Page 95 of The Life of Anna, Tenth Anniversary Edition, Act 2

As Justin, Anna, and Wilhelm were finishing breakfast the next morning, someone knocked on the door. Wilhelm glanced at his watch before standing and answering it.

Tom and Tommy walked into the room with another man Anna recognized as Wayne Sawyer.

“Dad?” Justin stood as the men walked inside.

Tommy smiled brightly at Anna and she hurried to him. He sighed as he pulled Anna close. “For the first time since I’ve known you, I don’t have to worry about you getting hurt,” he murmured against her hair.

She looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you,” she said softly.

He brushed her cheek and leaned down to kiss her. “I can’t believe you live here now.”

“Tommy,” Tom said in a warning tone. “She’s a free woman now. And you have a wife.”

Tommy grimaced and released her. “You’re right, Dad.” He stepped back, though the longing remained in his eyes.

Anna dropped her gaze to the floor, ashamed of her excitement at seeing Tommy. Tom clearly didn’t approve of Tommy approaching her.

Tom hugged her in a fatherly manner and kissed her on the top of the head. “You don’t have any more obligations, Anna. Er, Katrina.” He grinned down at her. “Katrina is a free woman who can do as she pleases, as long as she stays in Manhattan.” He released her and went to shake hands with Wilhelm.

Wayne, whom she had met several times, came and kissed her cheek. “Hello, Anna,” he said with an affectionate smile. He then turned to Justin and embraced his son. “I’m really proud of you, Justin.”

Justin’s eyes widened for a moment before a smile broke out across his face. “Thanks, Dad.” He beamed and glanced at Anna, who smiled encouragingly at him. She knew their relationship had been difficult. Maybe this would be a new beginning for them.

They all settled down in the comfortable seating area in the living room. Anna curled up on the couch next to Wilhelm.

“So, Anna...” Tom leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “You’re here. I’m so relieved. It’s been a stressful few days. We just got back into town yesterday afternoon. Devin’s... not taking your disappearance well.”

She chewed her lip. “Ian?”

Tom’s face fell. “He took a cyanide pill after he told Devin that he’d helped you escape. Devin—?” He glanced at Wilhelm. “Devin was ready to kill him, but Ian knew a quick death was preferable to the torture that Devin would have put him through. He also didn’t want to risk revealing any information about your whereabouts, even though he didn’t officially know anything.”

Tears ran down Anna’s cheeks at the thought of Ian being gone. At least he hadn’t suffered.

“Anna’s face was all over Chicago’s news,” Justin said. “Why isn’t it here?”

“I control the news here. Devin won’t know.” He looked at Anna. “Anna, like I said, as long as you stay in Manhattan, you’re safe. Just don’t go around telling people who you are. Katrina is from California and was just accepted into the city ballet company. You have no obligations to anyone here like you did when you were Anna. You have a chance to make your own life and do as you please. Just, please, be careful. The city can be a dangerous place. Especially at night.”

Anna nodded.

“I have put a shield over the city, with the help of several other Elders, so that Devin can’t sense you here. He won’t know the shield is in place unless he were to try to come here without warning me, but there’s no reason for him to come, so it won’t be an issue.” Tom smiled. “He’s still your Master and we won’t be able to do anything about it for a while. We just need to keep you safe until then. But Katrina is not a slave, not a Mistress, not anything except a normal young woman.”

Anna smiled, her heart light. A normal young woman. She liked the sound of that.

“You can call any of us, though it would probably be safer if you had Aaron call,” Tom said. “But in an emergency, don’t hesitate to call me. If you see something that doesn’t look right—like someone you know from San Francisco—call me immediately. Devin is the only one blocked from seeing you, but I can put up temporary protections if needed.”

“So, I don’t have to go to your Manor?” Anna asked softly.

Tom shook his head. “It wouldn’t be a good idea if you did.”

“Aaron has a second bedroom in his apartment that is ready for you, unless you want your own place,” Wilhelm said. “Though I would prefer it if you stayed with him so you are not alone. If something were to happen to you, he has the authority to take care of things.” Wilhelm looked at Justin. “You are also now a member of the ballet company. Aaron has arranged a place for you to stay, as well. If there is anything you need, please let me know. I would like to help you in any way I can as a thank you for bringing Anna out here.”

Justin blinked. “Thank you. That’s really nice of you.”

Tom smiled. “I’m sure you’ll do fine here, Anna. Just be careful and remember you’re allowed to say no to anything you don’t want to do. Just be polite.” He stood with Tommy and Wayne. “I’ll let Wilhelm help you settle in. Vincent would like you both to stop by the studio today so you can get a feel for it. Performances begin at the end of the month and he would really like you to dance in the program.”

Anna gave him a hesitant smile, and Justin grinned. “Cool.”

Justin left with his father so they could spend some time together. He and Anna had agreed to meet at the studio at two o’clock.

Wilhelm took Anna to the apartment she’d be sharing with Aaron. It was only two blocks from the ballet studio, on the fortieth floor of a tall, blue-glass building. Aaron wasn’t home.

“There is a second master bedroom in here, which is one reason Aaron liked it,” Wilhelm said, leading her to the back of the apartment. “I wanted to buy you a place, but Aaron pointed out that it would draw a lot of attention if you showed up in the company living in a multi-million-dollar penthouse.” He smiled. “You will garner enough attention once you begin dancing. You do not need any more because of where you live.”

Her room was beautifully decorated in purples and creams, and she had her own private bathroom. One wall had floor-to-ceiling windows showing off a beautiful view of the city and the Hudson River.

Wilhelm stood behind her and put his arms around her waist. “So, since I cannot spoil you with a condo, I will spoil you in other ways.” He kissed her neck and she turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands moved to cup her breasts and kneaded them gently.

Anna pressed her lips against his and moaned softly as he moved his hands down to cup her ass. It felt so good to be in his arms again. Last night, she had been reminded of what an incredible lover he was.

“Anna...” he whispered, and picked her up and carried her to her bed.