Page 296 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Come for me, sweetheart. Come hard for me.”

Heat exploded from his caresses, and she rose up on her toes as she cried out loudly, bucking her hips against him. She heard him curse and he pressed in deeper as he came too.

He leaned against her for a moment, then he pulled out of her and they washed off once more before he turned off the water. They dried off and fell onto his bed, which was little more than a mattress on the floor, covered in wrinkled blankets. But the mattress was very comfortable and she snuggled close to him.

He pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her. “Mmm, I like this better than the dressing room.”

She smiled. “I like not having to rush out to dance again right away.”

“Agreed.” He turned her over onto her side and pressed his front to her back. He nipped at her neck. “Too bad we can’t play hooky tomorrow.”

“I think people might notice if we’re not there.”

“Yeah. And that photographer’s supposed to be there tomorrow, too.”

Anna turned back to him. “Photographer?”

Travis chuckled. “Weren’t you paying attention when Isaak talked to us tonight?” She shook her head. “Dance Magazine. They’re coming to photograph the matinee tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“You really are out of it when you’re not dancing, aren’t you?”

Anna sighed. “I’m sorry. I just... it’s easier to stay numb.”

Travis kissed her head. “I understand. I had a hard time when my mom died. It’s much more pleasant to have sex than to feel the hurt. I get it. Probably more than anyone else around here.”

“Your mom died?”

“Well, she was eliminated when I was sixteen. I just say ‘died’ because I can’t explain what elimination means to outsiders.”

Anna’s heart ached for Travis’ pain. She turned over to face him and cradled his cheek. “I’m so sorry, Travis.”

He gave a small shrug. “It was a long time ago. I knew it would happen, and my dad gave me a chance to say goodbye.”

Anna bit her lip. “How does... elimination happen?”

Travis gave a sad smile. “He just gives them a shot. Lethal injection, I guess. And she died peacefully. Dad let me be there because I asked. We held her hand and she smiled at me as she died.” He grimaced again. “I was her only son. She was in her late thirties. They normally don’t live that long, but she kept having healthy babies. And my dad cared about her.” He was quiet for a few minutes. “Her last pregnancy was really tough, and she almost died giving birth. Dad and her talked about it and came to the decision together.” He glanced at Anna. “She’d given him seventeen healthy girls. And me.”

“Were they all his daughters?”

Travis shook his head. “Nah. He rarely parented any of the babies. He would choose different brothers to mate with her. Same with all the breeders. The Elders are really good at getting what they want out of the girls born in the Manor.”

“So, how did you end up being a dancer?” She didn’t want to think about parents right now.

“Dad has the girls all learn some sort of dance. So they’re more graceful and stuff. I think it also helps them feel better about themselves. I snuck into the ballet classes when I was younger because my mom liked to go, except when she was at the end of a pregnancy. When Dad saw I had talent, he had me start taking lessons outside the Manor, and eventually I ended up here.”

“Your dad seems really nice.” So much nicer than Devin. “I liked him when I met him in D.C.” She bit her lip, remembering Devin’s instructions to manipulate him. Did he remember what happened? Did he remember her doing it? Did he resent her?

“He is.”

She yawned suddenly. “Sorry.”

“Tired?”

“Yeah. I hardly slept last week.”

“I can imagine.” Travis pulled her close. “Go to sleep. You need your rest.”

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