Page 142 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“Guys your own age aren’t interesting enough?”

She frowned. “I was with Peter for over a year.”

“And then you jump into a relationship with one of the richest men in the city?”

Anna opened her mouth to retort, but couldn’t come up with anything smart to say. “I’ve... known Devin my whole life.”

Justin raised his eyebrows in shock. “That doesn’t make it sound any better.”

Anna looked back down at her ring and rubbed it, wishing Alex was still alive. Explaining her position in Devin’s life was so complicated. It hadn’t been when Alex was alive. And it wasn’t like she had a choice. Justin couldn’t possibly understand that, even if she could somehow explain it.

Fortunately, at that moment, Isaak walked into the studio and she didn’t have to continue the conversation. She pushed Justin’s comments to the back of her mind and concentrated on dancing.

When they were done with rehearsal, Justin sat next to Anna as she quickly untied her pointe shoes. “I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad, Anna.”

She gave him a sideways glance and then looked down at her knotted ribbon, trying to get the satin ties loose.

“You’re just a really sweet, pretty girl, and I don’t get why you’d—‍” He shrugged. “I dunno. You seemed really happy with Peter. It sucks he had to move away.”

“Yeah . . .” That was a whole other complication.

“But then you jump into... whatever... with Andersen?” He shook his head. “It’s okay to be single for a while, ya know. Play the field or something.”

Anna stared at him for a long minute. He genuinely felt bad for her.

Justin pursed his lips. “Travis doesn’t think very highly of him.”

Anna shrugged. What could she say? Travis knew what Devin did to her.

“Did he give you that?”

Anna looked up and saw him nodding toward her wedding her ring. She blinked back tears. “No,” she said softly. “It’s my wedding ring.”

Justin stared. “You’re married?”

“Was.” She stared at the satin ribbons for a moment before attempting to free the knot again. “He died almost four years ago.”

“I’m sorry. I think I remember people talking about that.”

Her knot finally gave way. “I kinda lost it after that.” She pulled her shoes off and put them in her bag.

“How long were you married?”

“Three months.” She squinted at the ceiling. “Well, not even.” She stood and slipped her flip-flops on. “I need to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She felt him watching her as she walked away.

Later that evening, Anna studied herself in the bathroom mirror. She wore a short, dark-green dress that flared around her hips. Thong, garter belt and stockings, push-up bra, and heels completed the outfit. She hoped Devin would be pleased. The clock on the vanity showed it was almost six, so she made her way downstairs to the living room. Looking around, she contemplated how she should present herself. Kneeling would be the safest course of action. But where?

She settled onto her heels by the door just as she heard male voices coming up from the lower level of the house. Hands on her thighs, head down, she waited for the men to walk into the room. Devin took two steps into the room and looked around. Trenton sat down on one of the couches.

“There’s my girl,” Devin said in a pleased tone.

Anna relaxed. Just a bit.

“Let me see you.”

She gracefully stood and looked straight ahead as he examined her. He turned and walked out of the room without saying anything. Anna blinked back tears. She had displeased him! She had tried so hard, and she had displeased him. A tear escaped as she hung her head. She quickly wiped it away and then clasped her hands in front of her hips.

Devin returned a few minutes later and stood in front of her. “Anna.” His tone was gentle.

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