Aaron grinned. “What kind of benefits?”

Anna took a step forward and ran her hands up his chest and around his neck. She rose up on tiptoe and kissed his ear. “Fantastic sex.”

Aaron pulled her closer. “You really went all week without sex?”

Anna nodded. “My fingers are a very poor substitute, but yeah. That and...” She told Aaron what had happened with Tommy, and how she had felt afterward.

“Oh, hon. I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me when I called?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “I didn’t want to bother you while you were out of town. I... it’s still my duty to please the Elders... Isn’t it?” Doubt reared its ugly head.

Aaron frowned. “Katrina isn’t an Elder-Mistress.”

“But Anna is.”

“Then don’t be Anna.”

She smiled wryly. “You make it sound so easy, but I was doing pretty well before...” She sighed. She didn’t want Aaron to feel bad.

“Until I started yelling at you?” He shook his head. “It was so wrong of me to do that. I’m so sorry. If I do that again, slap me.”

Anna shook her head with a smile. “I don’t know if I could do that.”

A grin spread over his face. “If I were your Master, I would command you to.”

She grinned. “Katrina doesn’t have a Master.” She playfully wagged her eyebrows.

“That’s true.” He grinned. “So me and Katrina will be friends with benefits?” He brushed his lips against hers.

“What does that mean?” Her heart raced at his touch.

“It means...” He ran his hands down her back. “We go into my room and fuck because it feels good, but no one else knows because I don’t want Katrina to get a reputation, but I also know that Anna really needs to be touched on a regular basis.”

“That’s quite the definition.” She trailed her fingers down his chest, circling a finger around one of his nipples, making him moan softly.

“It seemed appropriate. I really want you to be respected, hon. You don’t need gossip spreading about you. Not here.”

“Thanks.” She kissed him again. “I think I could do that. Can you?”

“Mmm,” he murmured against her lips. “Yeah.” He kissed her again and then took her hand and led her to his bedroom.

Chapter 104

Tuesday morning, Anna confidently walked into the studio with Aaron. The company had Monday off to recover from traveling, and she and Aaron had spent much of it in bed. But today she was eager to show Vincent what she’d learned while he was gone.

“Katrina,” Vincent called as she walked inside.

Anna didn’t respond and Aaron nudged her and motioned to Vincent. “He’s calling you, Kat.” Aaron grinned.

“Oh!” She gave a small shrug. “I forget... things.” She grinned at Aaron and then hurried across the room to the ballet master.

Hugo was with Vincent and she slowed as she saw both of them watching her. “Good morning...” She bit her lip.

“Good morning,” they both responded.

Vincent studied her for a moment, then nodded. “You look good, Katrina.” He smiled. “Hugo told me you did magnificently this last week and is very impressed with your dancing.”

Anna glanced over at Hugo. “Thanks.”