Brie Surrenders her Heart (After Graduation, #8) (35 page)

Brie could just imagine males crashing into trees as Lea skied down the slope in latex, exposing her ample cleavage to the mountain men. “You might be dangerous in the snow, girl.”

“Hey, I hear Colorado isn’t too far from California. I’m sure we can get together between my sessions.”

“Yeah, that’ll be great,” Brie answered, but that sinking feeling grew stronger. She was afraid it wouldn’t happen, so she said, “Let’s set it up right now, before we get too busy and forget. I don’t want
anything
to get in the way of our girl-time.”

Lea bumped Brie’s hip with hers. “You got it, girl.” She got out her phone and they looked over the calendar, picking the first date available. “Master Anderson has everything planned out to the day. I think the weekend after the school’s first six-week session should work. You know I’ll need to dish all about it with you!”

“Perfect, because I’ll need to hear every detail.”

Lea set a reminder on her phone. “All set. I’ve got you in there.”

“I’m holding you to it, Lea. Come hell or high water the two of us are getting together that weekend.”

“Nothing comes between us, woman!” Lea assured her.

Brie hugged Lea again, doing her best to hold back the tears.

No Mary and no Lea…
Can it get any worse?

She sought out Mr. Reynolds and his wife, needing some stability to cling to.

When Sir’s uncle he saw Brie, his face lit up. “We couldn’t be prouder. To think I had such talent sitting in my tobacco shop. I’m embarrassed I had you stocking cigarettes.”

“No need to feel that way, Mr. Reynolds. I was happy to do it. Well…I was willing, at least.”

He chuckled, remembering those days. “That damn Jeff. He was a thorn in both our sides.”

Brie couldn’t help herself and gave him a hug. She grabbed his wife’s hand and gushed, “It’s just great to see you both again.” She was struck with a brilliant idea and prayed Sir wouldn’t mind. “I was wondering…”

“What, dear?” Judy asked, squeezing her hand in encouragement.

“Would you join us for Thanksgiving dinner? I would love to cook the meal for you.”

“I’d advise you to decline and save yourselves,” Marquis commented behind her.

Brie turned to face him. “I’ve gotten much better at cooking, Marquis Gray. Truly, I have.”

He patted her head as he told Mr. Reynolds, “Offer to bring the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, as well as the gravy and you should be good to go.”

She crinkled her nose at Marquis and assured Mr. Reynolds, “I can cook all those things…”

If I google it,
she added in her head.

She continued eagerly, “It will be lovely, I promise. Please say you’ll come. Thanksgiving should be about family.”

“And not about edible food,” Marquis interjected.

Brie stamped her foot, biting back a witty retort. Marquis was a respected Dom and she knew her place, but he was being wicked with his teasing.

“Of course we’ll come, dear,” Judy replied.

Mr. Reynolds readily agreed. “It’s an invitation we would never turn down.”

“Great!” Brie felt some of her joy return.

Brie focused her attention back on Marquis Gray, noticing for the first time that Celestia was standing beside him. “It’s so great to see you again!” Brie cried, sighing gratefully as she hugged the gentle woman. It was a friendship that held possibilities.

She was about to extend an invitation for Thanksgiving dinner, but Marquis Gray changed the subject. “I never did hear if you enjoyed the new flogger, Miss Bennett.”

Brie shivered just thinking about it. “The flogger is incredible, Marquis. I’ve never known one to give two different sensations at the same time.”

Marquis’ eyes shone with pride as he explained, “I had that one especially made for you with a combination of suede and oiled leather. The flogger is also balanced so that the wielder can use it for longer sessions.”

Sir came up behind Brie and put his hand on her shoulder. “It’s the finest flogger I’ve used, Gray. None finer.”

Marquis seemed particularly pleased. “I have a similar one at home.” He ran his fingers down Celestia’s spine and Brie watched her quiver in response. “It’s a favorite tool of ours.” Marquis looked at Brie again and said, with a glint in his eye, “Wait until your present next year.”

Tono came up and shook hands with the men before addressing Brie. “Amazing, the impact a simple film concept can have in the hands of a true artist.”

She blushed at his compliment. “Thank you, Tono. It does amaze me that the Center is expanding and a new one is starting up because of the demand for training. I never guessed my documentary could effect that kind of change.”

“That reminds me, Ren,” Sir said, “I’ve heard rumors that you are going to start a national tour soon. Is that true?”

Tono glanced at Brie before he replied. “Yes. I’ve been contacted by a group of Kinbaku artists. Due to the increased interest, they are holding performances nationwide to promote understanding of the ancient art. I’ve been asked to lead it.”

Brie’s heart sank.
Not Tono too…

She hid her disappointment, but felt compelled to ask, “Tono, you told me once that you preferred remaining in one place. What’s changed?”

His smile was gentle when he answered, “I’ve become stagnant.”

The meaning behind his answer was clear. He would be traveling the country to find the woman meant to be his complement.

“I wish you much success with the tour, Tono Nosaka,” Brie said, bowing to him not as a submissive, but as a friend. She turned away, fighting to control her swirling emotions.

It was too much. Too many losses to swallow in one day.

Sir cupped his hand lightly over the brand on her back. “It’s time, Brie.” He led her to the stage.

As she mounted the steps, Brie forced herself to focus on the school’s success so that her smile was genuine when she faced the large group. She scanned the crowd, and did a double-take when she saw two familiar faces she hadn’t expected.

What are my parents doing here?

Sir put his arm around her waist and began, “I know many of you are familiar with the courage that burns inside the young woman who stands beside me.” He looked down at Brie and stated proudly, “If you know her, then you know she has the heart of a lioness.”

She burned with a heated blush, embarrassed to be praised so highly for her simple documentary.

Sir took his eyes off her to address the group again. “You may recall that a certain graduate of this school broke all protocol to offer her collar at my feet. You may also remember that it was
not
met with enthusiasm.”

Several people chuckled in the crowd.

“I believe courage should be met with courage,” Sir stated firmly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

Brie watched in shock as he knelt down on one knee and held out the opened box. “Brianna Bennett, in front of everyone here, I am asking for your hand in marriage.”

She glanced at the diamond ring nestled within. It sparkled with an eternity of promise.

When she looked back at Sir, time stopped. She took in the sight of her Master. It didn’t seem right, seeing Sir on his knee before her in front of the people she knew and loved, but at the same time it was heartbreakingly beautiful.

For one fraction of a second—just one—she toyed with the idea of turning him down as payback.

But Brie’s answer was loud and clear so that there would be no doubt. “Yes, Thane Davis. I accept your proposal with all my heart.”

He stood up and took her hand. Brie lost herself in the moment, aware of only one thing—the feel of her Master’s touch as he slipped the engagement ring on her finger.

Brie stared at him in stunned silence.

Sir smiled as he explained in a lowered voice, “I asked permission to marry you the day your father and I spoke in the study. Needless to say, it did not go the way I’d planned.” He cradled her cheek and stroked her soft lips with his thumb. “But I am a determined man, Brie Bennett.”

She pressed her cheek into his hand and returned his smile. “I cherish your determination, Sir.”

“I know your father isn’t going to like this, but I will not be denied,” he murmured as he fisted her hair and pulled her head back, giving Brie a possessive kiss that sealed his rights as her fiancé.

Brie stumbled slightly when he let go of her, overwhelmed by the kiss.

Sir announced to the group, “Please sit down and enjoy the meal my friend, Chef Sabello, has prepared for you. We are grateful you could join us tonight to celebrate our engagement.”

So tonight was never about the expansion of the school or my film. Clever Sir…

The applause started up again as Sir led her off the stage to speak to her parents.

“Congratulations!” her mother cried, giving her a hug.

Her father’s response was to turn to Sir and demand, “Was that really necessary? You were doing well up until…that
thing
at the end.”

Sir wrapped his arm around Brie and said unapologetically, “Yes.”

Brie ignored her father’s criticism. “Thank you for giving us your blessing and for being here tonight. I—” Tears welled up, making it difficult to speak. “This means so much to me, Dad.”

Her father held his arms out to her and Brie gratefully settled in his embrace. “I may not care for your choice of husband, Brie, but I am certain he loves you. In the end, that’s what I care about most.”

She stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Dad, right now I am the happiest woman in the world.”

Her father squeezed her tighter. “I guess that will have to sustain me when I suffer from doubts later tonight.”

Brie spent the evening flitting from table to table, catching up with people who had been part of her training, including, Jennifer, the redhead who’d been Sir’s date the first night they met, and Greg, the Dom from her first encounter.
Everyone
who had been a part of her training was there—even Mistress Clark.

Although the Domme stayed behind the scenes most of the evening, she came to Brie before leaving. “It seems congratulations are in order, Miss Bennett. Sir Davis is an exceptional man.” Her gaze burned into Brie when she added, “He deserves an exceptional sub.”

Brie chose to ignore the last comment and replied respectfully, “Thank you, Ms. Clark. I wish you success in Colorado.”

“Yes…well, thank you,” she answered uncomfortably. It seemed that Brie knowing so much about her personal life made the woman jumpy.

Who has the power now?

Before Brie could explore this interesting new dynamic, her parents came to say goodbye. She watched Ms. Clark walk away and suddenly felt an ache of sadness. She would miss the harsh Domme. It was a disconcerting realization.

Brie was surprised her dad seemed cheerful and was pleased when he explained why. “You know, Brianna, we had a chance to talk to Mr. Gray during dinner. He is a remarkable person. A man of deep faith and philosophical insight. We had a fascinating conversation tonight.”

If there was anyone who could convince her father that the D/s dynamic was healthy and viable, it was Marquis. Brie glanced at her ex-trainer from across the room and smiled in gratitude. He nodded slightly, accepting her thanks.

“Shall we?” Sir stated, letting Brie know it was time to go.

Brie looked over the commons one last time, taking in the moment so she could remember every detail. Then she looked down at her ring and smiled. “We shall, Sir.”

Sir took Brie on a little detour on their way home. She was surprised when he parked his sports car on the side of the coastal highway and set the brake.

“Take off your shoes.”

Brie did as she was told, wondering what he had planned when he took a blanket from behind the seat and slipped matches into his pocket. He went to her side of the car and opened the door.

“Come with me, Brie.”

Her heart fluttered as she took his hand. He lifted her over his shoulder and spanked her playfully on the ass before starting down the trail.

Even in the dark, Brie recognized the beach. She’d been here before, and had mixed feelings about it. Brie fingered the pearls around her neck, remembering how badly the night had ended last time.

Sir made it down the trail quickly and, to Brie’s relief, passed by the spot where they’d had their tryst. He took her closer to the water and set her down next to a fire ring that had been prepared beforehand. He spent a few minutes lighting the fire and then laid the blanket on the sand.

“Lie down, Brie.”

It startled her that he hadn’t used her submissive name.

She lay down on the soft blanket and held her hand out to him. “I’m so happy, Sir.”

He took her hand and lay beside her on the blanket. “Tonight I prefer we call each other by our given names.”

Brie leaned forward and breathed out his name in his ear like a forbidden secret. “Thane.”

He smiled, turning his head to kiss her. “I like the way it sounds coming from your beautiful lips.”

Sir began slowly removing Brie’s clothes, beginning with her stockings. He rolled them down, one at a time, lifting her foot once it was free to examine it as if it were fine art. He kissed each toe tenderly before he started on the gown. Sir undressed her with such passion that he made the experience another form of foreplay.