Lounging on the sofa, Anna pressed her book into her chest and stared at the ceiling for a little while. She'd assumed, incorrectly it transpired, that she would rather enjoy the time on her own. Her meals were cooked for her, the housekeeper cleaned for her, and all she had to do was turn up after work and relax. But it was her second evening, and she was already frightfully bored.

Mathias had left before she'd even woken up yesterday morning, her only indication that he'd gone his nose buried in her hair in a goodbye kiss. Now, Anna had to contend with another dull evening. Even with the gramophone on in the background, it felt too quiet in the apartment. Mathias presence was completely addictive and being here without him made Anna's pining more acute. She supposed it was better than being completely devoid of him. Unlike his previous prolonged absence, she knew this one wouldn't be forever. And it was definitely something she'd have to get used to, unless she went with him on all of his trips. Which she'd surely hate. Or would she?

As she pondered it, the telephone rang.

That could only be one person. Same person that had called at any opportunity he could.

Anna hurried to the telephone, eager to talk to him. It surprised her just how much she missed his presence, but being surrounded by his smell when he wasn't here sure drummed it in.

'Hello?' she answered.

'Oh my little cuckoo bird, I have been waiting all day to hear your voice.'

'As I have yours,' she said, leaning against the table. 'How's it all going?'

'Well enough,' he sighed, clearly tired. 'It takes up a lot of time though. So many people to meet. I barely have time to call you as it is.'

'Just as well I didn't come along then,' she teased. 'I'd have been terribly frustrated being ignored all of the time.'

'If you'd come I'd never have left the hotel room,' he said wistfully. 'So, perhaps you're right. Better for the business that you're still in Berlin.'

'Will you still be home on Saturday evening?'

'I don't see why not.'

'Wonderful. Because we're going out to celebrate Karl getting his doctorate and I want you to come with me.'

There was a pause. 'Yes. Fine.'

Anna's nose scrunched up. 'Really? It doesn't sound fine.'

'I just want you to myself is all,' he sighed. 'But yes, we can go to celebrate. Has he got something planned?'

'Just drinks. Freddie's coming too.'

'Sounds like he doesn't need us then.'

'Mathias!'

'I'm joking.' He wasn't, but he didn't press the point. 'Book the four of us a table at Café Ruhe. He said before he's always wanted to go. It can be my treat.'

'Really!'

'Of course. Ask for our usual table.'

Anna couldn't stop smiling. 'Thank you, Mathias, he'll be so chuffed.'

'Anything for you,' he said, though his tone shifted. 'But I need you to do something for me in return.'

'Of course! Anything.'

Mathias chuckled throatily. 'So obedient.' He pushed out a long, humming breath. 'I need to hear you come for me.'

Frozen, Anna's breath stilled in her throat. 'Now?'

'Yes,' he said, the words heavy. 'I'm pent up, Anna. It's been far too long since I've had you and the days here are long and tedious. Your sweet little whimpers would really take the edge off.'

'I've never done this before,' she murmured. 'I only touch myself when you're inside me.'

'Fuck,' he hissed, delighted at her words. 'I'll help you through it. Now take your underwear off and make yourself comfortable on the chair.'

'All right,' she said, her entire body tingling with excitement. She worked her underwear down her legs and let them fall to the floor as she sat on the seat by the telephone table. 'Okay, they're off.'

'Spread your legs wide for me,' he said, the clink of his belt undoing loud enough to be in the room with her. 'Either side of the chair.'

Doing as she was told, Anna let her thighs open, perching on her tip toes as she pulled her night dress to her hips. Her heart was beating so fast, her entire body aching to be touched.

'Two fingers, little cuckoo bird. Dip them inside and tell me how wet you are.'

Her head tipped back to rest on the wall as she did so, gasping at the sensation. She was already wet, her earlier thoughts adding fuel to this raging fire.

'Tell me,' he grit out, his voice rougher as he coaxed his own pleasure. 'How wet are you?'

She held her fingers up to the lamp light. 'It's dripping from my fingers.'

He growled under his breath.

Smiling, Anna put her fingers to her tongue. 'I taste good too.'

'You fucking minx,' he spat. 'That should be me.'

'Yes, it should,' she said, taking her fingers and stroking her clit in agonising circles. 'I wish you were here on your knees for me.'

'You get so dirty when you're turned on,' he breathed. 'I love it. I love the darkness that takes you over.'

'It's all your doing,' she managed, her hips undulating to her own touch. 'Tell me what you want to do to me, Mathias.'

'I'd be on the floor before you, praying to you as one does to the gods.'

'Then?'

'I'd want those hands tied together. I don't want you to stop my worship.'

Anna moaned, her finger slipping inside herself quickly to coat her fingers in her wetness. She could see it so clearly, Mathias sat before her now, his legs cast wide to cement his position in front of her. He'd just got home, he shirt roughly opened and sleeves shoved up. His tie was what restrained her, the bite of it into her wrists almost as if it was really there. 'That's depraved.'

'It has to be,' he said, his voice hoarse. 'I'm devout to you, my little cuckoo bird. I can't worship you like any other man might.'

'I'll grab your hair though,' she said, her fingers still teasing her.

'It's all you'll be able to do,' he promised. 'I'll hold your thighs back, keep your legs spread so far I can see that beautiful cunt weep for me.'

Mewling, Anna's pleasure spiked. 'Would you tease me? Lick me slow?'

'No,' he snarled. 'I'd devour you, Anna. I want my tongue inside you so I could taste you for days. I want to suck and bite that clit until you are screaming and coming into my mouth so that I'm drowning. I am your sacrifice, and this is my altar.'

'Mathias, I'm close.'

'That's it, sweet cuckoo bird. Come apart for me. Come apart thinking about how swollen you would be for me. Imagine how easily you'd slip onto my cock. How deep inside you I would be as I lie you on that table and fuck you senseless.'

'Fuck!' Anna squealed, teetering the edge of her release. 'I want that so much.'

'This is going to happen Anna. You better be ready when I get home. Because I'm going to tear you apart. I want to fuck you so hard that you can't walk for days.'

'Yes!' Anna cried, finally crashing into the depths of sin. She was throbbing with release, her legs quivering as the waves rolled over her. It kept going, the pent up energy of the last two days completely overtaking her.

'Such a good little slut,' he cursed, groaning loudly as his own climax took him. Both of them were breathing heavily, unable to speak for a good few moments. 'Anna,' he said finally, his voice ragged.

'Yes, Mathias?' she said, still panting.

'I want you to do that at least three more times in my bed.'

'It will be a complete mess,' she managed. 'I'll have to change the sheets...'

'Don't you dare,' he said quickly. 'I want to see the evidence when I get home.'

'That's over three days away-'

'So then three times is more than reasonable,' he said with a long sigh. 'My day will go better if I know that you're writhing in my sheets and making them smell of you and the pleasure you feel when you think of me.' There was a pause. 'Promise me you'll do as you're told.'

'I promise,' she said, now glancing down. 'But I'm going to clean this chair at least.'

'How messy is it?' he asked eagerly.

Managing to stand, Anna inspected it. 'There is a very obvious stain.'

'If it's not there when I get back, you'll be punished. Same as the bed. For every mark you deny me, I'll leave one on your body instead. Understood?'

Biting her bottom lip, Anna smiled. 'I might get a maid's outfit just to clean it when you can't see me.'

His laugh was menacing. 'Oh, little cuckoo bird. I do love your games. Go ahead... if you're brave enough.' He pushed out an irritated breath. 'I have to go. I'll try and phone you tomorrow.'

'I might be too busy to answer,' she teased.

'Keep goading me pretty girl. Makes it that much more satisfying to break you.'

'I miss you,' she said sweetly.

'Miss you too. Talk soon.'

The phone cut off.

***

Smoothing out her skirt, Anna checked her appearance in the hallway mirror before she went to answer the doorbell. It felt entirely odd welcoming other people into Mathias' apartment; up until now, it had only ever been the two of them there. But he had insisted she treat the place as her own while he was away. He'd been the one to suggest inviting her family over one of the evenings.

Anna wasn't a fool. She knew it was primarily to ensure her safety. If she remained in the apartment, then he would know where she was at all times. She'd been driven to work by Freddie, slept with a man posted outside the front door, eat the food prepared by his chosen housekeeper. It was all ridiculous, but this is what she needed to get used to if she was going to spend the rest of her life with him.

Wasn't it?

Ensuring a pillow properly covered the telephone chair and last night's activities, Anna pulled open the front door, and was immediately barged aside.

'Out of the way!' said Elli, pushing straight past her sister. 'I have sleuthing to do.'

'Missed you too,' said Anna with an eyeroll, turning it back to the two people in front of her.

Rachel had her arm firmly tucked in the crook of Karl's elbow, both of them peering with interest into the hallway, both in two entirely different types of scrutiny.

'I thought you said Freddie was watching you?' said Karl, his tone clearly disappointed.

'He's gone home for the night,' said Anna. 'Brahms will be up in a moment. I asked him to wait until you'd arrived to stand guard.'

'So that's who was watching us,' Karl muttered, still perusing.

Anna looked around them in return. 'No Papa?'

'Sorry my darling,' said Rachel, reaching out to cup her cheek and kiss it. 'He got called out to a birth of all things.'

'They didn't think to ring a midwife?' Anna asked as she ushered them inside.

'You know how people can be,' sighed Rachel. 'They get comfortable with one person and only that person will do. He sends his apologies, and this.' She tapped Karl to spur him into handing the bottle of Merlot to Anna.

'So, this is how the other half live,' said Karl as the door shut behind them.

Anna snorted. 'Other half. As though you haven't lived a ridiculously pampered life.'

'Not like this though, ay?' Karl helped Rachel to shrug off her coat before he did his own. He pointed to the door on their left. 'Cloakroom?'

'Got it in one,' said Anna.

Karl pulled it open, whistling as he ducked inside. 'See?' he called, the sound slightly muffled. 'Even the cloakroom is obnoxious.'

With a slight shake of her head, Anna beckoned them through to the sitting room, Elli already in the corner inspecting the bar.

'He has a lot of different vodkas, doesn't he?' said Elli, rustling through the bottles with affirming clinks. 'All Polish too.'

'He likes what he likes,' said Anna, gesturing for Karl and Rachel to take seats. 'Supper is on the side table, so help yourself when you're ready. Can I get you all a drink?'

'Have you given the butler the night off?' Elli called without looking up from her inspecting, drawing a snigger from Karl.

'There is no butler,' sighed Anna.

'So, you prepared this veritable feast yourself?' Karl asked with a smirk.

Narrowing her eyes, Anna huffed. 'Just like at home, there is a housekeeper who prepares food. A butler wouldn't make a meal...'

'Anna, my darling he is only teasing, though I'm sure he is quite finished,' said Rachel as she shot a glare at Karl in deterrence. 'I'll take a glass of the merlot.'

'Me too,' said Karl, standing up. 'I'll help.'

Softening, Anna smiled. 'Thanks. You can get Elli her apple and soda water. I made sure I had it in the refrigerator.'

'Sure thing little one,' he said, kissing her cheek lightly. 'Mistress of the house suits you.'

She slapped his arm playfully and went to the bar with the wine to fetch 3 glasses. 'Budge up,' said Anna, bumping Elli with her hip.

Sighing, Elli did as she was bid and started picking at all the food.

'So what do you think?' Anna called as she got the corkscrew.

'Of what?' asked Rachel.

'The apartment?' Anna called, trying to keep the incredulous tone out of her voice.

'Oh! It's beautiful. Very tasteful,' Rachel forced out.

Placing the full glasses and now half drained bottle on a tray, Anna brought it all over, setting it on the coffee table before she took her place on the sofa opposite her mother. 'You don't like it.'

Rachel sighed. 'Its beautiful, darling. It's just not very you, is it?'

'Yeah, where's all the old weird stuff,' said Elli, holding her hands out to Karl as he returned to the room with her drink.

'That kitchen is a bloody mile away!' grumbled Karl, handing Elli her glass before he slumped next to Anna. 'And yeah, where is all your old stuff? Not like Herr Cheekbones doesn't have enough money to invest in some antiquities.'

'Herr Cheekbones!' snorted Elli into her drink.

'You do all remember that I don't actually live here, right?' Anna asked huffily. 'I'm staying here while Mathias is away so the place is looked after and then I'll come home.'

'A likely story,' said Elli before she cut herself a huge chunk of smoked cheese and stuffed it in her mouth. 'You spend most of your time here,' she garbled.

'My savagely uncouth daughter makes a good point,' said Rachel.

'Has he said anything about taking things to the next level?' Karl asked. 'I'll be honest, given how he looks at you, I'm genuinely shocked you haven't got an obnoxious diamond on your finger as well as around your neck.'

'I'm sorry, is this the Spanish Inquisition?' Anna asked. 'I wanted to spend a nice evening catching up with you all and instead you're practically strapping me down and putting me to the rack.'

'Not me,' said Elli, her plate piled high as she came to sit on the floor against Anna's legs. 'I came for the food and to be nosy.'

'That's why you're my favourite,' said Anna, leaning forward to plant a kiss on her head.

'I think they're fair questions,' persisted Rachel, her gaze stern as she shifted forward in her seat, her hands cupping her large glass of wine. 'What started out as 'a bit of fun' has absolutely gone beyond that in a very short space of time. And I worry you're being led astray-'

'It's still fun,' Anna insisted. 'With yes, the addition of true depth of feeling. But what's the rush to marriage?'

'None at all,' Rachel agreed. 'Its just not like you to not be more eager to commit.'

'That's not a bad thing,' cut in Karl, shifting a little closer to Anna as he took a swig of his own wine. 'Exploring all your options and feelings is wonderful. Very modern woman and all that.'

'Thank you, Karl, but I know I want to be with Mathias,' said Anna firmly. 'He loves me so deeply-'

'Ew,' said Elli through a mouthful of food.

'And I have everything I've ever wanted with him.'

'You gave up the Luxor dig for him. That's hardly getting everything you wanted,' said Rachel pointedly.

'I didn't give it up for him,' spat Anna, her cheeks heated.

'Rachel, let's leave that there, shall we?' encouraged Karl, his voice still edging towards a command.

'No, Karl,' said Rachel, sat up a little straighter. 'I have tiptoed around this long enough.' Taking a sip, Rachel looked straight at her daughter. 'Your life has been knocked off course by this gentleman, and yet you can't even say you love him out loud.'

'I just said it a moment ago!' managed Anna, her temper only just at bay.

Rachel shook her head. 'No, you said he loved you. And you aren't exactly shy when it comes to expressing depth of feeling to those you love.'

Anna's entire mouth went dry, her free hand balled to a fist on her lap. Had she really not said it? Mathias had told her several times over that he loved her. And he certainly showed her his devotion every second he could. Why hadn't she said it either. She felt it.

Didn't she?

Letting out a long breath, Rachel softened her approach. 'So why, when you're so uncertain, would you choose your dalliance with him over an expedition you have worked towards your entire life?'

'That was because of Professor Krause. Not Mathias,' said Anna in a low voice.

'I know he's a tad gouache-'

'Gouache?' spluttered Anna. 'He's unsavoury. If you only knew-'

'Knew what?'

'Anna,' said Karl softly. 'You don't have to do this. It should be in your own time.'

'No,' said Anna firmly. 'Now is as good a time as any.'

'Then maybe Elli and I should go?' said Karl.

'No way,' said Elli. 'I'm thirteen. I'm perfectly old enough.'

'She should hear this,' said Anna. 'There's no point in continually hiding things from one's children forever.'

'Well, that was very pointed,' said Rachel, her stance totally rigid and her expression stern and sour. 'So, what do you have to tell me?'

Taking a deep breath, Anna gripped Karl's hand that had crept into her clutches. 'Krause molested me in his office, the day after the gala.'

Silence permeated the room.

Where Rachel's face had held anger, it had now drained to a sickly white. Elli looked up at her sister, just as shocked and sickened as their mother. Karl only squeezed Anna's hand tighter, his professional calm firmly in place.

'He did what?' stammered Rachel, her voice wretched.

'I don't need to repeat myself,' said Anna, her own voice shaky. 'Karl came to pick me up after I'd barricaded myself in your office to get away from Krause.' Another silence. 'Which is why your furniture was all moved about. You remember you complained about it for days? Unsure of what had happened or where your damned letter opener had gone? I'd had it in my hand. It's probably in the corner of your office by your bookcase. That's where I sat waiting for Karl.'

Elli snuggled into Anna's leg, her food forgotten and unimportant.

Still, Rachel could only stare at her daughter, tears welling in her eyes.

'He came to my work the next day too. Krause, I mean. Insisted that I do what he asked so I could still make a career for myself. Running from him was how I met Hans. He made him leave, and calmed me down afterwards.'

'Oh my Anna,' sniffed Rachel. 'I'm so sorry.'

'Mama, you have nothing to apologise for!' Anna insisted, leaning forward to take her hand across the coffee table. 'All I'm saying is that you need to trust me to make the right decisions. I didn't go on the dig because I refuse to have my entire career beholden to a pervert. You need to trust me about Mathias too.'

'Anna-'

'I mean it mama. He looks after me and I want to be with him. I'm tired of accusations and animosity.'

'Might I ask a question instead then?' said Rachel.

'Yes.'

'Did Mathias have something to do with Professor Krause's extensive injuries?' asked Rachel.

The silence returned.

Frozen, Anna finally looked away from her mother, her gaze focused only on the floor.

'Anna,' said Karl, his voice low. 'Anna, is that true? Did he do something to Krause?'

'Shut up Karl,' murmured Anna.

'Why didn't you tell me?' he asked, trying to capture Anna's attention.

'Karl, love,' said Rachel, her hold on her senses returned. 'Will you please take Elli elsewhere. I need to speak to Anna alone.'

'Sure,' said Karl. For the first time today, Elli made no protest, only giving Anna a quick hug before she nestled under Karl's arm and they left the room.

Immediately, Rachel came and sat beside Anna, her arms winding around her shoulders as she pulled her closer. 'Anna, liebling, I am so truly sorry.'

'I already said it's not your fault.'

'No, but I should have picked up on it. You were very clearly not yourself and I foolishly assumed it as because of a fight with Mathias. I was trying to give you space and instead I should have looked after you.' Clutching Anna's face, Rachel made her daughter look at her. 'I failed you, my love.'

'Mama, you didn't fail me,' insisted Anna, nuzzling her mother's hand. 'It's done now. All of it. No need to go over it.'

Rachel pushed a long breath out of her nose. 'I'm afraid there is. I didn't push before, but I will now.'

'There is nothing to push.'

'Tell me what happened to Krause.'

Anna's gaze hardened, her bright blue eyes finding her mother's dark ones. 'He got what he deserved.'

Taken aback, Rachel flinched, but still did not let go of Anna. 'Of that, I have no doubt. But that was not in defence of you, was it? Because that would make sense to me. But premeditated assault...'

'That's what you have a problem with?' snapped Anna, tugging her face free. 'Not that he touched me but that Mathias enacted justice?'

'Of course I have a problem with Krause touching you. And if I had it my way, we would go to the authorities. But we can hardly do that given your boyfriend's indiscretion.'

'I don't want to go to the police, mama, I just want to move on. With Mathias.'

'And that's where my problem lies. You wish to spend your life with a violent man who is also making every effort to isolate you from your family.'

'He is not isolating me-'

'Is that an admission of his violence then?' cut across Rachel.

'He's...' Anna began, searching desperately for her words. 'He's passionate. And he cares. He was looking after me.'

'Anna for the love of god!'

'I don't want to hear it!' said Anna, springing to her feet. 'He keeps me safe, and I like the way his protection and care makes me feel. Is that so wrong?'

'Anna, you don't love this man!' snapped her mother, now also standing. 'I know you, my liebling. And I can see clearly that you are in awe of Mathias. Infatuated, even. But you don't love him.'

'Maybe I show my feeling differently than expected, but they are no less important. Can you blame me? The romanticised crap you spun me my entire life hardly covers an adult relationship.'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'Perhaps if you had actually told me about what real adult relationships are like, rather than keep me naïve, I might have been a little less bowled over by Mathias and his ventures.'

Rachel scoffed. 'That's not an appropriate topic for a young lady.'

'I'm twenty-six years old! And sex is something I have remained sheltered from for years. That blindness has caused no end of problems, not to mention my complete lack of understanding of Krause's intentions towards me.' Anna was shaking with rage. Too long she'd stayed quiet about her bitterness towards her parents and their lack of explanation. 'I'm not going to apologise for enjoying my body or his for that matter.'

'For heaven's sake,' said Rachel. 'I'm sorry we didn't talk to you about such things, but we were focused on your long term happiness. In finding a man that is worthy of your intellect and talent. Someone who would adore you with all the passion that you share with the world.'

'So you don't think that of Mathias?'

'No. I. Don't!' Every syllable of the sentence was enunciated with grit. 'Anna, he is a spoiled, egotistical brat who looks at you like you are his most prized possession. Its clear to me now that you were inherently traumatised by that foul Krause and his machinations, and have clung to Mathias in an attempt to heal yourself. And I will never forgive myself for not stepping in sooner-'

'I don't want you to step in! I like my life how it is.'

'Then tell me you love him. Right now. To my face.'

Folding her arms, Anna gritted her teeth. 'I do.'

'Anna,' said Rachel softly, stepping closer to her daughter. 'Please, liebling. Listen to yourself. You can't even bring yourself to say it to prove a point.'

Foot thrumming against the floor, Anna avoided her mother's gaze. 'Mama, can we not do this.'

Carefully, Rachel tucked Anna's hair behind her ear. 'You were right. I shouldn't have hidden the truth of carnal pleasure from you. It might have prepared you for sex and romance not always being intwined.' Biting her bottom lip briefly, Rachel seemingly searched for more courage. 'I'm going to be honest with you now. I know fireworks might seem like a stupid metaphor created by parents who just wanted to keep you innocent. But it was the only way I could describe the feelings myself and your father gave into. And if I'm even more honest, I have seen you experience that very thing right before my eyes.'

'Then why are you questioning Mathias and I-'

'I'm not referring to Mathias, love.'

A face flashed across Anna's mind. A calm, handsome face dotted with several small scars of the years he had overcome. A face with stormy grey eyes, a crooked nose and a mouth that often curved to a small, admiring smile.

'I don't know what you're talking about,' whispered Anna, her heart screaming in her chest. 'And even if I did, it hardly matters.'

'Your happiness is paramount to me, so it absolutely does matter. It is impossible to ignore the way you and Colonel Lange look at each other.'

'Don't be absurd!'

'I'm not. Why would you not chase such a feeling? Especially with someone so respectable-'

'Ah so that's what this is all about,' spluttered Anna. 'You've found a 'respectable' option for me so I should do that instead.'

'Given that you are very clearly intrigued by him, yes, you should.'

'You're unbelievable.'

'He looked after you just as well as Mathias, you said it yourself. And he did so without nearly killing someone in your name. He is educated, keen to your interests and quite plainly is as taken by you as you are by him.'

'And the fact that he's married doesn't matter to you then?'

For the second time today, Rachel was completely speechless.

Cocking her head to the side, Anna stared expectantly at her mother. 'Hmm? Shall I make myself a mistress and break up a marraige? Is that better to you than being the girlfriend of a wealthy businessman, and heir to one of the oldest and most respected families in Germany?'

Rachel still said nothing.

'Hang on, you invited Hans to lunch,' said Anna, suspicion creeping into her voice. 'Did you do that to encourage a relationship between us?'

Shuffling a little, Rachel clicked her tongue. 'Not exactly, but I didn't suppose offering you options would hurt.'

'For fuck sake mother!'

'Anna, language!'

'Would you give it a rest!' screeched Anna. 'Mathias has not even been gone a week and yet you've taken it upon yourself to separate us.' Anna took Rachel's hand and squeezed. 'Mother, you need to listen to me. Whether you like it or not, I am with Mathias. And I intend to remain so for the rest of my life. You need to get on board with it. Make an effort with him, as I have asked him to do with you. You have to forget Hans. He's nothing more than a simple distraction.'

Rachel clearly wasn't happy. It was written across her face plainly. And yet, all she said was 'fine.'

Closing her eyes, Anna tipped her head back. Tonight had been a mistake. She should have stayed bored and alone rather than attempting to blend her two worlds together. 'Mama, I'm tired. Maybe you should all just-'

'We'll go,' agreed Rachel.

The two women stared at one another, both hurt and sorrowful at their exchange. Hurriedly, Anna pulled her mother into a tight hug, Rachel squeezing her back almost immediately.

'I love you,' mumbled Anna.

'And I love you too.' Sniffing, Rachel stepped back. 'Karl, Elli,' she called. 'Time to go. Anna's tired.'

Curling up on the sofa, Anna barely registered the goodbyes of her closest friend and sister. She didn't focus on the closing of the door or how terribly quiet the apartment was.

For some reason, all she could think about was that fateful night at the opera, and whether or not her mother's observations were, indeed, correct.