Page 7 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“You’re frowning. What are you thinking?”

“I...” I shouldn’t question him. But he’d asked, and she needed to answer. She sucked in a slow breath. “Why do you need a mistress? You’re married. What purpose could I possibly have in your life?”

Master Devin laughed. “Oh, Anna. You’re so naïve. I love it.” He took her hands in his and kissed each palm. “Why shouldn’t I want to spend time with a beautiful young woman? You will help me in so many ways, and I want you to be respected in the city. And beyond. Being my mistress will ensure that. Besides, going out with my wife has become tedious. And the sex, mind-numbing. She needs to realize I don’t need her, but she needs me.” Anna could feel his anger rising, and she swallowed hard.

Most of Master Jack’s friends were married, and they came to his house to use Anna. They never spoke highly of their wives, but she’d never imagined Master Devin feeling that way. But what did she know of marriage? It seemed an unfortunate requirement for men of a certain standing in the community.

“Shall we continue with the rules?”

“Yes, Ma—Yes, Devin.” Don’t call him Master Devin. Just Devin.

“Look at me, please.”

Anna lifted her gaze. He wanted her to look at him now. She needed to remember that. And not call him Master.

His gesture included the whole room. “This is your safe place, Anna. You needn’t observe the formalities of the Manor while you are in here. You may call me Devin. You may call Ian, or any other man you desire to bring in here, by their name.”

Why would I want to bring men in here? Anna nodded, and he continued with an amused expression, as if he could read her thoughts. Can he read my mind?

“As I said earlier, outside of your room you will call the men in this place ‘my lord,’ as you have done in the past. All men. Slave or free. There are men in and out of the Manor all the time, so it’s safer if you stay in here when you’re not required elsewhere. I tried to make this room as comfortable as possible so it wouldn’t feel as if you were in a prison. Hence the courtyard.” He motioned toward the glass door.

Anna nodded, resisting the urge to look down at her hands again.

“Whenever I or certain other men summon you into our presence, you will enter the room, walk a few feet in front of me, and bow in submission. Stand up. I’ll teach you how to do it properly.”

Anna stood and walked behind the ottoman. Devin spun around to face her. “Take a few steps back. Yes, good. Now, assume your submissive pose on your knees, but instead of putting your palms together in front of your chest, lean your body forward with your arms out in front of you and put your forehead on the floor.”

Anna obeyed. The rug was softer on her face than she’d expected and smelled like sunshine.

“Good girl. I didn’t think you’d have a problem with that. You stay in that position until you are instructed to move. Then you will assume your normal submissive pose, though you may put your hands on your thighs instead of beneath your chin. Does that make sense?”

She nodded, her nose rubbing into the silky softness of the rug. I hope I can remember everything.

“You may return to your seat.”

Anna obeyed and he continued.

“I want you to go shopping and get some new clothes. I assume this is the best you have?” He motioned toward her jeans.

“It’s the only thing I have. I was undressed unless I was out at my ballet lessons.”

He nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I’ll have to figure out who to send with you, but I’ll get you out there in the next few days. Maybe I’ll take you.” He grinned.

Anna gave a half-smile, not sure he was serious or wanted a response.

“You’ll accompany me to different social events and, if you want, we can talk about pursuing other activities.” He shrugged. “But I’d prefer it if you didn’t go out alone. At least for a while. You’ve been sheltered for far too long, and I’d hate for you to get lost, or for something to happen to you. Unless he’s otherwise occupied, Ian will accompany you. He’ll make sure you’re safe.”

Anna’s heart sank into her stomach. Alone with Ian? Ian was cruel and despised her. What new cruelty would emerge if he had her outside the Manor with no supervision?

“Anna, Ian is a good man.”

She snorted and then covered her mouth, terror coursing through her limbs. She stared, wide-eyed, at Ma—at Devin, but he only smiled at her.

“It’s okay, Anna. I know you’ve only had painful interactions with him. But that’s because I needed it to be that way. He really is a nice guy and he will keep you safe. Once you get to know him, you might like him.” Devin paused. “He thinks you’re very pretty.”

Anna looked down at her hands and nodded. Then lifted her gaze once more when she remembered Devin’s previous instructions.

“He’s also quite the lover. The girls downstairs all like it when he visits.” Devin smiled, his eyes filling with amusement once more. “You might like him in your bed.”

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