'There is absolutely no point in trying to hide things from me,' said Karl lounging on the window sill. 'You are without a doubt the worst liar I've ever met.'

Anna snorted, not looking over at him. His silhouette in her office window made it impossible for her to actually read the work on her desk. But she wouldn't tell him that. 'Only to you. You've been studying me for twenty years now.'

'Stop avoiding the question!' he said as Anna continued rifling through papers on her desk. 'How was the date?'

Smiling coyly to herself, Anna refused to look up at her friend. 'It was very nice.'

Karl scoffed loudly, springing up and standing on the other side of her desk. He pressed his hands to it, shaking it so that Anna's pen scribbled on the page.

'Karl!'

'That wouldn't have happened if you'd just given me details!' When she still didn't reply, he came to her side and sat on top of her paperwork.

'You're such a bloody child!' she chastised, swatting him with the flat of her hand.

'I know,' he grinned at her, lifting her face to look at him. 'Now, details please Doctor Lehman.'

Sighing, Anna suppressed an eye roll and considered how to respond.

How could she begin to explain Mathias?

Whatever she had expected from their date, her estimations were nowhere close to the reality. It hadn't been romantic; not how she would term romantic anyway. Every moment with him was thrilling, her heart wild and erratic the entire night. She went to bed still smelling him on her clothes, his lascivious words to her running around and around her mind.

If she was honest with herself, she barely remembered the specifics of their discussions. Of course, it made her heart sing to know he didn't care about her birth mother and that they shared common ground when it came to a terrible start in life.

Really though, it was the way he made her feel that she couldn't escape.

Since last night, she'd had a delicious burn raging through her veins. He'd ignited a passion in her that she'd never felt before. She'd thought of nothing but his touch all night, the way his lips had graced her skin, his tongue gliding against hers. If only she hadn't been so scared to let it go further. What an experience it would have been.

'Hey,' said Karl, snapping his fingers. 'Stop day dreaming and tell me.'

Blushing, Anna tried to conjure the right words. 'Well, it turns out he and I have the same problem when it comes to birth mothers.'

'How about that!' said Karl, shuffling closer to her. 'That's not common knowledge...'

'No, so it has to stay that way.'

Karl scoffed. 'Excuse me, I'm excellent at keeping secrets! I hide a pretty big one every day of my life, don't I?'

'Only because most people don't believe men like other men,' she teased.

He nudged her playfully. 'Where did he take you?'

'Café Ruhe.'

'For a first date?' exclaimed Karl.

'The man is practically made of money. Are you surprised?'

'Even so,' said Karl, slumping back onto his hands. 'That's impressive.'

'It was so nice,' sighed Anna wistfully. 'We were there for four hours.'

'So he likes chatter box Anna then?'

'Seems so,' smiled Anna.

'As he should,' encouraged Karl. 'And he drove you home afterwards?'

Anna's mind wandered back to the car; how the leather seats had creaked beneath them as their kiss deepened, how his cologne rubbed against her skin, the dig of his fingers into her thighs as he moaned in her mouth. 'Yes, he drove me home.'

When she didn't continue, Karl hung his head in front of hers, scrutinising her. 'You kissed him, didn't you?'

Shifting a little in her seat, Anna cleared her throat. 'In a manner of speaking.'

Karl's entire face lit up. 'Anna! Did you fuck him in his car?'

'No!' she protested a little too loudly. 'No, it's just that the kiss was a little more...' How to term this? 'Passionate, than I was expecting.'

'But you enjoyed it?'

'So much,' Anna whispered.

'Well bravo!' cheered Karl, grabbing her cheeks in his hand and squashing them. 'You're finally letting yourself have some fun. I'm so proud of you!'

'Don't!' whined Anna, shoving him off. 'It was so unladylike.'

'Who cares? Aren't you always saying, 'this is the 1940's', when people chastise you for running your mouth?'

'Yes, but...'

'But nothing. This is the same principle. You both enjoyed it and that's the main thing, isn't it?'

Anna hung her head. 'I'm worried this will just be about sex.'

'So what if it is? Sex is fun! You don't have to commit to anything to be able to enjoy it.'

'I suppose.'

He was right, but this concept was so new to her. Anna liked Mathias... well, enough that conversation was interesting at least. But she couldn't say she felt the fireworks her parents talked about. Not romantic ones. Sexual ones however...

'So when are you seeing him again?' Karl asked, interrupting her thoughts.

'Saturday. He's accompanying me to the gala.'

'In that case I'm definitely not coming. I'm not interrupting a date...'

Anna grabbed his arm. 'No, please still come along! I can't be with him all evening, and it's always fun when you come!'

He thought about it. 'Hmmm. Maybe. But if I do, I'll meet you there. I don't want to be in a car with the pair of you, knowing what you get up to.' When she blushed again, he chuckled and kissed her cheek. 'Anyway, now that I have the important information out of the way, I take it the meeting with Krause went well?'

Suddenly, Anna fell deathly silent.

She'd completely forgotten about Krause. In total contrast to Mathias, the thought of Krause made Anna's skin crawl.

'Little one? What's the matter?'

Squirming, Anna sighed. 'I got the job.'

'I figured that. But what's wrong?'

'Krause was just a bit weird with me,' she mumbled, itching her arm over the sleeve of her blouse.

Karl took her hand, squeezing it. 'Weird how?'

'I don't know. He was just very... familiar. Physically I mean.'

He squeezed tighter. 'That's not okay.'

Anna waved her hand dismissively. 'I'm sure I just misconstrue it.'

Holding on, Karl pulled her hand closer. 'You are incredibly intuitive, Anna. And incredibly tactile. Affection comes naturally to you. If his behaviour is making you feel bad in anyway, I'd say its because it is inappropriate.'

Sighing, Anna rested her head against Karl's lap, enjoying his fingers digging soothingly into her scalp. 'He's my new boss, Karl. This is the chance I've been working towards my whole life, I can't mess this up.'

'If he's the kind of man that would be happy to make you uncomfortable, then are you sure you want to work for him?'

Anna glanced up briefly before she snuggled back into her closest friend. 'This is one of the only digs that Doctor Goldstein isn't involved with.'

'Oh,' sighed Karl. 'That fucker.'

Doctor Edward Goldstein; her grandfather.

Well, he had never accepted that title, which was half the problem. Rachel had been the apple of her father's eye until she and Josef adopted Anna. That was when it all went downhill.

Devoutly Jewish, Edward couldn't understand why Rachel and Josef never tried to influence Anna towards their religion. Not that it would have mattered if they had. To him, Anna was just a place holder until a real child came along. He doted on Elli from the moment she was born, showering her with gifts and attention.

It was the final straw for Rachel. She cut him off then and there. But Edward was a huge deal in the archaeological world and would never allow Anna to be a part of any project he was involved with. She was fairly certain Alby only gave her the job at the museum because he and Edward had fallen out years ago over a dispute on Greek statues.

'I'll wait it out,' said Anna determinedly as she sat back up. 'It might just be a miscommunication.'

'Keep an eye on it though,' said Karl. 'You can't trust men.'

Anna made to rebuttal but there was a knock on her door. 'Come in?'

Margot peered round. 'Sorry to interrupt your lunch, but there's a Friedrich Müller here to see you?'

Confused, Anna rose form her chair, Karl mirroring her movement. She didn't recognise the name, but as soon as he walked in, she knew his face. He was Mathias' driver. Handsome and tall, he dipped in the door and stood in front of them rather awkwardly. His soft brown eyes and tousled hair made him seem younger than he must be, given his athletic build.

'Make sure you sign out with me when you're done,' said Margot, softening her voice to an alluring purr. There was no sign out procedure. That woman was a minx.

Anna smiled at her as Margot left, then turned to her visitor. 'Good afternoon, Herr Müller. I believe we met yesterday.' She stuck her hand out to him as she walked around the desk.

'Yes, good afternoon Doctor Lehman.' Shifting the black velvet box in his hand, he returned her handshake. He had a short, sharp grip which he released almost immediately, his eyes skirting up to Karl quickly before they refocused on Anna. 'I apologise for dropping in unannounced.'

'Its no trouble,' she said with a smile. A small silence fell, Anna noticing the two men glancing at one another. 'Oh, forgive me, how rude of me. Herr Müller, this is my friend Karl Von Hart.'

'Soon to be Doctor Von Hart,' said Karl, eagerly shaking Müller's hand.

Anna side eyed her friend. Such an outrageous flirt. He really needed to be more careful.

'Are you an archaeologist too?' asked Müller, who didn't seem to understand Karl's sudden change in temperament.

'God no. I'm a psychiatrist,' laughed Karl. 'I like to delve into live one's brains, not the desiccated mummies that Anna likes.'

Managing a small smile, Müller retrieved his hand. He seemed even more nervous now, as though Karl was already rummaging around in his subconscious. 'I have something for you, from Herr Keller, Doctor Lehman. He asked me to bring it over straight away.'

'For me?' Anna asked, her voice suddenly small and her heartbeat in her ears.

'A gift,' said Müller, holding out the box to her.

Gingerly, she took it, opening it delicately.

'Oh my.' Was all Anna could manage.

It was a diamond necklace. The gold chain was delicate, tiny diamonds dusting towards the single, large, tear drop diamond that stole the focus. It sparkled in iridescent shimmers, the sunlight catching it so perfectly. Anna had never seen anything like this. It was so dainty and subtle whilst completely ostentatious.

'Is that real?' gasped Karl, snatching the box off her to inspect it.

'It is indeed,' confirmed Müller. 'The diamond itself is from his family vaults, but he had it set on the chain for you specially.'

'To keep?'

'Absolutely. He wants you to wear it on Saturday.'

'I can't accept this,' said Anna, trying to take it back from Karl but he snatched the box away.

'Yes you can!' insisted Karl. 'It's a gift!'

'It's too much,' she protested.

'Herr Keller said he will not accept it back under any circumstances.' Müller cleared his throat. 'It also comes with this.' He pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to her.

It was a thick, Manilla envelope of quality stock. The back was stamped with a Berlin Morgen Post mark. She opened it carefully, making sure to be the only one who could see the message.

Little Cuckoo Bird.

This is the only thing I imagined you wearing last night when I was in bed.

What did you imagine me in?

Cheeks red and flushed, Anna folded it immediately and tucked it in her pocket.

'What did it say?' asked Karl eagerly.

'Nothing,' Anna said hurriedly.

'Lies,' mumbled Karl, handing her the box again, though he didn't press the matter further.

'Did you want to send him something in return?' Müller prompted gently.

Thinking, Anna perched on her desk chair, resting a pen between her fingers. She had no idea how to respond to him. She wanted to flirt the way he did; she wanted to say something that would entice him and take his breath away all at once. But to encourage him too much would make things move at a pace that she was uncomfortable with. In her eyes, they were already running when she was used to walking.

Eventually, she scribbled something down, then tucked it into an envelope and sealed it so Karl wouldn't read it.

Not that he was looking at her at all now. He was looking only at Müller. 'So will you be attending the gala this Saturday?'

Müller cleared his throat. Anna could have sworn there was a faint blush to his cheek that wasn't there when he came in. 'Yes. I'll be working security.'

'Oh good, then I'll see you there,' said Karl with a bright smile.

'I thought you weren't coming?' said Anna as she handed Müller the envelope.

'Don't be ridiculous, Anna, of course I'm coming. I would never miss your big event.'

Anna eyed him pleadingly, begging him to be cautious. He just winked at her. Idiot.

'I'll see you both there,' said Müller, making his exit. 'Good day to you both.'

As the door clicked shut behind him, Anna came to stand in front of her friend. 'Do you have a death wish?'

Karl raised an eyebrow. 'That one is gayer than I am.'

'And if he isn't?'

'I'll eat my left foot.'

'Karl! This is serious! Suppose he reports you or something...'

'What's life without a little danger?' said Karl, grinning mischievously. Before Anna could chastise him further, Karl waved his hand dismissively. 'No. Enough of that. We have a greater problem on our hands.'

'We do?'

'Absolutely. What are you going to wear to the gala now?'

***

Mathias sat back in his chair, smiling to himself.

Müller had to be with Anna by now, if not on his way back here already. Lucky bastard would get to see her eyes light up at the gift. No matter. He had to be patient.

It was true what he'd told her. When he'd finally got home last night, he'd not been able to sleep. His visit to Myra had done very little to quell his need, if anything at all. Instead, he'd lay there sprawled on top of the sheets, imagining the sweet songs his cuckoo bird would sing for him when he was between her legs.

Touching himself had never been quite so satisfying. The sound he'd made when he'd come, thinking of Anna with his hand print on her arse, was utterly indecent. He knew, right then and there, he had to mark her in some way. Of course, she wasn't ready for him to unleash all of his desires on her. His little cuckoo bird was fresh and wholly innocent. She needed time. But she had made him so incredibly happy last night. So that deserved a gift. And what better way to mark her as his than with something as equally as precious as her.

There was a knock on his door.

'Yes?' he called irritably. He was just getting into that day dream.

Myra poked her head around the door, sheepish as she cleared her throat. 'Pardon the intrusion, Herr Keller, but Herr Werner is here to see you.'

Immediately, Mathias perked up. 'Send him in.'

Ernst strode through the door, smiling as he pushed past Myra. 'Surprised?'

Mathias got to his feet, striding around his desk. 'You're not due in until next week. Losing your sense of time already old boy?'

'I needed to get away,' said Ernst.

They embraced, Ernst slapping Mathias on the back. It was always so good to see his mentor. In Mathias' eyes, Ernst was the father he had always wanted. He wasn't cruel and scheming like Felix, nor was he an authoritarian like Felix senior, his grandfather. Ernst always struck the balance between fun and knowledge.

He gestured for Ernst to help himself to a drink, then looked at Myra. 'And you're still here because?'

Dismayed, she shut the door and left.

'That one is a nightmare,' sighed Mathias as he slumped on his sofa, Ernst handing him his usual vodka and pouring his own cognac. 'Her mouth on my cock never quite makes up for how simpering she is.'

Ernst snorted as he set the decanter down and joined Mathias on the sofa. 'You don't need to tell me. She looks just like my darling wife.' There was so much distain in his tone.

'How is Ilse?'

'The same as always. Why do you think I needed to get away. I need some damn fun in my life.'

'The nightlife in Hamburg still as shit, then?'

'It has its ups and downs. But its nothing compared to here.' Ernst swigged his drink. 'Besides, I fancy finding a brand new girl. Someone for me to have fun with for two weeks before I'm stuck back home again.'

That was Ernst. Always onto the next girl. Mathias preferred having one on retainer, someone like Myra, who he didn't have to try with. Though, it wasn't very exciting. He could understand Ernst's thirst for the unknown.

'So what do you say we do dinner and then go and find ourselves a couple?' Ernst asked eagerly. 'We haven't been out together in ages.'

Smiling smugly, Mathias sipped his drink. 'I'll go out, but I'm not looking for anyone.'

Ernst furrowed his brow, watching his protégé closely. 'Why on earth not?'

'I've already got someone.'

'Not that simpleton on the front desk?'

Chuckling, Mathias took another sip. 'Good god no. Anna is an entirely different entity to Myra.'

'I see,' said Ernst, his tone clipped. 'But a conquest has never stopped you before. Not having rules laid down for you already are you boy?'

Mathias finally looked at Ernst. He seemed utterly appalled. 'No rules. Its simply that no one else measures up to her.'

There was a long silence as Ernst seemed to have taken in what he'd said. 'Not going soft on me, are you Mathias?'

Frowning, Mathias drained the last of his glass. 'Of course not. But you'd understand if you met her.'

'Would I now?'

'She's just your type actually,' continued Mathias, his blood hot in his veins. He didn't like that Ernst thought him soft. He knew if he just met Anna, that he would understand exactly why he was so enamoured. 'Dark hair, pale skin, breasts the size of...'

'Oh, so she's just a bit of fun!' cut in Ernst with a sigh of relief. 'You had me worried there. For a moment I thought you were getting serious about her.'

'I am,' gritted out Mathias, descending the office to silence once more. 'Anna is a doctor of archaeology. One of the rising stars of her field. She's not merely pretty, Ernst. There's something about her. Get under that shy sexual innocence and I know there is something dark and decadent waiting to be released.'

'So... that's it then?' Ernst said quietly. 'You want to settle down at the age of thirty-two?'

'It took me by surprise too,' admitted Mathias. 'And I'll be honest, I don't know her all that well yet...'

'Then how on earth do you know that she's what you want? Marriage is forever...'

'I don't know what to tell you, but there is something raw between us. I just know her, okay?'

'All right! No need to get so defensive,' laughed Ernst, slapping his back. 'I'm just looking out for you.'

Mathias sighed. 'I know.'

'I know you've never liked my advice of finding a woman to just marry for appearance sake. But I assumed that was because you didn't want to consider marriage at all.'

'It was,' said Mathias. 'I don't know. Anna is just different.' He looked over Ernst again. He was still unconvinced. 'She'll be at this gala on Saturday. Why not come and meet her?'

'The one for the Nues?'

'Yes, she was the lead archaeologist on the project. That's how I met her.'

Ernst grumbled.

'She has two friends who weren't objectionable. Maybe one of them could be your fun for your visit?'

Smiling, Ernst nodded. 'Now you're talking. But I suppose it would be interesting to meet this siren who has you so under her spell.'

There was another knock at the door.

'For fuck sake Myra,' barked Mathias. 'Do you have to continually interrupt me?'

The door opened, and Müller stepped in.

Mathias' face immediately brightened. 'Müller! Come in, shut the door.'

Nodding, did as he was told.

'Do you have something for me?' Mathias asked eagerly as Ernst simply sipped his drink.

Müller pulled out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to him.

Opening it slowly, Mathias looked up at his driver. 'How did she like it?'

'She tried to give it back at first,' said Müller.

Mathias smiled. Just as he'd expected. 'But she kept it?'

'Yes.'

'Kept what?' Ernst asked.

'Just a necklace,' insisted Mathias. Better that he didn't reveal just how expensive it was. Ernst would only laugh. 'Did she put it on?'

Müller shook his head. 'She seemed stunned and quite protective of it.'

Grinning even more, Mathias looked at her note.

Mathias,

Thank you for your gift. I would insist that it is far too decadent, but it is just as you are. Entirely too much and wonderfully indulgent.

I must disappoint you though and reveal that I was very much fully clothed in bed last night. It was the only way I could stay wrapped in the last traces of you whilst I dreamed.

You wouldn't deny me that now, would you?

I promise faithfully to wear it to the gala, where I shall ensure to return it to you. I do not need another rare gem. You are more than enough.

Yours, Anna

Over and over again he read the note, biting his lip to stay a bigger grin. Clearing his throat, he finally looked up at the other two. 'You can go now Müller.'

He bowed his head and left.

Ernst looked to his friend. 'What on earth does it say?'

Mathias tossed him the note, springing to his feet at taking the telephone in hand. 'Doctor Anna Lehman, at the Nues Museum.'

***

Anna couldn't stop staring at the diamond. The minute Karl had left, she got it out and sat it on her desk. He'd kept trying to make her put it on, but she wanted to wait. She wanted the first time she wore it to be for Mathias.

What a ridiculous notion.

Why was she so eager to please him? The heat in his gaze couldn't be worth such behaviour. Could it?

Reaching out, her fingertip traced the diamond's edge. She'd never had a gift like this before, mainly because she'd never asked for one. Her parents always bought her beautiful gifts, but it was things she'd chosen; books, her archaeology tool kit, things like that. The only jewellery they'd ever given her was a 16th century pendant her mother had seen when they were on holiday in Jersey, visiting her father's cousin. And she never wore it; it was too precious. It was in a glass case in her room. Even Karl only bought her artwork they'd obsessed over or promises of picking up the tab next time they were out.

This was her first diamond. Which made sense. This was the gift of a lover.

When her telephone rang, it shattered her thoughts. She picked it up, releasing her touch on the pendant. 'Doctor Lehman speaking?'

'You're not returning the necklace, little cuckoo bird.'

Her breath caught in her throat, Anna's grip on the telephone tightened. Even through the receiver, his voice captured her so entirely. 'And why not?'

'It's not polite to return gifts. Are you angling for a punishment?'

Squeezing her thighs together, Anna thought of last night, when he'd nipped her hand quick and sharp with his teeth. The sudden pain had been wholly delicious. 'Perhaps I am.'

He chuckled, the sound soft and breathy in her ear. 'Do you like it at least?'

'It's beautiful. You must have worked quickly to get it set?'

'It was the first thing I did this morning. I wanted the anticipation of wearing it to build as much as possible.'

Anna nearly rolled her eyes. He really did so easily predict her reactions. 'Who says I haven't got it on right now?'

'Now now, my little cuckoo bird. Don't take me for a fool. You're not one to lavish yourself in opulence at the drop of a hat.'

Damn. He was right.

'Besides, aren't I the rare gem you really want wrapped around you?'

Anna coughed a little in surprise, eliciting another delighted chuckle from Mathias. 'That's highly inappropriate.'

'But the truth nevertheless.' He barely paused before he continued. 'If you do wear it before Saturday though, promise me it will be as it was in my dream.'

'How will you know if I do? I could lie.'

'I'll know by that sweet little flush you get. You can't hide from me, Anna.'

'I suppose I can't.'

'And you didn't answer my question.'

'Your question?'

'What was I wearing in your dream?'

Blushing, Anna cleared her throat. 'I'm not discussing that with you over the telephone.'

'Until Saturday then.'

'Until Saturday,' she repeated.

'I look forward to it,' he added. 'I want to hear everything you thought about at night. In excessive detail.'

She made to answer but he cut across.

'Or better yet, we could simply put our fantasises into practice.'

Anna's throat tightened, her breath held. 'Good afternoon, Herr Keller.' She put the phone down quickly before he could reply. She buried her face in her hands, drumming her feet into the floor.

That man was a menace.

How was she supposed to tell him her thoughts of him? Why would that entertain him? Surely it was embarrassing to know how she pictured him.

The phone rang again, Anna groaning. She picked it up. 'You're entirely persistent, aren't you, Mathias?'

There was a beat before she was answered. 'I do hope he wasn't too persistent, with you dear Anna.'

Anna sat up, gripping the arm of her chair. 'Professor Krause. I'm so sorry, I thought you were someone else.'

'Clearly,' he replied his tone clipped. 'I was just confirming our arrangements for the gala.'

'Arrangements?'

'When I should pick you up.'

'Oh,' Anna said, her heart beating quickly. 'That's not necessary Professor...'

'Gerhart. We talked about this.'

'Yes, sorry.' Anna's brain began to fog, clouded over by panic and desperation for this conversation to be at its end. 'Gerhart, I appreciate your offer, but I already have an escort for the evening.'

'And let me guess,' he retorted. 'Mathias Keller?'

'Yes. I agreed last night.' She scrambled for an excuse, though she wasn't sure why. She didn't owe this man any explanation. 'Alby thought it would be a wonderful way to promote our relationship with the Kellers, you see. And the gala is all about the work they have paid for.'

'So Alby is using you like that now, is he?'

'No,' Anna said quickly, taking a deep breath. 'No. I just meant, that there are lots of reasons I said yes.'

'Lots, hmm?'

Why did this feel like she was being scolded. 'Mathias is investing our project too, Gerhart. We can promote it to him together.'

'You and me?'

'Exactly. Show a united front, as you said.'

There was a pause. 'Now that sounds more like it. I like your thinking.'

'Thank you,' Anna breathed, slumping back in her chair.

'And perhaps next week you and I could discuss specifics of the dig?'

'I'd love that. Yes please.'

'Wonderful. It's a date then. See you on Saturday.'

The line clicked off, Anna letting the receiver hang and the long, loud tone fill the silence.

Damn.