Chapter 157

Anna tiptoed into the living room where Alex sat visiting with his father and brother. It really was a beautiful condo, with carved columns and paneled walls. Huge windows overlooked Central Park.

Alex jumped to his feet when he saw her and hurried over to her. “Anna, I’m so?—?”

Anna shook her head. “I’m sorry I left. I was angry, but I know—I understand why things are the way they are. Considering the circumstances, I couldn’t ask for—or expect—things to be more than they are. I belong with you. I know this, and I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

Alex’s eyes grew wet. “I know the truth was difficult, but I didn’t want to lie.”

“I know.” Anna reached up on tiptoe to kiss him. He still had to bend over for her lips to reach his, but she didn’t think he minded.

A throat cleared behind Alex and he pulled away. “I think someone wants to say hello,” he said softly.

“Your dad?”

Alex nodded and straightened. He took her hand and led her the rest of the way into the room. Wilhelm and Kurt sat on either end of a long couch and stood when they saw her.

Anna twisted her wedding rings and bit her lip as she looked between the two men who had both loved and hurt her for so long. They cared for her long before she’d married Alex. Oh, how long ago all that was. How different she was. How different they were.

Kurt had let his hair grow out, like he’d worn it when she’d met him. His goatee was scruffier than it had been, though fashionably so. He still had some of the seriousness he’d gained over the last few years, but seemed to be relaxing a bit. He shifted on his feet as he looked at her.

Wilhelm was as debonair and noble as ever, though he had aged as well. The aura of sadness that she’d grown accustomed to seeing him with had disappeared. She supposed Alex’s “return from the dead” had lifted that burden.

“Hello.” She clung to Alex’s hand and stepped partially behind him.

Wilhelm’s face broke into an affectionate smile. “Hello, Liebling .”

He opened his arms and Anna glanced up at Alex, who nodded. Anna slowly walked across the room, but once she was in his arms, she relaxed, inhaling his scent and warmth. He stroked her hair gently and kissed the top of her head.

He released her after a few minutes, turning her toward Kurt.

She gazed up into his sad eyes. “Why?” she whispered. It was all she could bring herself to say without erupting in tears.

He shook his head, his brows drawn together as if in pain. “I can never apologize enough for hurting you the way I did, Anna. I—?” He cleared his throat and glanced at Alex. “I was so angry that I was losing you again, and I took it out on you. I am so sorry.” His brow twitched and his jaw clenched, but not before she saw it tremble for a moment. “I am so sorry,” he repeated in a whisper.

Tears spilled over onto Anna’s cheeks and she went to him, wrapping her arms around him. He held her so tightly she couldn’t move away, even if she wanted to.

Alex’s jaw muscles twitched at the sight of Anna and Kurt embracing. He knew Kurt cared for her, but didn’t realize how much until this moment. And watching Anna cling to him didn’t make him feel any better.

His head told him that he shouldn’t be surprised. She’d spent far more time with Kurt than she had with himself.

Alex’s heart shredded. Anna had loved Kurt. Did she still? If it weren’t for Devin’s interference, they would be married and Alex would be out of the picture. It was the only thing Alex would ever thank Devin for.

Alex watched for a moment and then turned away. He walked into the library and poured himself a drink. Maybe he shouldn’t have had Kurt come. Maybe he should have told Vati and Kurt to go home after the funeral was over.

He walked to the window that overlooked Central Park and stared out at the orange lights that dotted the huge rectangle. Was it possible he was jealous of his little brother? He’d never felt such a thing before. Kurt was always popular with the women, but given the choice, the woman would always choose Alex over Kurt. More than once, he’d taken advantage of that fact.

Kurt’s anger made more sense now. A lot more sense. Alex would feel the same way if he were in his brother’s shoes. Hell, Kurt had divorced Gretchen so he could marry Anna. Not that the divorce was necessarily a bad thing. It rid the family of a terrible blight.

Footsteps behind him made him turn.

“He loves her, doesn’t he, Vati?”

“Yes, son. He does.”

Alex sighed and turned back to the window. “I realize there is one thing I can thank Devin for.”

“Oh?”

“For interfering and not letting them get married.”

Wilhelm chuckled softly. “Yes, I suppose you could.”

“If they had gotten married... I would have lost her, right?”

His father sighed. “Yes. Although I could have forced a divorce. Or just declared the marriage annulled. I’m glad it didn’t come to that.”

Alex took a long sip of his brandy. Me too.

Anna gave Kurt a sad smile as they sat on the couch. “I’m sorry you’re hurting Kurt. It’s the last thing in the world I want for you.”

Kurt grimaced. “I love my brother, but sometimes I wish he had not returned.”

She understood. Although she belonged with Alex, she couldn’t help but miss Kurt. Kurt, Hugo, Peter... all men that she had spent so much time with. Men she had fallen in love with while Alex was gone. Was it wrong for her heart to ache for them?

Suddenly, Kurt grinned and his eyes glinted with that old mischief. “You know, Alex and I used to share women...”

Anna giggled. “I don’t think he’d be keen on sharing me anymore, though we did talk about it before he... disappeared.” She took his hand. “You’ll make a wonderful husband for a good German wife.”

He grimaced. “I think I have slept with all the women in Frankfurt.”

Anna laughed. “So you can’t marry them?”

“None were interesting enough to call again.” He shrugged. “Guess I will have to look around here.”

Anna rolled her eyes but was glad to see the old Kurt emerging.

Kurt leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “If Alex ever hurts you, let me know. I can almost keep up with him in a fight now.”

Anna laughed and looked up to see Alex frowning at them. She sobered immediately. Kurt saw her looking and turned around.

“Do not worry, big brother. I will not try to steal her away.”

“ Gut .” Alex sat down heavily on the couch with a drink in his hand. He gave her a pointed look, and she quickly moved to sit next to him.

He pulled her close and a tremor of fear shook her body. Was he jealous? Would he lash out at her? Would he lose his temper with her, as he’d done the night she discovered he was still alive? Verbal barbs from him were almost as painful as Devin’s cat-o’-nine-tails.

Later, as Anna was getting ready for bed, Alex walked into the closet, an apologetic expression on his face. She clutched her top to her chest, covering her breasts, more out of habit than anything else.

“I’m sorry I was acting jealous,” he said softly. “I scared you, didn’t I?”

She nodded.

“I don’t recall ever being jealous of my brother before. I’ve always had confidence, never doubting my place in the world. But after being gone for so long...” He shook his head. “I’m having trouble figuring out where I fit in. Everyone’s moved on, which they should have. But it leaves me a little lost.”

Anna’s heart went out to him. Confidence had always been such a part of him, and to hear his struggle broke her heart. She let her top fall to the floor and stepped closer, taking his hand. “I know exactly where you fit.” She gently pulled at his hand and led him out of the closet and to their bed.