*****
Ian dropped me off in front of the tall building where Devin worked. I stared up at it for a moment before walking through the glass doors.
After stopping at the security desk, I rode the elevator up to the 30th floor and stepped out into a large, wood-paneled room. A blonde woman was seated behind a large wooden desk. She looked at me suspiciously. “May I help you?”
“I’m here to see Devin,” I said softly. “Um...Devin Andersen.” I gave her a nervous smile.
She frowned at me. “And you are?”
“Anna Perkins.” My voice was shaky. I wasn’t used to being out in public. I was beginning to think it was better to stay at the Manor. People were intimidating.
She arched her brow and looked me up and down then nodded. “Sit over there. I’ll let him know you’re here.” She motioned to a row of brown leather chairs along one wall.
I sat down with a straight back and clasped hands on my knees. A moment later, a dark wooden door opened across the room. Devin stood in the doorway looking incredibly handsome in a dark suit and powder-blue tie.
He looked at me and smiled. “Hello, Baby. You look wonderful.” He crossed the room and kissed me chastely on the cheek. “Come in to my office. We’ll go in a few minutes. I just have to finish something up.” He took my hand and led me into his office, closing the door.
His office was large, with a wall of windows that overlooked the financial district of San Francisco. The furniture was dark wood, ornately carved and heavy looking. In the corner was a round table with had several chairs sitting around it.
Devin pulled me into his arms and kissed me, his tongue demanding entry into my mouth. His hand slid down to my hips and over my rear. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he tangled his hands in my hair and pressed my mouth firmly to his. I could hardly breathe, his passion was so consuming.
“God, I’ve missed you,” he murmured against my mouth a few minutes later as he pulled away.
I looked up at him, smiling shyly. My lips were swollen and I could feel my nipples tight under my dress.
He smiled down at me and traced my cheek with his finger. “You look beautiful, Anna. All grown up.”
I beamed.
He took my hand off his shoulder and slid it down his body to his cock, hard under his suit. “See what you do to me?” he said hoarsely. I rubbed him over his pants and he closed his eyes. “Mmm. That feels good,” he murmured.
He kissed me and pushed me backwards until my thighs hit the table and then turned me around, pressing my chest onto the hard surface. He pulled my dress up over my hips. “I like the stockings, Anna. Always wear stockings, never pantyhose.”
“Yes, Devin,” I said. He caressed my ass cheeks and I felt dampness between my legs. His fingers slid under the straps of my thong and down between my cheeks. I moaned as he caressed my anus before sliding lower, dipping a finger inside my wet folds.
He groaned. “So wet, Baby.”
He thrust a finger in and out of me several times. I moaned with each thrust and arched my back so he could go in deeper.
I heard a zipper being undone and then hot, hard skin was at the entrance of my pussy.
“Please, Devin,” I whispered pressing backwards. He obliged and pressed into me, groaning softly. I moaned as his piercings hit all the right spots. “Oh, Devin,” I sighed.
He chuckled. “You feel amazing, Anna.” He leaned down and kissed the back of my neck, moving gently in and out. He pressed against my back, pushing me down on the table and began thrusting harder, almost to the point of pain. My hips banged against the table, but all I could register was the intense pleasure of his cock inside of me, rubbing all the good spots with those little silver balls. I hadn’t had sex since Sunday morning and this felt so good!
I moaned loudly as he pounded me hard, almost lifting me off my feet with each thrust. I felt the tingling of the beginnings of an orgasm. “Devin...” I groaned.
“Come quietly, Anna. My secretary doesn’t need to hear you.”
I pressed my hands to my mouth as the orgasm overtook me. I bit my lip and groaned as quietly as I could. Devin stiffened behind me and he cursed softly as he released himself into me.
Devin leaned over me, elbows on the table. I lay with my cheek on the table, panting. His chest heaved against my back.
I smiled as he nuzzled my neck. My beloved Devin. “You smell good,” he murmured nipping my neck. Then suddenly he stood up, pulling himself out of me. He spun me around and pulled at the neckline of my dress. “Where’s your necklace?”
I reached up to my neck, fearfully trying to remember what necklace he was talking about. “My...necklace...?” I asked, confused.
He zipped up his pants and leaned close, speaking with clenched teeth. “The diamond necklace you were given last week. You were not to take it off. Where. Is. It?”
I blinked, remembering, and spoke quickly. “I…Wilhelm cut it off. Kurt wanted me to wear a different necklace to the ballet.” I winced and braced for the blow. His hand was already halfway up in the air.
He paused. “Wilhelm has it?” He looked surprised.
“Yes, Devin,” I whispered, trembling at his anger. The last thing on earth I wanted to do was make Devin angry.
Devin spun around and went to his desk. He picked up his cell phone and made a call. “Wilhelm...Anna said you have her necklace.... Yes...I see....” His face softened as he spoke with Wilhelm. I relaxed. Slightly. “No, that’s fine...yes, that makes sense. I hadn’t thought about that. I would have had that issue as well.... No, I’ll have her pick it up.... Yes...alright...yes, see you Friday.” He put the phone back on the desk.
I grasped the table behind me, afraid to move. I watched Devin as he sat for a moment and looked at me.
“I’m sorry, Devin,” I blurted out. “I-”
He held up his hand. “It’s alright, Baby. Wilhelm told me what happened. It makes sense. You do need to be able to remove it. When I take you out I want you to wear beautiful jewelry as well.” He walked over to me and hugged me. I nearly cried in relief at his abated anger. “After we have lunch I want you to go pick up the necklace and take it to the jeweler to have the clasp fixed. I’ll give you the name and address.”
“I’m seeing Wilhelm tonight,” I reminded Devin.
He frowned. “I don’t want you to forget. Pick it up on the way back to the Manor. But you can get it fixed tomorrow.”
I winced at his irritation. “Yes, Devin.”
“I will leave the clasp unlocked, but you must wear it at all times, unless you are wearing another necklace for a special occasion. When you get home after such an occasion, you will put it back on before you go to sleep. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Devin.” I looked at him hesitantly, but all signs of anger were gone. “May I ask you a question?”
“Of course, Baby.” He pulled my skirt back down over my hips. I’d forgotten it was still pushed up.
“Is there a significance to the diamonds?”
He smiled as he studied me. “You are a very observant girl. Yes, there is significance. Diamonds mean you’re special.” He stroked my cheek. “Diamonds mean that you belong to me and only others of my status are allowed access to you without express permission.”
“Your status?” I frowned, confused.
“An Elder. The diamonds offer you an element of protection, unless you disobey me. Then nothing will protect you.”
I swallowed at the lump in my throat. His eyes were cold. “I was punished on Friday, wasn’t I?” I whispered, realization hitting me square in the chest.
He nodded. “Yes. That was mild, Anna. You know that. But I understood that it was your first time at a Gathering. If you are very bad, I will put you in the Red Room.”
I sucked in a deep breath. “No, Devin. Please don’t.” I backed into the table and grasped it. “Please....”
“As long as you obey me, Anna, you have nothing to worry about. I just want you to know that
just because you wear diamonds, does not give you the right to disobey me.”
“I don’t want to disobey you,” I whispered. “I never have.”
He smiled kindly at me. “I know, Baby. I don’t anticipate it ever being an issue.”
I gave him a nervous smile.
“One thing, Anna. You must keep your phone with you at all times and answer all my calls. If you do not answer, I will consider it an act of willful disobedience. If I know you are in the middle of something, such as a dance class, I will be more lenient. But I expect you to call me back immediately after you are done with the activity. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Devin.”
“I would suggest you making my ring distinctive so you will know it’s me. Do you know how to do that?”
I shook my head. “I’ll ask Ian.”
“Good girl.” He smiled. “Now, shall we go have lunch?”
I nodded, now afraid that I was going to be punished for forgetting about my necklace. Devin looked down with compassion in his eyes and kissed me gently, his lips caressing mine. He took my hands and put them on his shoulders, then wrapped his arms around my waist. His kiss deepened and I found myself relaxing into his arms.
“Just do your best, Anna,” he said softly. “I know you. I’ll know if you’re trying or not.”
“Yes, Devin.”
He kissed me once more, and then straightened. “Let’s go. I have reservations.”
Devin held the door to this office open for me and I walked through quickly. “Madison, I’m going to lunch,” he said to his secretary.
I saw her look at me and her eyes narrowed slightly. She was in her early thirties, attractive, with stylish blond hair and hazel eyes. She was very sophisticated looking. Much more so than me.
Devin and I walked to the elevators and he pushed the call button. He put his hand on my hip and rubbed his thumb up and down, stoking the fire of desire deep in my belly once again.
*****
We walked to a steakhouse around the corner from Devin’s office. People treated him with immense respect. While we were waiting for our table, Devin spoke quietly with a man standing next to us. He didn’t introduce me.
“I don’t remember your daughters being this old, Devin,” the man said with a chuckle.
Devin smiled and put his arm around me. “She’s not my daughter.”
The other man raised his brow and glanced at me. “Is this...?”
Devin nodded. “She looks just as good dressed, doesn’t she?” he said in a low voice.
I looked up at the man. He didn’t look familiar, but from their conversation, I had to assume that he’d been at the Manor on Friday. I could feel his arousal radiating from him and I scooted closer to Devin, hoping he wouldn’t give me away to him. Devin tightened his arm around me.
The hostess called Devin’s name and we were led to a table near the window.
“Should I have known that man?” I asked softly after the waiter left.
Devin chuckled and opened his menu. “Not yet, no. Although he got to know you a bit on Friday.”
My eyes widened. “Oh!” I blushed.
Devin looked amused.
The rest of lunch was very enjoyable. Devin asked me lots of questions about Wilhelm and Alex. I didn’t have a lot of answers but I did the best I could. He especially seemed interested in Alex.
*****
Ian parked on the street in front of Alex’s house and butterflies flew into my stomach. I didn’t understand why I was nervous. I was just here to get my necklace. I walked up to the door and rang the doorbell. Frau Gersten answered the door. I smiled at her and she nodded politely and told me that Wilhelm was in the living room.
“Thank you,” I said, and walked into the well-lit room. Wilhelm sat by the fireplace reading a book. He looked up and gave me a bright smile when he saw me.
“Hello, Anna. It is good to see you.” He placed a bookmark on the page and closed the book as he stood. He hugged me and kissed my forehead. “How are you doing?”
"I’m good. You?"
He smiled. “Enjoying a quiet afternoon. Your necklace is up in my room. I was going to get it before you arrived, but....” He shrugged sheepishly and lifted up the book in his hand. “I got lost in the book. I will go get it.”
I smiled. “Thank you, Wilhelm.”
While I waited, I walked to the windows and gazed out at the city skyline. He returned a few minutes later and handed me the necklace.
“Was Devin very angry with you?” Wilhelm asked.
“He started to get angry, but stopped when I told him you had it.”
Wilhelm looked thoughtful. “I am truly sorry Anna. I had forgotten to call him. If he had hurt you because of me....” He shook his head. “I never could have forgiven myself.”
“I’m fine. We had a very nice lunch. He’s so different from how he used to be. I mean, he’s like he was before he changed.” I laughed at myself. “I’ve known him since I was little. I adored him then. He was so affectionate and loving towards me. Then he changed....” I shuddered at the memories, but then smiled again. “But he’s back to how he used to be.”
Wilhelm’s face was inscrutable, though his jaw seemed a little tense as he nodded. “I am glad he is treating you well, Anna.”
I looked at the necklace in my hand. “I should get going. Ian’s waiting for me. Thank you for holding on to it. I’d forgotten all about it.”
“My pleasure, Anna. If you need anything, please let me know.”
I hugged him. I liked Wilhelm. He was so kind and thoughtful and treated me like a person. I decided I liked being treated like a person. “Thank you, Wilhelm. I will.”
I looked up at him, suddenly reluctant to leave. His embrace was comforting.
I slowly leaned my head on his chest, hoping he wouldn’t push me away. He didn’t, instead wrapping his arms tighter around me.
Wilhelm is an Elder. Like Devin.
I turned in his arms so I could see his right hand. He wore a large oval ring on his pinky with a standing, double-tailed lion holding a sword. The lion had a crown on its head. Diamonds were inset around the edge of the ring. “Is this your Elder ring?”
His arms were still around my waist and I leaned back against him. “Ja. Why?”
“I’ve only ever seen Devin’s. He...said something about men of a similar status.” I traced the edge of the ring and felt Wilhelm shiver. I smiled at his reaction. “He meant you, right?”
“I would qualify as someone of a similar status, ja. But having the same title does not necessarily mean the same type of man.”
Wilhelm spoke softly and twisted his fingers around a lock of hair that had fallen across my shoulders. He caressed it slowly with his thumb and I took in a shaky breath. His hand moved to the nape of my neck and he smoothed his fingers down the length of my hair, brushing my breast as he passed by. My heart pounded so hard I felt dizzy. He repeated the movement, seeming to brush my breast deliberately as his hand moved down my hair.
I turned and looked up at him, wide-eyed. I hadn’t considered the possibility he’d thought of me that way. He’s a man, Anna. Of course he has. He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine, his mustache tickling my upper lip. Tingles ran through my body as I kissed him back. He brought his hand behind my head and ran his fingers through my hair.
“Anna....”
His lips moved to the side of my neck and I sighed into him. He sucked on the tender skin there and I moaned softly as my body reacted to his touch. He brought his hand to my breast and cupped it, his thumb playing with my nipple.
“Wilhelm,” I said breathlessly, clinging to his upper arms and rising to my tiptoes to kiss him again.
I heard footsteps in the entry hall and Wilhelm pulled away quickly. I stood there, staring at his chest, dazed at what had just happened.
Someone called out in German and stopped suddenly. I turned to see Alex in the entryway of the living room. His eyes were wide as he looked at
Wilhelm and myself. I looked into his cobalt-blue eyes and they looked...hurt? How is that possible? Why is he looking at me like that?
Suddenly it was hot in the room. I needed air. I looked back at Wilhelm for permission to leave. He nodded and I walked quickly past Alex and out the front door. I ran to the car and collapsed in the back seat, trembling.
“Did you get your necklace?” Ian asked.
I nodded, trying to understand the emotions flying through my body. They made no sense. Why do I care what Alex thinks? Why does it seem that Alex cares about me? He doesn’t know who I am. He doesn’t know that I’ve dreamed about him. There’s nothing special about me.
I looked at the necklace in my hand. Maybe there is something special about me, but to Devin, not to Alex. But why does Alex look at me the way he does? I shook my head to rid it of this nonsense and stared out the window as Ian drove back to the Manor.
Chapter 16
That evening Wilhelm and Kurt picked me up and they took me to a very nice restaurant near the bay. I didn’t ask why we didn’t go to Alex’s house. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know.
Wilhelm was the perfect gentleman, not even giving a hint that anything had happened earlier that afternoon. Kurt was cheery and flirtatious, his normal disposition.
After dinner, we went back to Alex’s house. Alex was nowhere to be seen, and Kurt and I went upstairs to watch a movie in the media room. Seth and Tony, whom I had met on Saturday, were there and invited us in. I wondered why they were there.
“You seemed to enjoy the ballet the other night, Anna,” Seth said, giving me a bright smile.
I looked at him, not understanding. “How did you...?”
Seth grinned. “Tony and I were at the opera house with you guys. I enjoyed watching you enjoying yourself. Tony too.”
I glanced at Tony and Kurt who were on the other side of the long L-shaped couch.
“I didn’t see you there,” I told Seth.
The Life of Anna, Part 1: Enslaved Page 15
