirty so they could pack up the SUVs.
“Relax, Alex. We loaded up already. We wanted to let you sleep and have more time with Anna.”
Alex relaxed and his heart warmed. “Thanks, Seth.”
“Take your time getting up. Everything’s ready. All you need to do is take care of Anna.”
Gratitude filled him as Seth left the room. He had such a great team of men.
He looked at Anna sleeping peacefully next to him. Her face was fuller than it was when they married. He ran his hand over her expanding belly and was overcome with emotion. His eyes filled with tears as he thought about their future together.
She was happy and healthy and safe. The baby was healthy. He couldn’t ask for anything else. The baby would be born at the end of the summer, near his birthday in August. He couldn’t wait to hold the tiny bundle in his arms.
He debated if he should dress first and then wake her or wake her before he got up. He didn’t want to leave her presence any sooner than he had to. He leaned over to kiss her and whispered her name.
*****
Anna slowly opened her eyes in the darkness. It took her a moment to remember why Alex was waking her this early in the morning. When she remembered, sadness enveloped her heart.
“You have to get up?” she whispered.
Alex nodded. “The SUVs are packed though. The guys took care of it already.”
Anna smiled as her heart warmed. “They’re good guys.”
“Ja, they are.” He leaned over and kissed her. “I need to get dressed.”
“Can I come?”
Alex chuckled. “Of course.”
Anna followed Alex into the dressing room and clo
set area. She dressed in a t-shirt and sweats while Alex dressed in black BDU pants and t-shirt and boots.
“You look very sexy in that,” she said.
“Do I?” He grinned and turned so she could see all sides of him.
“Oh, yes,” she giggled.
He walked up and put his arms around her. “Oh, Schatzi, I’m going to miss you terribly.”
“Me too,” she whispered. She tried to ignore the dread in her heart as he held her.
They walked downstairs to where the guys were hanging out in the great room. She looked at each of them, knowing and caring for each one of them.
Aaron sat on the edge of one of the couches near Seth. He looked up when she and Alex entered the room and gave her a smile. She was thankful he was here and that she wouldn’t be left in an empty house.
Frau Gersten had laid out drinks and breakfast pastries, which were being eaten. She, of course, would still be here, but Anna didn’t have much of a relationship with her. She was always very polite and respectful, but not especially warm.
Alex held her close as he ate and chatted quietly with Sebastian and Erich. Anna leaned her head on his chest, but didn’t eat. She wasn’t hungry. She just wanted to be with Alex.
Alex ran his hands over her belly. He did that a lot. She loved that he had embraced the baby whole-heartedly.
The dread in her heart continued to grow as time passed and too soon it was time for them to leave. She walked with Alex to the entryway, hugged each of the men, and then returned to Alex.
“I love you, Anna,” Alex said holding her tight against his chest. “I will be with you in your heart while I am gone.” He cradled her cheek and looked her in the eye. “I will return to you, Schatzi.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded. “You better,” she said in a cracked whisper.
He smiled as tears filled his eyes. “You’ve made me the happiest man, Anna. I am so proud to be your husband.”
Anna’s smile wavered with her tears. “I love you so much.”
Alex kissed her hard and held her so tight she could hardly breathe.
He pulled slowly away, his lips lingering on hers. She took his hands and kissed both his rings.
“Ich liebe dich,” she said in halting German. She hoped she hadn’t butchered the words.
“Oh, Anna,” he said in a broken voice. “I love you, too. So much.” His eyes showed how thrilled he was at her attempt at his native language. He sighed and looked into her face for a long moment. “I must go.”
Anna nodded, trying not to cry more than she already was. She walked with Alex to the door. The other guys had already gone outside.
Alex hugged her one last time and then stepped away. “I will see you soon, mein Schatzi.”
Anna gave him a brave smile and a small nod. He gave her one last loving look and then walked outside, closing the door behind him.
She stepped to the window and watched as he got into the front seat of the first SUV. He looked back and waved at her. She waved back and the vehicles disappeared around the curved road a moment later.
She stood there for a moment, staring out the window at the empty spots on the street. Aaron came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.
A sob escaped her throat and she fell to her knees. Aaron knelt behind her and hugged her as she cried. When the tears had subsided enough for her to be able to walk, he took her up to her bedroom and held her until she fell asleep.
*****
Aaron once again watched Anna closely during class. She was quiet, but seemed determined to dance as well as she could. She was more focused today than she had been yesterday. Maybe staying busy would help her not miss Alex so much.
Most of the other dancers were extra nice to her. They liked Anna. She was sweet and kind.
Travis, Jenna and Aaron took her out to lunch. She was quiet, but not overly upset. Aaron admired her composure.
Chapter Fifty-One
Anna ate her lunch for the sake of the baby. She wasn’t hungry in the least. But the baby needed food. So she ate.
Her heart ached for Alex. He’d been gone less than twelve hours and it hurt so badly, knowing that he wouldn’t be there when she got home tonight. Their home. The beautiful home that Alex had bought her.
Aaron had offered to stay with her tonight and she accepted. Her dreams had been troubled lately and she was afraid of sleeping alone. She had terrible dreams of things happening to Alex. What scared her most was that her dreams were sometimes real and the thought of anything happening to Alex terrified her. What would she do if something happened...?
No. It didn’t do any good for her to worry about that. He would come home to her. He promised. She rested in his promise.
Her phone ringing interrupted her thoughts. It was Devin’s ring.
“Hello, Devin.”
“Hello, Baby. How are you doing?”
“Okay.”
“Did Alex leave?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry he was called away, Anna. I can imagine how difficult it is for you.”
“Thank you, Devin,” she said in a quiet voice, trying not to cry.
“I am having dinner with the Elders at the hotel tomorrow night. I need you to be there. We’ll drive up to Santa Rosa Friday morning.”
“Okay,” Anna said meekly. “What time do you want me at the hotel?”
“Five.”
She would have to leave rehearsal early. “All right. May I change at the hotel after rehearsal?”
“Of course. I’ll be at the hotel around two. Tommy and Tyler are in town as well.”
“All right,” she said softly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She put the phone down on the table next to her and looked up at her friends with a small smile. Tommy’s presence would certainly help her feel better.
*****
Anna rode the bus up to the hotel after leaving rehearsal early. Isaak hadn’t been happy about it, but knew better than to question Devin. She’d ridden to the studio with Aaron that morning.
She fiddled with her wedding rings as she waited for her stop. She’d left her engagement ring at home, thinking maybe Devin wouldn’t mind just the wedding bands. She hoped he wouldn’t make her take them off. She felt connected to Alex with them on.
The bus stopped in front of the hotel and she wheeled her small suitcase into the hotel lobby and to the elevators. Devin had texted her the hotel room number and she went straight up to the suite.
She knocked on the door and Devin answered a few moments later. He greeted her with a deep kiss and led her inside.
Tom Pendleton sat on the couch, sipping a drink. He smiled when he saw her and stood to greet her. “Hello, Anna. How are you?”
“Good, thank you,” she replied. “You?”
“Much better now that you’re here.”
Anna giggled, which made him grin. “Tommy will be happy to see you.”
Anna blushed. “I’m looking forward to seeing him as well.”
“Anna,” Devin said. “Why don’t you shower and get ready for dinner?”
“Excuse me,” she said to Tom, and turned and followed Devin into the bedroom.
“You have something sexy to wear tonight?” Devin asked as he showed her the bathroom.
Anna nodded and pulled out a purple empire waist dress that was short and low cut. It hid her belly without making her look too pregnant.
“Good. Hurry and get ready. Dinner is at six-thirty.”
Anna showered quickly, styled her hair and did her makeup in record time. She smiled, remembering how long it used to take her to get ready.
“Anna!” Tommy exclaimed as she walked back out to the living room, jumping up and walking quickly to her. He embraced her tightly and kissed her passionately.
Anna gazed shyly into his excited blue eyes. “Hi, Tommy.”
“God, you look incredible, Anna.” He glanced down at her cleavage. “Really incredible.”
Anna bl
ushed. “Thank you.”
“Did Devin make you get a boob job?” he asked quietly.
“I...uh.” Devin had apparently not told him she was pregnant. She glanced at Devin, who smiled and nodded. She looked back at Tommy. “No. I’m...pregnant.”
Tommy’s jaw dropped open. “How...? But I thought....”
Anna shrugged. “I’ve been told it happens sometimes.”
She looked past Tommy to Devin, who was watching them. Something in his eyes made her nervous and she quickly looked back at Tommy. She wondered if she should mention that she got married as well, but decided she should ask Devin first.
“Hey, Anna.” Tyler walked up and grinned at her.
“Hello, Tyler,” she said nervously. When he had been home at Christmas, he had roughed her up and she was a little afraid of him now.
He looked boldly at her breasts and grinned. “Fuck, you do look good, Anna.” He reached out and trailed his finger along the edge of her dress. “Very nice.”
She swallowed and gave him a timid smile.
Devin walked up and took her hand. “Time for dinner.”
*****
The Elders and their Sons met downstairs in the restaurant. They ate their long, succulent meal in a private room. More than one of the younger men came up to Anna and caressed her breasts. But they weren’t hurting her, so she really couldn’t protest that much. If at all. She just had gotten used to being treated a certain way and was uncomfortable with men other than Devin or Alex touching her.
After dinner, Devin took her back to their room.
“Undress, Anna,” he commanded.
Anna did as she was told and then stood in front of Devin. He looked her over. He ran his hands over her breasts and belly and smiled. “Beautiful,” he murmured. “Undress me.”
Anna unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders, then removed the rest of his clothing. She couldn’t help the twinge of sadness, wishing she were with Alex instead of Devin.
She saw a flash of anger in Devin’s eyes and he grabbed her wrists, holding them tightly.
She winced. “Ow,” she whimpered. “Devin you’re hurting me.”
The Life of Anna, Part 3: Embraced Page 28
