Page 74 of The Life of Anna, Tenth Anniversary Edition, Act 2

Devin was waiting for Anna when she got home that evening. She froze when she saw him sitting on the couch in the living room. “M-Master?” She looked at her watch. “Am I late?”

He put his tablet on the end table next to him. “No, you’re not late. I came home from work early.” He tilted his head. “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 ran to his feet and fell to her knees, her hands reaching out to him.

“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 on 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, eager eyes. “How may I please you, Master?”

Devin raised his brows at her eagerness. Perhaps the decision to let Wilhelm live had been a good one after all.

Anna ran up the stairs to shower, relief flooding her body. She didn’t know what she would have done if Devin had killed Wilhelm. The thought was too terrible to imagine. 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.

Stepping into the shower, she shoved the horrible thoughts aside and reflected on her day. Isaak had paired her with Justin. 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 help. Justin knew nothing 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. Professional, but friendly. It was a bit confusing, though. 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. He wasn’t gay. 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 allow him to let her orgasm? She needed one so badly, but she wanted to please Devin even more. The thought of him changing his mind about killing Wilhelm because of her bad behavior was unbearable.

She dried off, braided her hair, and went out into the bedroom with her robe on. Kaveh sat on the bed, naked, stroking his massive cock absently. He smiled when he saw her.

She smiled nervously back. “I-I’m ready to play, Kaveh.”

“Good.” He grinned. “Robe off.” She slipped it off her shoulders and it fell to the floor. “Go.”

“She is eager to please you,” Kaveh said as he looked at Anna sleeping between him and Devin.

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, glowing faintly in the lamplight. “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 have not 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’ll have to be careful from now on.”

“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 pursed his lips, contemplating Kaveh’s suggestion. “You think so?”

“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 provide the fight. Your slaves are too well trained to resist.”

Devin mulled over the Immortal’s words. He’d pretended to love her before. It 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? The German 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.”

“Yes. But bonds are not easily formed or broken. Her heart is still tied to Alex.”

Devin frowned. Damn Fucking Alex!

“But when that is done, you will be able to treat her as you would 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 any other woman, with the years of abuse piled on top. But the abuse also 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 shit onto others because it annoyed him. But she was under his control and she sufficiently feared him now. 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.

Yes, it was a very good idea.