Page 39 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“Alex is gone. His word no longer stands.”

“Maybe. But Wilhelm took ownership of her after Alex died, and he also gave me permission.”

“Wilhelm is forbidden from contacting her.”

“He is still her Master.” Aaron stood, yanking on his sweatpants. “Devin can’t change that, no matter how much he wishes he could. She was given to the Germans by her father before she married Alex. If anything, Wilhelm’s claim is more legitimate.”

Peter stared at Aaron, his jaw clenching. His brows twitched as he looked between him and Anna. The room was so silent they could hear the piano music from the stage. At long last, he let out a breath and raised his eyebrows. “Don’t touch her again. Keep your distance and I won’t say anything to Devin.”

Anna’s mouth dropped open and she stared up at Peter. He wouldn’t tell Devin?

Aaron clenched his jaw. “Don’t punish her. She didn’t start it. I did.”

Peter gave a stiff nod and looked down at Anna. “Get dressed.”

She quickly pulled on her tights and leotard, watching Peter as she did so.

“And pull your bun out,” Peter barked. “You look like you’ve been fucking on a couch.”

Anna undid the pins holding her hair in place and brushed her hair out with her fingers. She resisted stepping away as Peter stepped closer, gently brushing his fingers over her bruised cheek. She flinched at his touch.

“What happened?”

She looked at the floor. “Devin was angry that I had upset you yesterday. I... needed a reminder to be grateful that you’re in my life.”

“Do you see what he does to her?” Aaron growled. “This is nothing compared to the things I’ve seen.”

Peter held up his hand to Aaron and then looked at him, not unkindly. “Keep your distance.” He gave a single nod to Aaron, almost a nod of respect, then took Anna’s hand and led her out of Aaron’s dressing room. “Why were you in Aaron’s dressing room? I didn’t see you during rehearsal.”

“Isaak sent me in there to sleep. I... didn’t sleep last night and he knew it.”

“Why didn’t you sleep?”

“Because Devin came over.”

“All night?”

She shook her head. “But the injection didn’t wear off until I got here this morning and I couldn’t sleep.”

“Injection?”

Anna shrugged. “He calls it nerve juice. It... makes the lightest touch feel like razor blades.” She shivered. “I-I’m sorry I angered you yesterday. I think the apartment is very nice.”

He stopped and stared at her. “He really hurt you because of me?”

She forced a smile. “It’s okay. I can handle it.”

Peter’s brows twitched again. “You should go warm up. I’ll see you later.” He turned and walked away.

Chapter 21

Anna walked into the corps dressing room and warmed up in an empty corner, her thoughts full of Aaron. Being with him again had been incredible. She wished... oh, how she wished things were different. But they weren’t. And she was stuck with Peter. And Devin. But would Peter keep his word and not tell Devin? He’d told Devin that she’d angered him yesterday. Why was this different? She’d never forgive herself if something happened to Aaron.

When she was sufficiently warmed up, she sat down at a mirror near the back of the room to do her makeup. Thankfully, the other dancers ignored her for the most part, though she heard them whispering and saw them look at her every once in a while. She lifted her chin and ignored them, determined not to care.

After she was done with her makeup, she went to get her costume for the first act. Brooke walked up on the other side and looked at her over the top of the rack. “Does Peter know you’re a slut?”

Anna pulled her costume off its hangar, not looking at her. “What are you talking about?”

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