The Life of Anna, Part 2: Entwined (18 page)

She realized she hadn't been trying to read him in order to find out what he wanted from her. She'd just enjoyed being with him. What a strange, new experience for her. Maybe that's what Alex was trying to say when he wanted her to be free. Anna smiled to herself.

Anna and Jenna headed back to the pool. With Alex gone, she felt that she could relax more. She didn't have to worry about him and could just try to enjoy herself, like he'd wanted her to. But, at the same time, him not being there made her feel like a part of her was missing.

It was all so confusing!

Aaron returned a few minutes later and stayed by Anna's side. When they chatted with the other dancers in the pool, Aaron stood behind her with his arms around her waist, and sometimes he would rest his head on the top of hers. The attention he gave Anna caught the attention of the other dancers, some of whom teased Aaron about it. When Anna tried to pull away because she didn't want him to be uncomfortable, he wouldn't let her, telling her he liked her right where she was and didn't mind the teasing.

One of the guys, Travis, had arrived when Anna had been upstairs with Kirsty. When they were introduced, Anna saw him look at her necklace closely then raise his brow. Anna's heart had sunk, but he just gave her a big smile and continued his conversation with the rest of the group.

Did he know what she was? But he didn't leer at her or make her feel uncomfortable. In fact, he seemed to be almost...happy for her? Strange. He himself had a single nipple ring. She found herself staring at it, wondering what that could mean.

“It means I'm an illegitimate son.”

Anna looked up sharply at Travis's face, blushing at being caught staring. Travis was very good looking, with bright blue eyes and longish, straight brown hair. He was thin, as many male dancers were, but with well-defined muscles that she could see in his upper body.

He was grinning at her. “This,” he said softly, pointing at his ring. “It's what you were looking at, right?”

“I...,” Anna began, not knowing how to respond. “Illegitimate son?” She frowned in confusion.

Travis nodded, still grinning. “Illegitimate son of an Elder...well, an Elder who cares about it. Ya don't see them often because a lot of them don't care. But mine did.” He beamed.

Anna's facial expression didn’t change. “I don't understand. You’re...the son of an Elder?” she asked, keeping her voice quiet and looking around for anyone listening.

He nodded again. “My mother was a slave. I have two brothers that live here too. Different mothers, same father.”

Anna's eyes widened. “You're Devin's son?” She couldn't believe that Devin would admit to having a son by his slave, or let him out.

Travis threw his head back and laughed. “Devin? Hardly!” He laughed again. “Good grief, I'd be lucky to be alive, let alone out in public.” He shook his head. “No, Brandon Seay, from LA.”

“You're from LA and your...father let you come up here?” Anna's head was spinning. Why would an Elder allow such a thing?

“Sure, why not? My dad loves me. He knew I loved dancing and wanted me to be able to dance professionally. San Francisco’s company is one of the best in the country. Why wouldn't he...wait—” He stopped abruptly. “You are what I think you are, right?”

Anna's heart pounded as she stared at him. “What do you think I am?”

Travis touched her necklace. “Some sort of slave, though I've never seen diamonds before. Must mean you're pretty special.” He grinned. He must have noticed the fearful expression on Anna's face. “Hey, believe me, I'm not judging. My dad lets his girls out sometimes, but I didn't think Devin did. Has he changed his policies?”

Anna shrugged. “I don't know. I don't think so...Devin says...that I'm special, but I don't really understand why.”

Travis chuckled. “Anyone looking at you could see you're special,” he said warmly.

Anna felt herself blush, which made Travis laugh again. “You're definitely not normal. I don't think I've ever seen any...,” he looked around, “...you know...blush before.” He looked at her curiously. “Why are you out? I mean, Devin's a control freak. Why would he let you come to a party? And...,” He nodded towards Aaron. “...does he know?”

“Aaron know?” Anna was puzzled, then it hit her. “That I'm a....” Her voice trailed off and Travis nodded.

Anna shook her head slowly as she realized Aaron didn't know that she was a slave. Her shoulders slumped. She'd even forgotten for a bit that she was a slave. What would Aaron's reaction be when he found out? Would he be disgusted or thrilled?

The final bit of the cocoon that had enveloped her heart while dancing with Aaron ripped away and she was left with the reality of who she was and what she was for. The pain was unbearable. Yes, the good feelings were wonderful when they were there, but when reality came back it hurt worse than before.

Tears sprang to her eyes and she struggled out of Aaron's arms and out of the pool before Aaron realized what was happening. She grabbed her towel and walked away quickly. She didn't realize she’d headed towards the garden until she sat on the bench along the side of the house and looked around.

She leaned forward and buried her face in her hands. She was a slave. She needed to remember this. Her slavery was safe. She knew what to expect from those men. Good or bad, it was mostly predictable and her emotions stayed out of it...for the most part.

This...this
freedom
was dangerous. The small amount of control she felt over herself made her—

“Anna?” Aaron walked over to her quickly and sat next to her. “Anna, what's wrong?” He took her hand and pulled her towards him.

She didn't resist, though she didn’t really want to be close to him. It hurt. She didn't like the emotional rawness she was experiencing. So she did the one thing she knew to do: she kissed him. Passionately. Her hands moved expertly over his shoulders and caressed his neck. Her mouth moved sensually against his, her tongue teasing and tantalizing.

She heard him groan against her mouth and knew she was getting to him. Not that she doubted her ability to seduce him. But did she want to? She hesitated.

*****

Aaron took advantage of her hesitation and pulled away, breathing heavily. “Anna, what are you doing?” he asked breathlessly, holding her at arm's length. Alex had warned him if she was feeling frightened she might try this. He just hadn't expected it to be so...alluring.

Anna looked at him with wide, frightened green eyes. If Alex hadn't told him about her past, he'd be either dragging her up to his bedroom or running away. As it was, he knew she was scared and it pained his heart.

She'd been such a sweet young girl when he knew her before. He wanted to go to her guardian's house and pummel him for hurting her.

He reached up and brushed her hair out of her face. “Anna, why are you afraid?” he asked softly.

She looked down and seemed to be making herself as small as possible. “You don't want me,” she said.

“I don't want you? Why would you think that? Why would I be here if I didn't want to be with you?”

She shook her head and looked up. “No, I mean...” She frowned and wrinkled her brow. “I'm not who you think I am.” She absently played with her necklace. Alex had told him that was a sign of her slavery, as was her bracelet.

Aaron took her hand in his. If this was what she was concerned about...? “I know who you are, Anna.”

She shook her head again. “I'm not twelve anymore, Aaron. I'm...not the same....” Her voice trailed off.

Aaron touched her necklace and looked deeply into her eyes. “I know, hon. I know who and what you are. And I don't care. I still want to be with you.”

Anna's eyes were doubtful. “You...know I'm a...?” Aaron nodded. “How?”

Aaron hesitated. He didn't want her to be angry at Alex. “Alex told me.”

Anna winced. “Oh.” She looked more hurt than angry.

“He wanted to make sure I knew so I didn't hurt you,” he explained. He slipped his hand around her neck and pulled her head close to his. “I don't want to hurt you,” he whispered and kissed her gently. Her lips were so soft and inviting. He could kiss her all day and never tire of it.

*****

Anna's head spun at Aaron's words and kiss. He knew? He knew she was a slave? He didn't seem to mind: his lips against hers, his arms around her, holding her tight. She concentrated to read him and an overwhelming amount of emotion hit her. He had told her the truth of what he was feeling. She could trust him. Inexplicable, but true. He kissed her and her fears flew out of her mind.

He pulled back. “Why did you run away?” he asked, keeping his hand in her hair and caressing the back of her head.

“I thought you wouldn't...see me the same way if you knew....” She didn't doubt that he would want to sleep with her, but the connection that they'd made while dancing was so wonderful, she didn't want to lose it. “You know about the...Manor...and stuff?”

Aaron nodded. “A little. Alex has told me about it and he took me to the one down in LA about a year ago. He wouldn't go to the one here. He hates Devin.”

Anna giggled. “That’s very obvious.”

Aaron chuckled. “’Course, I can’t say I’m exactly fond of him either. Not after finding out what happened to you.” He turned serious again. “I know your life isn’t easy. But I think you're worth it.” He smiled, eyes tender as he gazed at her. “Is that okay?”

Anna nodded shyly and Aaron grinned. “Good,” he said and kissed her again.

A while later they were back in the pool. Jenna gave her a big smile as she flirted with Bryce. Aaron and Anna were at the side of the pool by themselves, Aaron holding Anna, when Travis swam up a while later. “Hey, Anna. I wasn't trying to be antagonistic. I was just trying to...figure out...what you are. I don't mean that to sound offensive,” he added quickly.

Anna smiled, comfortable with Aaron's arms surrounding her. “It's okay. I suppose it is unusual for, you know, to be out in public around here.”

Aaron kissed her cheek and nuzzled her ear. “I'm glad you are,” he said softly.

Anna blushed.

Travis shook his head. “I don't think even normal girls blush like you do.” He looked back down at her necklace. “I know what diamonds mean with my dad, but I've never seen a girl wear them.”

Anna shrugged. “Devin called me...something...last week. Mistress....” She frowned as she tried to remember what Devin had said that caused the Brothers to murmur. “Elder-Mistress. He called me an Elder-Mistress and it caused quite a stir.”

Travis paled and his jaw dropped. “Are you sure that's what he called you?”

Anna nodded. “Why?”

“Don't you know what that means?”

She shook her head. “Well, Devin's an Elder...and he's called me his mistress....” She tensed, remembering Aaron behind her.

“It's all right, Anna, I know,” Aaron said in a soothing voice and she relaxed.

How could she be so lucky to have Aaron interested in her and so accepting of who she is?

Travis was still staring at her as if she was some sort of mythical creature.

“Travis, what the hell is wrong?” Aaron asked, laughing.

“Elder-Mistress?” Travis repeated.

Anna was beginning to be concerned. “Is that a bad thing?” she asked, stomach churning with nerves. Why did he look at her like that?

Travis shook his head slowly. “Not at all. I've just never met a half-Immortal before. I've heard of them, but never had the privilege of meeting one.”

“A what?” Both Anna and Aaron exclaimed at the same time.

Travis's face went from awe to concern. “A half-Immortal...?” he repeated, almost apologetically. “Shit. Anna, you do know who your dad is, right?”

Anna gave him a funny look. “Everyone knows who my dad is...Trevor Perkins,” she said with a shrug.

“That's your dad? Well, that explains...wait, I thought he died?”

Anna winced. “Yeah, when I was twelve.” The memory still stung.

Travis looked confused. “That doesn’t make any sense...,” he said softly, voice trailing off into deep thought.

“Dude, what are you talking about?” Aaron asked. “What the fu—” He glanced at Anna. “What's a half-Immortal?”

Travis shook his head and looked at Anna again. “You're sure Devin called you an Elder-Mistress?”

Anna frowned. “I think so. I might have heard him wrong. It was kind of a stressful night.” She looked at Aaron. “Alex was there. He'd know.” Anna looked back at Travis. “Is it important? I can call him and ask...I think.”

Travis looked nervous. “Well, no. I guess...it's not that important, but....” He sighed. “Anna, if Devin called you an Elder-Mistress that means you're a half-Immortal. Your dad is an Immortal...and he can't possibly have died. But if he did die, then you're not. If you're not a half-Immortal then you can't be an Elder-Mistress.”

Anna began feeling dizzy and nauseous. “I don't know what any of that means.” Only Aaron’s arms around her kept from slipping under the water.

*****

“I think we better get you out of the water,” Aaron said, lifting Anna to sit on the side of the pool. “You better explain more,” Aaron said, looking at Travis. He'd never heard the term either, but if it was as significant as it sounded, Alex had a lot of explaining to do.