A Dangerous Secret
The stallion’s hooves echoed off the pavement as they made their way up the driveway to the vehicle. Rytsar dismounted and caught her in his arms as she slid off the majestic beast. This time, he pulled her to him and kept his arm around her for the entire drive. Even though they were strangers, there was a feeling of incredible closeness after sharing such intimacy. She rested her head on his muscular chest, silently mourning the end of the evening.
The ride back to the school was far too quick. Rytsar helped her out of the car and guided her into the school with his hand resting on the back of her neck; it was a very possessive hold. Only his interpreter followed them inside.
They walked directly to the commons area where the auction had taken place. Instead of the stage, she saw a table with the four trainers, a table of refreshments and Lea, who was sitting on a chair facing the panel.
Lea smiled at Brie. It was obvious from the look on her face that she had had a spectacular time as well.
Rytsar Durov escorted Brie to the chair next to Lea’s and then continued over to the trainers. Although they spoke in quiet tones, Brie picked up two words from the translator: ‘pliable’ and ‘intriguing’. She smiled to herself. If she’d had to describe Rytsar, she would have said ‘assertive’, ‘creative’, and ‘pure perfection’.
The smell of the food was getting to her. She hadn’t eaten anything since noon and her stomach growled loudly in protest. How unsexy is a rumbling stomach? Luckily, no one seemed to have noticed.
Rytsar walked back over to her when he was finished. She stood up and looked obediently to the floor. He moved his lips to her ear. In perfect English, he whispered, “My joy.”
Her eyes widened. Was his interpreter just a ruse?
He squeezed the back of her neck one last time and left.
Sir spoke, “Miss Bennett, feel free to partake of the food. We anticipated that you would need nourishment after your session.” She looked up, chagrined and embarrassed that he had heard her stomach. However, when she met his stare she was struck by the burning desire in his eyes. She had to remind herself to breathe. Maybe he had shared that moment with her last night, when she’d pleased herself while she’d fantasized about him.
“Thank you, Sir.” Brie walked to the table, her stomach suddenly full of butterflies. After that one glance, she could think of nothing but Sir.
“Do you realize who Rytsar Durov is, Miss Bennett?” Master Coen asked, after she’d sat back down with her plate. Brie shook her head demurely. “He is a prominent Dom in Russia. Rytsar just happened to be in the area this weekend. You had the potential of not only shaming yourself locally, but internationally as well.”
Brie was eternally grateful she hadn’t known who Rytsar was. It would have been way too much pressure to know he was a highly respected Dom. Just thinking about seeing him again made her stomach queasy, now that she was aware of his status.
Marquis Gray interjected, “As predicted, Miss Bennett proved her worth as a submissive.”
“I was extremely uncomfortable with Durov’s choice of a sub. Her willfulness makes her a wildcard.” Ms. Clark shot Brie a disgusted look.
Sir spoke in her defense. “Rytsar had no complaints. I think you both underestimate Miss Bennett.”
“I concur,” said Marquis Gray.
Master Coen grumbled under his breath, “I would expect no less coming from you two.”
“We were simply fortunate she didn’t cause trouble,” Ms. Clark stated, staring at her watch. She frowned and looked at Sir. “Where is Tono? He is never one to be late.”
No sooner had she made that remark than an assistant entered the commons and handed Sir a message. He glanced at it and announced, “We have a problem.” He handed the note down so each of the trainers could read it.
“I need to call Dr. Reinstrum. It is imperative we take care of this tonight, before more harm is done.” Sir abruptly stood up and left the commons.
The trainers spoke quietly amongst themselves while the girls waited in frightened silence. Brie was no longer hungry and put her plate on the floor.
She observed Sir covertly when he returned.
He informed the panel, “The doctor will be here in fifteen minutes.” Then he turned to Lea and Brie. “Ladies, there is no need for alarm. After we get all the particulars, I’ll discuss what has happened with you. Until then, I ask for your patience and trust.”
Everyone turned when the elevator doors opened and Tono came walking out, carrying Mary in his arms. He gently put her down in the seat beside Brie’s and laid Mary’s head on her lap. Blonde Nemesis lay there quietly, looking defenseless and vulnerable.
Brie lightly stroked her hair, shocked at the difference in the girl. What could possibly have gone wrong?
Tono turned to the trainers. “She did not disclose everything. There are demons in her past that resurfaced today.”
Master Coen spoke up, “We are heartily sorry, Tono Nosaka. The girls were instructed not to keep any secrets. We apologize for her mistake.”
“I have spent the last two hours helping her get to a place where we could return here.”
Ms. Clark stated, “Obviously, we will return your bid.”
Tono waved away her statement. “Just see that the girl gets the help she needs. I see real potential in her.”
Sir replied, “I’ve already called Dr. Reinstrum to join us. Rest assured, Ren, we will do everything to help Miss Wilson recover from this experience.”
Brie perked up. So, Tono’s first name is Ren? It totally fit the man.
Sir got up and walked over to the girls. Just his mere presence had her heart fluttering, despite the dire circumstances. “Ren, do you mind joining me in my office so we can get specifics?”
“That would be fine.” Tono gazed down at Mary with concern, then addressed Brie. “Take care of her, toriko.”
She was pleased that he’d called her by his pet name, but to avoid getting in trouble with Ms. Clark, Brie kept her eyes to the floor and only nodded in response. He left the room with Sir and a strained silence settled over the room. Brie continued to stroke Mary’s hair, humming softly.
Ms. Clark growled, “That foolish girl has damaged the school’s reputation.”
Marquis Gray snarled at her, “We will discuss it later.”
Brie looked down at Mary, worried she might be hurt by Ms. Clark’s callousness, but the girl seemed oblivious to everything around her. “You’re going to be all right, Mary,” she whispered softly.
The instant Mary registered Brie’s voice, she stirred in her lap. She looked around as if coming out of a trance and then immediately pulled away when she saw whose lap she was lying on.
“Don’t touch me, bitch!” she spat, sitting up straight in her chair and glowering at Brie.
It was actually good to see the old Mary return.
Master Coen said kindly, “Miss Wilson, we heard you had an incident today.”
She flinched and then looked down in shame. “Yes, Master Coen, but please don’t make me talk about it in front of these two.”
“You will be expected to share what happened with your fellow students. However, not tonight,” Master Coen said firmly. Brie could see Mary stiffen in her chair in anger, but she kept silent. “An experienced counselor has been called. You will share with him what happened so that you can pinpoint the exact trigger.”
Marquis Gray added, “This mistake does not have to end your training.”
Brie was surprised to see tears fall down Mary’s cheeks. She choked out, “Thank you, Marquis.”
“However, if you ever fail to obey us again, I promise you it will be the last mistake you make,” Ms. Clark stated.
Brie pursed her lips. Good ol’ Ms. Clark. Kick ya when you’re down.
Master Coen cleared his throat, sounding annoyed by Ms. Clark’s insensitivity. “Miss Wilson, right now we want you to concentrate on being completely open with the counselor.”
A short time later, the elevator doors opened and an older gentleman exited. He nodded to the trainers and walked directly to the girls. He held out his hand to Mary, gracing her with a genuine smile. “You must be Miss Wilson. It is a pleasure to meet you. Would you mind talking with me for a bit?”
She meekly took his hand and walked away. As Brie watched her go, a shiver of fear traveled down her spine. Could that happen to her, too?
As if reading her mind, Marquis Gray said, “It appears Miss Wilson was engaging in an activity that triggered a traumatic reaction based on an unresolved issue in her past. Just as Miss Bennett could have caused a similar situation, had she not informed us of her abuse at the hands of bullies as a child. Without that information, Baron could easily have triggered a negative episode without knowing the cause. I hope you both understand the importance of full disclosure with your Dominants.”
The girls nodded. Brie was suddenly grateful for her natural openness. She was surprised Mary had been so stubborn. Sir had asked twice that they go over their journals and take out anything that might cause problems. That girl was her own worst enemy.