“It was Wilhelm. I know it.”
Kaveh nodded. “Most likely. You did kill his son.”
They looked at each other for a moment, amusement filling Devin’s eyes. “I never thought Wilhelm would be so ballsy. It will give me great pleasure to return the favor.”
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Kaveh warned.
Devin whirled around and glared at him. “What the fuck are you talking about? I have every right—”
Kaveh held up his hand. “Yes, but you’re forgetting an important person.”
“Who?”
“Anna. She won't take it well if you kill Wilhelm.”
“She’ll get over it,” Devin scoffed. “She got over Alex.”
“She didn’t know that was you. This she will know and you will be unlikely to subdue her again.” Kaveh shook his head. “If you want to continue using her, let Wilhelm alone.”
Devin clenched his jaw. “I’m supposed to just let this go? Like he didn’t try to kill me?”
“You’ve already meted out enough grief in his life. Consider it...paying it forward. Once Anna is fully bonded to you, then you can get even if you so desire. But I warn you, if you do anything else to Anna, she will change permanently and you will not be able to contain the beast.”
Kaveh was right, though Devin hated to admit it. If Anna hadn’t been chained to the wall, she would have killed him on Thursday. He had never seen anything so feral, so primal, as Anna in a wild rage. It had given him such pleasure to conquer her. But he couldn't leave her chained to the wall all day long. He needed her free. He would have to let Wilhelm alone.
Fuck.
*****
Wilhelm raised his brow at the name flashing on his phone. He wasn’t supposed to be alive. “Hello.”
“He missed,” came Devin’s voice.
Wilhelm stood and clenched his fist. Why was this man still alive? He knew the assassin. He was very, very good at his job, second only to Alex. “How?”
Devin laughed. “I chalk it up to my Immortality. Something just told me to duck and I did. And I’m so glad.”
Wilhelm closed his eyes, expecting a bullet to come crashing through the window and into his skull. Only that would dull the pain in his heart. “So when can I expect mine?”
“Oh, we’ll just call it even, as long as you don't try again.”
Wilhelm’s mouth dropped open and it took him a minute to recover. “What is your angle, Devin? Please, if you are going to do it, just tell me so I can prepare my family.”
“Aren’t you so diplomatic?” Devin sighed. “No, I won’t be making any calls. It occurs to me that Anna has had enough tragedy for the month and I need her coherent. Killing you would make that impossible. She loves you for some fucking reason and that would send her over the edge.”
Yes, it would. Wilhelm let out the breath he was holding and slumped in his chair.
“So, let’s leave her out of this, shall we?”
“She knows.”
“What!”
“She knows I did something, but she does not know what. Do not punish her, she tried to call me off, but I would not listen.”
“She’s a wise woman.”
“Amazing, considering her childhood,” Wilhelm said dryly.
Devin laughed again. “Well, I won't detain you any longer. I just wanted to share the good news that I’m still alive.”
Wilhelm growled and disconnected the call. He ran his hands through his hair. Anna had saved his life, and he wouldn’t risk it again.
*****
Devin was waiting for Anna when she got home that evening. She saw him in the living room and froze. “M-Master?” she looked at her watch. “Am I late?”
Devin stood and put his iPad on the table in front of him. “No, you’re not late. I came home from work early.” He made his way around the couch and walked toward her. “Someone tried to kill me this morning.”
Anna’s eyes widened and watered. “Oh, no.”
Devin knew better than to think the tears were for him. “I spoke to Wilhelm and he admitted to sending the assassins.”
Anna shook her head. “No, please. Don't kill him, please!” She fell to the floor on her knees and bowed low.
“I’m not going to kill him, Anna, though nothing would make me happier than to see his bloody skull in a picture.” He sighed. “He is alive and will remain so.”
Anna looked up, relief evident in her face. “Oh, Master!” She hugged his legs. “Oh, Devin. Thank you!”
He was so shocked when she bent over and kissed his feet that he didn’t think to reprimand her for using his name.
She looked up at him with wide, innocent, eager eyes. “How may I please you, Master?”
Devin arched his brow. This was unexpected. Perhaps the decision to let Wilhelm live was a good one after all.
*****
Anna walked quickly upstairs to shower, incredible relief in her heart. She didn’t know what she would have done if Devin had killed Wilhelm. She wouldn’t have handled it well. Anna would do everything in her power to show how grateful she was to Devin.
She wanted to call Wilhelm, but it was late and she didn’t think Devin would approve. Maybe tomorrow before she went into the studio.
She took a deep breath as she reflected on her day. Isaak had selected Justin to dance with her. Anna had been hoping that it would be Travis. He knew her and understood her. If she was having a bad day, he knew how to deal with her. Justin didn’t know anything about her.
But maybe that was a good thing. He was an excellent dancer and she liked dancing with him. He was very nice and considerate, not to mention handsome. But she didn’t need to think about that. He stayed professional with her, but friendly. She was actually a little confused about that. She didn’t know what to do with men who didn’t want her. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d been around a man who didn’t want something from her.
She had watched him carefully as he danced. Was he gay? But no, she’d seen him with women the few times she’d gone to the clubs with Peter.
Anna came back to the present and finished her shower. Would Kaveh be waiting for her? Would he let her orgasm? Would Devin let him let her orgasm? She needed one so badly, but she wanted to please Devin. What if he changed his mind about not killing Wilhelm because of her? She couldn't bear the thought.
She dried herself off, braided her hair and went out into the bedroom with her robe on. Kaveh was sitting on the bed, naked, and stroking his massive cock absently. He smiled when he saw her.
She smiled nervously back. “I-I’m ready to play, Kaveh,” she said softly.
“Good,” he grinned. “Robe off.” She slipped it off her shoulders and it fell to the floor. “Go.”
*****
“She is eager to please,” Kaveh commented as he looked at the sleeping woman between them.
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 that glowed faintly in the low lighting. “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 haven’t 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 will have to be careful from now on.”
“You must treat them carefully. 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 narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “You thin
k so?”
“You have to 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 get a fight for sure. Your girls are too well trained to put up much of a fight.”
Devin was quiet while he contemplated the Immortal’s words. He had pretended to be loving to her before. It really 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? Wilhelm 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.”
“True, but bonds are not easily formed and broken. Her heart is still tied to Alex.”
Devin frowned. Damn Alex!
“But when that is done, you will be able to treat her as you’d 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 other women, with the years of abuse piled on top. But the abuse 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 capacity off onto others because the burden of being that focus annoyed Devin. But she was under his control and she feared him sufficiently. 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.
He needed to think about this more.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Anna felt light kisses down her back, waking her gently. Her eyes slowly opened and she saw Devin sitting over her, kissing her back and stroking her skin softly.
“Good morning, Baby,” he said with a gentle smile.
“Good morning, Master,” she whispered, confused and scared at his demeanor.
She turned on her side when he lay down beside her and twirled a piece of her hair around his finger. “You pleased me immensely last night, Anna. I am very happy.”
She smiled nervously. “Thank you, Master. I tried my best.”
“You did very good, 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?”
“Oh, yes,” she said with growing enthusiasm.
He pulled her close, pressing her body against his, and kissed her again, this time with more passion. When he pulled away again she swallowed nervously and looked into his eyes. They were still black as night, but there was a hint of warmth that radiated throughout her whole body. He studied her eyes for a moment, smiled and kissed her again.
She kissed him eagerly, warming to his approval and affection. His kisses became more insistent, but not in a cruel way, as Anna expected. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d kissed her.
His hand slid up her side and caressed the side of her breast as he continued kissing her, nibbling on her lower lip and sucking on it gently. She felt a rush of warmth and hesitantly touched his chest.
“Yes, Baby,” he whispered. “You can touch me. I like it.”
She ran her hands gently across his chest. He was still lean and well built, but the black hair on his chest had strands of silver dotted here and there. She noticed the same thing with his hair as she ran her fingers through it. It was still thick and soft, but tiny bits of silver caught the morning light. Anna guessed him to be forty-six or forty-seven now.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked with a smile.
She pulled her hand away. “I’m sorry, Master.” He caught her hand and kissed her palm.
“Don’t apologize. I was just wondering what was going on in that pretty little head of yours.”
Anna bit her lip and looked up at him. He didn’t look angry. Was he vain enough to get upset if she told him? “I was noticing the silver in your hair,” she said softly and carefully.
He gave a boyish half-smile. “I am getting older, aren’t I? Time seems to go fast at this age.”
Anna smiled shyly. “There’s not that much. It looks...debonair.”
He laughed. “Thank you, Baby. You have changed too. You’re definitely not a girl any longer.” He slid his hand down her waist to her hip. “Definitely a woman now,” he murmured, rolling on top of her and kissing her again. He moved down to her neck and sucked on it until she squirmed and moaned. “Though just as sweet.” He nudged her legs apart and groaned as he buried himself slowly in her body.
Anna arched her back and gasped as he filled her. “Master...,” she sighed.
“My name, Anna. Call me by my name.”
“Devin....”
*****
Anna smiled to herself as she showered later. Devin had changed since last night. He was kind and gentle again. It was...frightening in some aspects, but she liked it. Maybe he would be nice for a while. She liked him when he was nice. She would continue pleasing him as best she could, and try and keep him happy. Then maybe he wouldn’t get angry anymore.
He came into her bathroom as she was stepping out of the shower. “I’ll see you tonight, Baby.” He kissed her. “At the foot of the bed when I get home, right?”
Anna nodded and smiled. “Yes, Devin.”
He gave her an affectionate grin and then left.
He was happy with her! He was her Devin back again. She would do whatever she could to keep him that way.
*****
She drove downtown later, still smiling and happy. She would still be careful to behave properly. Eat properly. Dance well. Everything that would make Devin happy. Then everything would be okay.
“Hey, Anna.” Travis greeted her as she walked to the barre.
“Good morning, Travis,” she said softly and sat on the floor. She felt him looking at her and glanced up. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You looked so upset yesterday, but today you seem really happy. What happened?”
Anna flushed, remembering Devin’s lovemaking and her multiple orgasms. “Devin’s nice again. I’ve pleased him.”
Travis frowned. “He’s being nice?”
“You don't believe me?”
“No, I believe you. I just wonder why.”
Anna frowned, hurt. “I pleased him. He’s happy with me.”
Travis clenched his jaw but didn’t say anything else. Justin arrived a few minutes later.
“Hey, you look happy. Come to terms with dancing with me?”
“I was never upset at dancing with you.”
“Did ya win the lottery?”
“Lottery? What’s that?”
Justin looked at her like she was crazy. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Not likely, Justin,” Travis interjected. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t know what it was.”
Justin studied her and shook his head. “So, why’re you so happy?” he laughed. “You got a new boyfriend. That must be it.”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” she mumbled and turned away to stretch.
Travis sighed. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”
Justin looked confused.
“Her lover.” Travis rolled his eyes. “Asshole.”
“Travis, please don't say such things,” Anna said, looking up with a horrified expression on her face. “Please. You’re the only one I have left. You and Jenna.”
Travis frowned and continued stretching, muttering under his breath.
*****
The room was dark, but she knew where she was. There were dying embers in the fireplace by which, after her eyes adjusted, she could see a little. She saw the shadow in the bed and walked to it.
She smiled at his sleeping form. She wanted nothing more than to run her fingers through his hair. But...hadn’t she had a dream where they did touch? She sa
t down carefully on the bed and reached out to touch him when his hand snaked out and grabbed her wrist.
“Oh!” she exclaimed in surprise at his touch. It was firm and warm.
His eyes snapped open and he looked just as surprised as she felt. “Anna?” He sat up, not letting go of her wrist.
She stared at his hand and then looked up in amazement. He was staring at his hand and then slowly brought her hand to his cheek.
“Alex,” she sighed as her palm grazed his beard. It was scratchy, but she didn’t care. She didn’t care that the dreams weren’t real anymore. His phantom touch was better than anything in real life.
He let go of her wrist and tangled his hand in her hair, as he had last time, and pressed his lips to hers. They were the same lips she had kissed so many times, only now they were surrounded by tickling hairs. If the kiss hadn’t been so desperate, she would have giggled at the sensation. As it was, all she could think of was his lips against hers, his hand in her hair, her hand on his face.
“I love you, Anna.” It was the cry of his heart, spoken in desperation.
“I love you, Alex,” Anna whispered with the same level of desperation.
They gazed into each other’s eyes, their foreheads resting against each other. He looked like he wanted to say something, but hesitated.
“What is it, Alex?” she asked, stroking his cheek.
“I will be free soon. I will come for you.”
Anna backed away. “Why do you say such things?” she asked with tears in her eyes. “You will never return, Alex. I’m okay with that now...I think.” She didn’t feel so okay with that at the moment. “I miss you,” she whispered.
He grimaced and closed his eyes for a moment. “You’re right, Schatzi. I shouldn’t say such things. I’m sorry.”
A pain seared her head and she grabbed it and bent over.
“You need to go, Anna. Dream of me again.”
The Life of Anna, Part 4: Ensnared Page 30