Page 41 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

When Devin wanted her on Friday nights, she would sit at his feet and do exactly what he asked of her. Peter would pick her up the next afternoon and take her home.

When classes and rehearsals began again, Anna was thankful to be around people, even if they ignored her. She joined Peter and the other principals and soloists during morning classes. The first morning, she’d gone to stand in the corner, until Peter took her hand and had her stand near him, smiling lovingly at her and gently chiding her shyness. He was kind and affectionate toward her at the studio, but once they were home, he ignored her until it was time for sex. The schizophrenic relationship took its toll on her emotions and she reverted inward, afraid to speak to anyone for fear of upsetting Peter, and ultimately Devin. She put all her energy into dancing, hoping both Peter and Devin would see how hard she was trying.

The first Saturday after rehearsals began again, Peter picked her up from the Manor and Devin walked out with her to speak to him.

After brief words of greeting, Devin got to the point. “There are men who would like to spend time with Anna. If it’s all right with you, I’ll send them over to your apartment.” The words were respectful and courteous, but Anna wondered what would happen if Peter said no.

She knew she wasn’t going to find out when Peter shrugged. “Sure.”

Chapter 22

A few days later, the first of the promised men arrived. At the knock and Peter’s permissive gesture, Anna opened the door and her heart dropped into her stomach.

“H-hello, Zach.” She hadn’t seen him since the night she’d gone to the concert with Kurt and Wilhelm.

Zach smiled broadly. “Hello, Anna. It’s good to see you.” He walked in but stopped when he saw Peter sitting on the couch. “Who are you?”

Peter stood and greeted Zach. “I’m Peter. Anna’s keeper.”

“Lucky man.” Zach wagged his eyebrows and turned back to Anna. “Bedroom?”

Anna nodded and opened the bedroom door with shaking hands. “In here.”

Zach walked inside and Anna glanced at Peter, who had returned to watching his TV show. Zach grabbed her hand and pulled her into the bedroom.

After Zach left, Anna huddled on the floor next to the door, bloodied and bruised from his “playtime.” Peter wasn’t in the living room when she’d walked Zach to the door. Maybe he’d left because her screams had become too annoying or loud. She’d tried to stay quiet, but Zach didn’t like it when she was quiet.

She needed to change the sheets and take a shower so she could take care of Peter before they went to sleep. With trembling limbs, she pulled at the blankets and sheets, but they refused to budge. After many minutes of pulling with all the strength she had left, she finally pulled off the sheets and loaded them into the washing machine. Then she stumbled into the bathroom to take a shower.

“Anna, why are the sheets off the—?” Peter walked into the bathroom as she was drying off, and he stopped short when he saw her. He exclaimed something in Russian. “What happened?”

Anna caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Welts and scratches covered her body. Her nipples were bright red from Zach biting and pinching them. Her pussy lips were bright red as well. “I-I’m okay.” She forced a smile and gingerly patted her arm with the towel, hoping Peter wouldn’t notice how badly she was shaking as she tried to dry off.

Peter took the towel from her. Without thinking, she jumped backward and slipped on the wet porcelain. He caught her in his arms before she fell and when she was steady, put the towel on her shoulders and helped her out of the shower. She shook with fear and cold as he dabbed the towel over her body to dry her and then helped her into her robe.

“Let me put the other set of sheets on the bed.” She limped toward the linen closet.

“No, I’ve got it. Come sit down. I’ll take care of it.” Peter led her to the desk chair and then retrieved the second set of sheets.

Anna’s teeth chattered as she watched him expertly make the bed and replace the pillows and blankets. He picked her up and placed her gently in bed, and then sat next to her. “What happened?”

“Didn’t you hear?”

Peter shook his head. “I went out. I... didn’t want to listen.” He pressed his lips together. “Maybe I should have stayed.”

“To join in?”

Peter curled his lip. “I don’t get off on hurting women, Anna,” he snapped. “I’ve told you that.”

Anna shrank back on the bed and blinked back tears. “I’m sorry.”

He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. “Do you know him?”

Anna nodded.

“You’ve been with him before?”

She nodded again.

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