Brie’s Mile High Club (Submissive in Love, #7) (11 page)

I
t had been a particularly hard day fighting to keep Faelan’s spirits up the day before his surgery. Brie returned to Master Anderson’s home early, collapsing on his couch.

“Bad day?”

“Sometimes I think Faelan actually beats me in the stubborn department, and that’s saying a lot,” she groaned, dragging her hands over her face in frustration. “That boy is killing me…”

Master Anderson sat down beside her. “Maybe you need a nice bullwhip session to get the tension out.”

“I hate to break it to you, Master Anderson, but I find your bullwhip is a tension-maker not a tension-taker.”

He laughed. “A cooking session, then?”

“Again, tension-maker.”

“A sure-fire tension releaser is rough sex, but since a good romp in the hay is out of the question, how about joining me in a practical joke?”

“We’re not pranking Ms. Clark again, are we?”

“No, my plans are far bigger, young Brie.”

She looked at him warily, but the distraction was desperately needed. “Count me in.”

“Good. You’ll be acting as my plant to help engage the others involved. I simply need you to react to what you see—overreacting would be even better.”

“Am I required to wear a ridiculous outfit?”

“No, but you’ll need to dress in businesslike attire. You’re going as one of the investors I’m meeting with tonight.”

“Sounds a tad boring.”

“Boring?” He laughed. “Never! I live for this stuff.”

“Hmm… I suddenly understand why you prank others so much. You’re in serious need of a permanent sub. By your own admission, ‘If a romp in the hay is not an option, pranking is the next best thing’.”

He shook his head, grinning. “Touché, young Brie, touché.”

Due to the upcoming surgery, Tono chose to remain at Master Anderson’s house to meditate. “I must ready my mind and body,” he explained when Brie asked if he wanted to join them.

“Of course, Tono. Would you rather I stay here with you?”

“No, a solitary evening would benefit me.”

“I support whatever you need,” Brie said, letting out an anxious sigh.

“Why the heavy heart?” he asked, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.

“I’m worried about you—about both you and Faelan.”

“Whatever happens is supposed to happen,” Tono assured her. “I’ve lived that truth my whole life.”

She was hesitant to express her deepest fear to him. “But Tono, this surgery carries serious risks.”

“There is no point in worrying about what
might
happen. If tomorrow is my last day—”

Brie was about to protest, but he put his fingers to her lips. “What would you want to say to me?”

Her lip trembled. She didn’t want to contemplate the worst out loud, but when he lifted his fingers she took the opportunity to speak from the heart. “Knowing you has changed my life, Tono Nosaka. You’ve become a part of me.”

“As you are a part of me. I tell you this with a full heart. If I were to die tomorrow I would have no regrets. I’ve lived a full life. There would be no reason to mourn.”

“But I would mourn, Tono.”

“And you would look back on this day and know that I’m okay.”

Brie closed her eyes, struggling not to cry. Tono responded to her unspoken pain by whispering, “No regrets…”

Brie arrived at the Academy with Master Anderson an hour before the Submissive Training course began. “It’s imperative that I have everything ready,” he explained, “but you can’t help, because I want your reaction to be as genuine as possible.”

“What do you want me to do until then?”

“Keep Baron company. He’s extremely allergi—No, never mind. Just go to the teacher’s lounge. You’ll find him there.”

Brie liked the assignment he’d given her and asked no more questions. She found Baron reading a newspaper while sipping a cup of coffee. He put the paper down when she entered the room. “What a pleasant surprise, kitten.”

“Master Anderson sent me. He said you might be a little bored while he sets up whatever this thing is that he’s setting up.”

Baron smirked. “That man is always hatching something. We’re lucky he doesn’t possess an evil bone in his body, or we’d all be in serious trouble.”

She sat down next to him, scooting her chair closer. “A little bird told me you’re planning to return to LA.”

He folded his newspaper. “I am. I was willing to stick it out here with Master Anderson, but the moment he informed the staff he was heading back to California, I volunteered to follow.”

“I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. LA hasn’t been the same without you.”

“I miss the old haunts, and never really found my groove here.”

“Will it be hard returning to the places that remind you of Adrianna?”

“I plan to move somewhere new—a fresh start in the city where she and I fell in love.”

Brie smiled, putting her hand on his. “She would like that.”

There was a sneeze on the other side of the door just before it opened. Ms. Clark waltzed in, her high heels clicking rapidly as she hurried to grab a tissue before she sneezed again. “Why does he do this to us?” she grumbled, wiping her nose.

Baron’s chuckle was deep and easy. “I can’t complain—he keeps things interesting here.”

Ms. Clark gave Brie an unexpected smile. “So, Miss Bennett, I see you’re back with us.”

“I’m only here tonight to help Master Anderson. I’m planning on being at the hospital most of this trip to look after Faelan and Tono.”

“We’re all praying for them, kitten,” Baron said.

“Thank you. I’m sure it will go well, but—”

“There are no buts, Miss Bennett. They will both be fine,” Ms. Clark interjected.

Brie nodded, knowing there was no solace to be found with Ms. Clark.

The Domme changed the subject by asking her, “Are you almost done filming the second documentary?”

Brie didn’t mind the shift in the discussion and answered, “I’m close.” She turned to Baron. “That reminds me. I would really love to film you, Baron. Would you be willing?”

“Let me think on it. I saw how Faelan was hounded by desperate women after your first film came out. I’m not interested in that kind of attention.”

“I’ll respect whatever you decide,” Brie answered, still hoping he would consent.

“Miss Bennett,” Ms. Clark barked, “I would like to have a private conversation with you at some point while you’re here.”

Brie’s heart rate shot up when she turned to face the Domme, Rytsar’s warning coming to her mind. “What about?” she asked lightly.

Ms. Clark inclined her head toward Baron. “It’s
private
.”

Stalling for time before she gave a definitive answer, Brie replied, “Before I commit, I’d like to talk to Sir.”

“If you feel you must,” the Domme stated dismissively, before sneezing into her tissue. “The hell I put up with working under that man.”

Baron laughed. “You know you love it, Samantha. Why else would you join in?”

“I only do it because I respect Brad as my Headmaster,” Ms. Clark said defensively, but then her lips curled into a dangerous smile. “Of course, seeing the reaction of his intended victims is always entertaining.”

Master Anderson popped his head in, addressing Brie. “Are you ready? The show is about to begin.” He handed her a pair of glasses, as well as a tablet and stylus. “We need you looking the investor part. Just write down anything that sounds important while I give my sales pitch.”

“As for you, Baron,” Master Anderson said, “remain here until Lisa confirms the facility has been cleared. You’ll be heading the panel during my absence tonight.”

“Good luck,” Baron replied.

“With fifty—” Master Anderson looked at Brie and stopped short, shrugging his shoulders. “What could possibly go wrong?”

“Not a thing,” Baron said, chuckling.

When Brie slipped on the plastic frames, Master Anderson whistled in appreciation. “I knew you’d make an enchanting geek, Miss Bennett.” He rushed her out of the room, explaining, “The first of the investors should be arriving any minute.”

Master Anderson escorted her to the front entrance, telling his secretary, “Lisa, I have a last-minute addition to our list of investors. A Kristoffer Larson will be joining us.”

“Certainly, Master Anderson.”

He smiled mischievously when he shared, “Gunnar Larson and I have an ‘accidental’ encounter planned. It should prove entertaining.”

“Of course,” Lisa answered, grinning to herself as she dutifully added the name to her list.

He whispered to Brie, “We have a little love connection in the works. Gunnar suspects Kristoffer and one of our current students—a cute little redhead named Pamela that I’ve had my eye on—might be the perfect match. Gunnar’s hopeful a nudge in the right direction might set things in motion for these two unsuspecting colleagues. Tonight, we’ll see if his instincts prove right.”

“That’s so romantic,” Brie cooed.

“But it’s not why you’re here,” Master Anderson stated. He opened his mouth to say more, then groaned, as if not telling her was a great sacrifice to him. “No, I can’t say another word, damn it!”

She laughed, loving that he was fighting not to tell her. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned, Master Anderson.”

Brie took on her businesswoman persona the moment the first investor entered the school. She held her back straight and crossed one leg in front of the other to make for a more pleasing form to the eye.

Master Anderson strode over to greet the first man, his whole demeanor suddenly morphing into that of a serious business owner. “Welcome to the Denver Academy, Mr. Rodriguez…”

Brie watched in admiration as he interacted with each individual as they came in. They not only responded to his obvious knowledge of the business, but his natural charisma. She noticed, however, that he kept glancing towards the front doors, stalling for time.

The moment a middle-aged gentleman with a solemn disposition entered the school, Master Anderson strode over, holding out his hand. “Ah, you must be Kristoffer Larson. Glad you could make it—I was beginning to worry. I know Gunnar voiced particular interest in this property.”

The man did not smile as he shook Master Anderson’s hand. “I apologize for being late. There was a five-car pileup on I-70 near Georgetown. It couldn’t be helped.”

Brie watched covertly as they talked. She was struck by the contrast between the two men. Master Anderson was tall and muscular, with jet-black hair, chiseled good looks, and a winning smile, whereas Mr. Larson was leaner, but toned, with shoulder-length blond hair slightly gray at the temples, furrowed brows, and a somber expression on his handsome face.

Observing the man more closely, however, Brie noticed that Mr. Larson seemed unsettled, as if something were weighing on him. When he caught her staring, his gaze held hers because of the intensity of those piercing blue eyes—a Dom for sure.

She smiled apologetically, pretending to adjust her glasses before turning her focus back to Master Anderson. There was no doubt in Brie’s mind that the serious-minded man could benefit from Master Anderson’s friendly nudging.
Oh, Mr. Larson, you have no idea what you’re in for…

“Before we enter the school proper,” Master Anderson said, standing at the front to address the group, “let me explain the concept behind the Denver Academy. While we run both a Submissive and Dominant Training Program, tonight I will focus solely on the submissive aspect. Our training consists of an intensive six-week course that tests and refines the men and women chosen to attend our classes. Each night they begin with a formal lesson, then they move on to a practice session critiqued by a panel of Dominants, and finish with a personalized practicum centered around the individual’s interests and talents. At the end of each week of the course, we hold an auction attended by vetted Dominants from the community. They take our students for an extended excursion outside the walls of the school, where the submissives receive additional practice and a written critique by the winning Dominant. In every way, we strive to prepare our students to become skilled submissives who are not only confident in their talents, but also highly sought-after by the BDSM community worldwide.”

“Isn’t there a school like that in California?” one of the investors asked.