Page 202 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“Someone, somewhere, has to know something,” he said, more to himself than to Jack. “She wouldn’t stop dancing. She has to be somewhere there’s a dance company.” He turned around and looked at Jack. “You’ve checked security footage around New York?”

Jack nodded.

The logical place for her to go would be there, but Tom had insisted that she wasn’t. None of the Elders were sensing her in their areas, and while there were a few that he didn’t completely trust, there was no reason Anna would go to L.A. or Houston. New York was the best option, but how the hell was he supposed to find her there? Someone had to be protecting her.

He looked at Jack. “Go to New York. Stake out the ballet companies. I want firsthand knowledge whether or not she’s there.”

Chapter 108

The weeks flew by, and before Anna could believe it was possible, opening night had arrived. Anna didn’t dance until the second night—Gala night—so she was able to sit in some empty seats in the house and watch the performance. Both Hugo and Aaron were dancing, and she was eager to watch them.

Just being in the audience was thrilling. It reminded her of when she went to the ballet with Kurt in San Francisco. Alex and Wilhelm had been there, too, and she allowed herself to smile and bask in the past without losing herself in the pain.

“Hello, Anna.”

Anna’s eyes snapped open at the sound of her real name. Only a few people in New York knew her real name. She turned and gasped at the man sitting next to her. “Jack?”

Her former guardian flashed a wicked grin. “Surprised to see me?”

Anna stared, not knowing what to say or do. Devin wouldn’t be far behind. Oh God, what was she going to do? “H-how did you find me?”

“Logical deduction. New York City. Ballet. Not that hard to figure out once I thought about it for a few minutes.”

Anna’s jaw trembled and her chest tightened around her lungs. “Where’s Devin?”

Jack smiled. “At home. Waiting for my call to tell him I found you.” He put his hand on her leg and slid it up her skirt. “He’s been awfully selfish with you, though. I thought we might have some fun before I called. For old time’s sake.”

Anna smacked his hand away. “Don’t touch me.” She tried to stand, but he grabbed her wrist and twisted, making her whimper and fall back into her seat.

“Oh, no you don’t. I’ve been here for weeks trying to find you. You’re not leaving my sight so you can disappear again.” He stood and yanked her to her feet. “But I can have more fun with you in my hotel room rather than sitting and watching a ballet, so let’s go.” He twisted her wrist and she made her way to the aisle. She searched each face she passed, desperate for a familiar face, but she didn’t see anyone she knew.

Jack pushed her up the aisle and into the promenade. Tons of people milled about, but no familiar face came into view. She hung her head as he led her outside. It was the end. Devin would come and get her and she’d be right back where she’d started. How would Devin punish her for running away? She shuddered at the images that came to mind.

He pushed her down the stairs to a taxi. “Mandarin,” he told the driver as they slid into the back seat.

The hotel was only a few blocks away and they arrived within minutes. Jack paid the fare without letting go of Anna’s wrist, then forcefully guided her out of the taxi, into the hotel, and into the elevator.

Jack shoved her into his room and locked the door behind her. He walked further in and removed his tie and jacket. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out a way to escape. She glanced over her shoulder at the door, wondering if she could get the door unlocked and open before he could catch her, and Jack laughed.

“I’m not that stupid, Anna.” He pulled her away from the door and pushed her to the bed. “Undress. Unless you want me to rip that pretty dress off of you.”

She blinked back tears as she stepped out of her shoes. With shaky hands, she unzipped her dress and removed it, laying it across the back of a chair. She looked back at Jack, who raised his eyebrows at her. “All of it, Anna.”

She removed her panties and bra and laid them on her dress.

He walked over to her and ran his hands down her breasts and she shuddered. “You don’t like my touch anymore, Baby? I’m hurt.” He pinched her nipples and she whimpered.

“Please let me go,” she whispered. She didn’t want to go back to Devin or her old life. She wanted to stay in New York with Aaron and Hugo and her new friends in the ballet company. Hugo had invited her over to his place after the show to celebrate the start of the new season.

She squeezed her eyes shut as the burning tears threatened to fall. She would never get to make love to him.

Jack pushed her onto the bed and held her hands above her head as he tied her to the bed. A glimmer of hope poked a hole in the darkness of her heart as Jack secured her. Devin didn’t know she was here yet. Maybe she could get away before Jack told him. She pulled against the rope, but there was no give.

Jack laughed and kneaded her breast. “Sweetheart, I know how to tie you. Though I’m kinda turned on that you’re trying to get away.” He arched his brow. “I have more where those came from if I need to tie your legs.” He grinned. “Maybe I should anyway.” He trailed his hand up her thigh. “Spread you open nice and wide.” He brushed over her pussy, and she squeezed her legs together and kicked at him.

He laughed and stood to finish undressing. “Oh, Anna. I always wondered what it would be like if you had more spirit in you.” He stroked his hard cock. “I guess I get to find out.”

He kneeled on the bed and she kicked at him, but he grabbed her ankles and laughed again, spreading them apart. “Who’ve you been fucking since you got here Anna?” He bent down and kissed her pussy while he held her legs apart.

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