Ernst grabbed a glass of champagne as the waiter sped past him. He needed something to take the edge off after that encounter. How else was he supposed to keep his cool after facing the little temptress that had her claws embedded in Mathias?

'They're quite smitten, aren't they?' asked Karl, who had stuck around after the pair had disappeared.

'It would appear so,' said Ernst before he knocked back the entire glass in one gulp.

'It's unlike Anna to be so enamoured,' Karl continued. 'Mathias must be very special.'

'Must be.'

Enamoured. What an interesting word to use.

It was probably all a ruse; a way to trick Mathias into blindly falling for her. Mathias was usually so keen to these things, and yet for some reason had fallen completely under her spell. What a fool. Though, she had blushed so sweetly at the mere hint of sex. You can't fake that. It had spread from her cheeks all the way to her chest. The heat in her was obscene, and wholly enticing.

'Oh god,' sighed Karl, rolling his eyes as he shot a disdainful look at an approaching figure. 'Good evening, Professor Krause.'

'Good Evening,' said the man, whose hair was overly slicked into place. 'Charles, isn't it? Anna's friend...'

'Karl,' Karl corrected. His tone was biting. That was interesting. This Von Hart seemed at ease with everyone else, wholly unbothered by Mathias' clear jealousy or Ernst's own indifference. Yet his words were practically dripping with acid towards this Krause.

'I was trying to catch up with Anna,' explained Krause. Wasn't everyone? She had quite the fan club. 'I saw her here with you a moment ago.'

'Herr Keller wanted another private tour before the wing was opened,' said Karl. 'I'm sure they'll be back soon.'

Krause stiffened. 'They went alone?'

'That's what private means,' said Karl. 'She'll be back in time for the big announcement. Don't worry.'

'You know about it?' Krause said.

'Anna tells me everything,' bit Karl, his final word overly emphasised.

What did that mean?

'Well then you know, I was very keen to speak to her ahead of it...' continued Krause.

Karl gave an irritable sigh. 'Well then you wait here and I'll go and find them.'

'I can do that.'

'Don't trouble yourself,' said Karl. 'Chat to Herr Werner here. He's not let me get a word in edgeways so far.'

Ernst couldn't help but laugh at the snarky comment, watching Karl push off in the couple's direction.

Irritably, Krause stood beside Ernst, not saying anything.

This man seemed just as jealous of Mathias as Mathias was of any man that even considered approaching Anna.

What was it with this woman? Did her tits spurt wine? Did being buried in her cunt bring eternal youth? She couldn't be that special. She was beautiful, of course. And Mathias was right; she was just Ernst's type. He liked something to grab onto when he fucked; long hair, big hips and thighs, weighty breasts. It was all good.

But there was something in her gaze that wasn't so inviting. It was challenging, daring, a rise to anything that might combat her. Yet still. He couldn't stop thinking about that flush she'd got. That wasn't daring, that was sickly sweet.

'You don't seem like a big Mathias fan,' Ernst said eventually.

Krause regarded him. 'Oh, I'm sure he's a lovely young man.'

'He can be when he wants something,' smirked Ernst. 'And he clearly does with Anna.'

'Yes, indeed,' said Krause bitterly.

'Who are you to her? What's this expedition everyone's going on about?'

'Oh, I was her professor at university. I had a position open up on a dig in Luxor, and I invited Anna as my apprentice.'

'Lucky her.'

'She certainly thinks so,' sighed Krause.

Ernst studied him. This man was hinting at something. It seemed to sit on the edge of his lips, ready to spill at any moment. Perhaps he could coax it from him. 'I get the sense that there is more to it than that.'

'I beg your pardon?' said Krause, slight alarm in his eyes.

'Relax,' laughed Ernst. 'I get it. She's a beautiful woman. One who certainly seems very... grateful for an opportunity.'

Shifting, Krause stepped closer to Ernst. 'She told you?'

Ernst's veins coursed with menace. This was getting interesting. 'Mathias told me how excited she was about her work. And she was very clear about how important it was that she saw you tonight.'

Krause smiled. 'There's the Anna I know.' He fell silent for a brief moment, but Ernst pressed him with his eyes. 'She's a smart girl,' said Krause. 'She made it abundantly plain from the moment I met her how determined she was to get out into the field.'

'A go getter?'

'And then some,' laughed Krause, pulling out a hip flask and taking a long swig. 'She took every opportunity to show me what an asset she'd be to my team.'

Interesting.

Ernst doubted that. He hated to admit it, but Anna was very much an upstanding young woman. He was certain, even from his brief encounter with her, that Anna would never throw herself at any man, much less a weird old creep like Krause.

'I bet that was sight to behold,' Ernst encouraged.

'Isn't any woman when they're bent over a desk?' laughed Krause before he sipped from his booze stash again.

'Most definitely,' agreed Ernst. This was all a blag. Unless she had genuinely reached across a desk for something and the old letch had just ogled her. That seemed likely. This man was definitely a liar. But didn't Ernst owe it to his protégé to hear everything the old git had to say? 'So, what's she like then? In bed I mean.'

Krause sighed wistfully. 'I've been biding my time.'

'I see,' said Ernst making sure to sound disappointed. 'Mathias said the same. Is she holding out on you too?'

Puffing his chest out Krause cleared his throat. 'Oh make no mistake, Anna has shown me her appreciation many times over.'

'Really?'

'Drops to her knees at every opportunity. Spreading her legs is a marvel.' He swigged the hipflask dry. 'So I'm afraid that Mathias is out of luck if he thinks he can win her round. She's far too career focused to get distracted by him.'

This man really was an idiot. It was abundantly clear he had never touched her. A man that had done as he said would look smug not flustered. And if she had slept her way into that position, Ernst was certain Anna was exude guilt at the mention of Krause, not the clear discomfort she displayed. She'd been all too ready to tuck herself under Mathias' wing; hide with him in some far corner of the museum. Krause clearly disgusted her.

Anna definitely had dark desires hidden beneath the surface, and it wasn't just ambition. Shy though she might be, her strength and poise showed someone who was sure of herself. Someone who had a thirst to learn. That's all she needed. Someone to teach her. And that certainly wasn't this gross, ridiculously groomed man stood beside him.

Maybe, it wasn't even Mathias.

His friend wasn't exactly deft in his approach to anything. It was quite clear that he meant to consume Anna, not coax her into a world of carnal pleasure. A woman like her needed a gentle hand. A commanding hand. A man who had done it before and was always willing to teach.

This was an opportunity.

'Poor Mathias,' sighed Ernst. 'I suppose he won't get anywhere with her.'

'Afraid not,' said Krause, slightly relieved.

Mathias would thank Ernst eventually. He was still young; he had a whole life ahead of him to settle down and produce an heir to the Keller fortune. Anna didn't need to be that to him right now.

Besides, there was nothing to stop him going back to her in the future when she had been thoroughly broken in by someone more experienced. He had to do this to save his friend.

Yes. Mathias would thank him.

*

Anna hadn't expected Karl to be waiting out in the corridor for them. He was sat on the floor slumped against the wall, smoking a cigarette and staring at the ceiling.

'What are you doing here?' she hissed.

Karl glanced up, his mouth a firm grin as he got to his feet. 'I think I should be the one asking you two that question.' He tapped his finger to his mouth.

Anna's own hand instantly touched her mouth. Her lipstick. It had been dark in there, she hadn't thought about it. Whipping round, she looked at Mathias.

There was a definite red smudge on his lips, though he didn't seem to mind one bit. He just kept his arm snaked around Anna's waist.

Tutting, Karl pulled out his handkerchief. 'Here. Clean yourselves up.'

Mathias reached over Anna to take it and began to wipe her mouth before she could properly protest.

'I can do that,' she mumbled.

'I thought it better to just wipe it away,' he said in a low, teasing voice. 'So we don't have another accident.'

Blushing, Anna consented to let him wipe it away then tidy his own face. When he was done, she immediately turned to Karl. Mathias' look was too lascivious to concentrate on without getting drowned in it again. 'Why are you here?'

'Bloody Krause was looking for you,' sighed Karl. 'And I figured you wouldn't want him to be the one to come searching for you.'

'He's entirely persistent,' said Mathias, his tone sharp.

'Too persistent if you ask me,' agreed Karl. 'He wants to talk to you about the announcement, Anna. I suggest you get it over and done with so you can enjoy your evening.'

'You don't like him?' Mathias questioned.

Karl seemed to weigh up his answer, Anna's eyes imploring caution. 'He's just a tad simpering. Anna's great and all, but he needs to calm down.'

Mathias' face fell to something completely unreadable. 'We'd best go and find him then.' He stalked ahead, the two best friends bringing up the rear.

'What did you say that for?' Anna said, slapping Karl's arm. 'Can't you see how jealous he gets?'

'Yes,' laughed Karl. 'And Krause needs warding off. Thought it might work better coming from a man. He seems the type.'

'This is ridiculous,' muttered Anna, smoothing out her dress as they walked.

Karl was grinning at her. She knew it without even looking at him.

Glaring, she turned to him. 'What are you smiling at?'

'Did you and he climb to the summit together?' Karl asked.

'The what?'

'Did you hit your peak?' Karl murmured, nudging her with his shoulder.

Flustered, Anna ignored him. Why did these men have to keep referencing things she didn't understand? It was infuriating. She knew she could ask Karl what he meant, but right now, it was too much. She had Krause to deal with.

Anna searched for her date as the pair swept into the great hall again. She already knew where he'd be. Mathias was not a man that liked to share, that much was obvious. And whether it was because of a romantic inclination the other party had or not, Anna was certain that he saw any other male as a challenge to his authority.

Sure enough, he was back with Ernst. And Krause was there too.

Brilliant.

'He really is doing you a favour,' said Karl as they made their way over. 'Krause is a creep.'

'There she is!' exclaimed Krause, cutting through whatever awkward conversation the three men had managed in such a short time. 'Anna, my dear one, where have you been?'

'With me,' cut in Mathias, his arm expectantly winding around Anna as she and Karl entered the group. 'My little cuckoo bird was giving me a lesson on the Greek god of love and sex.'

'Eros,' Anna confirmed, as though that would help.

'One of your favourites, right Anna?' said Karl, trying to help her diffuse the palpable tension... that he started.

'Absolutely,' said Anna, clearing her throat. 'Karl said you wanted to see me, Professor?'

Krause chuckled, his gaze focused solely on Anna. 'So polite all of the time. Anna, we are colleagues, you must call me Gerhart.'

'I'm still adjusting, Gerhart, give me time,' said Anna, though she shuffled closer to Mathias. She couldn't help it. Krause really did make her uneasy. She was all too aware what he was staring right at her cleavage.

And so was Mathias. 'It's a beautiful diamond, isn't it?'

Frowning, Krause finally looked at him. 'I'm sorry?'

'The diamond Anna's wearing,' he said firmly, his voice baiting a challenge. 'You seemed to be staring at it.'

'Yes,' said Krause, adjusting himself. 'It's beautiful.'

'Herr Keller is a generous gift giver,' said Karl, Anna shooting him a look. Seemed as though he was back to creating chaos.

'Tad gouache for you, isn't it Anna?' Krause asked.

'I think it's beautiful,' confirmed Anna, her fingertips touching it lightly. 'It means a lot to me.' Her eyes caught Ernst's. He was watching the situation as though it were the most entertaining piece of theatre in the entire world.

'Lovely.' Krause cleared his throat dismissively. 'Anyway, Anna. I wanted to talk about the announcement.'

'Of course,' said Anna, happy they were at least onto a more stable topic. 'When should we do it?'

'Well I was thinking you might like to introduce it when you do your speech on Nefertiti. Bring me up to the stage so I can talk about your virtues.'

'That's not necessary, Gerhart. I'm sure a small announcement is just fine...'

'Nonsense!' he cut across. 'Anna, you are my shining star! Everyone should know about it.'

'I whole heartedly agree,' said Mathias, much to everyone's surprise. 'Anna, you deserve to be praised.' He took her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles. Slowly. So everyone knew he could take his time in doing so. 'I think it's high time everyone heard just how good you are. I'll certainly be mentioning it in my speech.'

Anna's cheeks heated quickly, her pulse wild in her veins. She knew what he was alluding to, she could see the gleam of menace in his eyes. For the first time, she didn't care. Being publicly claimed by him in this way would certainly show Krause that she wasn't interested in him as anything other than her boss. And besides, maybe she was truly starting to want to be claimed by Mathias in earnest.

'You're making the speech?' Anna managed. 'I thought your grandmother would...'

'Nonsense. It should be me. I'm the one who's ensuring it will be in every paper tomorrow morning.'

'You are?' cut in Krause.

'Of course,' said Mathias, not looking to him and focusing solely on Anna. 'This is an important moment in Berlin's history. It should be properly documented.'

'Thank you, Mathias,' gushed Anna. 'That means so much.'

'As I keep saying, anything for you,' he murmured. He checked his watch. 'It looks like it's almost time for the ribbon cutting. Shall we?'

Sure enough, Alby was rushing over, his mouth in a grin. 'Come along! It's time to show our queen to the world!' Alby began to herald the entire crowd towards the wing, the swarm pulling the small group along with them.

Anna looked up at Mathias. 'Did you actually write a speech?'

'No need. I know what I want to say.' He glanced behind them, noticing how close Krause seemed to be keeping. Practically sweeping Anna off her feet, Mathias doubled his pace and got some much needed distance between them. 'That man is one comment away from having my foot up his arse.'

'Mathias,' Anna sighed, 'please don't cause me trouble. He's my new boss.'

'Something he is using to his advantage. He says he wants you to be his colleague and still speaks to you like you're a wide eyed student.'

'I don't think he's...'

'Anna I have watched his eyes undress you enough for an entire life time. You're astute. You must see he's doing it too.'

Anna fell silent. Yes, she had seen it. And his behaviour in his office was starting to seem more and more indecent. It would do no good to get Mathias' back up more than it was already. And besides, it wasn't officially his business.

Yet.

They pushed to the front of the crowd, Frau Keller already waiting there for them alongside Alby.

'You have your speech ready for when she's unveiled, Anna?' Alby asked.

Chuckling Anna nodded. 'Yes Alby, I promise you I do.' He'd asked her every day for the past two weeks.

'Excellent. Good. And you, Herr Keller? Your grandmother tells me you volunteered.'

'Yes, I was quite surprised,' interjected Frau Keller. 'Though, it all makes sense now.' She beamed at Anna.

'I'll be singing your praises,' he promised, his hand splayed over Anna's back.

'Wonderful,' said Alby, adjusting his bow tie. It was his introduction first, and Anna knew he was nervous. Alby hated public speaking. Its why he was all too happy for Anna to be the one to talk about the bust to everyone.

'Ladies and gentleman, if I could have you attention,' called Alby. 'Thank you all for joining us today on this...'

Mathias leant down to Anna, his lips brushing her ear. 'How much longer after all of this do we have to stay here?'

Keeping a pleasant smile firmly etched on her face, Anna didn't look up at his to respond. 'I will have lots of people to speak with after this to try and rustle up funding for both the museum and the expedition...'

'If I pledged to both, could we leave quicker?'

Anna pushed a long, frustrated breath through her nose. It wasn't that she wasn't tempted. If anything, she was annoyed at herself for being so easily seduced by him. 'No. We have to stay.'

'So, we're in for a late night, then.'

Urgh. He was so presumptuous. Finally, Anna glanced up at him as his hand began to trail lower on her back. 'I'm not sure we should be so intimate in front of the crowd.'

'I don't care about them.'

Raising an eyebrow, Anna snorted. 'Really? So you're not doing this to make a show of our relationship?'

Smirking, Mathias leaned closer. 'If that is what I'm doing, you don't seem to mind one bit.'

Anna turned her eyes to the front again. 'Maybe I don't.'

'... so please welcome, Herr Keller to the floor.' A round of applause signalled the end of Alby's incredibly short speech.

'That's my cue,' said Mathias, finally unwinding himself from around Anna to take centre stage in front of the ribbon.

The flash of cameras heralded his arrival. No doubt they were from the Berlin Morgen Post and hand picked by Mathias himself to capture the exact details he wanted.

'Thank you, Doctor Hahn, for that gracious welcome,' said Mathias, his voice smooth and unaffected by addressing the crowd. 'And thank you to everyone who has joined us to be a part of making history.' The cameras clicked again, Mathias taking a small pause. 'History, I have to admit, is not something I myself had ever deemed wholly important.'

Beside Anna, she heard Frau Keller give a disapproving sigh. Poor woman. Anna could only imagine how hard it was for her to try and keep her grandson in check.

'For years my grandparents had tried to instil in me the virtues of an interest in history when all I could think of was the future. Yet now, I completely understand where they were coming from, thanks only to one very special person. Doctor Anna Lehman.' He turned and held his hand out to Anna, who stood completely frozen.

This wasn't part of the plan. Why couldn't he ever just stick to plan?

'Go on dear,' whispered Frau Keller, giving her an approving nudge.

With a deep, calming breath, Anna reached out and tucked her hand into Mathias', coming to stand beside him.

'This remarkable young woman has stirred a passion in me I never thought possible.' Mathias glanced at her, his gaze filled only with heat. 'In history, of course,' he added, drawing a titter from the crowd. 'Her dedication to her work, her love of the ancient world and her unwavering support of this museum has truly inspired me to the grand ideals my grandfather always found important. Being a part of this momentous occasion is a great honour, not only because the ancient Queen will be housed alongside my family name forever more, but also, because it led me meet the astonishing woman stood beside me.'

He took another pause, seemingly lost in Anna's blush again for a brief moment.

'And of course, her accomplishments do not end there,' he began, a small, smug smile now shot straight at Krause. 'Anna is about to embark on her very first field expedition to Egypt, where she will be involved in a brand new dig in the Luxor region.'

Oh god. He'd announced it. He hadn't left it to Krause. He'd swooped in and stolen it from him completely.

Mathias continued unabashed. 'Her enthusiasm and expertise will be a shining addition to the expedition. Which I know Anna's old Professor from her university days will agree on, isn't that right, Professor Krause?'

Krause was seething. Anna was surprised there wasn't steam coming out of his ears. 'Yes, absolutely. Why don't I just...' he began as he tried to join them up front.

'Don't worry, Professor,' cut across Mathias. 'As you can see, I'm more than capable of singing Doctor Lehman's praises by myself.'

The crowd laughed again, halting Krause's footsteps.

This was going to end in tears.

'Please, everyone,' continued Mathias as though there wasn't a man wishing his swift death from the front row, 'I ask you to all dig deep and join us as a part of this incredible opportunity. Help support this stunning woman as she paves her way to becoming one of Germany's greatest archaeologists. You'd be fools not to.'

Jubilant applause rang through the corridor as Mathias beckoned his grandmother forward.

'Grandmother, if you would do us the honour of cutting the ribbon. Then we can look upon the famous queen as we listen to another capture us with her story.' Steering Anna off to the side, Mathias left the floor for his grandmother to begin cutting the ribbon.

'Really?' Anna said. 'Calling me a queen in front of everyone?'

'I speak only truth, my little cuckoo bird,' he murmured, planting a small kiss on her cheek that made her entire body ache with need. And embarrassment.

'I declare the Keller wing of the Nues Museum officially open,' said Frau Keller, snipping the black ribbon in one clean cut. She then joined the couple as the crowd surged into the wing towards the prized artifact. 'That was quite the speech, Mathias.'

'I thought so too,' said Matthias, completely nonchalant.

Frau Keller did not seem at all disapproving of her grandson. If anything, she was excited. 'Whatever gets you involved in such matters, makes me exceedingly happy.' She turned to Anna and took her hand lightly. 'And grateful to you, Doctor Lehman.'

'I didn't really do anything,' mumbled Anna.

'But you did,' insisted Frau Keller. You did the impossible. And I shall never forget it.' She glanced up. 'Come along dear, I'm dying to hear your speech.'

'It's just the same things I told you on our tour. I'm afraid I might have been practicing on you.'

'Nevertheless, I am excited.'

Anna glanced back at Mathias who was right behind her. He was grinning and mouthed 'she approves.'

Rolling her eyes, Anna made her way up to the bust and waited for the crowd to fall quiet before she began to speak. She was entirely surprised that he cared for his grandmother's approval. Though, it was definitely better to have it than not.

Anna faced the crowd, taking a deep breath. She barely made it through her speech. For weeks she had practiced it and yet now she had no idea if she was saying it properly. Krause was glaring at her from the crowd, angrier than she had ever seen him. He looked at her as though it was her fault, as though she had planned for Mathias to steal his thunder. How could she have known that he would do that? She hadn't even known him a week.

Her eyes kept darting to the culprit himself. He, of course, was wholly at ease, his gaze proud and smug. Why had he done this? Was it just to irritate Krause?

As her speech ended and the applause sounded, Mathias came immediately to congratulate her. 'That was wonderful, my little cuckoo bird.'

'Hardly. I couldn't concentrate,' she sighed, her nose wrinkled in frustration. She made to begin chastising him, but Krause had pushed his way forward as the crowd swarmed the bust behind her.

'That was not as we'd discussed,' Krause spat, his tone clipped like when someone had asked him something he considered stupid in the lecture hall.

Standing taller, Anna's fists clenched by her sides. Mathias was right. He was treating her like she was still his student, no matter what he said. She couldn't go into this working relationship with him treating her like a naughty child. 'No, it was quite the surprise. But surely it's good that...'

Krause interrupted. 'The focus was entirely on you, Anna. Not the expedition! How are we to secure investors if everyone is only concentrating on you?'

'I would wager she's your best bet at investors,' interjected Mathias. 'She's the young rising star that has so dazzled everyone this evening. Focusing on her brings life to the project.'

'Forgive me,' spluttered Krause, 'but your opinion hardly matters.'

'Is that right?' said Mathias, ice in his voice. 'So I'm not one of the potential investors you're trying to impress?'

'Gentleman, please,' said Anna. 'I'm sorry it is not what you wanted Gerhart, but it's done now. And I intend to spend the rest of the evening speaking with people about the dig, despite the fact you have given me barely any details about it in order to do so.'

Clearing his throat, Krause seemingly softened. 'Quite right. My apologies Anna. We haven't had our catch up about it. What say you to Tuesday evening over dinner?'

'I'll be taking her to dinner that evening,' said Mathias, pulling Anna closer to him.

Huffing Anna looked up at him. Of course, they had no solid plans. He was just being possessive. Again. 'No, Mathias, I will be discussing the plans with Gerhart that evening. We can do Monday instead.'

Mathias' jaw ticked, his eyes scanning her. 'And Wednesday. Being away from you for even a moment brings only pain.'

Anna couldn't help but smile. It was laughable, his obsession. But dammit if she didn't get a thrill every time he said such things. 'Sounds perfect.' She turned to Krause. 'Tuesday sounds wonderful, thank you.'

'I'll book us a table,' said Krause, before he added 'for the two of us.'

Mathias laughed beside her; a throaty laugh filled with threat as his grip on her waist tightened.

'Perfect,' said Anna before Mathias could speak. 'Now, do excuse us, Gerhart.'

Grabbing Mathias' hand, she pulled him away. She stomped all the way to the back of the wing, away from the main throng of the crowd, and down the corridor so they were alone again.

'I can't believe you agreed to meet with that man,' he said, his words laced with acid.

'And I can't believe you undermined him so publicly,' she spat. 'Have you any idea what position that puts me in?'

'He was treating you like you were his little pet,' returned Mathias. 'Like you were some prize he had won.'

'As though you don't do that?' she questioned, her head cocked to the side and her arms folded across her chest.

Mathias scoffed. 'You are not my pet, you are my muse.'

Anna's rebuttal sat cold on her tongue. How did he always manage to fluster her so?

Pressing one hand to the wall above her, Mathias looked down at Anna as she melted into the wall. 'You shouldn't allow him to patronise you just because he holds your dream in his hands.' Mathias' free hand cupped the back of her neck, his thumb brushing against her skin. 'He's abusing his power over you and it's not right that you submit to it.'

Anna rolled her eyes. 'You have no idea what it's like being a woman in this field.'

'No... but look at how you battled with me the first time we met.' He drew her closer. 'You had no problem putting me in my place. You did it with ease, with passion. With such nerve...'

'I'm always nervous around you,' she mumbled.

That definitely delighted him. His nose brushed the length of hers, his fresh scent filling her head and making her dizzy. 'I'll let you go if you accept that you belong to me.'

That brought her to her senses.

'You don't get to decide whether I go or not,' she said, pushing him back. 'Even if I do belong to you. That's not your business.'

He cocked an eyebrow. 'Isn't it?'

'If this is how you're going to behave, then we can just end this right here Mathias. I will not have you controlling where I go and who I see...'

'And you've just proved my point, Anna,' he cut in. 'You won't take it from me. So why take it from him?'

That devious bastard.

Sighing, Anna settled against the wall. 'So then, you don't have a problem with me going to dinner with him?'

'Well, I didn't say that.' The smile flashed on his mouth briefly before he fell serious, his free hand cupping her face. 'You do understand what I'm saying though, don't you?'

'Yes,' she said irritably. 'Can we stop talking about it now. I have people to schmooze.'

'Fine. I'm putting a time limit on the meet and greets though. I've barely had you to myself this evening and everyone else's company is already wearing thin.'

Ignoring him, they wandered back towards the throng.

*

Karl was bored.

He knew he shouldn't have bothered this evening. Granted, it did at least mean he'd been able to help keep that damned letch of a professor away from Anna. But still. Anna hadn't needed him. She had Herr Cheekbones for that.

Stood to the side of the room, Karl sipped his sixth glass of champagne, enjoying the heady tingle it provided. At least the drinks were free. That would provide enough of a buzz for him to survive a night out on. He watched as together, Anna and Mathias worked their way around the room, smiling and greeting people together as though they had always been a couple.

He'd never seen his best friend this way before; so bowled over by a single man. Not that he couldn't understand the appeal. Mathias was beautiful... and weird. His beauty was probably just the cherry on top of the cake for Anna. Weird was definitely the pull.

But dear god he was intense.

Honestly, he thought Anna was intense but she was nothing in comparison to this man. The way he stared at her; like he was trying to inhale her and make her a part of his system forever. She certainly deserved someone who wanted her, but wasn't that a bit much? She deserved someone to worship her, not covet her.

As long as she was happy though, that was the main thing. And she really did seem it. Every time Mathias bent down to say something to her, she smiled, her cheeks rosy with blush. They were chatting with that Ernst again. And Mathias' grandmother.

Ernst was really fucking odd. Just as odd as Krause. His pride over Mathias was tinged by a deep rooted jealousy Karl had never seen before. It was simpering like Krause's. If anything, it was bordering on sociopathic. Maybe Ernst could be convinced to come to a therapy session with him one day? Karl was sure he'd unlock a wealth of trauma and perversion if he did. Probably shouldn't suggest it until Anna was fully committed to Mathias though.

And given the way Frau Keller was smiling at her, he doubted it would take Anna long to decide that she did want to be a part of the famous Keller family. He knew his best friend. She believed in longevity over pleasure. Poor girl.

Just behind them, was Friedrich. Mathias's driver.

Karl's entire body flooded with warmth as he stared at the tall, sweet boy. He wanted to lick his lips he was so delicious. Friedrich was so wide eyed and unassuming yet built as though one gut punch would render you incapacitated. Karl liked that his hair was a little floppy, as though it never quite managed to hold it's style. He was old world handsome in a charmingly provincial way. Definitely a country boy.

He knew Anna had cautioned him, but it wouldn't hurt just to go and have a small chat with him.

As Anna and Mathias moved to the dance floor and Ernst and Frau Keller fell into other conversations, Karl skirted around the outside of the room to meet his target, grabbing two more glasses of champagne on his way. It would be rude to go empty handed.

'Evening,' Karl said.

Friedrich glanced at him, and Karl swore he saw him swallow on sight of him. 'Oh, good evening Herr Von Hart.'

'So you do remember me,' Karl said gleefully. 'Good. I'd hate not to have made an impression.'

Friedrich just stared at him, seemingly unable to conjure any sort of response.

'Here,' said Karl, holding the second glass out to him. 'I snagged you one of these. You looked thirsty.'

Keeping his hands tucked behind his back, Friedrich cleared his throat. 'I shouldn't really drink on the job.'

Karl nudged him. 'One won't hurt.'

Nodding a little, Friedrich took it. 'Thank you.'

'You're welcome.'

Together, they watched the dance floor, both of them tracking Mathias and Anna as they spun. They'd clearly stopped caring about their interactions with anyone else, their focus entirely on each other.

'What's your opinion then?' Karl asked before he sipped his drink.

Friedrich looked alarmed. That's odd. What was that about? 'Of what?'

'Them,' said Karl, pointing at their charges.

He relaxed a little. 'Oh. Um. Anna seems really nice.'

'She is,' agreed Karl. 'But I mean about them as a couple.'

'They seem happy.' This boy was hiding something.

'What's Mathias usually like with the women he dates?'

'I've never known him date anyone,' admitted Friedrich.

'Well, how long have you worked for him?'

'Personally? Two years. But my family are the groundskeepers for their Baden-Baden estate. Herr Keller took me into his personal employ when we went shooting one day.'

'So you're a crack shot then?'

Friedrich squirmed. 'I guess.' He was adorable.

Karl cleared his throat. 'So, Anna is special to him?'

'Most definitely. It's not like him to be in any way enamoured. Doctor Lehman has truly captured him.' There was a pause. 'Frau Keller is thrilled. She think Doctor Lehman will be a good influence on him.'

'I agree. And he might be good for her too. He seems to have a good handle on a work life balance. Anna has no such proclivity.'

Friedrich smiled but said nothing else, consenting to have a sip of champagne.

What a mysterious young man. Perhaps keeping things close to his chest was part of the appeal to Mathias. A body guard whose good at keeping secrets was sure to come in handy. Why was Friedrich naturally that way inclined though? Perhaps it was just easier given that he was clearly hiding a proclivity towards men.

'So, other than being the best shot in the south, what else should I know about you?'

Nervously, Friedrich side eyed him. 'I-I'm not sure there is anything else to tell you really.'

'But you admit you're the best shot in the south?' Karl asked, taking another sip.

Finally cracking a smile, Friedrich looked fully at Karl. 'Maybe.' He seemed flattered. More flattered than a man normally would be for a compliment from a peer.

Yes. He was definitely gay. Even if he didn't understand that for himself yet.

Karl had to tread carefully. As attractive as he found this man, he didn't want him to feel pressured. Or scared. This sort of revelation had to be handled delicately.

'What about you?' asked Friedrich. 'Other than nearly being a doctor, I know nothing about you.'

Karl chuckled, making Friedrich's blush deepen. 'Well, I love champagne.' He shook his near empty glass. 'And bluesy jazz music. And the cinema...'

'I like the cinema,' cut in Friedrich excitedly, then cleared his throat in embarrassment. 'Not that I get to go all that often.'

'Anna usually goes with me, though entirely reluctantly. She's not so enamoured with the big screen.'

'That's nice though. That she goes anyway.'

Karl smiled. 'Yeah, that's Anna. The most loyal friend you could ever hope to have.' There was a small silence. 'Though I suspect she'll have less time to go now.'

'Because of Herr Keller?'

'Of course. Whose going to choose their friend over their lover?'

As if to cement this, the pair watched Anna and Mathias leave the dance floor wrapped around one another, not bothering to bid anyone goodbye as they swept towards the front doors.

Friedrich sighed. 'I should go and inform Frau Keller that he's left.' He placed his champagne down, then smiled at Karl. 'It was nice talking to you though.'

'And you.' Before he could leave, more words came tumbling out of Karl's mouth. 'If you ever fancied going to see something together, I go every week.'

He paused, weighing up the answer. 'I'd really like that.' He gave a small nod, then darted into the crowd to find his employer.

Grinning, Karl downed Friedrich's champagne and set the two glasses aside. He should find his coat and head home. The evening couldn't get any better, so there was no sense in spoiling it with an ill fated drunken encounter. He'd rather go home and think about his new friend.

Happily, Karl made a swift exit.