Candles & Kinbaku
She looked up into Sir’s eyes and her reality suddenly shifted as the very real pain of childbirth took over the remnants of her sexy fantasy.
“Radost moya, you must tell me what had you moaning so?” Rytsar insisted, staring at her lustfully.
She forced a smile as a strong contraction ripped through her abdomen. She was grateful to have had at least a momentary escape from it.
“I assume your imagination helped, based on the noises and the hardness of your nipples,” Sir commented with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Brie blushed, wondering just how loud she’d been. “It did give me a much needed escape.”
Sir kissed the top of her head. “You always are good at putting yourself fully into a scene…”
Brie sighed, still buzzing from the unresolved arousal caused by her fantasy of the four men. “And what a scene it was, Sir…”
Another contraction took hold of her, demanding Brie’s full attention. The labor pains made it feel as if her body was trying to tear itself apart from the inside out. She had experienced a variety of pain exploring BDSM, but this was completely different.
This pain had purpose beyond the experience itself. It was a rite of passage. One that was required for her to enter the world of parenthood and see her child.
Having Sir with her through this meant everything and gave her courage. At the height of one of her worst contractions yet, Sir’s steady voice carried her through the pain to the other side. He became her rock to cling to whenever the unrelenting tempest crashed over her.
Rytsar, on the other hand, provided a different kind of encouragement. He remained in his chair as he had promised, watching her intently as she worked through each powerful contraction. “You are beautiful when you embrace the pain,” he told her.
The warmth of his compliment spread through her like fine vodka, giving her the confidence she needed to face this ever-increasing challenge.
“Thank you,” she told him, grateful for his unique influence in her life.
She tried not to gasp in pain when the next one hit, but she could tell right away that this one would be much worse than the others.
“Breathe, babygirl,” Sir instructed her in his soothing voice.
She instantly thought of Tono and clung to the memory of their last scene together to get her through.
Brie heard the doorbell ring and hurried to answer it, shocked to find Tono and Autumn standing in the hallway. Her heart leapt with joy at the sight of the beloved Kinbaku master, and she immediately hugged him and Autumn.
“What the heck are you two doing in LA?”
Stepping aside, she ushered them both in, telling Sir, “Look who decided to surprise us today!”
Tono went to shake Sir’s hand while Autumn hugged Brie again, gushing, “You look positively radiant with motherhood, Brie.”
Looking down at her huge belly, Brie told her jokingly, “Radiant and huge.”
Tono turned to her, a tender smile on his lips as he gazed at her. “Durov flew us in to capture your motherhood for all eternity.”
Knowing Rytsar’s wicked sense of humor, Brie asked hesitantly, “What do you mean?” She glanced at Thane, assuming he knew what was going on. Sir shook his head at her unvoiced question, looking as surprised as she was.
She refocused her attention on Tono, noting that the Asian Dom looked relaxed and happy—his hand casually wrapped around Autumn’s waist.
“I’ll be taking pictures of you, as well as creating a decorative wax mold of your stomach.” He turned to Thane. “With your permission, of course.”
“You not only have my permission, but also my gratitude, Nosaka.”
“Wonderful,” he replied, smiling at Brie.
He nodded to Autumn and explained, “We will get the equipment out of our rental car and set things up. Mr. Davis, you are going to be part of the shoot, as well, so please dress formally.”
Brie was tickled beyond words. It felt like a lifetime ago since she’d last seen Tono and, in some ways, it was. She looked forward to spending the day catching up with them both. “What would you like me to wear?” she asked him.
“A favorite outfit…and a flattering bra and panty set. I will be taking both traditional shots and ones that show off your bare stomach.”
“Nosaka.”
Tono turned to answer Sir. “Yes, Sir Davis?”
“I would also like photos of Brie completely nude with nothing to distract from her natural beauty.”
Brie put her hands to her lips, trying to contain her excitement—totally enchanted by his request. But, knowing how shy Autumn was, Brie asked her friend, “Would you be okay with that?”
The genuine smile that spread across Autumn’s face was answer enough. “I have no issues at all. I think these photos will be stunning.”
Studying Autumn, Brie realized how much her friend had changed since the last time she’d seen her. This was not the shy girl who’d wanted to hide behind a veil. This woman radiated an easy confidence. Brie noticed she now wore makeup and had styled her hair, bringing focus to her face rather than trying to distract the eye from her facial scars. It actually made the scars less noticeable because her captivating eyes, high cheekbones, and lips were now the main focus.
It seemed as if Autumn had transformed into a new woman, much as Brie had after her training at the Center. It was exciting, and Brie couldn’t wait to ask her about it.
What an incredible gift Rytsar had given her…
Brie glanced at Sir, shaking her head in wonder. “I can’t believe Rytsar did this for me! We should invite him over so he can watch.” She rummaged through her purse for her phone so she could call him.
Tono stopped her, saying, “Actually, he told me that he wanted to be surprised by the photos we take. I’m to make two sets of photos. One for you and one for him.”
Brie shrugged, looking at Sir. “Well, there’s no harm in thanking him, at least.” She was disappointed when Rytsar didn’t pick up and she was forced to leave a message. Wanting him to know how grateful she was, Brie promised in her message, “We’ll be sure to take a photo especially for you.”
While Tono and Autumn left to get the equipment and set up for the photo shoot, Brie followed Sir to their bedroom to get ready. She was still buzzing with excitement and cried, “I can’t believe this, Sir. What a perfect surprise!”
“Durov is certainly full of surprises,” he replied, buttoning up his white shirt.
Wanting to look perfect for him, she asked how he would like her to wear her hair.
He stared at her for a moment before answering. “I would like you to keep your curls, but sweep it back and use this to secure it.” Thane walked into the closet and came back with the white orchid comb Nosaka had given her as a gift.
Brie’s face lit up. “That’s beyond perfect.”
She quickly freshened up her makeup before starting on her hair. She was acutely aware that Sir was watching her as she added extra curls to enhance the look. It made the task much more enjoyable knowing he was taking satisfaction in observing her. It reminded Brie of the days when he would set her in an artful pose and sit back, watching her for hours.
There was something exceedingly sensual about being someone’s entire focus. In a world that moved at a lightning pace, such encounters were a rare and coveted treat.
“Very nice,” Thane complimented her as she modeled for him after she was done.
Brie blushed, pleased by his praise. A girl could never get enough of that, especially being a subbie.
“While you finish getting dressed, I’ll discuss a few ideas I have with Nosaka. Don’t feel that you need to rush, babygirl. We have plenty of time.”
Brie watched him with pure adoration as he slipped on his jacket and buttoned it up. Whether Sir wore a formal suit, dressed casually, or was completely naked, he was always devastatingly handsome. She was thrilled they would be capturing him on film today. In fact, she wanted a whole wall covered in photos of him.
She thought of Rytsar and silently thanked him again before she set about the task of getting dressed for the shoot. She glanced at her reflection in the full-length mirror and caressed her stomach lovingly. Although her pregnancy had been riddled with pain and suffering, she had enjoyed the pregnancy itself. Feeling the baby move inside her felt like a miracle each day. It seemed extraordinary that her body could create and support human life.
As she stared at her belly, Brie realized that she would miss this part of her life. Being pregnant had actually been a beautiful experience for her, despite feeling constantly uncomfortable.
She walked out of the bedroom, her heart bursting with joy again thinking about what lay ahead for the day. “I’m so excited about this!” she confessed to Tono and Autumn. “Not only do I get pictures and wax, but I also get to spend the whole day with you two. It’s been far too long.”
“It is an honor to be here for such a happy occasion,” Tono told her in his soothing voice, sending pleasant waves of peace through her soul.
Memories of their last time together flashed through her mind, including that terrifying moment when Tono had saved her from the kidnapping attempt. She could not hide the emotion in her voice when she told him, “Thank you, Tono—for everything.”
He graced her with a gentle smile.
Tono turned to Sir and said with conviction, “I always remained confident you would recover. You have a strong spirit and a devoted heart.”
“I am grateful Durov thought to call you. It gives me a chance to formally thank you for what you did for Brie while I was indisposed.”
Tono picked up his camera and pointed the lens at Sir while he adjusted it. “What I did, I considered a privilege because I think so highly of you two. It fortifies my heart to see you both now, whole and content.”
He then asked Autumn, “Could you adjust the angle of that light for me, kohana?”
It warmed Brie’s heart to hear the pet name he had for Autumn. It spoke to the level of comfort the two shared, now that Autumn was training under Tono as his submissive.
Autumn smiled at Tono as she corrected the angle. Meanwhile, Tono guided Brie to the spot where he wanted her to stand. He took his time to pose her, making little adjustments until he was satisfied.
Brie looked at Sir, her cheeks hurting from smiling so much.
“Sir Davis,” Tono asked, “would you stand behind Brie and wrap your arms around her, placing your hands on her stomach?”
When Sir stood behind her, Brie felt like she would melt from the tenderness of the pose when he placed his hands on her belly. She stared into the camera lens, riding high on a state of emotional bliss.
Sir was extremely patient and amenable, allowing Tono complete freedom to pose the two of them in various positions so Tono could realize his artistic vision. Afterward, he took the reins, directing their photo for Rytsar.
Brie giggled as she sat on the floor completely naked, the vodka bottle, which sported the homemade label with the red line through it, sitting between her legs—artfully hiding her pubic area as she gave the camera a humorous smirk.
When Sir felt satisfied they had enough shots, Tono handed Brie her silk robe so she could join them as they previewed the final shots.
“Perfection, babygirl,” Sir whispered, wrapping his arm around her.
“I think Rytsar will love it,” she told him.
Sir surprised Brie when he led her away to speak privately. “I have an important errand I’m obligated to run, but I’ve requested that Nosaka take additional pictures of you in his jute.”
Her heart fluttered at the thought of being bound in Tono’s rope, and she enthusiastically agreed.
“Don’t forget, you will also be enjoying the session of wax that Durov arranged.”
“Wax, too!” she squeaked.
Sir smiled. “And, in gratitude for their time and kindness in coming today, I’ve ordered a home catered meal. Nosaka will let the cook in if I am not back by then.”
She looked at him with concern. “How long do you think you’ll be gone, Sir?”
He stroked her cheek. “I need to check in with a friend, but I’ll be back as soon as I can. Who knows, you may still be flying in subspace by that time and won’t even notice my return.”
“I doubt that,” she giggled. However, the idea of experiencing subspace again bound in Tono’s jute had Brie more than a little excited. However, she hated that Sir had to leave and begged, “Are you sure you can’t stay?”
“No, my dear. But on my return, I will expect a full accounting of your day as we look over your pictures together.”
Brie tried to pout, but it didn’t last long before she broke into a smile. “Thank you, Sir.”
“For what?”
“For being so wonderful.”
He leaned down and kissed her tenderly on the lips. “I can see you’re giddy already, just thinking about the jute.”
She blushed. “You know me too well.”
“Enjoy this, babygirl. It will make Durov exceedingly happy.”
“Sir, if he ends up calling you first, would you tell him how happy I am?”
“Of course,” he replied, kissing her again.
Sir said goodbye to Tono and Autumn, giving Brie a private wink before he headed out the door. Brie hated to see him go but was immediately distracted when Tono’s favorite flute music filled the room.
“Close your eyes,” Tono ordered softly.
Brie obeyed his command, letting the music carry her as she waited. When he told her to open them again, Tono stood before her, dressed in his black kimono, a length of colored jute in his hand.
“Your Master has requested that his beautiful wife be bound in my decorative jute.”
Brie nodded, biting her lip in excitement.
“Let Autumn help you into your lingerie,” Tono instructed.
She glanced at Autumn, who was holding up the panty set Brie had picked out. Although she and Autumn had never worked together in a scene, she felt completely comfortable with her here.
“I have a confession,” Autumn told Brie. “When Tono invited me to join him for this shoot, I actually squealed.”
“I can attest to that,” Tono replied, chuckling.
Brie was grateful to hear it. “So you weren’t weirded out that it would be with me?”
Autumn shook her head, smiling. “Now that I’ve had time to get to know Tono, training as his submissive, I see things much more clearly.” She glanced at Tono proudly. “Ren Nosaka is the most honorable man I’ve ever met. I am completely and utterly in love with him.” Autumn smiled self-consciously, looking to the ground as a smile played on her lips.
Tono blushed slightly, but Brie saw in his eyes that the love Autumn had for him was returned.
Reveling in the feeling of peace and love that surrounded her, Brie quickly shed her robe and slipped into the lingerie Autumn held out for her, sincerely grateful for the help.
“Come,” Tono told Brie, holding out his hand when she was done.
She glided over to him, feeling as if she were walking on clouds. When he took her hand, Brie blushed, feeling a sense of déjà vu as he helped her onto the jute mat he’d laid out.
“Sit comfortably. I will act as your support.”
Brie felt awkward as she tried to find a position that was comfortable for her and the baby. But once she found it, Tono moved behind her and sat down, pulling her back against him. “I want you to close your eyes so you can concentrate on my breath.”
“Breathe with me…” she murmured, a smile on her lips.
“Hai,” he answered softly.
Brie imagined her tiny child safe within her womb, hearing the muffled but soothing sound of the flute as she was flooded with the overwhelming peace of her mother. Brie unconsciously caressed her stomach.
“Yes, I feel her, too,” Tono replied quietly.
Brie smiled. Tono had always had a special connection with her, so it seemed only natural that it extend to her child, as well.
That, my little girl, is my dear friend, Tono Nosaka, she said silently.
“I will not be binding you tightly today,” Tono explained. “I do not want to cause any stress for you or the baby.”
Brie felt the length of the rope trail across her skin, causing delightful tingles wherever it touched. She opened her eyes and smiled up at Autumn, surprised to see her holding a camera, the lens pointed at Brie, while Autumn silently took photos of them.
It was the same role she had played at Brie’s wedding—taking candid photos of the wedding party. Brie was grateful for the unique perspective Autumn would bring to recording this experience.
Closing her eyes again, Brie relaxed, doing just as Sir had asked, losing herself in the moment—there were no cameras, no audience, only the sound of the solo flute, the feel of jute, and Tono.
Giving in to the sensations, Brie felt as if she was floating effortlessly in the ocean, and a soft peal of laughter escaped her lips.
“Yes,” Tono encouraged her quietly, reaching around Brie as he tied incredibly intricate knots with skilled effort. The pull of the jute, the grazing of it against her skin, and the sound of his steady breathing filled her senses, leading her to nirvana.
When he was done, Tono stood away from her briefly to take pictures of his own. He moved around Brie, getting different angles and perspectives, smiling at her the entire time.
When he returned to her, he told her, “And now the pictures for your husband.” Tono slowly unhooked her bra and pulled it through the bindings in time with the music, leaving her breasts exposed. He gently moved her long curls to the side before taking the camera from Autumn.
“When you look into the lens, I want you to speak to your husband,” he instructed her.
Brie stared at the camera, the emotional high of being constricted in rope playing into her feelings for Sir and mixing with the miracle of their love growing inside her. A lone tear formed, and there was nothing she could do about it as it slowly rolled down her cheek.
“Could you wipe it away?” she asked Autumn.
“No,” Tono told Brie. “Do not erase your feelings—embrace them. Look at the camera again and let your eyes reflect the depth of what you are feeling.”
Brie nodded, looking at the lens as if she were staring into Sir’s eyes. She felt jubilant, the joy of the rope lifting her spirits, but it melded with her profound love for Sir. Rytsar suddenly invaded her thoughts, and she felt a seed of panic.
Tono lowered his camera. “What is it?”
“Rytsar.”
His expression changed to one of concern. “What about him, Brie?”
She closed her eyes, seeking to understand the reason behind her fear, but as quickly as the feeling had come, it disappeared. In its wake came a flood of warmth like the sun’s rays, bringing with it a sense of bliss.
She shook her head. “I don’t know what that was, but it’s gone now.”
Tono’s eyes softened. “I am glad to hear it. Would you still like to continue?”
Brie smiled up at him, her heart light again. “Please.”
“Match my breath again,” he instructed.
Brie closed her eyes, reconnecting with Tono’s beautiful spirit as she slowed her breathing to match his. It didn’t take long before she was riding the emotional high of being bound in jute. Tears pricked her eyes when the baby moved, adding to her overall sense of euphoria.
“That’s it…” he encouraged, taking several pictures in rapid succession.
She glanced over at Autumn and caught her smiling.
“You look so beautiful, Brie…like a goddess,” Autumn said with a hint of awe in her voice.
Brie blushed at her compliment, but she knew Sir would love that.
Refocusing her attention on Tono, Brie appreciated how serene he seemed. Tono had always had a calming nature, but it was an outer peace he released into the world. Now, Brie could feel an inner peace that was new.
She understood.
Tono had finally found the key to his soul in Autumn—just as she had with Sir. A love that profoundly challenged a person, but also brought about positive change. She had instantly recognized those outward changes in Autumn but, as she studied Tono now, she realized the significance of the change in him. His entire aura was one of light and anticipation. It was as if he knew some wondrous secret of the universe and it made him that much more attractive.
The loving glances Autumn kept shooting his way highlighted how close they’d become during her training, and it left Brie to wonder if an official collaring was in the near future.
After a few more clicks of the camera, Tono handed it to Autumn and returned to Brie’s side to begin the unbinding process. She loved that every bit as much as the binding itself, and sighed in sheer pleasure when she felt his arms around her, the warmth of his breath caressing her neck as he slowly untied the knots he’d created.
Once again, the world disappeared as she focused on Tono and the magic of his jute.
It seemed much too soon when she heard him call to her, “Brie…”
It wasn’t until she opened her eyes that Brie realized she had drifted away. She looked up at him, feeling slightly dazed when she realized her head was resting in Tono’s lap.
He looked down at her and smiled. “The call of the rope.”
Brie answered in a wistful tone, “I call it nirvana.”
Tono helped her sit up and went to the kitchen, returning with two cups of hot tea. Brie took one from him, enjoying the warmth of the cup in her hands.
Looking around, she asked, “Where’s Autumn?”
“She left so you would have no distractions during the next scene.”
“Autumn didn’t need to do that. I enjoy having her here.”
“As do I, but she mentioned wanting to visit Lea while we’re here.”
Brie nodded, waiting until Tono took a sip of his tea before she took hers. She couldn’t help purring as the warm liquid traveled down her throat. “Still the best tea in the world.”
His smile was tender, with no of hint of sadness behind it.
“You have changed,” she said.
“I have.”
The two continued to sip their tea in easy silence.
With Tono, it always seemed that words were unnecessary. She stared at him, conveying in their pleasant silence the joy she was feeling because of Sir’s recovery, Rytsar’s rescue, and the baby’s upcoming birth.
“I celebrate with you, toriko.”
Brie reached out and squeezed his hand. “I feel the same, Tono. I have never seen you so settled in your soul.”
He nodded. “Autumn and I are on a path of empowerment. I hope our journey will inspire others.”
“In every fiber of my being, I believe it will.”
He finished his tea, placing the cup on the floor. “I will be forever grateful that you brought her and me together.”
She remembered when she’d asked Autumn to watch her film a scene of Tono and Lea together. That was the beginning of it all…
Upon meeting Autumn, the gentle Dom had pulled her veil away without asking. Looking back on it now, Brie thought it was the perfect metaphor for their relationship—Tono exposing Autumn’s beauty to the world—and to herself.
“It’s time we begin,” Tono stated, transitioning from sitting cross-legged to standing in one graceful move. He held out his hand to her.
Brie’s movements were the opposite of his as she struggled to her feet, laughing as she did so. “Pregnancy is a real trip,” she confessed.
He led her to the tantra chair, saying, “I believe this will be the most comfortable place for you.”
She looked down at the sexy chaise lounge and smiled, recalling the first time she had lain on this piece of furniture, having no idea what its purpose was.
“An excellent choice,” she agreed.
Tono covered the entire chair, as well as the surrounding floor, in a light plastic sheet that had a cloth lining on one side. Brie appreciated his thoughtfulness as she lay against the soft material.
“A little jute,” he said, holding up a length of natural jute to her nose so she could take in its alluring scent.
Tono bound only her wrists this time, lifting them over her head and securing them in that position. He then pulled out a white strip of cloth. “Your experience will be enhanced with the blindfold.”
Brie’s heart fluttered, grateful that Tono knew her preferences well. The blindfold would add an extra level of connection between them as her other senses were forced to take over. She lifted her head and purred as he placed the cloth over her eyes, tying it tight.
“I am going to paint your torso in a thin layer of wax made with a blend of botanical oils to begin. It will aid in the removal of your cast,” he informed her.
Her heart began beating more rapidly in anticipation as she listened to him gathering the materials and smelled the odor of the match as he lit each candle.
It had been a long time since she’d felt wax against her skin, and her body longed for its warm caress.
Tono turned off the soothing flute music before he began, and the room suddenly became heavy with silence. He commanded in a tender voice, “Concentrate on the experience. Don’t let any detail go unnoticed.”
“Yes, Tono,” she answered, eager to consume every morsel of this scene with him.
Brie giggled when she felt the first light stroke of warm wax on her skin. “It tickles.”
“Shh…”
She bit her lip, trying to stay silent while he applied the second stroke of wax. The touch of it was light enough to cause a tingling sensation that made her toes curl. Tono had chosen a wax that melted at a temperature that felt warm and did not burn.
With time, Brie grew used to the ticklish feel of the brush as he coated her entire stomach in a thin layer of wax. Once completely covered, she heard him set the brush down and pick up something new.
Brie squeaked and then giggled when the first drop of wax made contact. It was much hotter, but the initial layer protected her skin.
“Color?” he asked.
“Green. Oh, I like the challenge of it.”
“Good,” he replied warmly.
Soon, he had Brie’s heart racing, not knowing where the next drop would fall, her whole body anticipating it. Tono played with her, alternating candles and temperatures, so she never knew what to expect.
She loved his play!
Brie was grateful that Tono continued, building layer upon layer—the hot wax rolling down from her stomach, making ticklish trails on her skin as it dripped onto the cloth.
When he set the candle down on the tray and didn’t return to her, she wondered if he was done and called out to him.
Tono chuckled. “Patience. I’m not finished yet.”
“Good, because I don’t want it to ever end,” she confessed.
He returned to her side and began painting with the wax again. With a thick layer of wax covering her entire stomach, there was little she could feel, so she concentrated instead on the sound of his breathing as he created his art.
It was an intimate connection, being a canvas for his masterpiece, and was something she cherished.
When he was done, she heard the paintbrush handle clank against pottery.
“May I see it?” she asked breathlessly.
Brie could actually hear the smile in his voice when he answered. “Not yet.”
She lay there, acutely aware that he was staring at her. “What is it you painted?”
“Something that has deep meaning in my culture but is also significant to you and me.”
“An orchid?” she offered as a guess.
“No.” Tono’s light laughter filled the room.
He knelt beside her and unbound her wrists before lifting her from the chair and placing her on her feet, careful not to disturb his work. With his hands on her bare shoulders, Tono guided her down the hallway and into the bedroom. Once he had her positioned, he removed her blindfold, but told her, “Do not open your eyes yet.”
Brie kept them closed, smiling as she waited for his command.
He whispered in her ear, “Open.”
What she saw when she opened her eyes took her breath away. On a black background of wax, he had painted a cherry tree in full bloom, individual pink flowers painted with meticulous precision. A red bridge with a stream running under it completed the scene.
“Tono, it looks like a real painting,” Brie said in awe. “No wonder it took hours.”
“I wanted to create something worthy of the canvas it was painted on.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“No need to cry,” he softly chided her.
Brie smiled through her tears and nodded.
Tono looked at her in the reflection of the mirror. “As I told you, this has great significance.”
“This is the tree you visited after your father died.”
“Hai. It is important and connects you and me to it. In my culture, the cherry blossom has profound meaning.” He placed her hand on her belly so she was touching the painted tree covered in flowers. “The cherry blossom represents the fleeting beauty of life, but also renewal and hope.”
Brie nodded, too moved to speak.
He placed her hand on the bridge. “This symbolizes us transitioning from the physical world into the realm of the spirit.”
“The death of your father…”
He nodded. “That is part of it, yes. However, the bridge also references the journey you take whenever you answer the call of the rope.”
She looked at him, grinning. “I like that symbolism very much, Tono.”
He returned her smile, continuing, “And as far as the color red, it denotes that which is sacred, as well as representing wisdom and metamorphosis. To me it speaks to Sir Davis’s transition from death back to the living world.”
She looked at her reflection in the mirror in awed silence.
Tono placed his hand over hers. “The fact that the canvas for this is your pregnant belly has the greatest meaning of all. Your love and fearless determination has brought new life into the world. Renewal and hope personified.”
Brie leaned her head against his shoulder, completely captivated by this gift and the many layers of meaning behind it.
“Tono, this is truly a masterpiece.”
“I am honored you like it.”
Brie looked down at her belly, still in awe. “No, Tono. I absolutely love this.”