Chapter 44

Before Anna knew it, Summer was almost gone. August arrived and she flew to Washington, D.C. with Devin and Tyler for the Summer Gathering. She had asked, humbly, if Devin would allow her to skip it this year because Giselle opened so close to her return and was rewarded with an entire Saturday of nerve juice.

“Whatever happens, I will have Kaveh heal you so you can dance properly next week,” Devin said as he stood over where she lay, nearly unconscious, on the floor of her room at the Manor. “I won’t let you embarrass me.”

When they arrived at the hotel in D.C. Thursday morning, Tom and Tommy were waiting in the lobby. Tommy greeted Tyler stiffly. Their relationship had been strained for several years.

Tommy hurried over to her as soon as he saw her and pulled her into his arms. She gazed up at him in awe. He had matured into one of the most handsome men she’d ever met. She cupped his cheek and gazed into his kind eyes. He reminded her so much of Alex.

Pain clenched her heart as she accepted that this was her life now. A few fleeting moments of happiness with Tommy twice a year, a relationship with Peter that would end sooner than later, and the rest of her life spent with Devin as his slave.

The Elders met that evening to discuss the events of the weekend and issues in the country. They spoke a lot about the upcoming election, but Devin assured them that the president would be reelected.

Devin brought girls for the Elders to use that evening, so he told Anna she could spend time with Tommy. She hurried down the hallway to Tommy’s room, fearful Devin would change his mind before she got there. Tommy wasn’t sharing a room with Tyler anymore. Instead, he was staying with his father.

“Anna!” He grinned when he saw her standing at his door. “What are you doing here?”

“Devin said I could stay with you. They have... other girls for the evening.”

Tommy pulled her inside and kissed her soundly. She ran her hands down his sculpted arms as she kissed him back, then up to his shoulders and down his muscular chest. A thrill shot through her body as he held her close.

“These last weeks have gone by so slowly,” he murmured. “I couldn’t wait to see you.”

Anna smiled shyly as he took her hand and led her to his bedroom. “How’s married life?”

He grinned. “I like it.”

“Kim seems very nice.” A twinge of jealousy ran through her body.

“She is.” He turned to look at her. “She’s not you, but she’s a good wife.” He caressed her cheek. “I wish...” He sighed. “I wish I could have married you and taken you away from Devin.”

Anna’s eyes filled with tears and she nodded, but didn’t dare try to speak.

He opened his mouth as if he were going to say something else, but closed it and shook his head. He leaned forward to kiss her again and led her to the bed.

“At least we have tonight,” she said softly.