"Will you tell me about her? What she was like?" Liesel and Max were cuddled up for another night's sleep with his arm wrapped around her tightly and his face pressed to her neck where he'd been leaving soothing kisses.

"My mother?" He pulled back, pained at the sudden thought of his dear mother. He felt guilty to think of her knowing she had given her life for his.

"Yes, but only if you want to. You don't have to if it hurts, I understand." A few moments of silence passed as Max thought of where to begin, then he spoke.

"She was the best mother anyone could have. She sacrificed her life for mine, I could never repay her even if she were still here." He swallowed thickly, pulling Liesel closer to him and kissing her neck again sending warm shivers through her body.

"Her hair was brown like chocolate and very long but she always kept it tied up. Her eyes were brown too, I have them. It's probably the only feature of hers I have, she always said I was a double of my father." Liesel rubbed his hand gently knowing he doesn't remember his father.

"My mother really was the sweetest woman, you know?" No, Liesel thought. She never knew what a sweet mother was, her own abandoned her and her foster mother was never sweet. "She was so small and yet her heart was so big. She always put others first. She gave her life for me Liesel, you know I have to try my best to survive or what she done for me would have been a waste."

Liesel felt her eyes water and turned over to face Max. His eyes were glistening too.

"You don't have to leave. You are safe here." He sighed at the discussion being brought up again. He was to leave and that was that.

"We are not going through this again. You know I have to, they could come again at any time."

"Where would you go?" Her voice cracked and dipped her head in to his chest so he wouldn't see her cry.

"I'll get on the last train and get off at the furthest stop I can get too."

"It's too dangerous, there are guards everywhere." Max remained silent. He thought he had thought it through well enough in his head. Get on a train and end up somewhere in the country, maybe hide in a barn and work for food.

"How would I even know that you're safe?" He had thought none of it through well enough. Of course he couldn't get in touch with her. Of course he would most likely get caught – but he had to try.

"I'll get in contact with you somehow, I'll write to you." Get in contact. These words struck in Liesel's head and she was struck with a great thought. A memory came back to her.

"I know exactly where you can go!" Although she didn't want him to leave she thought that if he must then it will be to the safest place she knew.

Liesel jumped up out of their warm hold to look for the address Frau Hermann gave her before she left.

"What do you mean?" Max questioned in confusion. She brought a candle between them and held the card up to the light.

"Frau Hermann gave me this the day before they left. She said that if I ever needed help then I can go to her. Well, contact her anyway."

"The mayor's wife? Liesel, the reason they left was because they're killing Jews. They're making a life from dead Jews." He pushed the card away but she refused and held it out.

"No, no, Max." She took his hands in hers. "She told me that she doesn't support any of it. She supports her husband but not the regime."

"I still can't risk it. What if she slips up because she loves her husband so much? What if he finds me? Or someone else?"

"I know it's not thought through but at least let me write to her. It's better than a life on the run." Max took the card in his fingers and studied it. It was worth a shot.

"Okay." Liesel was relieved he agreed and felt the anxiety lift from her body. "Thank you." He whispered.

Max leant in to her ever so slowly and kissed her mouth delicately before then pushing her back against the bed, leaning over her without breaking their kiss. His mouth dropped to her neck, warm, sweet lips spreading down to her chest and stopping at the fabric that covered her breasts. A wave spread over her body at the new territory Max was exploring.

His lips returned to hers with hunger. A passion overcame him as her hands pulled at his hips and clawed at his hair. His hands caressed down her body, fingers slowly travelling down her milky legs and back up making her shake with anticipation.

Both their breathing trembled, both wanting to take things further.

"Max?" She wondered why he stopped, wondered why he was moving off of her.

"I'm sorry." He ran a trembling hand through his messy hair and over his pale face.

"For what?" She loathed the lonely feeling of her skin where his hands just were so wrapped a blanket around her frame.

"For getting carried away. I should be more responsible."

"Well then I'm sorry two. It takes two, right?" Max lifted his cheek to half a smile. More than anything he wanted to be with her in every way possible. Lazily, he wrapped an arm over Liesel's shoulders where they rested their heads together.

"You really think Frau Hermann could hide me?" He pondered.

"I'm certain of it. She can't say no, not after all we've been through. And maybe once I sort things out here, if papa comes home… then I can come join you."

Max pulled back to look into her absorbing blue eyes. "You'd leave this place behind just for me?"

"In a heartbeat." Max was now sure that he had to leave. He had to leave to save Liesel so one day they could be together and build a future together. They could run away to a place where Jews weren't hated, they could be happy.

He swooped in to crush his lips against hers again, losing himself in her sensual touch almost forgetting all the problems that faced them.

The following day Liesel wrote a lengthy, three-page letter explaining the situation. She begged Frau Hermann to help in any way she could, underlining important words such as 'hide', 'cannot tell your husband' and 'desperate'. She was putting their lives on the line, her parent's too, praying that Isla was the trustworthy woman she always thought she had been. She labelled the envelope strictly to Frau Hermann with hopes her husband would not get word of it.

They waited for eight days for a reply, not sure that the letter had even been delivered giving that there was a war going on. Rosa would ask the postman each morning if there was any mail for Liesel, but there was always nothing.

On the Friday, Liesel was full of anxiety that day as it was the day of the ball. She had to accompany Fritz or else he would make her life a living hell and Max would most definitely be discovered – resulting in all their deaths.

Max noticed something was up with her right away as she was quiet and paced the basement floor with a book in her hands she was not reading. He noticed her messy hair as she hadn't bothered to brush it, how her hands clutched at the book but her eyes never moved across the pages. He was worried about her and his heart gritted at the thought of her hurting.

"Liesel?" He closed his notebook to set it aside. She looked up from her book and closed it too, running a hand through her knotty hair.

"Yes?"

"What is wrong?"

"Hmm?" She was vacant. He took hold of her waist, taking a lock of hair to wrap around his finger.

"Something is bothering you. Is it the letter?" The letter. She had forgot all about the letter for the past two days, how silly of her.

"Yes, I guess." She couldn't even convince herself. She was trembling inside at the mere thought of having to stand by Fritz's side all night, just imagining the thought of having to dance with him. Dance with a killer.

"No, there's something else. Come on, Liesel, you can tell me."

"Please don't hate me, Max." They were silent while she gathered her thoughts and Max stood in confusion, he could never hate her. "I have to go to a Nazi Party ball tonight."

"What? Is your mama going? Is everyone in Molching going?"

"No... It's just me." Her voice was faint and she couldn't look in to his eyes as she felt his hand on her hip tighten.

"How is that possible? Why would they ask you to go?"

"I have to accompany an officer, he patrols around here a lot and he asked me to go with him." Her eyes were glued to the floor as she dreaded to see his wounded face. She felt as if she were betraying him, like she was choosing them over him.

"And you said yes? Just like that?" Max was hurt, but he had to know she didn't agree willingly.

"No. I said no, Max." Her eyes were now on his, a mixture of the darkest chocolate with the brightest of sky clashing in the dim yellow of the basement.

"I said no, you must understand that I told him no!" Her voice raised frantically as she thought Max was doubting her feelings to him.

"Hey, it is okay I believe you. Liesel, come here." He pulled her to his chest, holding her shaking shoulders as she cried in to his cardigan. The last thing she wanted was to break down in front of him but he made her emotions leak at the simplest of looks.

"He threatened mama which means he could easily find you. It's just one night I only have to pretend for one night."

"Does this officer…" He swallowed thickly "Does you like you, Liesel? Has he bothered you before?" Liesel remained silent. That told Max everything he needed to know – this officer was more dangerous than any other officer, he would kill Max in a heartbeat before Liesel's very eyes just to prove he's a worthy candidate of her hand in marriage.

"You have to go. I'm afraid there's no way out of it." She nodded, tears falling from her cheeks. "But promise me, if he gets too forward… if he makes you the slightest bit uncomfortable, more uncomfortable that the situation, then you get out of there."

"I promise. I'm sorry, I really am." She sniffled and choked for air, finally releasing the worry she had bottled up for the past week.

"It's not your fault, not at all. I love you. Remember me tonight and I'll be with you. You have nothing to fear if you just play along."

But what if just by playing along she gave him the wrong idea? She steadied her breathing and dried her tears in his thick, woolly cardigan before plucking the courage to ask him a request.

"Max, will you teach me how to punch. I need to know how to defend myself. Just in case."

He was glad she asked. He had been wanting to teach her for a while, just in case.

For the next hour they practiced. He taught her the correct position her fingers should be in and how to throw her whole body not just her hand. She was scared to aim a hit right at him as he asked her to do but he moved fast and dodged her forceful attempts.

At one point, she narrowly missed his face. He felt the whoosh of cool air as her fist swung past his eye, laughing as he caught her as she began to stumble forward.

"Okay, I think that's enough practice. Let's just hope you won't need to do it." They both prayed she wouldn't have to.

Up in her bedroom – a place that was not being used much now – Liesel stepped in to a navy blue dress that she bought a while ago. It hugged her in the right places, accentuating her chest but not showing anything dramatic. The straps were thick and crossed over her back, the skirt flowed freely and spun every time she turned to look in the mirror. There was a pair of small black heels that accompanied the dress, she slipped them on nervously.

Liesel tied her hair up in an elegant bun, letting two thick waves fall either side of her face. She applied soft powder to her chalky face and just a flick of eyeliner, deciding against lipstick to not entice the wrong company.

She could feel her stomach doing flips but she tried to remind herself of the bigger picture.

When she presented herself to her Rosa she was met with a complete stranger for Rosa was weeping and smiling. It was almost alien to Liesel. Who was this fragile person that replaced the stern, always aggravated mama?

"Liesel, my dear. You look absolutely beautiful." Liesel played with the skirt self-consciously.

"You don't think it's too much? I don't want to give the wrong impression."

"No. No, you are perfect. If only your father could see you now." She wiped her soaked cheek and kissed Liesel. They stood there for a few seconds in silence, Liesel not sure why Rosa was looking at her funny.

"What?" She asked. Rosa nodded to the basement stairs, smirking.

"Mama, I shouldn't." It would only make Max worry more, seeing her all dressed up like a school girl going on her first date.

"Go. Now." There was no arguing, she slugged to the door and tip-toed down the stairs.

"Liesel?" She heard his soft call before she saw him standing there with his hands in his trouser pockets like a boy who's been told off.

"I have to be going now." Fritz would be there any minute and she wanted to be at the door before he could come in.

Max stepped in to the light, astounded by her beauty. It was like looking at a figurine from a jewellery box, like she was a princess in a fairy-tale.

She rushed at him and he caught her in his arms. Their arms and lips locked together, a princess and a pauper.

"Remember what I taught you, okay?" Liesel nodded, unable to tear her eyes from his deep pools of chocolate.

"I'll be home before midnight. You should get to sleep, I'll be here when you wake." He simply bobbed his head. There was no way he was going to get a wink of sleep until she were back there wrapped up against his body.

Unwillingly, she plucked herself from him and dragged her heavy body away.

Despite the situation, Rosa was quite merry – Liesel had noticed an empty bottle of beer on her bedside table.

"Enjoy tonight, Liesel. Just do as Fritz says – what anyone says – and be brave."

"Yes, mama."

"And see if you can fetch any bites home! God knows they'll throw the banquet to the dogs when it's over."

Liesel hid a smirk but it was soon snatched away when there was a knock at the door. She bid her mother a good night and turned her head ever so slightly to the basement before making her way to the enemy.

Fritz Goldenhaan was dressed to the nines in his lavish Nazi uniform. He wore the symbol with pride on his hat, his sleeves, his cuffs and his sash. Liesel wondered if they ate the symbol for breakfast, dinner and supper too. His boots were shined black and his golden hair sleeked back neatly.

He was grinning from ear to ear as he drove fast down the road to the Mariot club making Liesel slide along the leather seat at every corner he spun around. She was glad to get out and in to the cool night air.

Roughly, he took her arm and wrapped it around his own, smirking at her silent protest. She was loathing the night already.

Outside the club there was a gathering of officers and other important men in suits with their glamorous partners. Everyone was beaming excitedly at the chance to get together and pretend the world was normal again.

"I am so happy you came tonight, Liesel. You are making a man's last night at home a very happy one."

"Last night? What do you mean?"

"I leave for war tomorrow. I have been requested by Hitler's officers to command a brigade in France. A great honour."

Liesel had to bite her lip from smiling, she couldn't be happier that he was leaving. Finally she would get him off her back and there'd be one less Nazi to worry about.

When they got inside they were given a glass of champagne. Immediately, Liesel was reminded of the fantasy her and Max had of their perfect day where they would sip champagne for breakfast. She took a sip, although it tasted amazing she just couldn't stomach it in the presence of such horrible people.

Fritz escorted her around the tables of snobbish, arrogant officers and their wives who looked down on her. Some were envious of her youth and stunning appearance, glaring burning holes in to her dress, others knew she was the daughter of a Jew sympathiser and pitied her, turning away the moment they greeted her.

Liesel felt like a lamb on parade like she was about to be torn apart by a pack of hungry wolves if she so much as looked the wrong way at someone.

At their table there were four other people, two officers and their wives. No one had spoken a word to Liesel - much to her relief.

Speeches were given, toasts were made, money was collected and 'Heil Hitler's' were saluted at every given opportunity. Liesel felt exhausted. She refused to eat anything and drank only sips of the champagne. Fritz kept placing a heavy hand on her knee making her freeze in fear.

She kept an eye on the grand clock that hung above the stage where the band played. There was an hour left to go, no one dared to leave before the clock struck eleven and the band had played their last song. Until then, the room was full of cheerful, dancing patriots.

The dance floor was swarmed with spinning couples, a small sea of colours blending in to one. At the last song Fritz hauled Liesel to join the sea, ignoring her stumbles as she tried to keep up. His fingers latched on to her, digging in to her sides, pinching her fragile skin. He only smirked when he heard her whimper and spun her recklessly before catching her waist and pressing hard again.

He knew he was hurting her, humiliating her. He only brought her to hurt and humiliate her. He knew she was the adopted daughter of a Jew lover and the real daughter of a filthy communist and was too head strong for her own good. He knew she read those evil stories in the books that were meant to be destroyed. He knew she too sympathised with the Jews, that she hated the Fuhrer, that she only barely whispered Heil Hitler. She was damaged goods. She had no place in Nazi Germany. He couldn't have her and yet he simply had to have her before he left.

At the end of the song her ribs were aching, her skin she was sure was red raw. All the men bowed to the ladies and the ladies in returned curtseyed. The band announced it was the end of the night and thanked everybody for coming out.

Liesel let out a great sigh, she could finally go home and be with Max. She sat quietly in the car as Fritz got in the driver's seat. It was terribly cold so she rubbed her arms to keep herself warm.

"Did you enjoy your night?" Fritz asked as he turned the key in the ignition.

"Yes." She lied. "Thank you for bringing me, Fritz." There won't be another time, she thought.

"It was my absolute pleasure." They were now driving in the clear night back to Himmel Street.

"Are you tired, girl?" Liesel shot her head up in his direction.

"Yes. Very."

"Not up for a night cap?" He was smirking.

"No. I must get home, my mother will be wondering where I am." There was silence for three minutes and then they stopped around the corner from Himmel Street. Liesel shot him a panicked look, he switched the engine off. Quickly, she fumbled for the door handle.

"Thank you, Fritz, for a wonderful evening. Good ni-" In the darkness of the car Fritz Goldenhaan leapt on to Liesel, pressing his hard, cold lips against hers.

Liesel was in shock. He was heavy on top of her and crushed her against the metal door. She tried to push him off but he was too strong.

He pulled back and laughed, pinning her arm to the seat so she couldn't hit him. Terror was flooding all over her body followed by disgust and then rage. How dare this vile human take advantage of her like this.

"Get off of me!" She screamed and bit his lip sending him back in surprise. Fritz touched his lip, feeling the trickle of blood run down his chin.

"Saukrel!" He pulled her down so she was now lying on the seat. "You know I took pity on you despite your awful Jew loving parents? And this is how you treat me!" Liesel couldn't believe what she was hearing. It wasn't pity. It was so he could have a beautiful girl on his arm and not look like the lonesome, pathetic man that he was.

He crashed his mouth to hers again, his arms snaking to her skirt where he desperately hoisted it up. Liesel was now pumping with adrenaline and with one strong surge of energy she raised her leg to crush in to his groin.

Fritz yelled out in pain and his weight lifted off her. She scrambled up to open the door but he was gabbing for her dress. She kicked out again and heard the fabric tear, he pushed her and her head smacked against the window leaving a light cut on her eyebrow.

Liesel knew she had one last chance to save herself. She spun around to face him and clenched her fist, remembering every step that Max had taught her earlier that day. As Fritz reached for her neck she launched her entire body at his face with her fist. There was a crunch as her knuckles made contact with his nose. Scared, cold, in profound trouble, as he fell against her unconsciously Liesel had to make her escape.

In to the cool night air Liesel sprinted down Himmel Street with icy tears streaming down her face. The door was left unlocked and she burst through, trying not to wake her mother in her state of shock.

What should she do? Should she run upstairs and clean up then go to bed and pray the incident never happened or should she tell Max everything and leave with him in the dead of night.

No, they couldn't leave, not yet. By the time Fritz would wake up he would have to leave to war, he would never let anything come in the way. Not even a girl who refused him.

Trying to be ever so quiet, she crept upstairs trying her best to avoid the creaky steps. In her room, she changed out of her torn dress and placed it at the back of her wardrobe. It was only good for rags now.

Her reflection frightened her. She was too pale and so scrubbed until all the makeup had disappeared from her face. She ran a brush through her soft hair and swept it behind her ears. Once she was decent and in her nightgown she inspected her bruises.

The cut on her eyebrow could easily be hid with a spot of makeup and her hair falling in the right place. The bruises on her wrists too could be hid with long sleeves, the only other pain came from her ribs which led Liesel to hope Max wouldn't hold her too tight.

Thinking of him, she tip-toed down to the basement. She wasn't going to mention the incident at all. It was like she was walking on air as her dead feet carried her down the stairs, like she had no choice in where her body was taking her.

"Liesel, you're back." Max threw the blanket from his warm body and caught Liesel as she fell in to his arms. She inhaled his sweet and wrapped her arms around him never wanting to let go.

"How was it?" Max didn't want to know and Liesel didn't want to tell. But they played along with each other.

"As expected. Everyone looked down on me wondering what the hell I was doing there."

"And the officer?" Liesel froze. She wondered if he had woken up yet, had he reported her or had he simply left for war.

"He was bearable."

"Are you tired?" She nodded and let him pull her to the thin mattress where they slept together.

Like every night, Max kissed her and wrapped his arm around her waist, but this time she winced in pain and it startled him.

"Liesel, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just tripped as I came in, it's really dark out at this time." As she expected he didn't believe her and pulled the blanket away. With a torch held to her he saw the marks on her arms, but that wasn't where he just touched her.

Ignoring her protests he lifted her night gown to reveal her bruised ribs.

"What the hell did he do to you?" His voice was alarming as he took in the fresh marks on her sides. She said nothing as she was scared what he would do. She couldn't let him get mad, not now.

"Tell me what happened. Tell me." His eyes begged, pleaded with her to explain. She pulled her gown down and sat up, deciding to be honest with him. Tears pricked at her eyes as she saw the intensity on his stare.

"Fritz… the officer who made me go… he tried to force me. He hurt me but I remembered what you told me and I hurt him back. Max, I hurt an officer. I don't know if I've ruined everything." Max took hold of her arms gently to calm her down and pulled her to him, gripping the fabric of her gown in fury. He rubbed her back until she wasn't crying anymore, all the while thinking of what move they should make next. What he wanted more than anything was to go back and finish the job Liesel started and kill the bastard for laying a single finger on her.

"He said he was leaving for France in the morning so I hope that he brushes it off and leaves. But what if he reports me first? What are we going to do?" She whispered. "We have to leave tonight, while it's still dark."

"Where is the officer now?" Max clenched his jaw to stop himself from shouting.

"I left him in his car. I knocked him clean out." He couldn't help but feel proud of her given the situation.

"Good girl. But we can't leave. We have nowhere to go, and you can't leave your mother yet." Liesel wept harder as his words sank in. The next twenty-four hours would be a long, nervous wait for them all.