Devin stood and the president pulled her back by her hair. Devin led her to the bed and pushed her down on her back. “Open your legs, Anna.”
Anna felt a little dizzy as she spread her thighs apart. The president knelt between them and pushed himself in with one swift thrust. Anna gasped. She was still sore from the night before.
She felt the bed move and saw Devin over the other man’s shoulder. He was looking down and murmuring to himself, and then the president groaned, his neck muscles bulging as if he were in pain. His dark eyes widened and then rolled back into his head. Devin took Anna’s ankles and wrapped her legs around the president’s waist, holding them in place as he slowly began to fuck the president’s ass.
The weight of both men pressed Anna into the bed and she struggled for breath. The president didn’t brace himself for Devin’s thrusts and his body moved with Devin’s movements. The president groaned and raised his head back. Anna wasn’t sure if it was in pain or pleasure. He seemed...out of it.
“Anna,” Devin said.
She looked up into Devin’s black eyes and felt him inside her mind. She could feel him drawing part of her out and consuming it. She groaned and the room began to spin. Her body stiffened as she physically climaxed, though she didn’t really feel it.
Devin grinned maniacally and threw his head back, shouting out “Yes! Yes!”
The president groaned and then gave out a primitive scream as Anna’s muscles clenched around his cock, squeezing him tight and milking him dry.
Devin released Anna’s legs and stood up. The president collapsed on the bed next to her, eyes open, but unseeing. Anna looked up at Devin with frightened eyes. What had he just done?
“He’s completely under my control,” Devin said in a low voice, coming to sit next to Anna on the bed. “Thanks to you, my love.” He brushed her hair gently away from her face, then leaned forward to kiss her.
What had she done to give him this kind of power? What did she possess that allowed him to control other people? To make them obey him? To make Wilhelm and Kurt walk away from her without a single glance back? She didn’t want to help Devin become a scary person. He was already scary enough.
Devin pulled back and looked at her. “You fear me now, don’t you?”
Anna nodded slowly. “Yes, Master.”
He gave a satisfactory smile. “Good. Don’t make me remind you again.”
“Yes, Master,” she whispered.
** ~ ~ ** ~ ~ **
“It’s worse than I thought.”
“How so?”
“He uses her. He...God, he took her baby. She was pregnant and he took it right on the platform in front of everyone.”
“What did he do with it?”
The younger man hesitated. “He...ate it.”
There was a long pause. “What else?”
“Another girl killed herself for him after first mutilating herself. She laughed and shrieked in pleasure as she died.” He shuddered. “This can’t continue.”
“I agree, but I’m not the one you must convince. He won't be swayed easily.”
“How can he not...?”
“He’s known Devin since he was a boy. And knew his father before him. He’s hesitant to believe that he’s changed so much.”
“But he tortures her.”
“It’s unfortunate. I know. But her plight isn’t his concern. Even I would be hesitant to step in if it was just a concern about abuse. But what you saw may make him realize there’s more to it than a sweet girl being hurt.” The man sighed. “It might help if he met her. Spent time with her.”
“If he came here, Devin would be suspicious.”
“You could bring her here.”
“I don’t think Devin would like that. She might sense him.”
“They can be...put away while she’s here. I’m sure she would love to see the Mariinsky. Perhaps a dance experience. It’s a month off from dancing in September, yes? Devin wouldn’t want her to become unstable from not dancing, would he?”
“That might work. I’ll have to think about that.”
“If it’s as bad as you say, you need to come up with some sort of excuse.”
** ~ ~ ** ~ ~ **
Ian dropped Anna back at the apartment late Monday morning. The apartment was empty because Peter was at the studio. Anna took a long hot shower, trying to sooth her aching body and mind. She didn’t know what Devin did to her mind, but she was exhausted and he was happy. She knew what he did to her body and what he allowed other men to do to her body, and if he was happy what did it matter if she was sore?
She collapsed onto the bed and slept until Peter came home. She woke long enough to eat dinner and then went right back to sleep. Peter woke her to eat breakfast the next morning before he went to the studio. He brought her lunch during break and woke her again. By the time he was home for dinner, Anna was awake and feeling much better.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Life progressed without much incident. Class, rehearsals, time with Peter. Fridays she went to the Manor. Peter came sometimes. He said it was to keep an eye on her, though she always spent the night in Devin’s room. She spent Monday nights at Devin’s house. Tuesdays became long days for Anna because Devin was always rough on her.
In the middle of April, Anna performed as a principal for the first time. She danced with Travis because Peter and Aaron both danced with the more experienced principals. Anna didn’t mind. She liked Travis. They flirted and joked around during practice, and Peter would turn around and give Anna a look, but when he turned back around, Anna saw the smile and glint in his eyes in the mirror and knew he wasn’t angry. He was happy when she was happy.
Much to Anna’s delight and Isaak’s satisfaction, her performance received rave reviews. She danced exceedingly well and her friends all said it was clear she would soon be a star of the company. Isaak said she would be dancing as Juliet in the next performance of Romeo and Juliet, with Peter and Aaron alternating as Romeo.
In June, both Tommy and Tyler got married. Devin took her to both weddings as his guest. She didn’t mind Tyler’s wedding. Tommy’s was hard. His new wife, Kim, was very sweet and pretty. Anna was happy for him, though a little sad. The way Tommy looked at her didn’t help her separate her heart from him, and she missed Alex dreadfully. Anna had a feeling that Kim knew about her, though she was very nice to Anna. She seemed to feel bad for her, especially when Devin was harsh.
Anna helped with both Tyler and Tommy’s before-wedding rituals, though they were different. Tyler’s was a night of debauchery with as many women he could get his cock into. Tommy’s was a night of discipline; Anna stayed with him and teased him all night, but he wasn’t allowed any release. Alex hadn’t told Anna what his night was like, and wondered which one was more like his. Neither were pleasant to think about.
Anna hadn’t dreamed of Alex since the Gathering.
*****
The morning of opening night for Romeo and Juliet, Isaak pulled everyone on stage after rehearsal. “I have an announcement to make...a rather bittersweet one at that.” Isaak nodded to Aaron, who went to stand next to him.
Aaron had been acting strange all week. He’d hardly spoken to Anna, except when necessary, and wouldn’t make eye contact with her. Was he in trouble?
“It is with mixed emotions I inform you that when this run closes, Aaron will be moving to New York to dance there.”
There were many gasps and murmurs throughout the company. Anna gaped at Aaron, who was staring at the back of the stage.
“Aaron and I have spoken about this a great deal. I encouraged him to audition and he was accepted into the New York City Ballet Company. I hope you will all be happy for him and wish him well. That is all.”
Many of the dancers went to congratulate him, but Anna was hurt and angry and turned to walk off stage without speaking to him. Peter caught up with her.
“Are you okay?” he asked, putting his arm around her.
“No.” Anna shrug
ged off his arm and walked quickly to her dressing room, shutting the door behind her. She collapsed on the couch and started sobbing.
She didn’t hear the door open, but felt arms around her. They weren’t Peter’s. She looked up to see Aaron sitting next to her with a sorrowful look on his face. “Anna, I—”
“How can you do this to me, Aaron?” she asked in a harsh whisper. “How can you abandon me?” Her voice got louder. “You promised Alex you would watch out for me...and you’re leaving!”
“Anna, please believe me. I...wouldn’t go unless I needed to.” Aaron spoke softly, with earnestness.
“Why? Why do you need to go?”
Aaron sighed. “I can’t stay here and not be with you. It’s been eating at me for years.” The sadness in his eyes begged for her understanding.
“You promised,” Anna whispered.
“I’m sorry, Anna,” he said softly. For a moment, Anna thought he would kiss her, but he stood and looked at her. “I’m so sorry, Anna.” He turned and walked out of the dressing room.
Anna stared at the door for a long minute. She couldn’t believe that he would leave her like that. He’d promised Alex he would take care of her! And he was leaving? She didn’t know if she wanted to scream or cry. Neither would do any good.
** ~ ~ ** ~ ~ **
“How’d she take it?”
“She thinks I’m abandoning her.”
“You didn’t tell her...?”
“Of course not. But I hate hurting her like that.”
“If there were any other way, you know we would.”
“I know.” A sigh. “I’ve been her rock. The one thing that has stayed through all the shit she’s been through.”
“And that’s why you need to go. She’ll need you. It won’t be for very long and then she’ll understand.”
“It doesn’t make it any easier.”
“At least you know you’ll be able to be with her again. I’ll have to leave someday soon and won’t be able to be with her anymore.”
“We have to get her out of here before that happens. She won’t be able to take it.”
“I know. The plans are almost finalized. This is the first step.”
“I hope it works.”
“It has to. We cannot fail.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Anna forced herself to act warmly to Aaron on stage, but as soon as she stepped off, she was as cold as ice to him. It was difficult, but she’d had plenty of practice at hiding her true feelings lately. And she refused to let herself feel the pain of his leaving. She decided that if she hated him, it would make it easier.
But it didn’t. By the time closing came around, she knew she couldn’t let him leave thinking she hated him. He looked so miserable.
After the last performance, she showered and then went to knock on Aaron’s dressing room door. Peter was busy, so she knew she had a few minutes to say goodbye. Aaron was leaving in the morning.
“Come in,” Aaron called from inside.
Anna walked in and closed the door behind her. Aaron looked surprised and a little wary to see her.
“Aaron...,” she whispered. “Why?”
He grimaced. “I told you why,” he said in a broken voice.
“Please don’t. Don’t leave me.” Fat tears ran unchecked down her cheeks.
Aaron was on his feet and had her in his arms before the first tear hit her shirt. She leaned her head against his chest, closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. She hadn’t been in his arms for so long.
When she looked up at him, his eyes were stormy with emotion. She opened her mouth to speak and he crushed his lips against hers. She moaned softly as his mouth took possession of hers, his arms holding her tightly against his body.
“Anna...,” he groaned as she kissed his neck and chest.
“Love me,” she begged softly. “One last time.”
*****
Aaron kissed Anna’s neck as he softened inside her. “I love you, Anna. I will always love you.”
“I love you, t—”
The door opened and Peter stood in the doorway. He closed the door quickly and stood frowning at the two of them, naked together on the couch.
Aaron sat up and looked at him nervously. “Peter, I—”
Peter held his hand up and sighed. “Don't.” He looked at Anna. “Get dressed.”
Anna quickly stood and retrieved her clothes. Peter’s jaw was clenched and he stared at the wall, not moving.
When Aaron and Anna were dressed, she looked at Peter. “Peter—”
He held up his hand. “Say good-bye. I’ll be in the hallway.” He opened the door and walked out of the room, but left the door open.
Aaron looked at her with true remorse. “I’m going to miss you terribly, Anna,” he said softly.
Anna tried to smile. “Me too. You’ve always been there for me. I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”
He looked towards the doorway. “Peter’s here. He’ll take care of you.”
Anna nodded and looked at the ground.
Aaron took a step forward and hugged her tightly. “Good-bye, Anna,” he said, kissing her on the forehead.
“Goodbye, Aaron,” she said softly. She looked at him one last time and then walked out the door. She glanced back to see him watching her with a pained expression. When he saw her look at him, he gave her a sad smile and waved. She waved back, then moved so that the wall blocked her view of him before she walked away.
*****
Peter was silent as they drove home. He was leaving in the morning as well to go to St. Petersburg for the week. Anna was not really looking forward to the next week when she had to spend every night with Devin.
“Are you angry?” she asked when they walked into the apartment.
He didn’t answer right away. “I have to leave tomorrow, too, Anna.” He paused. “I didn’t really want sloppy seconds for my last night with you for a week.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. She could tell she had hurt him. “I’ll go shower.”
“Don’t bother,” he said softly, but not angrily.
Anna thought she’d rather him be angry at her than hurt.
He went to the fridge, pulled out a bottle of beer, opened it and sat down on the couch. “I think you should go to bed,” he said without looking at her.
Anna nodded and went into the bedroom. She undressed and lay down in the dark, staring at the window out into the dark night. Peter came to bed a while later and got into bed without touching her. After a while, he began snoring. Anna curled up around her pillow and closed her eyes, willing herself to go to sleep.
*****
The room came slowly into view, but it was empty. She looked around the tiny room, willing for him to appear, but it remained empty. The bed was made, the window was open and morning light streamed through the opening. Dust danced in the sunlight, making it look almost solid.
She walked to the window and looked out onto a huge grassy yard. The window was very high from the ground, five stories maybe, and the wall below was smooth. The room seemed to be in a tower at one end of a large, castle-like structure. A high stone wall stood out at a fair distance from where she stood, and seemed to surround the building. At least as far as she could see. In the far distance were high mountains. She wished she could smell the air; it looked so clean and crisp.
A door opened behind her and she turned to see Alex’s large frame filling a door. His hair was pulled back in the customary ponytail but his beard was a little shaggier than she’d seen in a long time.
“Anna,” he said softly with a smile. He closed the door behind him and sat down on the bed. “You haven’t been here in a long time.”
Anna nodded. “I don’t know why. I don’t even know why I keep dreaming of you.”
Alex smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Anna realized that if he were still alive, he would be thirty-two years old. “I like that you do. I look forward to seeing you. I’ve missed you.”
>
“I always miss you, Alex.” She smiled. “Devin gave me your ring back. I keep it on the nightstand next to my bed. My wedding rings, too.”
Alex nodded. “I’m glad.” He studied her. “You look sad.”
“Aaron’s moving to New York.”
“Why?” He frowned.
“He said that he couldn’t deal with being near me and not being able to be with me.”
Alex’s frown deepened, but he said nothing.
“I told him he was breaking his promise to you by leaving, but he said he had to go.”
“He wouldn’t go without a reason, Schatzi,” he said softly, seeming to contemplate his own words. “Trust him.”
Anna winced as her head began to hurt and the room spun.
Alex stood and came to kneel next to her. “You need to go, Schatzi.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to,” she whispered, holding her head. “I just got here.”
“Please, Anna. I don’t want you to hurt. You’ll come again.” He reached out to caress her face and she felt the faintest touch before the room dissolved from her vision and she awoke.
*****
Anna sat up in bed. The room was still dark.
“Anna, are you okay?” Peter asked, sitting up and putting his hand on her back.
“I dreamed of Alex,” she whispered. She stared into the darkness. “I told him Aaron was leaving.”
“How did he respond?”
“He said that I should trust Aaron. That he wouldn’t leave without a good reason.” Anna shook her head, tears filling her eyes.
Peter didn’t say anything, but pulled Anna to him. He lay back down in bed and wrapped his arms around her. “Your dreams are wise, Anna,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I was angry at you. I shouldn’t have begrudged you saying goodbye to Aaron.”
Anna snuggled closer to Peter. “I should have asked. I’m sorry.”
The Life of Anna, Part 4: Ensnared Page 17
