Page 18 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Anna held out her hands and smiled as the jewelry sparkled in the light. “They’re so pretty.”

Sarah smiled. “Diamonds are beautiful.”

“Diamonds?” Anna gasped. “I thought they were crystals.”

“Master would never allow you to appear in mere crystals.”

Anna grinned, unable to contain herself. “I feel so pretty.”

“Would you like to see what you look like?”

“Yes, please.”

Maggie opened up the closet door where a full-length mirror hung. Anna stared, not believing the reflection. That beautiful woman is me?

Earlier in the week, Devin had given Anna a diamond necklace to wear. He said it was her “mark.” The pendant consisted of a large round diamond surrounded by two concentric circles of smaller stones.

The dress was as beautiful as she’d imagined, but more transparent than expected. The neckline plunged very low, stopping just shy of her nipples, which she could just see through the gathered fabric. Sheer straps sat just off her shoulders. The bodice was of a thicker, embroidered silk that ended just above her hips. The skirt was of the same sheer material that covered her breasts, but gathered in such a way she could see the outline of her legs, but not much detail.

Anna smiled, imagining Devin’s pleasure at seeing her tonight. Her nipples tightened at the thought.

She turned to Maggie and Sarah. “Thank you. I look—I’ve never looked like this before. I feel like a princess.”

They both beamed.

Maggie glanced at the clock. “It’s almost time to go.” She reached into the closet and retrieved a long cloak of white crushed velvet, wrapped it around Anna, and clasped it at her shoulder. Anna fumbled her hands in the fabric, but couldn’t get them free.

“You are completely wrapped. You can’t stick your hands out without pushing the cloak apart from your shoulders.”

“I have to go down stairs. How will I keep my balance?”

“Ian will help you.”

Ian. Though he’d driven her to her ballet classes and had been friendly, his name still made her tremble. The idea of him helping her down a flight of stairs was laughable. He was more likely to push her than help her.

A loud knock on the door made her jump. Ian. Please don’t let him in! The door opened a moment later and Anna’s throat closed.

Chapter 9

Ian towered in the doorway wearing loose-fitting black pants, a black linen tunic, and brown leather sandals. His long hair was pulled back in a low ponytail and his goatee was neatly trimmed.

His hazel eyes met Anna’s, and she swallowed and dropped her gaze to the floor.

Sarah and Maggie both pressed their palms together and greeted him in unison. “Good evening, my lord.”

The cloak was too tight at her chest to move her hands into place, so she simply bowed her head and stammered the same greeting.

Sarah and Maggie hurried out of the room, leaving Anna alone with the intimidating man. She stood, frozen, staring at the floor.

“Good evening, Mistress,” he said in that deep, gravelly voice of his. He stepped close and gently pulled her hood up over her hair.

She winced, fearful of what else he would do to her, but he stepped away without another touch.

“Are you ready?”

Anna nodded and quickly followed it with a soft, “Yes, my lord.” Nodding had never been an acceptable answer for Master Jack.

He took her elbow and gently guided her out of the room. “Make sure you raise your head enough so you don’t trip on anything. The hood can block your view.”

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