Anna sat up and immediately started trembling. She felt the after effects of pain; the emptiness the pain left behind.
“Anna.”
Strong, warm arms pulled her back down and held her close. The sun, high in the sky, lit the room with sunshine.
She turned her head and looked up into Aaron’s face. She sighed and gave a soft smile. Oh, she was happy to see him.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Weird,” she answered truthfully. “I had the strangest dream. I was in so much pain...and I didn't know why.”
Aaron smiled and kissed her forehead. “I'm glad you're feeling better. It was sheer torture not being able to comfort you.”
“Comfort me?”
“The pain. Anna, it wasn't a dream. You were screaming in agony and I had no idea what was going on.” Aaron told her about what had happened when Devin and Alex had come over and what they’d learned.
“I don't remember that. I thought it was a dream.”
Aaron shook his head. “I'm glad you don’t remember. It was awful.” He looked as if he were going to say something but changed his mind. “I'm glad you're better.”
“Me too.” She rolled over so that she was lying on his chest with her head resting on her chin. She traced his bottom lip. “I don't want to think about anything bad for a while.”
Aaron grinned. “We had talked about going to the dance store to buy your things for next Monday. Are you up for a walk across the street?”
She frowned. “I haven’t asked Devin or Alex if I can participate.”
“I’m sure they’ll let you, Anna. Especially after this morning. Call Alex. He’ll make sure you get to do it.”
Anna frowned. Alex had fought for her to be able to dance before, but had he really meant it? He lied to her about Devin. Could she trust him?
“I’ll call Devin.” She got her phone and made the call.
“Hey, Baby. How are you feeling?” Devin’s voice was tender and she smiled.
“Fine, thank you.”
“I’m so sorry about what happened. If I had known....”
“It’s okay, Devin. I understand.”
“Did you have a reason for calling, Baby?”
“I....” She hesitated. What if he said no? “Isaak invited me into the Summer Intensives. They start next week.” She paused, nervous to go on.
“Do you want to go?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Devin was quiet for a moment. “Have you talked to Alex about it?”
“No, I was scared to ask him.”
Devin was quiet again and Anna twisted the hem of her shirt. “Yes, Baby. I think I’d like to see you do that.”
“Oh! Oh, Devin! Thank you!” Anna jumped up and down in joy.
“Do you want to call Alex or shall I?”
“Will you do it?”
“Of course, Baby. I’m sure he’ll agree to it as well.”
“Thank you, Devin.”
Anna ran into the bedroom after saying goodbye to Devin.
“He said yes!” she exclaimed, launching herself into Aaron’s arms.
*****
Aaron laughed. “Of course he did, hon. Why would Alex not want you to dance?”
“No, I called Devin.”
Aaron was confused. “Why would you call Devin?”
Anna bit her lip. “Alex is scary.”
Aaron’s eyes widened. “What?” Alex scary? What the hell was going on in that girl’s head?
“He tells me things because he wants to keep me from Devin.”
“Anna, what are you talking about?”
Anna huffed. “I know he’s your best friend, but I don’t like him. He’s scary and controlling.”
“Anna, I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Shit. Had Devin done something else to her mind besides make her go to sleep?
Aaron stared at Anna, this girl that he was falling in love with, totally bewildered as to where this hostility towards Alex was coming from.
“Anna, Alex cares for you a great deal.” More than Aaron was comfortable with. Why would Anna think such a thing?
Anna frowned at him. If Devin had done something to her mind, then arguing with her about it would likely do more harm than good. He would see Alex tonight and talk to him about it then.
“Okay, Anna, shall we go shopping now?” he asked, changing the subject.
Anna grinned and went into her bathroom. Aaron shook his head. Who the fuck was Devin that he could control Anna’s mind like this?
*****
Devin put his phone down and grinned to himself. Anna was afraid to call Alex. Good. His attempt to change her mind had worked and was holding. Alex would find out and then realize the futility of fighting Devin and give up. Then Devin could proceed with his plans.
*****
Alex listened to the message from Devin, bewildered. Anna had been too afraid to call him to ask for permission to dance with the school this summer? What the hell did Devin do to her?
He ran his hands through his hair and stared at the ground. How the hell was he going to keep Anna safe?
Hopelessness filled his heart with despair.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Later that afternoon, Anna headed to the Manor, her heart aching from leaving Aaron behind. She missed him terribly and every mile she drove seemed to make it worse. She arrived at the Manor at a little before four.
She saw Ian waiting for her and exited the car after grabbing her overnight bag from the passenger side seat. She removed her shoes and then followed him silently to her room.
Ian closed the door behind him as he followed her inside.
She turned around and looked at him. “How may I please you, my lord?” she asked quietly.
Ian's face registered shock. “Anna, that's not why I came in with you,” he said. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Okay? Why?” Why was Ian showing concern towards her?
“Because of what happened this morning. You were in so much pain.”
Aaron had said that Alex and Devin had been there. “You were there too?”
Ian nodded. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. It was weird, but I’m okay.”
“Good.” He looked around, looking like he felt awkward. “Okay. Well, I’ll see you in a few hours.”
As Ian was leaving, Maggie entered carrying a tray of food.
“Good evening, Mistress,” Maggie said with a curtsy. “How was your week?”
“Um. Interesting. And good.” She was confused about Ian’s kindness, but pushed it aside. Thoughts of Aaron filled her heart and she began to miss him again, making her heart ache.
Maggie looked at her carefully. “You look sad, Mistress.”
“I miss someone,” she said softly. “It's all right. I'll be okay.”
Maggie gave her a doubtful look, but placed the tray on the table. “Sarah and I will be back in a half hour and we'll start getting you ready.”
Anna turned on the TV after Maggie left and watched a silly old movie to get her mind off of Aaron while she ate dinner.
*****
Later, Anna sat on her bed waiting for Ian, dressed for the Gathering. She was tempted to call Aaron, or text him, but had a feeling Devin wouldn’t approve, and she didn't want to anger him. She'd pleased him on Wednesday and she didn't want to displease him tonight.
As much as she tried not to show it, her body still ached from whatever had happened earlier in the day with the pain. Aaron had watched her like a hawk when they’d been shopping and had been so gentle with her.
He hadn't asked questions about what had happened Wednesday night either, which she appreciated. She was ashamed and didn't want to tell Aaron what she did, even though she was fairly certain he knew at least some of what went on. She didn't want Aaron to get any more upset with Devin than he already was. He would be furious if she told him about what happened on the balcony.
Anna had a feeling that if A
aron tried to cross Devin there would be trouble. Devin didn't like being challenged, as evident by his actions toward Alex yesterday. She didn't really understand why Devin had gone after Alex, though. It seemed pretty extreme for just giving her some information.
But Devin always had his reasons for doing things, and she trusted him, even when he didn’t explain. He had explained his reasoning for what he'd done to her, and she understood and forgave him.
A knock sounded on the door a moment before it opened and Ian entered.
“Ready?” he asked with a kind smile.
Anna nodded and smiled back. She still wondered at his kindness. “Is anything painful going to happen tonight?”
Ian shook his head. “Devin is really happy with how things went on Wednesday night. Just obey him tonight and you'll be fine.”
The two of them walked silently through the building to the Hall. Ian removed Anna's cloak at the door.
“Go greet him and sit at his feet.” He said in response to her nervous smile. “You'll be fine.”
He opened the door and Anna walked into the hall
She kept her head down as she walked toward Devin on his platform, but could see around her a little. It was set up as it had been the first time she'd been here. Clusters of comfortable couches filled the room and men socialized and enjoyed the girls. She stopped before the platform and glanced up for a moment before bowing low to Devin, who sat on his throne talking with several other men. She recognized Trenton, Jayce and.... Oh, no! Jack.
“Come, Baby.” She heard Devin's voice and quickly stood and walked to sit at his feet.
“You think the reaction will be positive?” Jack asked.
“I don't see why not,” Devin said, stroking Anna’s hair. “They'll see the power and not want to cross me.”
“What if it backfires?” Trenton asked. “I think they will all be rather taken with her. Hurting her might turn them against you.”
“Of course they will be taken with her. That's the idea.” The men chuckled. “But bringing someone back to life is more impressive than a nice figure. At least to the Brothers. Maybe not to the politicians, but they won't be there yet.”
Devin pulled Anna into his lap and leaned her back against him, legs spread over his knees. Her right leg was exposed, but her pussy and other leg were still covered. She saw the men glance down at her lower body.
“Besides, I have enough support to ensure it goes as planned.” He pulled her dress down to expose her breasts, and caressed them as he kissed her neck. “Hi, Baby, you feeling better?” he whispered into her ear.
“Yes, Master,” she sighed, leaning her head back against his shoulder. Her pain seemed to disappear at his touch.
“If I'd known that was a possibility...I never would have done it, Anna. I hope you know that.”
She turned her head and kissed his cheek. “Yes, Master,” she said, pressing her breasts into his hands.
“Mmm. Good girl.” He bit her earlobe and she gasped. She felt the blood rush to her pussy and the moisture increase. “Show them your pussy, Baby.”
She bit her lip nervously, but pulled her skirt aside to expose her pink swollen pussy. The men groaned and she felt a rush of heat course through her body, exciting her more. She liked that they were staring at her wetness with a hungry look. Even Jack.
She felt Devin chuckle. “You like that, don't you?” he whispered in her ear. “You like the power you have over them by showing them what they want?”
She nodded, her breath shallow. She could feel the heat of their gazes on her and she whimpered, wanting their touch.
“Just showing them your beautiful pussy, Anna, will make men do almost anything for you. You just have to want it.” He bit her neck and kept his teeth buried in her skin. She clenched her thighs, but didn't close her legs.
She stared at Jack, amazed at the look in his eyes. His hand strayed to his cock and stroked it over his pants. She licked her lips, remembering what it was like to have him between her legs, and she sighed.
“You want Jack?” Devin asked quietly, his voice sounding slightly surprised.
Anna nodded. She wanted to feel his cock deep inside her.
“Go,” Devin said, pushing her to her feet.
Jack's eyes met hers as she walked towards him. They widened slightly at the intensity of her gaze, but remained locked on hers as she straddled his lap.
She brought her face close to his. “Hi, Jack,” she said in a soft, sensual whisper. She brushed her lips to his and pressed her bare breasts to his chest.
“A-Anna?” he said in a broken voice.
“I want you, Jack,” she said sweetly, but with a hint of seduction in the timbre of her voice. She felt empowered. He was under her control and he knew it.
She pressed her lips to his, tongue tracing his lips until they parted. He groaned as her tongue stroked his, like she'd stroked his cock so many times. She sucked and teased his tongue, making him think of his cock in her mouth.
She took his hand and brought it to her chest as she moved to his ear, nipping the lobe. He cursed under his breath and kneaded her breast, pulling at the nipple and making her moan in his ear.
“Yes, Jack...,” she moaned.
She rocked her pelvis against his cock, eliciting more moans out of him. A thought came to her mind and she leaned forward to his ear.
“I want to see you suck off another man,” she said in a low sexy voice.
He pulled away from her and looked into her eyes with shock. She gave him a soft, seductive smile and his eyes softened, glazing over a bit, and he nodded. She kissed him again, then stood and motioned to Devin.
Jack walked over to Devin and knelt between his legs.
Devin raised his brow at him. “What are you doing, Jack?”
“Pleasing the Mistress,” he said absently. He reached towards Devin, who grabbed his wrist.
Devin looked sharply at Anna. “Call him off, Anna,” he said sternly.
Anna stared hard at her guardian, wanting to see him humiliate himself in front of everyone in the room. She heard Devin's command but didn't want to obey.
“Anna!” Devin said sharply and Anna looked at him with the same intense look. “Call. Him. Off.”
Her will battled with her mind. If she didn't obey, she would be punished. If she didn't obey, she would have the pleasure of watching her guardian humiliate himself.
Her fear of punishment won out and she closed her eyes and released Jack from her control. She dropped to sit on her heels, with her hands on the floor in front of her, trembling, and heard Jack cursing at Devin.
“Why do you think I had my hands on your wrists, Jack? I wouldn't have let you do it.”
“You fucking bastard. After all I've done for you?”
“You lost those girls, Jack, I didn’t. Besides, she saw you were susceptible and pounced on it.”
What was that? Anna asked herself. She sucked in deep breaths, desperate for oxygen. Why did she just tell her guardian to go suck off Devin? Jack was furious. How did she do that? Was this the power that Devin told her about? Was Devin as angry as Jack?
She looked up fearfully and saw Devin watching her with a curious look. Tears filled her eyes as she anticipated his anger. She didn't know why she just did what she did. It was so unlike her to go off on her own...to initiate anything like that without being told to do so.
She looked at Jack, who glared at her. “I'm sorry, Jack,” she whimpered.
Jack's jaw clenched and he glared at Devin.
She looked back at Devin, who held out his hand to her. She stood on trembling legs and walked to him.
He pulled her into his lap and held her against his chest. “Good girl,” he said softly, stroking her hair. “I'm very impressed Anna. You did better than I anticipated you would.” He spoke softly so no one else would hear. “Jack is pissed at me. Will you go ease his anger with your mouth? I think it would calm him.”
“Yes, Devin,” she replied. She walked ner
vously over to Jack and knelt between his feet.
“Don't hurt her, Jack. She did well and I won't allow you to punish her.”
“She did well by manipulating me into wanting to suck your cock?” Jack sneered.
“Don't get pissy, Jack. This is what we trained her for.”
Jack snorted. “You weren't supposed to use it on me.”
“You can leave if you'd like.” Devin's voice was cold and low.
Anna saw Jack’s face pale slightly. “No,” he said, less forcefully. “I'm fine.” He put his hand on Anna's head and looked down at her and gave her a stiff smile. “Good job, Anna.” He leaned back and rested his hands on the arms of the chair.
Anna reached tentatively for his pants, watching his face. When he nodded, Anna pulled the strings of his pants loose and leaned forward as she pulled his cock out. She stroked it a few times, in the way she knew he liked, and he began to relax.
As he relaxed, she was able to relax and gave him the best blowjob that she knew how to give. She knew him well, having sucked on him pretty much daily for many, many years. She knew what he liked and didn't like. She knew the amount of pressure he liked and how fast to move her tongue around his swollen head. When he stiffened and groaned, she accepted his cum into her mouth and sat on her heels, sucking gently until he pulled himself away from her.
He put his hand on her head and looked down at her. “Good girl, Anna.”
She beamed under his praise and he smiled. A genuine smile that she hadn't seen in a long time.
They looked at each other for a few moments, then he pulled her into his lap and held her. Anna melted into his arms. It had been so long since he'd held her like this. She felt like she was a little girl again, resting safe in his arms. Never mind the taste of his cum still lingering in her mouth. She basked in his presence and snuggled closer.
He stroked her hair gently as the conversation continued around them. Anna didn't pay any attention, but liked the way Jack's chest rumbled when he talked.
A while later, Devin asked Jack to go get someone for him and Anna went and sat at Devin's feet again. She realized she was aroused and wet and wanted a cock inside her. Her juices trickled onto her ankles and she squirmed uncomfortably.
The Life of Anna, Part 2: Entwined Page 23