Page 288 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“I thought you wanted me to go out and have a life.”

“You don’t seem to be able to handle it.” He paused. “Will Jenna interfere if someone comes over to your apartment and you start screaming?”

Anna blinked. Jenna had barely moved in. How did he know everything that she did? “I’ll tell her not to.”

“I think we should test that tonight. Go home. I’ll be there in forty-five minutes.” He hung up without another word.

She threw her phone in the bag and started gathering her things. “We have to go, Jenna. Go change.”

“Anna, what’s going on?” Travis asked.

She forced a weak smile. “Devin’s coming over. I have to go home. Now.” She looked at Jenna, who hadn’t moved. “Go.” Jenna frowned but did as Anna asked. “Travis, you need to go, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He reached out for her. “Let me help you.”

She stepped away, shaking her head. “Please, for your own safety, you need to go.”

He frowned and turned to open the door.

“Travis?”

“Yeah?” He turned back around.

Anna hesitated. “Be careful.”

“Did he threaten me?”

Anna nodded, biting her lip.

He looked thoughtful for a moment. “You too.” He gave her a sad smile and then left.

Anna changed quickly and went out into the hallway. Jenna was nowhere to be seen. She paced for a few minutes, then went to bang on the corps dressing room, but the door opened before she made contact. Jenna walked out, her bag slung over her shoulder. She’d washed the stage makeup from her face and Anna frowned. “You could’ve washed up at home.” She sighed at Jenna’s frown. “C’mon.”

They hurried outside into the cold evening and across the street to the parking garage.

Anna started the car. “Jenna, when we get home...” She shook her head. “I—Maybe you should stay with Matt tonight.”

“Why?”

Anna didn’t know how to explain what her heart was fearing would happen as soon as Devin arrived. “Devin’s... angry and I don’t want you to hear what he does to me.”

“I can handle it. I want to be there for you when he leaves.”

“If he leaves. Sometimes he stays all night.” Anna sighed. “He’s testing to see what you do if you...” She swallowed. “... hear me screaming. You have to stay away. You can’t interfere.”

Jenna squeezed her hand and nodded. “Maybe.”

Anna pulled into her parking spot a few minutes later and leaned her head back against the headrest. Her eyes drooped and she just wanted to get to her apartment and sleep.

They walked up to their apartment in silence, and Anna unlocked the door. “Please go stay with Matt. I don’t want you to hear me.”

Jenna frowned. “Then put your phone by your bed and text me when he leaves so I can come check on you.”

“I can’t guarantee you I’ll be conscious.”

Jenna’s frown deepened. “Then I’m staying.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m here because you need someone to be here for you. You need someone to watch over you.”

“I’ll be fine. I can’t be hurt permanently.” Unless he wanted to kill her again... She shuddered.

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