Page 145 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Anna got out of bed and dressed in the jeans and t-shirt she’d packed. She brushed her hair and made sure her makeup wasn’t all over her face. She was fastening her sandals when Devin walked back into the room dressed in dark jeans and a black polo shirt.

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded and picked up her bag before following him out of his room and down the stairs to the bottom floor of the house. It was below the floor they’d entered on last night. This room had a casual feel, with a large TV, wet bar, and a large round wooden table surrounded by chairs.

A guy around her age had sprawled himself out on the leather couch playing some sort of video game. He had Devin’s thick, dark hair and shared similar facial features, but had Sandy’s hazel eyes. He was very good looking, though a bit unkempt, as if he’d been up all night.

Devin paused in the doorway and sighed. “I didn’t expect you to be up so early, Tyler.”

“Haven’t gone to bed yet.” Tyler looked up from the game and sat up when he saw Anna standing beside Devin. He smiled. “I got caught up in the game.”

Devin shook his head and rolled his eyes.

“Dad, it’s summer break. Give me a chance to relax for a bit before I start the college grind.”

Devin sighed. “Eighteen months touring Europe wasn’t relaxing enough?”

Tyler laughed. “Did you relax when you went?”

A smile tugged at Devin’s lips.

Tyler grinned at Anna. “Who’s this? New housekeeper?”

“Tyler, please. This is Anna. Anna, this is my son, Tyler.”

“This is Anna?” Tyler’s smile grew wider and he looked her up and down again. “I don’t remember her being so... grown up.”

Anna had a vague memory of a younger version of him. She smiled politely before stepping closer to Devin. “Hello.”

“She’s twenty now, Tyler. Not twelve.”

Tyler grinned at her. “I can see that.” His grin wasn’t unkind, but she could tell he was attracted to her.

“If you’d have slept, I would let you take her home for me.”

Tyler’s eyes lit up and Anna sucked in a sharp inhale. She glanced up at Devin, her heart twisting in her chest. He wouldn’t?—

“I didn’t get up ‘til yesterday afternoon so I’m not that tired. I can get her home safely.”

Devin frowned. “She is very precious to me, Tyler. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“I’m a good driver, Dad, and I did fall asleep for a couple of hours, just down here instead of in bed.”

Devin was quiet for a moment, and Anna’s stomach churned. He wouldn’t give her away to his son, would he?

“It would help me out. I need to go out to the Manor this morning.” Devin looked at his son, then at Anna. “Alright, you can take her home. Go change your clothes.”

Tyler raced up the stairs and Anna clasped her hands in front of her and hung her head.

“He won’t hurt you, Anna. He’s not that sophisticated in bed yet.” Devin chuckled. “Just let him fuck you and then he’ll leave. He won’t expect anything fancy.”

Anna forced a smile and nodded, even as her heart sank. But Devin owned her and she had a duty to obey him. She stood quietly as Devin walked to the far end of the room, pulling out his phone and tapping the screen.

“We need to talk... yes... No, today. Alright, fine, tomorrow... Yes, I understand you told Anna some things about her past without consulting with me first.” Devin glanced at Anna and saw her watching him. He gave her a smile and continued talking.

He had to be talking to Alex.

“. . . that wasn’t your call!” he shouted, making Anna jump. “I don’t care . . . the Manor, tomorrow morning . . . Ten.”

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