Chapter 151

Aaron had watched the interaction between Alex and Jasmine with narrowed eyes. Did Alex know what Kurt had done with that woman? Anna wasn’t paying any attention and didn’t see Jasmine’s arm move in such a way that Aaron was pretty sure she was stroking Alex’s leg. Alex removed it quickly and shook his head. Aaron was glad, otherwise, he would have gone over and punched Alex in the face.

But when he kept talking to her, it began to bug him. Alex was a smart guy, but he’d been out of the game for a long time and Jasmine was manipulative. Anna finally noticed them talking, and when Jasmine grabbed Alex’s hand, she gave a soft, strangled cry and pushed away from the table so hard her chair fell backward.

Alex had not flirted at all, but Anna didn’t know that. All she saw was Jasmine touching him.

Alex cursed and went after her, leaving a bewildered Jasmine behind.

She caught Aaron’s eye and raised her brows. “She’s manipulated him already?”

“You’re such a fucking bitch, Jasmine,” he growled and turned to see Alex had caught Anna halfway to the front door, grabbing her around the waist from behind. He pulled her hard against him and spoke into her ear.

Anna shook her head and Aaron could see tears streaming down her face. She struggled to get away, though Aaron was pleased to see, not as hard as she could.

“I thought he was going to give her space,” Cameron said, watching the couple.

“He won’t let her get away thinking he’s interested in Jasmine. She doesn’t need to be worrying about that.”

The incident had gained the attention of everyone else at the table. Those that knew who they were to each other smiled. Those that didn’t were as bewildered as Jasmine.

“Anna, what I said at the table is true. I love you. More than anything else in the world. I have no desire for anyone except you.”

Alex’s hot breath tickled Anna’s ear as she tried half-heartedly to escape. Being held against him felt good... so good... and so right.

“You were holding her hand,” she whimpered.

“She was trying to convince me to sleep with her. I said no, several times.” He loosened his grip and he turned her around to face him. “Kurt slept with her, didn’t he?”

Anna nodded.

Alex frowned. “I didn’t know that until she told me, otherwise I would have avoided her. And I will be having words with my brother about it tomorrow.”

“Kurt’s coming tomorrow?”

He nodded. “And Vati. They’re traveling back from Chicago.”

“Oh.” She stared at Alex’s broad chest beneath his blue dress shirt. It was a similar blue to the one he wore the day after the bonding ceremony. The one that made his eyes glow.

“Anna, Schatzi ...” He cupped her chin and lifted her face to his. “I will back off if you want me to, but...” He smiled. “I don’t think you want me to.”

She blinked away the tears, his face coming into focus, and gazed into the eyes of her husband. Her husband, whom she thought was long dead. Who was alive. “I don’t know you anymore...”

“I’m not saying we should go home and force our relationship to work. Just... give me a chance. Spend time with me. Let me share what happened, and you tell me about what you’ve been doing. I know you’re a different girl than the one I married, Anna. I’m very proud of the woman you’ve become.” He gave her a heart-melting smile. “You’ve become the strong woman I always knew you were, and I am proud to call you my wife. But we can take things as slowly as you need to.”

He cradled her face and wiped away her tears with his thumbs. “I love you, Anna. With everything that I am, I love you. I will make sure Devin pays for everything he did to you. And it will happen very soon.”

She knew he was telling the truth, but it didn’t take away her fears.

“I know you’re scared, Schatzi . I promised myself I would give you space, not pressure you, not—?” He ran his thumb over her lower lip. “Not to kiss you.” His voice was hoarse. “Tell me, and I will stop.” She searched his eyes as he lowered his face to hers. “Tell me to stop...”

Their lips were a scant centimeter apart.

She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.

Aaron cheered as several dancers gasped when Alex kissed Anna. He glanced at Jasmine, who would have been shooting daggers at Anna if looks could kill.

“That fucking liar,” Jasmine snarled.

“Who?” Aaron chuckled, amused at her anger.

“Alex. He said he was going to wait for his wife, and then he goes running after that cunt?”

“I would watch what you call Katrina, Jasmine,” Hugo said in a dry voice. “ She is Alex’s wife.”

Jasmine’s eyes widened. “You knew? You were dating another man’s wife?”

“I didn’t know until this morning that he was still alive. She didn’t know until Saturday.”

“And, yes, Jasmine,” Aaron said. “That is Kurt’s older brother. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from Kurt. You don’t want Alex angry at you. Trust me.”

Jasmine’s eyes narrowed and then she flashed a wicked grin. “Maybe I should just call Devin.”

Stef gasped and the table fell silent. Seth, Tony, and Greg jumped to their feet and surrounded her, menacing looks on their faces.

Seth casually lowered himself to his knees until he was inches from her face. “I’m not one to hurt women, but if you even so much as look up Devin’s number, I will slit your throat.”

Aaron had never seen the guys so aggressive. Seth, a normally very easygoing guy, was truly terrifying, and his voice held no hint of bluff.

Jasmine frowned, though her jaw trembled the tiniest bit. “What the hell is so special about her?”

Alex returned at that moment, an arm around Anna’s shoulders, and raised his eyebrows. “What’s going on?”

Alex slowed his steps when he saw Greg, Seth, and Tony surrounding Jasmine, looking furious.

Greg answered in German. “She threatened to contact Devin.”

A flash of anger scorched through Alex’s veins, but he sucked in a long breath to keep from doing anything he’d regret.

Tony grinned. “Seth told her he’d slit her throat.”

Alex smiled at Seth, appreciating his protectiveness. He hardened his expression and glared at Jasmine.

She cowered as her gaze skipped between the three men around her.

“I don’t take threats against my wife lightly.” He pulled Anna closer to him. He hated catty women. It was sad, really. Jasmine was a very talented dancer and a pretty woman.

He kissed Anna’s head. “Anna, stay here with Aaron for me, alright? I’ll see you in the morning.”

She gaped at him. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to deal with Jasmine.” Her eyes widened, and her fear swept through his heart. “Anna, she’s threatened you. I won’t allow her to do that.”

“What did she do?”

“She threatened to call Devin.”

Anna gasped and looked at Jasmine, eyes filling with tears. “Why would you do that?”

Anna’s disbelief only fueled Alex’s determination to prevent Jasmine from speaking to Devin. He tried to guide Anna back to her seat, but she turned and glared at him.

“You can’t seriously think I’m okay with you going anywhere alone with her.”

“I’m not going alone. My men will be there.”

Her eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms. Alex’s brows raised at this new, defiant Anna. It was sexy and he grinned, which made her frown deeper. He stopped smiling, though his heart still pounded with desire for her. That lower lip sticking out like that...

He shook his head and gave her a firm look. “Anna, I don’t want you to see what happens.”

Her brows arched. “What are you going to do? Sleep with her?”

“What? No, of course not.” He glanced over and saw Aaron watching him, an amused look on his face.

“I warned you she was stubborn.”

“Anna, please trust me...” He trailed off when her brows raised even higher. Okay, that probably wasn’t the best choice of words, but she didn’t need to see him reprogramming Jasmine’s mind. At least, that was his plan—if Sebastian would help. Since he wasn’t an Elder yet, he couldn’t do a lot of things without Sebastian’s help. If Sebastian refused, he would just wait until Vati arrived tomorrow. His father would take care of it.

He looked around, realizing that they were being watched. After having just kissed Anna, it probably wasn’t a good idea to go off with Jasmine, even if he had absolutely no intention of doing anything except removing a threat.

He ran his hands through his hair and sighed. Anna watched him with defiant expectation in her eyes. He liked this new Anna, but was careful to keep his face impassive. “Alright. Fine. Do you want dessert first?”

Anna stared up at Alex in surprise. He’d given in to her? She lifted her chin. Well, good. He should have. There was no way in hell she was letting Jasmine near him alone.

“Anna, do you want dessert?”

She had been looking forward to dessert, but had lost her appetite when she’d seen Jasmine touching Alex. “I guess so.”

Alex grinned at her and then spoke to his men in German. Seth leaned down to speak quietly to Jasmine and her eyes widened. He helped her to her feet and they walked away, Greg and Tony behind them. When they had gone, Alex took Anna to Jasmine’s place and sat down.

“What was that about?” Rachel asked.

Alex’s face turned firm. “She threatened Anna—er, Katrina. I won’t stand for that.”

Rachel’s eyes widened, and then she shook her head. “I figured her apology was full of shit.” She smiled and looked between Anna and Alex. “So, you two are really married?”

Alex glanced at Anna. “Is it okay if they know?”

“It’s a little late for that.” Her heart swelled with affection for him. “It’s not... dangerous, is it?”

Alex shook his head. “Sebastian has reinforced Tom’s protections, and I can protect you.” His eyes grew firm. “I will protect you.” He looked at Rachel. “ Ja , this is my wife.” He put his arm back around Anna’s shoulders. “I went on a business trip and there was an accident. She was told I was dead.”

“But you’ve been here for a few months, though,” Rachel asked. “Haven’t you?”

Alex nodded. “And I had my reasons for doing what I did, which I am not at liberty to discuss. But I have spoken to Anna about them.” He kissed Anna’s temple. “We will work through those issues.”

“So, should we start calling you Anna now?” Rachel asked with a smile.

Anna shook her head. “At least, I don’t think so.”

Alex shook his head. “Please continue to call her Katrina. I will try to remember as well.”

Dessert arrived and the conversation moved on to other subjects. Anna glanced at Hugo, who gave her a sad smile. Her heart ached for him, but she couldn’t deny that she felt like she was where she was supposed to be. With Alex.

To everyone’s surprise, Alex insisted on paying the massive dinner bill. “I am so happy that Anna has good friends around her. It is the least I can do.”

“You gonna throw some parties?” Aaron leaned back in his chair and grinned.

Alex grinned. “Maybe, but not like our old ones.” He looked at Anna. “Perhaps a wedding reception? We never got to have ours.”

“That’s true.” They had started planning it before Alex’s disappearance, but they never had the opportunity to actually celebrate...

Alex took Anna’s hand and helped her to her feet. “ Kommen Sie . Let me show you the home I purchased for us here.” He caressed her cheek. “I don’t expect you to stay with me, but I would love for you to see it.”

Anna’s heart fluttered at his touch. And his understanding. “I’d like that.”

They said their goodbyes and headed toward the exit. Alex had promised Aaron he’d not have her out too late, to which Aaron responded maybe he should.