Page 152 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Where the hell was Alex?

They’d been making love when she’d screamed so loudly Aaron had jumped out of bed and to the other side of the room. Then she’d started shaking and crying that her skin was burning. He’d tried to rub her arm, but she’d screamed in pain and he’d jumped away again. A few minutes later, she’d convulsed as if being hit. Then the welts had appeared and he’d just stared at her, having no idea what was going on or what to do. The only thing he could think to do was call Alex. He called him about fifteen times, but he didn’t answer.

He’d sat next to Anna, helplessly staring at her, wishing he knew what to do to help. He didn’t dare touch her again. “Anna, I can’t get a hold of Alex. He’s not answering.”

“Devin . . .” She gasped in pain. “. . . was . . . going to see D-Devi—‍” She arched her back and screamed again.

He found her phone and searched until he’d found Devin’s number and started calling. Devin didn’t answer either, but it went to voice mail quicker, making him think the call was being intentionally ignored, which meant someone was seeing his calls. He redialed over and over again and then roared in frustration. “Hon, I’m so sorry. He’s not answering either. I don’t know what to do?—‍”

“Ian . . .”

He didn’t know who Ian was, but his number was in her contacts. It rang... and rang... and then someone picked up! He didn’t even wait to listen for the greeting. “There’s something wrong with Anna. She’s screaming and in pain. I need to talk to Alex.” Relief filled his body at the sound of Alex’s voice and he quickly told his friend what was going on. Now the wait had begun, but there was a glimmer of hope that Alex could help.

He paced the room and spotted his jeans lying in a heap in the corner. He pulled them on and Anna moaned from the bed.

“Anna, hon...” He tentatively reached out to smooth her hair and she cried out at his touch. “I’m sorry! God!” He hated feeling so helpless.

He glanced at Anna laying on the bed, limbs spread wide, hands clenched in the sheets. She was still quiet, though her face contorted in pain every few minutes.

Where the hell was Alex?

Goosebumps appeared on her arms. “Are you cold? Do you want a blanket?” She gave a small nod and winced.

He hurried into the guest room and yanked the blanket off the bed. He didn’t want to risk more pain by moving her around on her own bed. But when he gently placed it on her, she shook her head and cried loudly, “No, no! It hurts! It has knives.”

Aaron frowned and studied the blanket to make sure there was nothing on it, then tried once more, but she cried out again. He pulled the blanket off her and threw it on the floor, frustrated that the one thing she wanted he could not give. He paced the room again, watching her shudder on the bed, waiting for the knock at the door.

After an eternity, someone finally knocked on the door. Aaron hurried to the door and yanked it open. Devin stood there, along with a tall unknown man, and Alex. Alex’s face was gray and he winced as he shifted on his feet.

Aaron opened the door wider and stepped back as the three men entered. “What happened to you, Alex?” He looked like he’d been to hell and back.

Alex shook his head. “I’ll be alright. Where’s Anna?”

“In her bed.”

Alex pushed past him with a groan and limped quickly to Anna’s room.

Aaron frowned at Devin’s presence. He’d never met the man, but knew who he was and didn’t like him. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Devin arched his brows, a bemused expression on his face. “You must be the new boyfriend?”

Aaron narrowed his eyes. “Yes, I’m Anna’s boyfriend. You must be the one who had her abused for the last four years of her life.”

Devin’s jaw clenched. “Watch yourself, Aaron. You don’t want to cross me.” He pushed past Aaron and followed Alex into Anna’s room.

Aaron looked at the other man. He was almost as big and tall as Alex. “Who are you?”

The man walked inside and gently closed the door behind him. “Ian.” He extended his hand to Aaron. “I’m Devin’s assistant. You called my phone.”

Aaron shook the man’s hand and studied him. Though he had an intimidating façade, his eyes betrayed his worry as he glanced toward Anna’s bedroom. Ian gave Aaron a sad smile. “She’ll be okay,” he said in a quiet voice. He nodded, then followed Devin.

Aaron walked into Anna’s room, which had become very crowded.

Alex groaned as he sat on the bed next to Anna. He flinched as Anna gasped, but he didn’t touch her. “Give me your arm, Devin.”

“What?”

“I won’t break it, unless she doesn’t react.” Alex winced as he reached for Devin’s arm. “But we need to know.”

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