“I don’t want you? Why would you think that? Would I be here if I didn’t want to be with you?”
She shook her head and looked up. Her cheeks were wet with tears. “I’m not what you think I am.” She played with her necklace. Alex had told him it was a sign of her slavery, as was her bracelet.
Aaron took her hand in his. “I know who you are, Anna.”
She shook her head again. “I’m not twelve anymore, Aaron. I’m... not the same—” Her voice cracked on the last word.
Aaron touched her necklace and looked deeply into her eyes. “I know, hon. I know who and what you are. And I don’t care. I still want to be with you.”
Her brows twitched. “You . . . know I’m a . . .”
Aaron nodded.
“How?”
Aaron hesitated. “Alex told me.”
Anna winced. “Oh.” She hung her head again.
“He wanted to make sure I knew, so I didn’t hurt you.” He slipped his hand around her neck and pulled her head close to his. “I never want to hurt you,” he whispered and kissed her gently. Her lips were so soft and inviting. He could kiss her all day and never tire of it.
Anna’s head spun at Aaron’s words and kiss. He knew? He knew she was a slave? She concentrated to read him and overwhelming emotion hit her. He had told her the truth of what he was feeling. She could trust him. Inexplicable, but true. Her fears flew out of her mind.
He pulled away a few minutes later, resting his forehead on hers. “Why did you run away?” He caressed the back of her head.
“I thought you wouldn’t... see me the same way if you knew...” She didn’t doubt he would want to sleep with her, but the connection that they’d made while dancing had been so wonderful, she didn’t want to lose it. “You know about the... Manor... and stuff?”
Aaron nodded. “A little. Alex has told me about it, and he took me to the one down in L.A. about a year ago. He wouldn’t go to the one here. He hates Devin.”
Anna smiled. “That’s an understatement.”
Aaron chuckled. “‘Course, I can’t say I’m exactly fond of the guy either. Not after what he did to you.” He turned serious again. “I know your life isn’t easy. But I think you’re worth it.” He smiled, eyes tender, as he gazed at her. “Is that okay?”
Anna nodded.
Aaron grinned. “Good.” He kissed her again.
A while later, they headed back to the pool. Jenna gave her a big thumbs up as she flirted with Bryce.
Travis swam up a few minutes later. “Hey, I wasn’t trying to cause trouble. I was just trying to... figure out... what you are. I don’t mean that to sound offensive,” he added quickly.
Anna smiled, comfortable with Aaron’s arms around her. “It’s okay. I suppose it is unusual for, you know, to be out in public around here.”
Aaron kissed her cheek and nuzzled her ear. “I’m glad you are.”
Anna blushed.
Travis shook his head. “I don’t think even normal girls blush like you do.” He looked back down at her necklace. “I know what diamonds mean with my dad, but I’ve never seen a girl wear them.”
Anna shrugged. “Devin called me... something... last week. Mistress...” She frowned as she tried to remember what Devin had said that caused the Brothers to murmur. “Elder-Mistress? He called me an Elder-Mistress, and it caused quite a stir.”
Travis’ mouth dropped open. “Are you sure that’s what he called you?”
Anna nodded. “Why?”
“Don’t you know what that means?”
She shook her head. “Well, Devin’s an Elder... and he says I’m his mistress...” She tensed, remembering Aaron behind her.