Free The Life of Anna, Part 1: Enslaved by Marissa Honeycutt

truly was the best birthday I ’d had in years. What more could I ask for than a kind Master, precious books and the permission to dance more? I didn’t dare hope for anything else.
    I pulled down the crisp, unused copy of Pride and Prejudice and lay down on my bed. It crackled as I opened it and I smiled. I quickly lost myself in the story and almost didn’t hear the knock on the door a while later.
    “Come in,” I said, sitting up and pulling the ribbon bookmark into place.
    Maggie walked into the room. “I’ve come to retrieve your tray, Mistress. Is there anything else you need?”
    “No, thank you.”
    “There are toiletries and all sorts of bath oils and soaps in the cabinet in the bathroom. The tub is very nice to relax in.” She smiled. “If you desire companionship tonight, you may request someone using the phone there.” She indicated the nightstand next to my bed.
    “Companionship?”
    “A man...or a woman if you prefer. Our men here are very good lovers.”
    “Thank you. I think I’ll be okay on my own.” The idea of sleeping alone and unhurt was a delicious thought.
    “As you wish, Mistress. I will bring your dinner around six. Would you like a snack between now and then?”
    “No, thank you.” I shook my head. “I’m not used to eating so much,” I added.
    “I will see you at dinnertime.” She curtsied and left the room.
    I had a whole day all to myself. No men. No being hurt. Quiet. I could read or watch TV as I pleased. I hardly knew what to do with myself. After wandering around the room for a few minutes, I picked up my book and went outside. Once again, I lost myself in the story and didn ’t come up for air until dinnertime. I hadn’t even realized it was getting cool.

Chapter 5                          
     
     
    I’d never seen this room before in my dreams. It looked like a study of some sort. The sheer curtains filtered the morning sunlight, making the room appear foggy. Dark wooden bookshelves lined the walls on either side of me. A dark wood desk stood right in front of me. A tall man with blond hair and broad shoulders blocked the view from the window. I knew him. I knew if he turned around, I would see kind, cobalt -blue eyes.
    I had dreamed of him many times since my parents died. His were the eyes I visualized on my worst days. My dreams of him brought me comfort. Was he a real person? I had no idea, but I wished he were. He seemed so strong, so capable. If anyone could save me, he could. I never told anyone about him, save the one dream I shared with Devin. He stayed with me, hidden away in my heart.
    One time, more recently, I saw him kneeling on the floor of his bedroom. He’d been crying. It had shocked me to see a grown man cry. He’d looked up and our eyes met. I wanted to weep at the misery in his eyes. He’d spoken in a broken voice, in a language I didn’t understand, and reached out for me. But as soon as he touched me, the room vanished from my sight. That had been my last dream of him.
    Until now.
    He turned and looked at me. He had matured since the last time I’d seen him. His eyes widened and he spoke earnestly, his deep voice melodious in whatever language he was using. My heart fluttered in my chest. He knew I was there with him. I nervously stepped forward, yearning to be close to him, to immerse myself in his comforting presence.
    He stepped forward with a soft smile, gazing at me with eyes full of affection. He reached out towards me and I leaned forward, eager for his touch. I felt his gentle hand on my cheek and looked into his eyes for a moment longer before the room vanished like it always did.
    I sat up in bed and touched my cheek. I could still feel the heat from his hand. Anna, that’s silly. He’s not real.
    I shook my head, trying to shake away the vision of him. In my dreams, I felt such comfort from his presence. When I woke, my longing for him was unbearable.

Chapter 6