Page 52 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“Dariya called me,” Sergei said, leaning forward to look past Anna at Peter.

Peter’s mouth dropped open and his eyes widened. “Why did she call you?”

“You weren’t answering your phone, so she called me to find out what happened to you.” Sergei looked at Anna. “I guess I know now.”

Anna had a feeling she knew who Dariya was: Peter’s girlfriend back in St. Petersburg.

Peter looked down and stabbed at the chicken on his plate, staring hard at it. “Can we talk about it later, Sergei?”

Sergei shrugged and went back to eating.

Anna forced a few more small bites of food into her mouth, then put her fork down. Since she and Peter had been getting along, she’d forgotten about his girlfriend. Did he call Dariya? Did he miss her? Anna was glad she wasn’t further along in her pregnancy or she might have become sick. As it was, her stomach was churning with the harsh reminder she and Peter were only together because Devin wanted them to be.

Peter put his arm around Anna’s shoulders and leaned close, as if to kiss her cheek. “Are you alright?” he whispered into her ear. “Sergei... I’m sorry. He shouldn’t have said that in front of you.”

Anna shook her head. “It’s okay.” She forced a smile. “I... just forgot about her.”

The depth of affection in Peter’s gaze was so overwhelming that Anna had to look away. She didn’t want him looking at her like that. It brought up too many complicated emotions within her. She liked him. A lot. They lived in the same world of The Brotherhood, and he understood and accepted her role in it. He protected her from Devin.

Taking a deep breath, she exhaled, realizing that the reminder of his other life—his real life—was a necessary evil. Sooner or later, he would return to his own life back in Russia. This was all temporary. If she forgot, it would only lead to heartache. But at the same time, they spent so much time together, it was hard to imagine her life without him.

After dinner, Jackie took Anna up to Natalya’s room, which had two twin beds. She’d be sharing the room with Peter’s sister.

Anna heard Peter arguing with his father in Russian, but Peter didn’t seem to be winning.

Chapter 29

Later that evening, Peter stood behind Anna on the back deck that overlooked the ocean, his hands resting on the railing on either side of her. The house was perched on a cliff above the ocean, giving them an incredible view. Peter said the view was even better during the day.

Anna leaned into his warmth and listened to the soothing sound of the waves crashing onto the beach many yards below them. She sighed and smiled. “It’s so peaceful here.”

Peter laughed. “Until my dad and uncle start arguing.” He leaned down and sucked on the side of Anna’s neck, making her sigh again. “You like that, don’t you?”

“Mmm.” She liked it when he touched her, period. He was an excellent lover.

His hands slid up her arms to her shoulders, and he pulled at the fabric of her top so he could kiss her bare shoulder. She leaned her head back onto his shoulder and closed her eyes. When his thumbs brushed the bottom curve of her breasts, her nipples hardened and pressed against the thin fabric of her bra.

“I don’t know if I can go four days without being with you,” he murmured against her neck and pressed his erection against her ass. “My cock will get lonely without you.”

Anna giggled. “I’ll miss being with you, too.” She pressed her hips back against him and making him groan. He cursed softly in Russian and moved his hands to cup her breasts. “Oh, Peter...”

“There is a reason I did not want you sharing a room, Peter.” Vlad came and stood next to Anna and Peter, leaning his hip against the railing and crossing his arms. “They can be rather...” Vlad looked at Anna, a twisted smile on his face as he looked her up and down. “... addicting. You need some time away from her.”

“Anna is not a ‘they,’ Uncle Vlad. She’s a person.”

“She is an Elder-Mistress. Her job is to seduce men.”

Vlad’s words pierced Anna’s peaceful bubble, and she hung her head. Why had he allowed Peter to be with her in San Francisco if he hated her so much? Did he have to obey Devin because he was an Elder?

“Let us walk, shall we?” Vlad motioned toward a gap in the railing on the side of the deck.

Anna glanced at Peter, who narrowed his eyes at his uncle. “Why?”

“You wanted me to get to know Anna. I cannot very well do that in front of the family, can I?”

Anna’s shoulders slumped, understanding what Vlad wanted, and she walked in the direction Vlad had indicated.

“Anna, you don’t have to?—‍”

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