Brie Faces her Master's Fears (After Graduation, #4) (11 page)

A
nother morning dragged into existence. Even though Brie understood it had only been a dream, the guilt of it weighed heavily on her heart and would not leave her. It cast a dark shadow over her spirit, so much so that she put off going to the Center in hopes of the dreams passing, but she knew could not waste any more time.

Still feeling out of sorts, Brie headed to the Training Center. She hoped that she might catch Lea while she was there, needing to spend time with her best friend.

When she arrived, Brie went to the front desk and asked for the new headmaster.

The girl smiled pleasantly and asked, “Would you like me to call up Headmaster Coen?”

Brie was surprised the panel had chosen Master Coen rather than Master Anderson to take Sir’s place. Although Coen had years of experience working at the Center, from what Brie had observed during her training, Master Anderson had more extensive knowledge and was more affable, as well.

“That would be good, thank you,” she answered. Brie stood at the desk waiting for him, her nerves increasing with each passing minute. She had hoped to meet with Master Anderson, who she knew would support the film project. Master Coen? He was an unknown.

The beefy trainer—now headmaster—stepped out of the elevator and walked towards her with his typical stoic face. “Good day, Miss Bennett. What brings you to the Center?”

“My film project, Headmaster Coen. Would it be possible to talk to you about it in private?”

“Certainly. Follow me.”

Brie watched his large muscles bulge under his dress shirt. She’d experienced the power of those arms when he’d spanked her…and used a hairbrush. As they took the elevator down to the Training Center itself, she forced herself to break the silence.

“I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me, Headmaster.”

“Although I am wading through a mass of paperwork, I have a few minutes I can spare.”

She didn’t know how to respond so she kept silent, grateful when the elevator doors opened.

As they walked down the hallway to Sir’s old office, she was confronted with feelings of déjà vu. Brie closed her eyes for a moment and could almost hear the sounds of Lea and Mary laughing with her in the hallways. It was so strange to think that part of her life was over.

Headmaster Coen opened the door and gestured her inside. Even though the books and pictures on the shelves had changed, it still looked like Sir’s office—including the hook attached to the ceiling. She hid her smile.

“What is it you need, Miss Bennett? I have no time for niceties.”

“Yes, Headmaster Coen. I have been asked by Mr. Holloway to shoot footage of the school grounds and the equipment used during training.”

“I do not have a problem as long as you do not shoot footage of any of our students.”

She bowed her head. “Thank you, Headmaster Coen. He also asked that I get interviews with the trainers themselves, and possibly footage of some actual scenes.”

When she saw him frown, her heart skipped a beat. So much was riding on his answer. “You may speak to the trainers. If any are willing, you are free to interview them. However, I do not want our training filmed.”

She swallowed hard, unsure if simple interviews would be enough for Mr. Holloway.

Headmaster Coen sat back in his chair and sighed. “If—and it is a big if—you can find a trainer and a willing sub on our staff who will consent to being filmed, I give you permission to film one session.”

Brie couldn’t believe it. Master Coen was giving her exactly what she needed. She stood up and bowed. “Thank you, Headmaster! You don’t know how much this will help.”

“There is one stipulation, however.”

Brie sat back down, afraid that he was about to rip it all away.

“I must approve of any footage you shoot on our school grounds. I will not interfere with footage you’ve filmed off the campus, but I insist on having the last word on anything shot here.”

“Of course, Headmaster Coen.”

“You are free to explore the school and film, provided you do not disturb anyone here.”

“I won’t, Headmaster Coen.” Brie bowed low one last time before leaving. She looked around to make sure no one was watching, and then leapt into the air. She had cleared her first obstacle!

Brie spent the day getting shots of the various rooms that had been used for her practicums, including the first one with the spongy floor and mirrored walls. She remembered vividly that first night when she’d tied the blindfold over her own eyes and presented herself to a complete stranger. That room had been the setting for significant firsts, including her first scene with Faelan as a training Dom. Visions of her recent dream flashed before her eyes, so she quickly left the room without mentioning the latter experience on film.

Brie moved on to Mr. Gallant’s classroom next. Her mind had been opened to the world of submission by the tiny but infinitely wise man. His presence seemed to linger in the classroom even when it was empty.

Brie walked to the bondage room next, the one with the table that she’d first noticed on the website. This room held her most cherished memory—it was where she and Master had begun their physical relationship. She had planned to take a panorama of the room, but decided against it. It was something too personal to share with the rest of the world.

Brie headed down to the auditorium. It was the most significant room in the whole Training Center. This was where she’d been challenged the most. From watching her fellow classmates perform to navigating her own challenging practicums, this was where she’d discovered her power and limits as a submissive. She sat down in one of the chairs and let the memories flood over her.

She was so lost in her private thoughts that she did not hear him behind her until Marquis Gray spoke. “Good afternoon, Miss Bennett.”

Brie turned around to see the formidable trainer. His ghostly white skin contrasted against the dark tones of the auditorium. She immediately stood up and bowed out of habit.

“You no longer need to bow, Miss Bennett. I am not your Master.”

Brie blushed and looked to the floor, afraid to gaze into his dark, penetrating eyes. “Old habits die hard,” she answered.

“Headmaster Coen said you had something to ask me.”

Brie felt nervous butterflies start. Being around Marquis was intimidating enough, but when she was trying to conceal something from him, his presence was almost painful. She looked at the camera in her hands, avoiding eye contact at all costs as he sat down beside her.

“I was wonderin—”

“Miss Bennett, look at me.”

With apprehension she stared into his dark gaze, holding her breath. She had never been able to hide anything from the experienced trainer.

“You are not doing well,” he stated.

She shook her head slightly, afraid she would start to cry if she spoke.

“Gather yourself and explain.”

It took a few moments before she could begin. “I have been tormented by dreams, Marquis Gray.”

“What kind of dreams, Miss Bennett?”

“Dreams of Faelan.”

His expression darkened. “Have you spoken of it to Sir Davis?”

She felt a pit start to grow in her stomach. “No, Marquis Gray.”

He shook his head in disappointment. “Describe these dreams to me.”

“It has been the same dream the last three nights. It starts right after the collaring ceremony. He takes me to his house as my new Master, and…” She closed her eyes, forcing herself to finish. “We consummate the relationship.”

“So in the dream you have chosen Faelan over Sir Davis?”

“Yes,” she said meekly.

“How do you feel when you wake up?”

“I feel horrible. It seems so real that I…” She turned away in shame. “…physically respond to them. I feel like I’ve cheated on Sir.”

He was brutally to the point with his question. “Is guilt the reason for your pain, or do you feel regret?”

She protested violently, “No, never regret!” She looked at him in desperation. “Marquis, these dreams are unwanted and yet I am haunted by them when I wake.”

He penetrated her with his gaze. She met it bravely, needing him to understand her torment. Finally he spoke. “The dreams are not your responsibility, Miss Bennett. However, your thoughts when you’re awake are. Be honest with me—have these dreams changed your feelings towards Mr. Wallace?”

“No! My heart belongs to my Master. Marquis, I cannot live with these feelings of guilt. It’s killing me inside. Please help me,” she begged.

“I would suggest two things, Miss Bennett. Meditation will help you clear your mind when you awaken, so that this does not affect your waking hours.”

She nodded in understanding. “Yes, Marquis. I will do that.”

“You must also tell Sir Davis. Be prepared for his displeasure. You should have gone to him first. If you were my sub, I would punish you for such a breach of trust.”

Brie felt the pit in her stomach turn into a wave of nausea. What would Sir think of her now?

Marquis replied, “Face the consequences with humility, Miss Bennett, and learn from them. Now, what was it that you needed to ask me?”

Brie ignored the swirling emotions threatening to overtake her and answered the trainer’s question about her project. “Marquis Gray, would you be willing to let me interview you about your work here at the Center?”

“Yes, I agree to do a short interview. Mr. Holloway spoke to me of it the other day.” His smile was genuine. “I would like to assist you in this.”

She was moved by his offer to help. “Thank you, Marquis Gray. Thank you for everything you have done. I know I would not have this opportunity if it weren’t for you.”

“You are incorrect, Miss Bennett. Your dedication and hard work brought this opportunity, not me.”

She would have disagreed, but she knew better than to argue with Marquis Gray. “Then I will simply thank you for your willingness to interview with me.”

He nodded curtly. “We will do the interview seven days from now. You may want to check with Mr. Gallant. I believe he’s come in early tonight as well.”

Brie perked up upon hearing Mr. Gallant’s name. She hadn’t seen her teacher since graduation. “I will do just that, Marquis Gray.”

He raised his eyebrow. “Do not fail to tell Sir Davis about what we discussed.”

She blushed with shame and murmured, “I won’t. Thank you for your advice.”

“You are alumni now, Miss Bennett, but you will forever remain one of my students.”

Brie quickly gathered her things, anxious to see Mr. Gallant again and escape from the disgrace lingering in the room. Seeing her teacher would lighten her heavy heart.

She found the small but commanding Dom in his classroom, setting up for the night’s class. She was touched when his face broke out in a smile the instant he saw her.

“Miss Bennett, what a pleasant surprise.”

She held out her hand and he shook it warmly. “How is the new class, Mr. Gallant?”

“Green and uncertain, but with promising potential.”

“Do they remind you of us?”

“No, this group is much more competitive with one another. It will take a bit longer to tame their immaturity.”

“May I ask how Candy is doing?”

He looked at her thoughtfully before answering. “That’s the girl you recommended, am I correct?”

“Yes, I’ve been curious how she’s faring in class, and if she got rid of the abuser posing as a Dom.”

“I cannot speak of her personal life, Miss Bennett. But, as far as her studies are concerned, I am pleased to say she is excelling.”

Brie grinned. “I can’t tell you how happy that makes me, Mr. Gallant!” She gave him a knowing look. “I’m thrilled someone was willing to sponsor her.”

Mr. Gallant didn’t blink an eye. “Yes, it is fortunate.”

Brie had been told that he was Candy’s benefactor, but true to form, Mr. Gallant kept it to himself, not being one to boast.

“In some ways I’m jealous of Candy,” she said wistfully, looking around the classroom. “I really enjoyed learning in this room with you.”

Concern overshadowed his smile. “Are you satisfied with your new life, Miss Bennett?”

She realized he was picking up on her unease, so she smiled reassuringly. “Yes, Mr. Gallant. I’m overflowing with satisfaction at being collared to Sir.”

He seemed appeased by her answer and replied, “That warms my heart to hear.”

Brie wanted to hug him, but as a collared submissive she held back the urge. “I came by to ask if you would be willing to do an interview with me for the documentary. I’ve already gotten permission from Headmaster Coen.”

“I am truly sorry, Miss Bennett, but I cannot,” he said with regret. “There are family members on my wife’s side who would not understand. I will not risk her exposure.”

Although Brie was extremely disappointed, she hid it well. “I understand, Mr. Gallant. It sure has been good talking to you again. You made my day, really.”

“I miss your enthusiasm, Miss Bennett,” he replied. “My wife and I would enjoy having the two of you visit us. After the documentary is complete, of course. I know you have no time to spare these days.”

“So true. With Sir off working in New York City and me finishing my project, things are a little crazy right now.”