Page 26 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“She didn’t do anything,” Tommy said. “She was screaming when I came in.”

“Tommy.” Tom glanced at Devin and pursed his lips. “Tyler can?—‍”

“Tyler shoved a beer bottle up her ass.”

Tom’s eyes widened and he turned to Devin. “Even that can’t be okay, Devin.”

“Not here at a Gathering, no.” He turned to Tyler and frowned at him. “I brought her to be useful for me. Not for you to fuck her up the first hour we’re here.” Devin turned and pulled Tyler with him to the door. “I’ll get in touch with Kaveh.” They left the room, leaving Tommy and Tom looking at Anna with sympathy.

Tommy glanced at the bathroom door. “I was gonna put her in a bath...”

Tom nodded. “I’m not sure what else to do.” He looked at Anna with sad eyes. “I’m so sorry, Anna.”

It surprised Anna that he would feel bad for her. After all, he was Devin’s best friend. Why would he care?

Tommy picked her up and carried her into the bathroom.

An hour later, Anna was wrapped in a robe and lying in Tommy’s bed, feeling much better. She rested her head on his chest and they watched a movie on TV.

“I can’t believe you hit Tyler.” She looked up at him.

“He’s changed so much since he got his piercing.” Tommy shook his head. “He’s so... I don’t know. It’s like becoming an Elder-Son made him lose any sense of decency or courtesy. He’s just like—‍” He grimaced and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry he hurt you.”

Anna grimaced. “It’s okay. I wish I could say I get used to it, but I can’t.” She sighed. “I don’t even heal as quickly as I used to. Devin’s punishments hurt for a lot longer now.”

Tommy stroked her cheek. “I wish—‍” He shook his head and sighed. “I’m sorry, Anna.” He kissed her and slid his hand around the back of her head and she turned her body to his.

She ran her hands across his shoulders and down his arms. He had matured in the last few years. He was a grown man now. His shoulders were broader; his arms were bigger after playing football and basketball at Harvard. He had turned into a kind, courteous, thoughtful man. He was going into his senior year of college and would graduate in May.

His kiss was gentle and full of affection. His lips caressed hers and then moved down to her neck and collarbone. She pulled at the tie of her robe.

“Anna, you’re hurt . . .”

“Please, Tommy... make love to me. It’ll be the last gentle touch I have for a while.”

Tommy’s blue eyes searched hers, and then he bent down to kiss her again. “I never want to hurt you,” he murmured against her lips.

“I know.” She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Later, as they were laying together in bed, immersed in post-coital bliss, the door opened and Tyler walked in.

Tommy sat up and covered Anna to her neck with the sheet. “You could’ve knocked, asshat.”

Tyler raised his eyebrows at Tommy. “You gonna tell Kim about your mistress?”

Tommy went pale and Anna’s heart pounded. Who was Kim?

“Not cool, Tyler,” Tommy growled.

“Oh, c’mon. Anna would have to be an idiot to not know you’ve got a girlfriend by now.” Tyler turned his smirk on Anna. “Or did you think because he defended you, he still wanted to be with you?”

A shame-filled chill ran through Anna’s body. Of course Tommy would have a girlfriend. He had to get married once he finished college. This Kim was a lucky girl.

“Get the fuck out of here,” Tommy snarled.

“My dad wants his slave back now. That’s what I came to tell you.”

Anna shakily crawled out of the bed. This was the end of the good part of the weekend. She limped out of the bedroom toward Tyler’s room, where her clothes were.

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