Page 119 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

He grinned. “This,” he said softly, pointing at his ring. “It’s what you were looking at, right?”

“I...” Anna didn’t know how to respond. “Illegitimate son?” She frowned in confusion.

Travis nodded. “Illegitimate son of an Elder... well, an Elder who cares about it. Ya don’t see us often because most of ‘em don’t care. But mine does.” He beamed.

Anna blinked. “I don’t understand. You’re... the son of an Elder?” She kept her voice low, looking around for anyone listening.

He nodded again. “My mother was a slave. I have two brothers that live here too. Different mothers, same father.”

Anna’s eyes widened. “You’re Devin’s son?” She couldn’t believe that Devin would admit to having a son by a slave, or let him out.

Travis threw his head back and laughed. “Devin? Hardly!” He laughed again. “Good grief, I’d be lucky to be alive, let alone out in public.” He shook his head. “No, Brandon Seay, from L.A.”

“You’re from L.A. and your... father let you come up here?” Anna’s head spun. Why would an Elder allow such a thing?

“Sure, why not? My dad loves me. He knows I love dancing and wanted me to be able to dance professionally. San Francisco’s company is one of the best in the country. Why wouldn’t he—Wait.” He stared. “You are what I think you are, right?”

Anna’s heart pounded. “What do you think I am?”

Travis touched her necklace, his head tilted. “Some sort of slave. I’ve never seen just diamonds before. Must mean you’re pretty special.” He grinned, but when he looked into Anna’s face, his smiled softened. “Hey, believe me, I’m not judging. My dad lets his girls out sometimes.” He nodded toward her necklace. “He gives them similar necklaces to wear, but with gemstones in them.” He pursed his lips. “I didn’t think Devin did that, though. Has he changed his policies?”

Anna shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t think so... Devin says I’m special, but I don’t understand why.”

Travis chuckled. “Anyone looking at you could see you’re special.”

Anna’s cheeks warmed and Travis laughed again. “You’re definitely not normal. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any...” He looked around. “... you know... blush before.” He looked at her curiously. “Why are you out of the Manor? I mean, Devin’s a control freak. Why would he let you come to a party? And...” He nodded toward Aaron, who had jumped back into the pool and was making his way back to them. “Does he know?”

“Does Aaron know?” Anna frowned, then it hit her. “That I’m a...”

Travis nodded.

Anna shook her head slowly as her heart sank. Of course, Aaron didn’t know she was a slave. Her shoulders slumped. How could she have forgotten what she was? What would Aaron say when he found out? Would he be disgusted? Or thrilled?

As Aaron wrapped his arms around her again, the reality of her situation ripped away the cocoon of warmth that had enveloped her heart while dancing with him. She was a slave. She had no right to spend time with Aaron or let him kiss her. Her heart stung as if someone had stabbed it with a fiery blade and she closed her eyes, praying her tears wouldn’t escape.

How could she have forgotten what she was?

Why had she let herself go?

She struggled out of Aaron’s arms and made her way out of the pool, grabbing her towel and hurrying away into the darkness of the garden. She sat on the bench and sucked in a deep breath full of the scent of roses and jasmine.

Leaning forward, she buried her face in her hands. She was a slave. Her slavery was safe. She knew what to expect from those men. Good or bad, it was predictable and her emotions stayed out of it... for the most part. This... this freedom was dangerous. The small amount of control she had over herself made her?—

“Anna?” Aaron hurried across the garden and sat next to her. “Anna, what’s wrong?” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

She didn’t resist, though she didn’t really want to be close to him. It hurt. Oh, it hurt! The rawness of her vulnerable heart screamed for protection. So she did the one thing she knew to do: she kissed him. Passionately. Her hands moved expertly over his shoulders and caressed his neck. Her mouth moved sensually against his, her tongue teasing and tantalizing.

He groaned against her mouth and knew she was getting to him. Not that she doubted her ability to seduce him. But did she want to? She hesitated.

Chapter 48

Aaron took advantage of Anna’s hesitation and pulled away, sucking in heavy breaths. He put his hands on her shoulders to keep her at a distance when she leaned back into him. If she kissed him again like that, he’d lose control and take her right there on the grass. “Anna, what are you doing?”

She stared at him with wide eyes. If Alex hadn’t told him about her past, he might have done something he’d regret later. But he looked past her actions and saw the terror in her big green eyes. When he’d known her before, she’d been such a sweet, happy young girl. He wanted to go to her guardian’s house and pummel him for hurting her.

He reached up and brushed her hair out of her face. “Anna, why are you afraid?” he asked softly.

Her jaw trembled and she hung her head. “You don’t want me.”

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