Page 80 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Of course he’d pick a German car. “Fine.” It didn’t matter. “I have plans I’ve made for her over the next few weeks. Social engagements I need her for.”

“Fine. As long as you treat her as a person and not as a slave.”

“I wouldn’t do that in public, Alex.” Devin gave a mocking smile and raised his eyebrows. “That would be counterproductive.”

Alex’s only reaction was the clenching of his jaw muscles. He was silent for a moment, then smiled and tilted his head. “I want her to dance again. Full time. I’m certain she’s too talented for you to have kept her away from that for so long.”

Devin glanced down at Anna. What had she said to him? The idea couldn’t have been Alex’s alone. Then again, he didn’t give a fuck what she did when he didn’t need her. And ballet kept her body beautiful and her mind sane. “Fine. I want her every Friday for the Gatherings.”

Alex narrowed his eyes. “What if she has performances?”

“She hasn’t even begun dancing again. Let’s take things one step at a time.”

Alex was quiet for a moment and then lifted his chin. “Agreed. I want the option to take her to social events as well. And travel.”

Devin rolled his eyes. “Then we should probably set up some sort of calendar so we know when she’s available,” he said sarcastically.

“That’s a good idea. Then we’ll know exactly what’s going on, and our interactions will be kept at a minimum.”

Devin chuckled. He had a point. “Agreed.” Now for the coup de grâce. He leaned forward. “I want to send men to her apartment for her to fuck. That’s the only reason I agreed to her own apartment.” Devin rested his hand on Anna’s head and she flinched.

Alex frowned. “They might hurt her.”

“She’s tough and heals quickly. That’s why we trained her as we did.” Devin smiled.

Alex growled. “I heard about your training methods. You’re barbaric.”

Anger flashed through his body and he yanked Anna’s hair back so she looked at him upside down again. He glared at her. “You told him about your training?”

“Let her go.” Alex leaned forward, his fists balled. “I commanded her to tell me. She sure as hell didn’t volunteer the information.”

Devin released her hair and she fell forward, coughing again.

Alex’s eyes turned dark and he leaned forward even more. “I knew there was a reason I didn’t like you,” he spat.

“Oh, believe me, the feeling is mutual.” Devin smirked. “My training methods have served this Manor well for many years. Didn’t you enjoy her training this morning?”

Alex glared at him.

Devin laughed. “You didn’t fuck her? Why the hell not?”

“Last night was difficult on her. I’m not that selfish.”

Devin rolled his eyes. Alex and his righteous anger. “It has nothing to do with being selfish, Alex. Men have needs. And she is very, very good at meeting those needs.” He stroked her cheek with his knuckle. “You really should sample your slave.”

Alex growled. “Can we please get back on subject? I have things to do today.”

Devin huffed. “What else do you want?”

“When she’s not needed by either of us, I want her to be free to do as she pleases, as long as it’s not dangerous and is of a respectable nature. I want her to have a social life. She’s been isolated for far too long.”

Devin narrowed his eyes, studying Alex for a long time. What did he really want? “Anna, look at me.”

She obeyed immediately, turning around on her knees. He jutted his jaw to the side as he studied her sweet, young face. His heart softened as he gazed at her and his heart grew warm. Then he stiffened and closed his eyes. He shook his head, forcing the hard shell back around his heart. He wouldn’t allow himself to give into her innocent eyes.

Though he hated to admit it, Alex was right. Anna needed to be around people. Normal people. She was very awkward in situations that didn’t involve sex. Devin sighed. He’d have to play the nice card again.

After a long moment, he nodded. “She has been by herself for too long.” Devin deliberately softened his gaze. “Maybe I was wrong, keeping you so isolated. You’ve never even been on a date, have you?”

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