Tyler pulled her to the couch and sat her between him and Tommy. “We’re just watching a movie.” Tyler named some movie Anna had never heard of.

Tommy reached for her and put his arm around her. Tyler grabbed her legs and laid them across his lap. Tommy hit a button on the remote and the movie started playing.

After a while, Anna relaxed, her mood lightening in the guys’ company. They were fun and laughed heartily at the silly lines the superhero spouted.

Tommy kissed the top of her head frequently. He was kind and since she’d arrived, there had been very little kindness around her. She wiped away tears that threatened to fall, hoping they hadn’t seen. “You alright, Anna?” Tommy asked softly. “Why are you crying?”

“No . . . I . . .” She sighed. “It’s been a long day.” That was the truth.

“My dad can be pretty harsh, huh?” Tyler said. “He means well.”

Anna didn’t respond. She wondered how well he knew his father. Anna didn’t think Devin “meant well” about anything at the moment. She turned her attention back to the movie, trying to forget about anything except where she was. Focus on the good. Forget the bad.

She needed to be present with Tyler and Tommy, so they didn’t report to Devin that she was inattentive. Upsetting her Master was something she needed to avoid at all costs.

Chapter 109

A pounding at the door made Anna’s eyes fly open. She was naked in bed between Tommy and Tyler. After the movie finished, Tommy had kissed her and things had progressed from there. She’d had a very enjoyable time with the two of them. They were nice and appreciative of her ministrations. Tommy especially. She had fallen asleep with his arms around her and slept very well.

The pounding sounded again, but louder. She sat up on her hip and Tommy and Tyler stirred beside her. Tyler glanced at the clock. “Shit. I forgot to set the alarm.”

Tommy hopped out of bed, pulling on his boxer-briefs as he walked out of the room to answer the hotel room door.

“Why did you need to set the alarm?” Anna asked.

Tyler stood, pulling on his sweatpants. “Because we have to leave soon to drive to where the Gathering is.”

Anna stretched and yawned, longing to lie back down and sleep. They’d been up late. “When do we need to leave?”

Devin walked in at that moment, fully dressed in a dark polo shirt and khaki slacks, frowning at her. “We need to leave in twenty minutes. What do you think you’re doing?”

“I-I didn’t know, Devin.” She jumped out of bed and looked around for her discarded clothes. “I’m sorry. I’ll go get ready.” She threw on her shorts and t-shirt as Devin glowered at her, then ran out the door and back to the hotel room.

She pulled on a denim skirt and black shirt as quickly as possible, then brushed and braided her hair.

As she was tying the bottom of her braid as Devin walked into the bathroom, frowning at her in the mirror. “I-I’m ready, Devin.”

Anna’s heart raced as Devin grabbed her braid and spun her around. “You’ve made me look bad, Anna.”

She lowered her eyes, a sinking sense of dread washing over her.

“We’re late and I don’t do late.” Devin clenched his teeth, then slapped her across the face.

She grabbed her cheek, tears burning in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Devin. I didn’t know. If I had known?—‍”

“I don’t want any excuses. Get your shoes on and let’s go. Maggie packed your things and is waiting in the van.”

“Yes, Devin.” Her voice cracked and she hurried to the closet for her sandals.

In front of the hotel, several vehicles were lined up along the curb, including a black van and huge black SUV-looking limousine.

“I should put you in the van,” Devin muttered under his breath as they walked into the morning sunlight. “But someone might want to use you.”

Anna’s shoulders slumped as Devin led her to the open door of the limo. Why couldn’t she do anything right? Why did she have to anger him all the time?

The interior was decorated in black leather and light wood, and the windows were tinted very dark. Black leather benches lined the length and width of the vehicle and a minibar with drinks and breakfast foods was set up near the door. Anna’s stomach growled as she passed by.

The other Elders were already inside. Tom arrived a few minutes later with Tyler and Tommy.