Page 49 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Yes, Devin,” she whispered.

Devin sighed and strode to his desk. Anna lifted her head the tiniest amount to see him sit down hard in his chair and pick up his cell phone, tapping the screen and frowning at her as he put it to his ear. “Wilhelm, Anna said you have her necklace... Yes... I see...” He glanced up at her and pursed his lips. “No, that’s fine... Yes, that makes sense. I hadn’t thought about that. I would have had that issue as well... No, I’ll have her pick it up... Yes... alright... Yes, see you Friday.” He tossed his phone on the desk and tilted his head as he looked at her.

Anna dropped to her knees and bowed low. “I’m sorry, Master,” she whispered. “I forgot to tell you...” She winced at the sound of his chair squeaking and footsteps approaching. He kneeled and pulled her up and into his arms.

“Anna, you shouldn’t call me Master outside the Manor.” He hugged her and kissed her temple.

“I’m sorry, Devin,” Anna whimpered. “I?—‍”

“It’s alright, Baby. I’m not angry. Wilhelm explained what happened. It makes sense. You do need to be able to remove it. When I take you out, I want you to wear beautiful jewelry as well. It’s okay.”

She nearly cried in relief at his abated anger.

“After we have lunch, I want you to go pick up the necklace and take it to the jeweler to have the clasp fixed. I’ll give you the name and address.”

“I have ballet class tonight, and I’m seeing Kurt and Wilhelm tomorrow night.”

He paused. “Oh, that’s right. Well, I don’t want you to forget to get it, so pick it up on the way back to the Manor. But you can get it fixed on Thursday.”

Anna nodded. “Yes, Devin.”

“I’ll leave the clasp unlocked, but you must wear it at all times, unless you are wearing another necklace for a special occasion. When you get home after such an occasion, you will put it back on before you go to sleep. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Devin.” Anna searched his face, but all signs of anger were gone. “May I ask you a question?”

“Of course.” He pulled her skirt back down over her hips. She’d forgotten it was still pushed up.

“Is there a significance to the diamonds?”

He smiled. “You are a very observant girl. Yes, there is significance. Diamonds mean you’re a very special girl.” He stroked her cheek. “Diamonds mean you belong to me.”

“Your . . . status?” Anna’s brows knit together.

“An Elder.”

“Oh.” She nodded, thoughts wandering back to the Gathering. “What about Kurt?”

“What about him?”

“He’s not an Elder.”

Devin chuckled. “He’s not even part of The Brotherhood.” When Anna frowned in confusion, he smiled. “Didn’t you notice the distinct lack of jewelry on his dick?”

Anna nodded. “So if someone’s not in The Brotherhood, they can touch me?”

“Not exactly.” He squinted, looking thoughtful. “I introduced you to Kurt and asked you to please him to help me.” He smiled. “So, by pleasing him—allowing him to use you—you’re pleasing me. That will happen often. Your ability to please men in your special way will help me accomplish my goals.” He hugged her tight. “I can’t do it without you.”

Anna’s heart warmed. “You need me?”

Devin grinned and kissed her hard. “Desperately.”

Anna straightened and lifted her chin, grinning. “I want to help you.”

“Good.” He stood and helped her to her feet. “One more thing, Anna. You must keep your phone with you at all times and answer all my calls, no matter what. Please don’t disobey me in this.”

“Yes, Devin.”

“If I know you are in the middle of something, such as a dance class, I will understand. But I expect you to call me back immediately after you are done with the activity. Do you understand?”

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