Page 361 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Isaak grinned. “Then I’m very happy for you both.” He leaned back against his desk. “What brought this about so quickly?”

Alex briefly explained the reasons behind their surprise marriage, but emphasized his love and affection for Anna. “It would have happened, eventually. We just pushed up the date a bit.”

Isaak nodded slowly. “I can’t say I blame you. I’m relieved Devin has lost his hold on you.”

“Not completely,” Alex said. “But it’s much weaker than it had been.”

“Any weakening is good in my book.” Isaak smiled. “So, what’s your married name now, Anna? I know Alex’s full name is a mouthful.”

Anna glanced at Alex. “Anna Kunzberg . . . Herzogin . . . von Hessen. Right?” She grinned at Alex.

Alex smiled at her. “Ja.”

Isaak laughed. “That is a mouthful.”

“There is another matter we wanted to let you know about,” Alex said. “Anna’s pregnant.”

Isaak’s mouth dropped open and he stared at her.

“I’m sorry,” Anna said quickly. “I didn’t know?—‍”

Isaak shook his head. “There’s nothing to apologize for.” He gave a small shrug. “Can’t say I’m not disappointed that I’ll be losing my best dancer so soon. But I’d rather you be happy and safe and not dancing, than dancing for me and still under Devin’s thumb.”

“Thank you, Isaak.” Anna hugged him around his waist.

“How far along are you?”

“About six weeks, I think.”

“Are you okay with dancing La Bayadere?”

Anna nodded. “Alex’s uncle, who’s a doctor, said I’d definitely be okay through February. I don’t know how fast I’ll start expanding and how comfortable you’d be with me dancing once I start showing more.”

“I appreciate that. I don’t want you hurting yourself because your balance is off. Let’s see how you are feeling after Bayadere is over. I’ll keep you cast and rehearsing as you are in Jewels, and we’ll see how things progress. And of course, you’re welcome to attend class as long as you are comfortable.”

“Thank you,” Alex said. “I appreciate your understanding.”

Isaak smiled. “Anya danced practically until you were born, Anna. She stopped performing at about five months, but each pregnancy is different. Just take it easy and don’t push yourself.”

Anna warmed at the thought of her mother dancing while pregnant with her. Her baby would have the same experience.

Chapter 167

In February, La Bayadere opened to rave reviews, filling Anna with pride and contentment. Her hard work had paid off.

After Sunday night’s performance brought opening weekend to a close, Anna drove to the Manor in accordance with a new arrangement Alex and Devin had made for performance season. It was very late, but Ian met her at her car and escorted her inside.

“He’s waiting for you with Jamie.” Ian led Anna to her room and waited for her to change into her robe before taking her down the hall to Jamie’s room.

When she opened the door, she saw Devin and Jamie on the bed. Jamie was naked, as usual, and sitting between Devin’s feet, sucking on his cock. Anna and Devin made eye contact and her feelings settled into what had become the norm. Jamie was a conduit between herself and Devin. He could hurt her and Anna could feel and enjoy Jamie’s pain. Anna was teaching Jamie to give her pain to Devin. She wasn’t jealous of Devin’s attentions to Jamie. Anna knew her place with Devin and she wasn’t threatened by a mere mortal girl.

“Ah, Anna.” Devin held out his hand to her. “Greet your mistress, Jamie.”

Jamie released Devin’s cock and bowed to Anna. “Good evening, Mistress.”

Anna reached down and petted her hair and then walked to Devin. “Good evening, my lord,” she said. She glanced at his cock and her body tingled. Oh, the things that cock could do to her.

Devin smiled warmly at Anna. “Good evening, Baby.”

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