Her Christening
Sir came to Brie, wanting to discuss Italy. “Would you be up to traveling, babygirl? I know it’s sooner than we planned. However, I feel a strong urge to reconnect with my grandparents.”
“I feel it too, Sir.” Having their lives threatened had awakened the instinctual need to gather as a family.
“Then I’ll make the arrangements for the six of us.”
Brie was confused. “Six?”
“The three of us, Durov, and your parents.”
“Oh, that’s so thoughtful of you, Sir. Even though my parents aren’t churchgoers, it would mean so much to them to be there for Hope’s christening.”
“I would like us to spend extra time with my family, so Durov has offered his private jet. Your parents would take a different flight, if that’s agreeable to you.”
“My dad actually hates to travel. He never got over being separated from us when I was young and prefers being a homebody, so that would be perfect.”
“Since you are agreeable, I’ll start the arrangements.”
“I’m so glad we’re heading to Italy again. I want to be surrounded by your large Italian family, and I know they will fall in love with Hope.”
Sir looked down at his daughter and smiled. “When I look at her, I feel my father’s presence. It will be the same for Nonno and Nonna.”
“Yes. This trip is needed by all of us.” Brie stood on tiptoes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Now, I need to buy a christening outfit for her.”
“Let me go with you,” Sir insisted.
“No need. I’ll do it online. Gives me time to start packing. Having to travel overseas with a baby will require a lot more planning and equipment. But I’m not complaining. I can’t wait to see Nonna hold Hope for the first time.”
Tears welled up in her eyes just thinking about it. “This is exactly what my heart needs.”
Brie double-checked to make sure Hope was secure before the plane started down the runway. As she glanced out the window, she was overcome with a feeling of dread. Grabbing Sir’s hand for comfort, she found his was ice cold.
Looking up at his calm face, Brie would never have guessed he was terrified to take this flight, but she could clearly feel his terror rolling off him now. Brie squeezed his hand tightly to give him reassurance.
He glanced at her and nodded before looking ahead again.
The fact he was on this plane spoke to Sir’s level of courage and love of family. In all aspects of his life, he had never let unwarranted fears stand in his way. This, however, was different. He had every reason to fear flying, having almost died in a plane crash at this very airport.
And yet…
Here he was, quietly facing that fear so he could present their daughter to his father’s family.
As the engines revved and the plane started bouncing just before takeoff, Rytsar made an offhand comment. “Comrade, I don’t want to alarm you, but I heard that a small two-seater plane crashed into the Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills yesterday.”
Sir narrowed his eyes.
“Rytsar!” Brie cried out in protest.
Rytsar smiled at her and continued undaunted. “Search and rescue workers have recovered two hundred bodies so far and expect that number to climb as digging continues.”
Sir shook his head slowly, glaring at Rytsar as the plane lifted off.
Brie felt her stomach drop as they broke contact with the ground. Her nerves increased, along with Sir’s, as they rose higher and higher over the ocean, and then the plane banked sharply to the right, finally settling into its set flying pattern.
Sir suddenly let go of her hand and relaxed.
Raising an eyebrow at Rytsar, he said, “That joke was worthy of Ms. Taylor, but she would have the sense to wait until after the plane had taken off.”
“Ah, but that was purposeful on my part, comrade. If you are concentrating on being upset with me, you naturally would think less about the plane crashing.”
“Surely, there must have been a better way to handle it,” Brie insisted.
“Not for a sadist.” Rytsar smirked, adding, “I rather enjoyed myself.”
“I could tell,” Sir replied. He turned to unbuckle the baby, holding her against his chest as he closed his eyes.
Brie said nothing as she watched, knowing he needed that connection and peace that only holding their little girl could provide.
Rytsar gazed at Sir for several moments, a tender look in his eye. As cruel as he could be sometimes with his humor, Rytsar was a true and loyal friend.
“Must you hog the babe?” he finally complained after several minutes had passed.
Sir opened his eyes. “For that little stunt? I think a timeout for dyadya is in order.”
“You wouldn’t,” Rytsar protested, turning to Brie for support.
Brie did not want to step in between the two Doms, choosing to say nothing about it as she stared out the window at the land racing by down below them. “So amazing. Everyone is going about their lives, busy with their daily routine, but us…?” She turned to face them. “We’re headed to Italy!”
“And a christening,” Sir added, handing Hope over to Rytsar. “Not that you deserve to be her godfather after that joke.”
Rytsar gratefully took the babe into his arms. “You know you love me, comrade. Who else would be brave enough to jest with you in such a way?”
“No one, thankfully.”
“But it helped get your mind off the takeoff, did it not?”
“Barely. Like an irritating gnat.”
“Then it was worth your ire toward me,” Rytsar stated with satisfaction. Looking at Hope, he said, “Your papa doesn’t want to admit it, but he is extremely lucky to have me as his brother.”
Sir slapped him on the shoulder. “Actually, I’m well aware of that fact.” He placed his finger next to Hope’s hand and she squeezed it, wiggling happily in Rytsar’s arms while making cooing noises at her father. Sir then glanced over at Brie. “I wouldn’t be here today if you hadn’t come to the Collaring Ceremony, old friend.”
Brie’s interest was piqued as she looked at both men. “Tell me, please. I want to hear what happened that night.”
Sir gazed at Rytsar thoughtfully. “You know, looking back on it, I realize you specialize in provoking people to get what you want.”
“It is the duty of a sadist.”
“Well, you were in rare form at the Collaring Ceremony,” Sir said, chuckling lightly.
“I’ve always wondered what you talked about that night,” Brie confessed.
Rytsar snorted. “Your Master is a very stubborn man.”
Brie glanced at Sir and blushed. It was true, and she could not dispute that, so she said nothing.
Rytsar smiled at Brie. “When I walked up to you that night, you were absolutely radiant, radost moya. The picture of perfection. And what was my comrade doing? Hiding in the corner, ignoring you.”
“That’s not exactly how it went,” Sir replied.
“But it was,” Rytsar insisted.
“It was my duty as Headmaster to remain impartial so my student could make her choice without any outside influence.”
“Well, I certainly saw the Wolf Pup influencing her, so where were you?”
Sir answered through gritted teeth. “I was letting her decide for herself.”
“Right…but the entire time, her choice was you, and you chose not to accept it.”
“You knew the circumstances, old friend.”
“I did. It was clear as day. She wanted you to fuck her, and you were hungry to fuck her but, instead, you hid in the corner like a man-baby until I came to save the day.”
Sir muttered, “I’m sorry I even brought this up…”
But Brie was loving it—this rare peek into the past. “I remember every detail of that evening,” Brie informed them. “I was a mess after Tono’s dad rejected me and Mary stole Faelan for her interview. I could hardly think straight, much less make a decision.” She grinned at Rytsar. “And then you showed up.”
He gave her a slight nod. “I do whatever it takes for my friends.”
“Your intentions were questionable, brother,” Sir snorted.
Rytsar winked at Brie. “Did I not tell you to choose wisely, radost moya? I only had my comrade’s best interests at heart.”
“I definitely remember you saying that,” she agreed.
“What he is failing to mention is that he threatened to claim you himself if I didn’t that night.”
Brie’s eyes grew wide as she looked at Rytsar. “Really?” She could just imagine the shock if that had happened and then she discovered she’d been collared by a sadist.
“You should have seen your man when I said that. Talk about the green-eyed beast rearing its ugly head.” Rytsar’s robust laughter filled the plane.
“Yes, it was your irritating ‘gnat tactic’ striking again,” Sir said, shaking his head.
“But it was effective,” Rytsar said proudly. He turned his attention on the tiny infant cradled in his arms. “I told your papa that he was in control of the situation and to take what was his. And do you know what he said to that?”
Brie couldn’t wait to hear.
“Your papa insulted me.” He smiled sweetly at Hope. “His exact words were, ‘You are the fool. Just because something is offered does not mean one should claim it.’” Rytsar nodded, staring at Hope as if she were talking to him. “I agree completely. Your papa is crazy.”
Brie looked lovingly at Sir, understanding why he had felt that way at the time. He was afraid of destroying her because of the demons he had carried inside.
“There was only one answer to his ridiculous statement,” Rytsar continued, glancing over at Brie with a smirk. “I was honest with your papa and told him I would not respect him if your mama wasn’t wearing his collar the next time we met. And, guess what, moye solntse?” His smile grew wider. “He listened to your dyadya and took matters into his own hands.” Rytsar held the baby up in the air, smiling at her. “And that is how you came to be.”
“Not exactly,” Sir stated drolly.
“Nope, that’s not how it played out, Rytsar,” Brie told him, remembering how devastated she’d been when Sir had said no.
Rytsar lowered Hope, cradling her in his arms as he stared at Brie in confusion. “How did it go, then?” he demanded.
Is this news to Rytsar? she wondered. “Well…” She glanced at Sir, remembering the pain of that night. “I was about to choose Tono, but I was plagued with second thoughts.”
“Go on,” Rytsar encouraged.
“I threw caution to the wind and turned around to offer Sir my collar, instead.”
“And…?”
“He turned me down.”
Rytsar looked at Sir in disbelief. “Why have I never heard this before?”
“Let her finish, old friend.”
“I was completely crushed and had to get out of there before I totally lost it in front of everyone.”
Rytsar wore a look of shock. Turning to Sir he said, “Obviously, something happened because she wears your collar.”
Sir’s lips curled into a smile. “I resigned as Headmaster so I could claim what was mine.”
Rytsar nodded approvingly. “You do like to be dramatic.”
“Sir is anything but dramatic,” Brie laughed. “However, he did break my heart that night.”
Sir gazed at Brie, his eyes expressing his regret.
“All that being said…” he stated to Rytsar. “Had you not been there, I might have made the biggest mistake of my life. Thank you, brother.”
Rytsar grinned mischievously. “So you owe me.”
Sir chuckled. “I do, and your payment comes in the form of remaining this little girl’s godfather despite your poorly timed joke today.”
Rytsar let loose a bout of low laughter. “Fine, comrade. So be it.” Hope suddenly got fussy in his arms.
“Little one, there’s no reason to fret,” Rytsar told her. “I know exactly what you need.” He walked over to Brie and handed the baby to her. As soon as Hope had settled in Brie’s arms, the baby turned her head, opening and closing her mouth hungrily.
Rytsar sat down next to Brie.
Since breastfeeding in front of him was natural to her, she eased the material of her blouse down and unlatched her nursing bra to expose her full breast.
Hope instantly latched on and began sucking noisily. Brie closed her eyes, groaning at the ache caused by her milk rushing in.
“That is very sexy, radost moya,” Rytsar growled.
Brie opened her eyes to find him staring at her lustfully. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks under his scrutiny and glanced over at Sir. He also had the same ravenous look.
Pleasant tingles coursed down her spine as she wondered if she was about to find out their secret plans for her. “What are you thinking, Rytsar?”
His wicked smile grew wider. “I’m having sexy thoughts.”
“About what?” she ventured.
“About what we will be doing to you.”
Brie squeaked.
“But not yet…” Sir replied with a smirk. Her Master was always challenging her in the area of patience, and it was one thing she had yet to learn.
Her heart started racing. Here she’d thought they’d only come for a traditional family gathering, but these two obviously had something more in mind.
Brie looked back at Rytsar, his intense gaze giving her goosebumps. “Do I have a say in this?”
“Of course,” Sir answered.
But Rytsar shook his head.
Brie giggled nervously. She trusted Sir without question, and she knew Rytsar would never force her to do something she wasn’t willing to do—although he would do everything in his power to convince her.
“Should I be worried?”
Rytsar nodded.
She felt butterflies in her stomach. Looking down at Hope, she giggled to herself. Being married, and now a mother, did not seem to deter either man.
It filled her heart with joy knowing they still longed to dominate her.
Rytsar refused to come with them once the ferry docked at Portoferraio.
“Please join us,” Brie begged.
“Nyet, this is a time for you to introduce moye solntse to your family. It should be private.”
“But you are part of our family,” Brie insisted.
Rytsar smiled but looked to Sir, wanting his agreement.
“You are my brother,” Sir stated simply. “Dearer to me than blood.”
Rytsar lowered his head for a moment. “You know I feel the same, brother. However…” He put his hand on his chest. “I would feel more comfortable if I came later, after you have had some time to reconnect with your blood relations.”
“It’s not necessary,” Brie insisted.
Sir surprised her by suddenly taking Rytsar’s side. “If he says he is uncomfortable, we shouldn’t force him.”
“But he would, if the tables were turned,” Brie countered.
Rytsar grinned. “Da, I would but, thankfully, your man is not me.”
Brie looked at him sadly. “But I want you there.”
“And I will be. But before I do, I would like to wander the town for a while.” He nodded at Sir. “I want to get to know you better by exploring this part of your youth, brother.”
Sir nodded slowly as if absorbing his words. “I visited here often with my father. I hope you will be equally as charmed by the place.”
Rytsar scanned the town built against the side of the hills surrounding the port and smiled. “I was in too much of a rush to pay attention the last time I was here for your wedding. I do not want to leave here without absorbing this part of your past.”
He put his hand on Rytsar’s shoulder. “Enjoy, old friend.”
Sir held his arm out to Brie. “Let’s leave him to discover the magic of my island.”
Brie eyed Rytsar with suspicion. What if he was using this as an excuse to get things set up for their mysterious scene? If so, why would she ever want to interfere? She smiled shyly. “I hope you find what you are looking for.”
Rytsar chuckled, shaking his head. “Sex on the mind, eh, radost moya?”
“Me?” she protested, blushing at being called out.
“Da,” Rytsar laughed, grinning at Sir. He gave them a curt bow before walking away, whistling a pleasant Russian tune.
A smile played on Sir’s lips as they started up the narrow street that led to his grandparents’ place. Along the way, people pointed at the baby, talking excitedly in hushed tones just like the first time they visited here.
Sir acknowledged them with a nod but did not engage them.
Brie had forgotten how popular Alonzo Davis had been on Isola d’Elba, and how Sir garnered the same adoration, being the son of the great violinist. Now that he had a child, it made him even more venerated here.
She kept glancing at Sir as they walked up the steep hill, the significance of this meeting hitting her fully. Brie felt that he should be the one holding the baby for this momentous occasion and stopped, holding Hope out to him.
“No, you are the mother,” Sir said.
Brie looked at him tenderly. “This is an important moment for your father’s family. Your grandparents lost their only son twenty years ago, and they almost lost you… I can’t imagine what they’ve been through emotionally.”
Sir nodded. “Yes, they have suffered greatly.”
“Now, not only are you returning, but you are bringing your father’s grandchild. His legacy—their legacy.” Brie handed her over to Sir and stroked Hope’s soft cheek. “You’re bringing a miracle they can hold.”
Sir closed his eyes. Brie knew he was missing his father. Truly, it seemed cruel that the man who had loved and shaped Sir into the caring father he was today could not be a part of this.
When Sir opened his eyes, he looked up at the sky, cradling Hope in his arms. He then turned to Brie and said, “You are the miracle.”
Brie shook her head, wrapping her arm around him, as they continued up the hill in silence. When they reached the vivid red door, Brie knocked on it loudly. There was excited chatter from inside, but no one came to answer the door.
Brie looked at Sir questioningly.
“My grandparents must be making their way down the stairs,” he told her.
Normally, Aunt Fortuna was the first person to greet them at the door, but it was only right that his grandparents were the first to lay eyes on the baby.
Brie and Sir stood patiently waiting as a small crowd gathered behind them.
It seemed no one wanted to miss this moment.
The door finally opened and his tiny grandmother appeared, breaking out into a huge smile. “The bambina!”
Sir’s grandfather stood proudly beside her. “Welcome, Nipotino.”
“Nonno,” Sir replied, his voice full of love for the man.
Sir carefully placed their child into the tiny woman’s withered but strong arms. “I present to you your great-grandchild, Hope Antonia Davis.”
Nonna had a look of pure wonder on her face. “Bellissima…”
“Yes, she is beautiful,” Sir agreed, smiling down at them both.
Behind them, the women in the crowd collectively let out an “Aww…”
Nonna turned and placed Hope in her husband’s arms, tears running down her wrinkled cheeks. “Alonzo’s nipotina…”
“Si,” he replied gruffly. He held the baby, gazing into her eyes as if he were communicating with her in a secret language.
Hope stared up at him, completely mesmerized.
Nonna took the opportunity to hug Brie. “Grazie, Brianna.”
The old woman’s embrace was filled with overflowing love for her. Brie remembered that feeling from her last visit—the feeling of belonging to a bigger whole, and of being totally accepted.
After Nonna let go of Brie, she hugged Sir. She cried tears of happiness in his arms and did not let go until Nonno cleared his throat. The tiny woman looked up at Sir, her cheeks wet with tears. “Ti amo, Nipotino.”
Sir looked down at her, cradling her thin face in his strong hand. “I love you, mia nonna.”
His grandfather held up their daughter for the crowd to see. The group clapped and cheered, shouting blessings for the child.
Aunt Fortuna joined them, having been patient long enough. She immediately took Hope from Nonno and cuddled her, telling Sir, “Congratulations, Thane. She is as beautiful as your mother.”
Sir’s smile faltered.
Aunt Fortuna didn’t notice as she turned to Brie and added, “She has Alonzo’s eyes.”
Brie glanced at Sir, realizing how much he must take after his father. What would it have been like to meet Alonzo in person? It made her sad that she would never know—that Hope would never know.
“I agree, Aunt Fortuna. Our little girl is a beautiful blend of families,” she replied, grateful that the famous violinist lived on in their daughter.
“She is,” Sir agreed, his smile returning.
“We need to get you inside,” Aunt Fortuna stated. “There is much celebrating to do!”
Brie stayed back, observing the group as they headed up the stairs: Aunt Fortuna in front with the baby, Sir helping Nonna up the steps, and Nonno at the rear, a look of pride in his eyes.
He turned back and held out his hand to Brie. “Bellissima mia nipotina.”
She grinned, taking the hand he offered, honored he’d called her his beautiful granddaughter. In this family, once you were accepted, it was as if you had always been a part of it.
He gripped her hand firmly and placed his other hand on the small of her back as they made their way up the stairs. There was no doubt Sir took after this man. She glanced at him, admiring his full head of hair and classic good looks despite the toll that time and sorrow had etched in his face.
Sir would make an exceedingly handsome older gentleman too, she realized. How lucky was she?
Once they reached the top of the stairs, Brie was greeted with a pleasant surprise. The room was decorated for a baby shower, complete with streamers, baby items, presents, and cake. All the females in Sir’s large family had managed to squeeze themselves into that room—the men taking over the kitchen.
Aunt Fortuna was surrounded by women wanting to see and touch the baby. Brie glanced at Sir. He stood back from the crowd, an arm around his grandmother, who was looking up at him in loving adoration.
Nonno guided Brie through the cluster of women so she could stand next to Sir. Some of them reached out and stroked her as she passed, chattering at her excitedly. Although Brie had practiced the language, these women were speaking too quickly for her to translate more than a couple of words. However, their smiles were easy enough to read.
Brie basked in the joy that surrounded her. It was reflected on Nonna’s face, in the pride shining in Nonno’s eyes as he gazed on his great-granddaughter, and in the tenderness in Sir’s eyes when he caught Brie staring at him.
Their little girl would grow up with this depth of love and be forever supported by it.
Famiglia…
Later that afternoon, Brie moaned as she sat back in her chair, completely stuffed, having just finished off her meal with a delicate cannoli. She sat there in a pleasant food coma with a smile on her face as she digested all the fabulous food Sir’s family had prepared.
Sighing in contentment, Brie looked up at the wispy clouds floating in the blue sky. She was grateful that Sir’s grandparents had their family meals on the rooftop.
Everyone around her was in the midst of animated conversations. Her ears were filled with their beautiful Italian when she heard a faint, but familiar, voice. Brie got up and walked over to the edge, placing her hands on the half-wall as she looked down at the street below.
Rytsar was holding something large in one hand and pounding on the door with the other. But, because everyone was upstairs, no one had heard him knocking.
“Rytsar!” Brie shouted down from above.
He looked up, sounding alarmed. “What are you doing on the roof?”
“We’re having a party. Just a sec, I’ll let you in.” Brie skipped down the flights of stairs and opened the door for him.
“It is good to see your face, radost moya. I was beginning to think I had the wrong place.”
“Sorry we didn’t hear you. Everyone’s upstairs. Come. Follow me!”
As they climbed the stairs, it was easy to hear the noise from above. “How is moye solntse handling all this chaos?”
She stopped and turned, grinning at him. “She’s eating up the attention.”
“Takes after her mama, I see.”
Brie went to give him a poke, but he grabbed her wrist and squeezed tightly, pulling her close to kiss her. Her stomach did a flip-flop when he claimed her mouth with his tongue.
Rytsar let her wrist go and turned her back around, slapping her on the ass. “Hurry, I have something to give my comrade’s grandparents.”
Brie bit her lip as she ran up the rest of the stairs, her heart racing.
Rytsar called out to Sir loudly, “Your brother is here!”
Sir held up his hand and waved before making his way over. “What took you so long?” he chided.
“I have been knocking on the door for over an hour, comrade.”
“You have?”
“Nyet,” he admitted, chuckling as he gave Sir a slap on the back. “Thankfully, radost moya heard me shouting and let me in before I gave up.”
“I’m sorry, old friend.”
“If I can hold moye solntse, all will be forgiven. However, I must first give this to your grandparents.”
“Please don’t mention having to wait,” Sir asked him. “My grandmother wouldn’t forgive herself, if she knew.”
“I am a gentleman, comrade. I would never say a word to embarrass your babushka,” Rytsar promised him.
Brie and Sir joined Rytsar as he walked over to Sir’s grandparents.
“Nonno and Nonna, this is Anton Durov, my friend and brother by choice.”
Nonna smiled, her words simple as she spoke to him in English. “Welcome, Anton.”
Rytsar gave them both a curt bow. “It is an honor.”
Nonno held out his hand. “Hope’s godfather.”
He nodded with obvious pride.
“Family now,” Nonno stated, embracing the burly Russian.
Rytsar’s look of surprise quickly turned to one of tenderness. “Grazie, Mr. Davis.”
The old man shook his head. “Nonno, to you.”
Rytsar’s boyish half-grin melted Brie’s heart.
Sir’s grandmother wrapped her tiny arms around his waist, saying nothing. Rytsar glanced at Sir, clearly touched by their kind gestures, and it looked like he might cry. “I have a gift for you both,” he suddenly announced, handing his wrapped present to the tiny woman.
“For us?” she asked.
Nonno shook his head. “Not necessary.”
“Da, it is,” Rytsar insisted.
Nonna pulled at the paper, and her smiled widened when she saw what was revealed. She touched it lightly with her fingers, a look of wonder on her face.
Brie leaned forward to see a wall clock. However, instead of the numbers, it had pictures of Hope for every hour, each one with a different expression on her face. The gift was so remarkably sweet.
Rytsar explained. “I know the distance is hard. This way, you will see your granddaughter every hour of every day.”
Sir translated his words for them.
Nonna nodded, handing the clock over to her husband so she could give Rytsar another hug.
Sir’s grandfather was also clearly affected by the gift since it took him a few moments before he was able to speak. Grabbing Rytsar, he slapped his back hard several times as he embraced him. “Grazie, Anton.”
Brie’s heart swelled with the knowledge that Rytsar had secured his rightful place in this family. All the pain from the past, the wrongs done to him by his own kin, could be forgotten in the loving embrace of Sir’s family.
The day of the christening arrived, and everyone gathered at the old church by the sea. Instead of the outfit Brie had purchased online, Hope was dressed in a traditional christening gown covered in white Italian lace, lovingly crafted by Aunt Fortuna. The baby looked like a fairy princess to Brie.
In the very same church that Sir’s father and Sir himself were christened, Rytsar presented Hope Antonia Davis to the priest. The ceremony took place in front of Nonno and Nonna, all of Sir’s family, and Brie’s own parents.
Brie stood next to Sir and watched proudly as the priest anointed Hope’s head with holy water.
Before the assembly and God, Rytsar made a personal vow to his goddaughter. “As Hope’s godfather, I will help her parents, Thane and Brie Davis, to bring this child up knowing God, and I vow to support her in times of crisis and sickness until my dying breath.”
When he placed Hope back in Brie’s arms, he said, “We are now officially family in the eyes of God, radost moya.”
He looked to Sir and nodded.
Sir’s tone was solemn. “Thank you, brother.”