Page 132 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“She is eager to please you,” Kaveh said as he looked at Anna sleeping between him and Devin.

Anna had been exceedingly obedient this evening. She barely moved as she hung from the ceiling, even though Devin could tell she wanted to. He’d rewarded her with an orgasm.

“That was unexpected,” Devin agreed. “But pleasant.” He stroked Anna’s soft skin, glowing faintly in the lamplight. “I’m glad I listened to you.”

“We are here for guidance. I only want to help you succeed.” He glanced back at Anna. “She is most satisfactory.”

“Mmm. She is.” He looked at Kaveh. “Worth the shit I put you through?”

“Yes. I have not fucked a Half-Immortal in centuries. It is very pleasing. Human women are weak. She is very strong.”

“As I found out the other day. I’ll have to be careful from now on.”

“I tried to warn you.”

“You did. I didn’t think she had anything left to lose.”

“Perhaps you should make her the willing sacrifice? I think if you treat her right, and train her properly, she would willingly give you her child.”

Devin pursed his lips, contemplating Kaveh’s suggestion. “You think so?”

“Get her to care for you. I think it will be difficult for you, but the results would be worth it. Kill off one of the younger girls for the unwilling.” Kaveh grinned. “Or kidnap someone. That would provide the fight. Your slaves are too well trained to resist.”

Devin mulled over the Immortal’s words. He’d pretended to love her before. It wasn’t that hard. She was easy to please. He chuckled to himself. Wouldn’t it just kill Wilhelm if he saw her in love with him? The German would shit bricks.

“It would also help with the bonding ceremony. Her bond with you needs to be very strong in order for it to work.”

“That’s still years away.”

“Yes. But bonds are not easily formed or broken. Her heart is still tied to Alex.”

Devin frowned. Damn Fucking Alex!

“But when that is done, you will be able to treat her as you would like.”

The thought had merit. Devin needed to think about it more. Anna had proven more difficult than he’d expected. What made her so strong was her capacity for emotion. What was so difficult to handle was her capacity for emotion. She was as bad as any other woman, with the years of abuse piled on top. But the abuse also made her vulnerable. A wound that would never heal. She was desperate for love and would do anything for it. He had tried to push that emotional shit onto others because it annoyed him. But she was under his control and she sufficiently feared him now. He could make her think he loved her without her demanding much. A few acts of kindness here and there and she would do anything for him, as demonstrated tonight.

Yes, it was a very good idea.

Chapter 75

Anna was gently awakened by a trail of light kisses down her back. She slowly opened her eyes and saw Devin leaning over her, kissing her back and stroking her skin softly.

“Good morning, Baby.”

“Good morning, Master...” She bit her lip, wondering—and a bit frightened—at the change in his demeanor.

She turned onto her side as he lay beside her and twirled a piece of her hair around his finger. “You pleased me immensely last night, Anna. I am very happy.”

“Thank you, Master. I tried my best.”

“You did very well, Baby.” He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. “Perhaps I’ve been too harsh on you in the past. All you want to do is please me, right?”

“Yes, Master.” She searched his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity.

He pulled her close, pressing his body against hers, and kissed her again, heating her body with his desire. When he pulled away again, she swallowed and looked into his eyes. They were still black as the night, but there was a hint of kindness in them that warmed her whole body. He studied her eyes for a moment, smiled, and kissed her again.

She returned the kiss eagerly, basking in his approval and affection. His kisses became more insistent, but not in a cruel way. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d kissed her.

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