It Gets Complicated
Brie didn’t know who else to interview. She glanced over the gathering, looking for a face that stood out from the crowd of foreign Dominants. Her jaw dropped when she saw Faelan walking with Master Coen to Mary’s room. What the hell, Mary?
Faelan looked at her apologetically as he passed by. She understood. He was not allowed to turn down Mary’s request. It was part of the rules for the evening. The submissives were allowed to ask whomever they wanted without fear of rejection. Fuck the damn rules! Brie wanted to grab Blue Eyes by the hand and pull him away from the temptress-turned-backstabber.
Instead, she stood mutely by as Faelan entered Mary’s room and shut the door behind him. Could the evening get any worse?
Marquis Gray was by her side, asking for her next Dom. She muttered sadly, “I have no one else.”
“Surely there is someone who has caught your eye, Miss Bennett. Do not waste even one meeting tonight.”
Brie glanced over at Sir. He looked good in the expensive Italian tux he wore for the occasion. His face was relaxed and his smile radiant as he laughed at some joke a group of admiring submissives had made. Brie thought it cute the way his hands danced in the air as he talked.
She looked away and answered, “No. There is no one else…” She glanced at the door Mary and Faelan were behind and forced herself not to scream.
“You must pick someone,” Marquis Gray insisted.
“Fine.” She looked up at him. “Then I choose you.”
He seemed shocked. “You can’t choose me. Trainers are not allowed.”
Brie pouted. “But I’m not asking you to collar me, Marquis Gray.”
“What would be the point?” he protested.
“I need you,” she said quietly, turning away to hide her misery.
He was silent for a moment and then excused himself. She secretly observed him as he walked over to his submissive and the two had a short discussion. The woman followed him back to Brie. “Celestia has agreed to join us, if you have no objections.”
Brie glanced at the older woman and smiled. “I have no objections, Marquis Gray.”
“Fine.” Marquis guided both of them into the room. He left the door open, which Brie found odd but did not question.
He gestured her to the couch while his submissive settled down at his feet. Brie couldn’t help feeling jealous of her.
“What would you like to discuss?”
Brie’s eyes opened wide when she heard Mary’s passionate scream ring out from the other room, and she shut her mouth, refusing to speak.
“I know what you need, pearl.” Marquis Gray whispered something to his partner, and she gracefully stood up and left the room. “Take off your corset and shoes. Leave everything else on.”
With shaking hands she removed the few items he required, trying not to think about what was going on with Mary.
Marquis Gray commanded her full attention. “On your knees, facing away from the door. I want you to look at me.”
She knelt down on the mat in the middle of the room and watched as he took off his jacket and shirt, then tossed them on the couch. She stared up at him, but flinched when she heard Mary cry out again.
“Ask me a question,” Marquis Gray insisted.
Brie forced her brain to think, sifting through the fog of her jealousy. Her first question to Faelan popped into her head and she asked, “How old are you?”
Marquis smirked. “Thirty-nine. How much older does that make me?”
She had to concentrate hard to do the simple math. “That makes you seventeen years older.”
“Very good, pearl. Nice to know your public education has amounted to something.” It took a few seconds for her to register he’d made a joke.
Celestia returned with a flogger and lace. Brie took in a deep breath, grateful he had read her undisclosed desire.
Marquis Gray took the items and knelt beside Brie. He tied the black lace over her eyes, murmuring softly, “Remember our first night, pearl? You were kneeling on that stage, a bundle of nerves but determined to show the world what a superior sub you were.” He chuckled warmly. “You have succeeded in impressing all of the panel, young lady, even those set against you.”
He stood up and she heard something drag across the floor. “Lean your torso against the ottoman.”
She did as he asked, anxious for the thud of the flogger against her skin to drown out the occasional noises coming from the other room. He swept her hair to the front and lightly tapped her back with the flat of his hand.
Brie heard Marquis command his sub, “Hold her hands.”
She felt Celestia lean against the opposite side of the ottoman and take Brie’s cold hands in her warm ones. The connection was instantly comforting.
Marquis spoke to Brie in a soothing voice. “You will listen to the music as you embrace the caress of the flogger. Let it remind you of your power. Be confident and know that circumstances cannot diminish your strength. Nothing can.”
Brie nodded.
“Are you ready, pearl?”
“Yes, Master.”
Mozart filled the room as he warmed up her skin with light hits from the flogger. It took several minutes for her to relax but as soon as she did, he leaned in and asked her color.
“Green.”
He shifted his stance and brought more strength to each swing. Brie moaned as the endorphins flowed and her limbs began to tingle, but she begged him to increase the strength of his hits.
“I am not your pain addiction,” he reprimanded. “You take what I give you.”
She felt ashamed, knowing he’d rightly perceived her desire to escape through pain.
“I will leave no marks for your Master, pearl. Fully appreciate each contact against your skin and you will not need it stronger,” he instructed. “I give this to you as empowerment, not escape.”
Celestia squeezed her hands in encouragement. Brie took a deep breath and rolled her shoulders before straightening her back for more. She received the next stroke with a different mindset. It sent shivers of electricity through her. She harnessed it.
Each successive stroke increased her resolve. I am powerful. I choose my submission… I choose whom I will serve.
She wanted to protest when he stopped, but realized their time was running short. The music ended and he removed the blindfold. “Better?”
Brie nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Master.”
He took her hand and helped her up. He nodded to Celestia, who moved gracefully to the bed in the corner of the room and lay down. Marquis Gray guided Brie to it and commanded her to lie beside his sub. He joined them on the bed, sandwiching Brie between them. It was comforting on a level she hadn’t experienced before.
“Remember that I told you not to settle for the status quo.”
She shivered unwillingly and felt both bodies press against her. Brie whispered, “I will miss you, Marquis Gray.”
“You have been an experience, pearl.”
Celestia spoke up, her voice pure, like spring rain. “I’ve been interested in your progress ever since I heard about your near-dismissal, Miss Bennett.”
Brie remembered that night clearly. The panel had suggested Sir step down as headmaster and she had almost been kicked out of the submissive program altogether.
Marquis’ laugh was low and heartfelt. “I saw your strength even then. I knew you would survive the taint of Thane’s interference.”
“Taint?” Brie questioned.
“Admit that you have been influenced by that one private encounter.”
Brie shook her head. “I was influenced the day Sir came into the tobacco shop.”
Marquis Gray snorted. “Still, he used his position to take something that was not his to possess.”
“Marquis Gray, I wanted no other.”
He shook his head angrily. “You were his student. It was unconscionable.”
“Still…I do not regret it.”
“Your defense of the act does not negate the transgression. Coen wanted both of you out. If it hadn’t been for Gallant’s unwavering belief in you, you would not be here.”
“I never understood Master Coen’s aversion to me.”
Marquis corrected her. “Coen would do anything to protect the sanctity of the program. The fact you eventually earned his respect speaks volumes.”
Brie braved a question she had been wanting to ask. “Why does Ms. Clark hate me?”
“Hate is a strong word.”
Celestia answered her. “You act as a whetting stone for Mistress Clark.”
Marquis reached over Brie and stroked his submissive’s cheek. “True enough, love.”
Brie’s heart warmed at the term of endearment coming from the fierce trainer’s lips. Their relationship was exactly what she desired for herself.
“You unbalance our normally controlled Dominatrix. Although it was entertaining to watch, Coen was right to be concerned and we set things in place to limit your exposure to each other. Every trainer comes across a student they cannot instruct. It happens.”
“Then why was I partnered with her this last time?”
“Thane did not want you to leave the school with a negative impression of Dommes. He asked Clark to repair any damage she had done. You should know she willingly agreed.”
“Well, I was almost convinced her feelings towards me had changed.”
“Do not dwell on it.”
Brie looked around the room and said wistfully, “I will really miss this place.”
“The Center is only a stepping stone, pearl. Your true destiny lies beyond. Don’t look back.”
She frowned when she thought of Faelan next door and Tono off somewhere, talking to his father.
Marquis grabbed her chin, focusing her attention back on him. “You seem confused by the unexpected turn of events tonight, but your decision remains the same.”
She looked into his dark eyes and disagreed. “That’s not true. I don’t know what to do now.”
He shook his head, but was slow to elaborate. “You have already decided. I saw it in your eyes earlier. You simply haven’t accepted it yet.”
He sounded so confident that Brie believed him. “How is it you understand me better than I do myself? You always have.”
“Men are driven by sex to understand the feminine mind. Not by money, career or recognition.”
His words were profound and resonated through her. She finally understood her attraction to D/s. The unique sexual relationship was conducive to a deeper connection between a man and woman. A connection not found elsewhere.
The bell rang with its ten minute warning. Marquis had her stand as Celestia covered her back in soothing lotion before placing her corset back on and tying it tightly. Brie realized he had been gentle in his flogging so that it did not hurt overly much. He’d thought of everything—he always had.
Celestia brushed out her hair and touched up her makeup in the few remaining minutes. “I want you to be perfect for your Master,” she said, smiling like a proud mother.
My Master…
Marquis guided the two of them out of the room and Brie ran smack into Mary. Faelan was nowhere to be seen.
“What the hell, Mary?” Brie hissed.
“You’re the one who taught me to follow my heart,” she answered defensively. “Besides, if I don’t look out for myself, who will?”
“But Faelan?” Brie growled.
“Yes, Faelan.” Mary turned away from her and whispered something to Master Coen before disappearing back into the room.
Brie was about to scream the word ‘bitch’ when she noticed Tono out of the corner of her eye. She could barely control her joy and eagerly motioned him into the room. Marquis nodded his agreement and gestured for Tono to join Brie. The smile on his beautiful face chased away all her ugly thoughts.
“You came back,” she said, trying not to sound as relieved as she felt.
“Of course, toriko. I would never leave you for long.”
She blushed at the thrill his words brought. The instant the door closed, he grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. He shut his eyes and simply held her. She could sense his distress and trembled in the embrace.
Tono responded to her fear by pressing her head against his chest, holding her tighter. She accepted the constriction and breathed with him, standing in silence as she soaked in their simple harmony.
Brie eventually pulled away, knowing that she only had a limited time. “Tono…” She took his hand and tried to lead him to the couch. Instead, he directed her to the mat.
“Present yourself to me, little slave.”
Brie obediently dropped to the floor and arched her back in a beautiful curved shape, with her legs spread wide for his pleasure, just as he had instructed her in their first session together. She kept her head down, waiting for his next order.
Tono fisted her hair, pulling her head back and kissing her deeply. “My toriko, how well you remember my preference.”
“I delight in pleasing you, Tono.”
He smiled as he gracefully knelt down on the mat, gesturing her to him. Tono wrapped his strong arms around Brie and she laid her head back on his chest. She wanted to voice the question that was burning a hole in her heart but she chickened out, choosing instead to ask the first question from her list. “Can you tell me how old you are?”
He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “I am thirty.”
She quickly did the math and announced, “You’re only eight years older. That’s not bad.”
“Glad you approve, little one.”
She giggled softly. “I already know what you do for a living…so I guess I’ll go on to the next question. Why did you choose to become a Dom?”
“My father is a master of Kinbaku. It seemed only natural that I should follow in his footsteps. You see, I have been trained by the best.”
The mention of his father threw Brie off, so she changed the subject. “What do you think of my film career?”
“I will support you fully, toriko. I have the unique ability to travel with you on location, no matter where you end up shooting. I can continue my photography and do seminars anywhere. Your career choice is not an issue for me.”
“But I thought you liked to stay in LA?”
“It is my preference, but not a necessity. I would enjoy seeing you succeed in your passion, and I desire to support you.”
She grabbed his cheeks and kissed him soundly. “It means a lot to me, Tono. More than you know.”
“I know your heart, little one.”
“So I assume we would be together twenty-four seven.”
He ran his fingertips down her neck and over the swell of her breasts. “I would have it no other way.”
“Your place?” she asked, with a touch of sarcastic acceptance.
“It matters little.” She looked at him in surprise. He answered her next question without being asked. “My contentment is not dependent on the location.”
Brie smiled, liking all of his answers so far. “Would you have a problem with me working at the tobacco shop until I get my big break?”
He surprised her when he said, “Yes.”
She was about to argue the point, but he caressed her cheek lovingly. “You should not work a retail job, toriko, when your career involves film. I expect you to devote your time fully to it.”
Brie broke out in a huge grin. “You would support me until I make it a success?”
“Of course, little slave. Your success is our success. However, I would require your beautiful form on my own film occasionally.”
She knocked him over with her enthusiastic embrace. They landed on the mat together, her laughter filling the small room. “I love you so much!”
Once the L-word was out, the room became silent. He slowly brushed a strand of hair from her face, looking at her with those warm, brown eyes. He said nothing, but his smile was radiant, like the sun. It thrilled her heart to see it.
Tono gently helped her up. He stood before her, taking off his jacket and laying it neatly on the floor. Then he proceeded to undress in front of her. She watched in admiration as he exposed his model-worthy body. When he was completely nude, he picked up his jacket and pulled a small piece of jute from a pocket. “Hold your wrists out, toriko.”
Brie struggled to hide her grin. The rope was so short. How could he possibly do anything impressive with such a small piece of rope? Tono’s eyes sparkled as he secured her wrists together in a cross pattern, leaving her arms open. He pushed her gently onto the mat and removed her thong first. He kissed it before placing it on the floor. He removed her heels next, slowly and reverently. Her stockings came off last.
Tono flipped her microskirt up and stroked her bare pussy. Brie’s body responded, automatically pressing against his hand, desiring more of his intimate touch.
“So beautiful,” he murmured. Instead of claiming her with his tongue, Tono stood and pulled Brie up. He leaned over and lifted her tied wrists over his head. With her arms around his neck and her face just inches from his, he picked her up. She automatically wrapped her legs around his naked hips and felt the sexual tension when her swollen lips made contact with his hard cock.
Tono danced with her in his arms, kissing her deeply as he kept time to a song only he could hear. His tongue drew her in like an undercurrent. She lost herself in the kiss, no longer aware of her surroundings.
Her pussy gently rocked against his shaft as he moved, causing a slow buildup that accented the song he created between them. “Oh, Tono,” she whispered.
He lifted her hips up and slowly slipped his cock into her. She threw her head back and cried out in ecstasy. He continued to dance with her, his cock planted deeply within.
Brie pulled on her bound wrists, drawing his lips back to hers. He moved in a circular pattern around the room, sliding himself in and out of her moist recess. Her building orgasm was approaching its peak. Brie braced her wrists against the back of his neck and rubbed her erect nipples against his sweaty skin. It proved his undoing and she felt his cock pulse rhythmically inside her as he groaned hoarsely.
The constant rubbing had sensitized her clit to near climax. She whispered, “Bite me, Tono,” needing his teeth to bring her over the edge.
He hesitated. “No.”
Tono chose to give her a passionate kiss. Brie readjusted and concentrated on the magic of his tongue. Soon her body shuddered in its own release. He continued to hold her in his arms afterwards, as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking.
Brie winced when the warning bell rang. She hated to break the spell, but time was running out and they had to talk about his father. “Tono…” She stopped, her heart pounding with dread as a deathlike silence filled the room.
Finally, he spoke. “Toriko, my father is mistaken.”
She stiffened in his embrace. “What does he mean by telling you I’m not good?” she asked, tears blurring her vision of his face.
Tono leaned forward and kissed them away. “He does not understand. My father has never shared the connection we share.”
“But what did he mean by it?”
Tono closed his eyes and did not speak. It scared her. When he opened his chocolate eyes again he said firmly, “What he says does not matter.”
“But it matters to me,” she insisted.
He moved over to the couch and set her down, then began untying the jute. “My father believes you have a ravenous spirit.”
Ice crystals coursed through her veins at the declaration. “What does that mean, Tono?”
He gazed into her eyes and paused before answering. “He does not believe I will be enough for you.”
Her heart skipped a beat at hearing her greatest fear voiced by his father. Tears threatened to take over, so she squeezed her eyes tightly shut.
“My father is wrong, toriko,” he said soothingly. He was tender as he dressed her.
Brie opened her eyes to stare at her handsome Dom while he dressed himself, wondering the whole time how they could survive his father’s disapproval. The Japanese culture placed a high value on the bond between parent and child. Worse was the fact that Tono’s father had also trained him. It demanded an even higher level of respect. But what really scared Brie—what made it difficult for her to breathe—was the fact his father might be right, and Tono and Brie both knew it.
She stood up and clung to Tono, flinching when the second bell sounded. She struggled to let go of him.
Tono took her face in his hands. “Do not let my father’s words sway you, toriko. Choose the man who will love and guide you.”
Marquis entered the room and encouraged Tono to leave. Brie watched him walk away, heartsick at the separation.
“Do you have what you need to make a decision, pearl?”
She looked up at Marquis and answered with a simple nod.
“Good.”
They walked out of the room to the festivities now in full swing. It would be a full hour before the collaring ceremony. Brie saw Lea already mingling with the crowd. She looked over the sea of people and noticed several familiar faces.
I guess it’s time to begin my goodbyes… Brie thought.
She approached Baron first. He was engaged in a conversation with Mr. Gallant, but ended it as soon as he noticed her. “Ah, kitten…”
She grinned at the striking Dom. “I want to thank you, Baron.”
His white teeth gleamed against his dark skin. “It was my pleasure and honor.”
Brie smiled shyly when she admitted, “Remember that first night? I was so scared of you.”
His large thumb traced the edge of her bottom lip. “It concerned me, but we got past that.”
“You were gentle and kind.”
He chuckled in his deep baritone. “Not too gentle, I trust.”
She kissed his thumb. “Just right.”
“Thankfully, Headmaster Davis picked the best man for the job.” He thrust his chest out and smiled heroically. “He insisted I push you to the edge that first night, but you handled yourself well and I must say you have blossomed since, kitten. You are a true submissive now.”
She stood on her tiptoes to kiss Baron’s enticing, thick lips. “I owe my success to you. You saw me through that first night.”
“No, you succeeded all on your own, kitten. Although I must admit it was enjoyable being a part of your training.”
Mr. Gallant interrupted their conversation. “Pardon me, Miss Bennett, but there are quite a few people who would like to speak with you tonight. I recommend you spread yourself around as much as possible.”
She bowed to her teacher and his beautiful wife, giving Baron one last peck on his luscious lips before moving into the crowd. Brie did a double-take when she saw her boss, Mr. Reynolds, from the tobacco shop. What is he doing here?
His wrinkled face broke out in a familiar grin as she came up to him. “Brie, you look positively stunning.”
She was suddenly reminded of her attire and blushed. This was Mr. Reynolds, after all. “This is my wife, Judy. She has been anxious to meet you.”
Brie looked at the older woman, who had streaks of gray throughout her jet-black hair. The woman had a captivating smile. “Such a pleasure. Jack has only nice things to say about his favorite employee.” She leaned in closer. “I think you saved his sanity on numerous occasions.”
She looked back at Mr. Reynolds, wondering at his presence here, but she didn’t have to wonder for long. “I know it must be a shock to see me, but I have known Thane for a very long time. Since he was a baby, in fact.” He pointed at Sir across the room. “You see, he’s my nephew.”
Brie gasped. Mr. Reynolds was related to Sir? She stared at Mr. Reynolds and nodded stupidly as she tried to take in his words.
“That night you met, he was actually coming by to visit me. Apparently, he was so taken by a certain young lady that he up and left without even saying hello. I have to admit I was shocked he left the card, and even more so when I saw you wearing his collar.”
Mr. Reynolds knew what was going on the entire time?
“Thane’s either at work or over at the Center. I had high hopes when I saw the collar around your neck, but I should have known better.” He laughed lightly and held up his glass in a mock toast to Sir. “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.”
Brie’s gaze gravitated towards Sir. He was smiling at some remark Master Coen had made, but his smile made her sad. Sir had poured everything into the Submissive Training Center. Lea, Mary and she were all products of his dedication and would move on from the school, partnered with Doms worthy of their new training. He, however, would remain behind—alone.
“So, Miss Bennett, have you decided who you are going to ask to collar you?” Mrs. Reynolds asked excitedly.
“Judy! You don’t ask something like that,” Mr. Reynolds scolded, putting his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “We don’t get out much. Please forgive her enthusiasm.”
“That’s okay,” Brie replied, but she began looking around for a means of escape. She saw Faelan standing a short distance away, obviously wanting to talk to her. She made her excuse to the couple. “I’m sorry, there’s someone I must speak to.”
Faelan’s blue eyes were trained on her. She walked away, listening to Mrs. Reynolds’ profuse apologies, feeling the weight of Faelan’s stare as she approached. Brie kept her eyes down, unsure how to begin.
“It changes nothing,” he declared, lifting her chin up to look into her eyes.
“What did you do with her?”
He shook his head. “That is privileged information, blossom. It would be uncouth to speak of our encounter.”
“I didn’t care for it,” she said simply, turning her head from him.
“It couldn’t be helped,” he answered, forcing her to look him in the eye.
“Do you want Mary?”
His reply was quick. “She’s a beautiful girl.” His answer did not please Brie and he knew it. “Blossom, it is you I want to collar. I have wanted nothing more since that night on the beach when I discovered what you are. Do not doubt that.”
She glanced over and saw Mary watching their exchange. “Excuse me. I need to talk to that woman.”
Brie left Faelan standing there and headed straight towards Mary. The woman stiffened visibly, and Brie watched her transform into her nemesis of old.
“What?” Mary growled. “I told you I wanted my chance with him. I never hid my intentions from you, bitch.”
“You know I am considering Faelan as my Master.”
“Which is exactly why I had to make my move tonight.”
The look in Mary’s eyes was something new. There was a look of vulnerability underneath all the bravado. Brie didn’t need her to complicate matters further. “Stay far from him,” she snapped, then walked away before she said something cruel.
Lea caught up with Brie. “What’s going on?”
“Do you know what Mary did?”
“Yeah. I can’t believe she would go after Faelan like that. What did he say to you afterwards?”
Brie sighed. “Well, he claims I’m the only one he wants to collar, but he admits he has the hots for the cow.”
“What about Tono? What happened with him?”
Brie rolled her eyes in an attempt to keep the tears from forming. “Oh, his dad thinks I’m no good.”
“That’s bullshit!” Lea blurted loudly. Several groups of people turned towards them and Lea clamped her hands over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Brie,” she whispered, “but I just can’t believe that. You are the best sub to graduate from this place. How can he say that?”
Brie struggled to say the words that rang in her head. “He says I have a ravenous soul…”
Lea wrapped Brie in her arms and pressed her against those very large breasts. “No! Don’t even go there. You have a beautiful soul and Tono is lucky to love you.”
Brie buried her head in Lea’s chest, suddenly feeling like a little kid. “I love him, Lea. I do, but…”
“But what, sweetie?” she asked, moving Brie’s hair out of the way so she could hear her better.
Brie said in the barest of whispers, “I don’t know if our love will be enough.”
Lea squeezed her then, long and hard. Brie could feel the blood pounding in her head from the lack of oxygen, but she didn’t move from her friend’s embrace until Lea let go. She held Brie by her shoulders and smiled. “What did the sadistic Dom say to his helplessly bound sub as he cut at her bonds with a machete?”
Brie shrugged, struggling to participate in Lea’s poor attempt at distraction.
Lea answered with a huge grin, “Tonight, we’re going vanilla!”
Brie shook her head at the terrible joke, but let a weak smile make its way to her face. Lea was always good for a laugh. “I’m going to miss you, girl.”
Lea protested. “Oh, no, you’re not getting rid of me that easy. Sorry, Stinky Cheese, you are stuck with me for life.”
Brie gave her an overenthusiastic hip bump that set her off balance. Lea was just about to return the favor when her face went slack and her jaw dropped.
“Radost moya.”
That deep sound reverberated through Brie and she turned slowly towards his voice. Rytsar Durov stood before her in all his Russian glory. She suddenly felt shy standing before the impressive Dom. Brie quickly looked to the floor and tried to calm her erratic pulse as she bowed before him.
Brie snuck a peek, and then smiled when she saw the mischievous glint in his eye. “My warrior returns,” she whispered.
His low rolling laughter filled the entire commons. “Radost moya has grown up, I see.” He lifted Brie off the ground and crushed her to his chest. She’d forgotten how strong and muscular he was.
She wasn’t sure how to act, now that she knew he was a prominent Dom in Europe. It was as intimidating as she’d thought it would be. Brie looked up at him shyly, “It seems you speak English.”
He winked as he lifted her higher and kissed her hard on the lips. She was instantly transported back to her warrior fantasy, where he had fulfilled her every desire. It left her shaky and weak.
Rytsar placed her back on the ground and motioned to one of his entourage. The beefy bodyguard produced a package and handed it to Rytsar, who in turn handed it to Brie.
“This is for you, my little joy. In honor of your graduation.”
Brie slowly unwrapped the gold paper and lifted the lid of the box. Inside was an exquisite set of golden handcuffs encrusted with small jewels. She touched the multicolored stones in admiration. “Thank you, Rytsar. It’s stunning.”
“Something useful your Master might enjoy.” He looked up and motioned Sir over, then slapped him heartily on the back. “I cannot stay, moy droog. However, I wanted to congratulate you on training such a rare beauty. If she could handle Russian winters I would claim her for my own.”
Sir looked genuinely pleased when he answered Rytsar. “I am glad you came, Durov, although I am disappointed that you cannot stay. We should get together and catch up.”
“Yes. Drag your sorry zhopa out of this school for a couple of weeks and join me in Russia. I promise to show you a grandiose time.” He raised his hands in the air, spreading his arms wide.
Sir’s laughter warmed Brie’s heart. “Yes, well, some of us have to work for a living.”
Rytsar growled loudly. “Peasant.”
Sir answered in mock disgust, “Aristocrat.”
The muscular Russian laughed as he smacked Sir hard on the back again. “Come join me later tonight. You know where.” He turned his attention back to Brie. He took her hand and turned it palm up before planting a sensual kiss in the center. “Choose wisely, radost moya.”
With that, he left with Sir, who escorted the entire entourage out—the impressive Rytsar and his three beefy bodyguards. When they were out of earshot, Lea whispered appreciatively, “Damn…”
“Yeah,” Brie replied.
Lea asked to look at Rytsar’s gift and dug the handcuffs out of the box, holding them up for a better look. “Girl, he couldn’t have come up with a better gift for a sub who likes bondage.”
“Yeah, yeah, put it back,” Brie ordered, feeling embarrassed by the expensive gift.
“Oh, no, you have to wear this. It’s far too pretty to keep inside a box.” Lea took the key attached to the cuffs and opened one up, looping it around the chain on Brie’s waist. She stood back to admire her work. “Yes, now you are utterly irresistible.”
Brie looked down and swung her hips, listening to the pleasant jingle of the cuffs. It did look like a lovely accent piece. She looked up to thank Lea, but saw that her friend had moved over to talk to the Sheik and his five comely harem girls.
Rachael Dunningham took the opportunity to step over and talk to Brie. “Hello, Miss Bennett. I want to let you know what a pleasure it has been to work with you.”
“No, thank you, Rachael. It was your helpfulness and professionalism that convinced me this school was legit. If it weren’t for you, I never would have enrolled.”
“Speaking about enrollment, you might be happy to learn that the young lady you emailed about has contacted the school. Candy Moore will be starting the next session in two weeks.”
Brie was thrilled by the news. “Rachael, that’s absolutely wonderful! I’ve worried about her ever since that day on the bus.” She gave Rachael a big hug, and then another for good measure. “I’ll start payments next week.”
Rachael smiled amiably. “No need. She has procured a sponsor.”
Brie leaned in close. “Can I ask who?”
“Normally, we don’t divulge such information. However, you have a vested interest in the girl so I don’t see any harm. Mr. Gallant is paying her tuition.”
Brie glanced over to where Mr. Gallant stood with his arm around the waist of his submissive wife. What an extraordinary man.
“Please do not let him know I told you. He’s an excruciatingly humble person,” Rachael warned.
“Duly noted,” Brie answered, but she couldn’t help staring at the short yet imposing Dom. She had always admired her teacher, but Mr. Gallant truly was a man above all men.
Marquis Gray motioned Brie over and announced, “It is almost time. Are you ready?”
Brie nodded, confident in her decision. Of the two men, she knew whom she wanted to serve, despite her reservations.
Marquis guided her to a separate room that held a small, round table. The table was elegantly dressed in red velvet with an exquisite collar in the center. The silver piece was delicately engraved. Brie lightly touched the pearl that hung in front. Even more enchanting was the heart-shaped lock that fastened in the back. Beside it lay an intricate key on a chain. The key would be worn by her Master.
“You will wait here until your name is announced. Stand beside Headmaster Davis and he will speak a few words to the community. Once he gives you permission, you will walk up to the Dom of your choice and kneel before him, holding up the collar and key. If he accepts your offer, a formal Collaring Ceremony will begin. During the ceremony, you will give your vows to one another and your Master will place the collar around your neck, accepting you as his submissive.”
Brie felt the butterflies start just listening to his instructions. In a few minutes, she would be kneeling before her Master. She took a couple of deep breaths to calm her nerves and then smiled at Marquis Gray. “This is it.”
“Yes, pearl. Your time has come. Embrace it with courage and don’t look back.”
“I will…Master.”
He gave her a crooked smile. “Master to you no longer.”
She heard Sir’s strong voice outside the room. “As a graduate, each submissive is given the opportunity to partake in the Collaring Ceremony. This year, one submissive has chosen to do so. Miss Bennett, present yourself to the community.”
Marquis offered his arm and escorted her out. She made her way to Sir with her eyes downcast and her poor heart beating like a snare drum. Once she was at his side, she knelt down, facing the community, and waited for him to begin.
“As is tradition for our school, a submissive who feels she has found her Master at the end of the course is allowed to present a ceremonial collar to the Dom of her choice. If accepted, a formal collaring ceremony will immediately follow.”
Sir turned and looked down at Brie. “Such a union is not to be entered into lightly. Are you secure in your decision?”
She glanced up at him and nodded. “I am, Sir.”
He then commanded in an official tone, “Miss Bennett, present your collar now.”
Brie gracefully rocked off her heels and stood up, looking at Tono and Faelan on the other side of the room. The men stood side by side, but both only had eyes for her. She held herself erect as she started towards her Master. She walked fluidly and with confidence, just as she had been taught.
Brie peeked at Tono. He was smiling, peace and assurance flowing from him like a river. Beside him stood his father. The small man was also staring at her, but his mouth was a hard line, his disapproval easy to read.
She glanced at Faelan. He was gazing at her intently, a half-grin gracing his handsome face. Brie caught a glimpse of Mary behind him and saw a look of complete devastation. It made her stop in her tracks.
Brie could feel the tension rise in the room.
Time slowed down to a crawl as everything suddenly came into focus. As much as she loved Tono, he would not be able to meet her deepest desires. Faelan shared those same desires, but she did not love him. Brie knew what she wanted beyond a shadow of a doubt. There was no other choice—there never had been.
She turned around and walked towards Sir, the delicate collar held out before her. She saw the slight shake of his head but she ignored it.
Brie knelt down at his feet and held the collar and key up to him. Silence filled the huge room. She patiently waited for Sir to take them from her. As the seconds dragged by, however, a cold chill entered her heart.
He finally spoke a soft but commanding, “No.”
Brie shuddered in disbelief, her heart crushing in on itself as she remained bowed before him. He had warned her that this would happen… This is my fault. Now the entire room knew her choice and there was no turning back.
Tears fell as she slowly stood up and turned from him. Her feet made their way to the exit as if of their own accord. No one spoke as the crowd silently parted in front of her.
She would scream later, in the privacy of her own pain. Right now, her only goal was to make it out of the Center with what little dignity she had left. She lifted her head, even though she could not see through the tears. Don’t run, Brie. Walk…