Page 193 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Oh.” He studied her close. “You enjoying dancing?”

Anna’s heart jumped in her chest. “Oh, it’s wonderful!”

Aaron beamed. “Good. I’m glad.” He chuckled. “Can’t wait for you to join the company.”

Anna nodded, then stopped when she realized what he was referring to. Dating again. “Aaron... there’s something I need to tell you...”

Aaron’s heart sank as Anna haltingly told him about what had happened between her and Alex. Well, she didn’t explain it in so many words, but he understood what she was trying to tell him.

He nodded absently and scolded himself for the anger that was bubbling up toward Alex.

“I’m sorry, Aaron.” She put her hand on his arm, and he looked down to stare at it.

He’d known Alex liked her. And yet he’d encouraged Aaron to date her. Why?

Anna stared up at him with her big green eyes and he sighed. He couldn’t begrudge her the obvious happiness being with Alex gave her. He cared about her too much. And Alex. “It’s okay.” He pursed his lips when she gave him a doubtful look. “Really.” He smiled. “As long as we can still be friends.”

She hugged him hard around the waist. “I’d hate to lose you.”

He hugged her back, sighing once more. He cared too damn much about her to wish her anything but happiness.

Chapter 85

After class the next day, Anna went with Nate, Olivia, Madison, and a few of the other dancers to a pizza place near the studio. Hanging out with friends, eating pizza. It all felt so... normal. And nice.

Later that evening, she slid her key into the apartment door lock, smiling at the idea of being “normal,” but was surprised to find it already unlocked. Her heart pounded in her ears. Had she forgotten to lock it when she’d left for class? It was possible. She’d been excited about her pas de deux class that afternoon.

She paused with her hand on the doorknob. Or had Devin given someone the key?

She slowly opened the door, wincing as it gave a small creak, and peeked in. A light was on in the living room. She quietly set her bag on the floor, closed the door softly, and crept around the corner.

“Where have you been?” came a deep voice with a German accent.

She jumped at the sound, and then relief and elation surged through her heart as she realized Alex was home at last! She hurried into the living room, eager to throw herself into his arms.

“Well?”

She stumbled at the anger in his voice. He sat in the corner of her couch, a long arm stretched out along the back edge. He wore dark jeans, a black shirt, and a deep frown on his face. She didn’t have to read him to know he was furious. But why? What had she done to anger him? Why hadn’t he called her if he was home and wanted to see her?

He stood, a frightening tower of rage in her living room, and she shivered. When she finally dared to look up into his eyes, it was unlike anything she’d ever seen. His eyes were dark and filled with fury. It didn’t look like Alex at all. He looked... inhuman.

Her heart raced and a surge of terror coursed through her as Alex’s eyes bored into her. She couldn’t speak, though she knew he was waiting, impatiently, for her answer. “I-I...”

He stepped toward her. “Where have you been?”

Her jaw moved, but no sound would come out.

“Answer me!”

“I-I went out with some friends from class,” she whispered, backing away until she felt the wall behind her. She pressed her fingers against the wall, wishing it would swallow her.

Alex loomed over her. “Who were you with?”

“S-some people from my dance class,” she repeated.

His eyes flashed with anger. “You are mine! You belong to me! You are to be available to me when I want you.”

She jumped at his harsh tone, his words piercing her heart like a dagger. How could she have been so wrong about him? About his feelings toward her? She wasn’t anything special to him. She was his slave. Plain and simple. Trembling, she lowered herself to her knees and bowed low.

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