Page 353 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Zach hasn’t seen her in months.”

“Good.” Alex relaxed back into the couch.

“I want her for twenty-four hours for the Gatherings. Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon.”

Alex hesitated. That was a long time for her to be away. But, despite his significantly reduced control, Devin was still her Master. “Alright.”

“And I will fuck her.”

Alex’s jaw clenched as Anna stiffened. The thought of Anna being with Devin made his stomach churn.

“Feel free to come to the Gatherings and use my girls.”

Anna swallowed and Alex shook his head. “Thank you for the offer, but I am quite content to wait for Anna to come home.”

Devin chuckled. “Monogamy? I didn’t think you had it in you. It’s difficult to do that as an Elder.”

“I’m not an Elder yet.”

Devin smiled. “No, you’re not.”

Alex sighed impatiently. “Is there anything else?”

“No. Those are the basics I wanted to discuss.” He put his empty glass on the table and stood. “I would like her tomorrow night, if you don’t mind. It has been quite a while since she’s been to the Manor. With performances and all.”

Devin was right. To deny him would be wrong. “What time do you want her there?” Alex stood and walked him to the door.

“Four-thirty.”

“I will drop her off at four-thirty tomorrow and pick her up at four-thirty on Saturday.”

They shook hands and Devin looked back at Anna, who had followed them out into the entryway. He gave her a warm smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Baby.”

Alex opened the door and Devin left.

Anna rushed into his arms. “I really have to go to him tomorrow?” Her voice betrayed a heartbreaking sadness.

“I’m afraid so, Schatzi.” He petted her hair and held her tightly.

Devin dropped into the driver’s seat in his car and slammed the door shut. Damn fucking Alex! Anna had changed. She was completely in love with Alex and there was nothing Devin could do about it. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

He had to get rid of Alex. There had to be a way.

Instead of going home, he headed out to the Manor. He needed to do more research and talk to a few people.

Chapter 164

“I don’t want to go, Alex.” Anna’s voice shook with a mix of emotions as Alex drove the final yards up the Manor driveway. He shifted into park and she swallowed hard.

Her heart screamed for Alex to take her home. Home where she was safe in his arms and away from Devin’s schemes. Tears filled her eyes as she imagined all the horrible things that happened at the Gatherings.

Alex reached over and took her hand. “I know, Schatzi.” He kissed the back of her hand. “But he won’t hurt you. He wouldn’t dare.”

Anna glanced at her beloved husband. Yes, she remembered the conversation between him and Devin. She smiled. Alex had been so strong for her, demanding Devin treat her kindly. And Devin had agreed. Her heart lifted. She blew out a breath. “I don’t need to be afraid.”

“That’s right. You don’t need to be afraid.” Alex cupped her chin and kissed her deeply. “I love you, Anna. With everything I am, I love you.”

“I love you too, Alex. The hours will drag until I’m back in your arms again.” She knew it was an overly dramatic, poetic thing to say, but it was how she felt. Glancing out the window, she saw Ian walking down the Manor stairs. She swallowed and sucked in a shaky breath, then gave Alex as brave a smile as she could muster. “Have fun with Aaron tonight. Tell him I said hi.”

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