Brie's Submission (7-9) (Brie's Submission Boxed Set Book 3)

  She actually blushed when he turned his full attention on her. “I’ve always been partial to the house wine here.”

  The woman bowed her head slightly, a flirtatious smile spreading on her lips. “You wouldn’t happen to be Brad Anderson, would you?”

  “I am. Do I know you?”

  “No, but one of our servers does. Mandy described you to a T.” The girl laughed coyly. “Oh, won’t she be crying tomorrow when she finds out you were here.”

  “Please give Mandy my best regards.” Master Anderson turned and asked Brie, “And what you would like, my pet?”

  The waitress stared unabashedly at the collar around Brie’s neck. There was no doubt she knew exactly who he was.

  Brie smiled affectionately at Master Anderson, wanting everyone at the table to know how much she cared for the man. “I’d be honored to have whatever you’re having, Master.”

  “Perfect. Bring a carafe and glasses for everyone.”

  Amy held up her hand. “Please, none for me.” When Master Anderson questioned her on it, she explained with a blush, “I’m still breastfeeding.”

  “Ah…” He glanced at Brie, looking chagrined.

  “So, you still have quite the reputation here,” Brie said after the waitress left, wrapping her arm around his muscular one. “I’m not sure if I should feel jealous or proud, Master.”

  Master Anderson kissed the top of her head. “No need for jealousy, my pet. No one holds a candle to you.”

  Troy’s unease increased and an uncomfortable silence settled over the table until Amy burst out, “Oh, my goodness! Is that an engagement ring I see on your finger?”

  Brie looked down at her glittering diamond and then at Master Anderson, curious how he would handle it.

  He smirked, obviously thrown off by the discovery but not one to back down. “It’s true, a marriage is in our near future.”

  Amy grinned. “I’m so happy for you both! It’s plain to see how much you’re in love with each other.”

  Brie blushed when Master Anderson took her hand and kissed it. He looked deeply into her eyes and said, “Brie’s a rare gem.”

  Troy interrupted. “Brad, I don’t mean to sound rude, but this feels like a setup to me.”

  Master Anderson nodded, a look of newfound respect on his face. “You’re right, Troy. I do have an ulterior motive for this meeting.”

  “Which is?”

  Master Anderson kissed Brie’s hand again before setting it on his muscular thigh. “I’m moving to Los Angeles and doubt I will return.” He glanced at Amy. “I wanted to clear the air between us before I left Denver.”

  “I’ve wanted that too, Brad. I care about you and hate having this ‘strangeness’ between us,” Amy said, relief on her face.

  Master Anderson turned back to Troy and stated, “I owe you an apology.”

  Troy seemed taken aback. “That’s probably the last thing I expected you to say.”

  “Well, I’ve had a lot of time to think. Although I can justify my actions back then, the fact is I acted dishonorably and it has haunted me since.”

  Troy stared at Master Anderson as if he were seeing the man for the first time. “Again, you surprise me.”

  “I suppose you could say that I’ve gotten a little older and wiser.”

  “Brad,” Amy said with compassion, “I understood why you did what you did, based on the little you knew of Troy. Every time you and I got together it seemed like I was recovering from losing him.”

  “I only wanted to protect you, Amy.”

  Her smile held a hint of sadness when she answered, “I know.”

  Master Anderson addressed Troy again. “It appears you really are as good a man as she claimed.”

  Troy seemed troubled by the admission, and took a sip of wine before replying. “I suppose I owe you an apology as well.”

  “How so?”

  “Amy always insisted you were acting in her best interests, but I didn’t believe it. I’ve never liked you.”

  Master Anderson actually smiled. “Understandable. We were rivals.”

  “It was more than that.” He glanced at Brie and asked, “Do you mind if I speak frankly?”

  “Not at all,” Brie encouraged.

  “Brad, I’ve never forgiven you for what you did to Amy. When I saw the bruises I wanted to kill you.”

  Master Anderson threw back his head and laughed. “Finally, the truth comes out.”

  “It was no laughing matter to me,” Troy stated angrily.

  “You do realize it was consensual.”

  Troy glanced at Amy. “She said as much, but I’ve never understood it—how a man could hurt a woman like that.”

  “Maybe I can provide some clarity,” Brie offered. She lifted Master Anderson’s strong, masculine hand and held it in both of hers before continuing. “This man has the unique ability to please a woman on a level she never knew existed. It is done with respect and a deep-seated desire to please her. Any marks left behind are something to be cherished, because they remind her of that special encounter.”

  This time it was Amy who shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Brie knew she must be remembering her encounters with Master Anderson and thought, Poor girl, you probably haven’t known that kind of satisfaction since.

  “Thank you, Brie,” Troy said. “I’ve never had it explained to me that way before.” He looked apologetically at Amy. “Although you tried to tell me that on several occasions.”

  “I’m grateful Brie was able to shed some light on it,” Amy said, a blush creeping over her cheeks.

  Troy addressed Master Anderson again. “So I must apologize for hating you. It appears there was no cause.”

  Master Anderson shook his head. “Let’s be honest. You had a legitimate reason for hating me. I did everything in my power to win her over.” He looked directly at Amy while still speaking to him. “And if I’m completely honest, I’m still in love with her.”

  Amy gasped, tears filling her eyes as she abruptly stood up and murmured, “If you’ll excuse me.” She ran off to the bathroom before Troy could stop her.

  He sat back down, glaring at Master Anderson. “What was the point of that?”

  “I wanted to be open, to lay it all out there so Amy and I could experience the closure we both seek.”

  “Did you honestly think that confession would help any of us?”

  Master Anderson shrugged. “If you think for one second she doesn’t know I still love her, you’re only kidding yourself.”

  “What about Brie? Don’t you have any regard for your fiancée’s feelings, or is she supposed to accept it because you’re her Master?” Troy said with disgust.

  “She knows exactly how I feel, Mr. Dawson. Just because I still care about Amy doesn’t change how I feel about Brie. That is one important skill you lack. I know how to communicate openly with my partner.”

  Troy’s eyes narrowed. “I beg to differ.”

  “I’m curious, Dawson,” Master Anderson said. “Why did you agree to meet with me today?”

  “Because I love Amy and I knew she needed this.”

  “Admirable.”

  Amy returned to the table, smiling apologetically. “I’m sorry about that.”

  After she sat down, Troy took her hand. “Were you aware he still had feelings for you?”

  She cringed, but answered, “I wasn’t sure…”

  “Come on, Amy,” Master Anderson urged.

  “I did suspect there might be something,” the redhead admitted, looking down at her lap, her face turning a deep shade of crimson.

  “Does it affect how you feel about Troy?” Master Anderson asked.

  Her head popped up and she answered defiantly, “Of course not.”

  “Then why did you run?” Troy asked gently.

  “It was so uncomfortable, my love. I didn’t want you to be hurt by his words.” She kissed Troy on the lips, then glanced at Master Anderson. “And I hate knowing I hurt you.”

  She sh
ifted her gaze to Brie. “I’m sorry for hurting him.”

  Brie grinned. “You followed your heart, Amy. There’s no reason to apologize for that.”

  She smiled gratefully. “Thank you for saying that, Brie, because you’re right, I had no other choice. I had to follow my heart.”

  Master Anderson pushed his chair back. “So there we have it, the truth laid out in all its ugly yet glorious beauty.”

  “What are we supposed to do with it?” Troy questioned.

  “Accept it, I suppose. I will always love Amy, but I have a new respect for you and I’m glad to see she’s happy.”

  Amy nodded. “And I’m glad that you’re getting married soon and will experience the same happiness. Who knows? Our kids may even play together someday.”

  “Oh no, we’re not having kids.” Master Anderson stated, grasping Brie’s chin and kissing her passionately on the lips. “She and I have no interest in messy diapers.”

  Amy laughed at his assertion. “We’ll see about that…”

  The waitress came up with the check and whispered to Master Anderson, “If you ever need an extra partner or anything, my number’s inside.”

  He opened the check and handed back her number. “I could never do that to Mandy. I hope you understand.”

  The woman took the paper, muttering, “Of course,” before she rushed off.

  Troy raised his eyebrow. “Does that happen often?”

  Brie laid her head on Master Anderson’s beefy shoulder. “More than you know, but he always lets them down gently.”

  Troy grunted. “I suppose I had you pegged all wrong, Brad. Thank you for this meeting today. It has been enlightening, to say the least.”

  “For me as well,” Master Anderson agreed.

  As soon as the baby started to fuss, Master Anderson stood and held out his hand to Troy. “So, we’d better be going. I wish you both well.”

  Troy took his hand and shook it heartily. “I wish you success in your marriage, as well as the move to California.”

  Amy picked up her crying child, cradling him against her chest, and the boy instantly quieted. Brie thought the interaction was beautiful and smiled at Amy.

  “We would love an invite to the wedding,” Amy begged.

  Master Anderson shook his head. “Sorry, Mrs. Dawson, the wedding won’t be held in Colorado. However, I appreciate the sentiment.”

  His casual statement caught Brie’s attention. Was it possible that Master Anderson knew where her wedding would be? Surely, Sir must have told him… “I’m curious about the location, Master…”

  Amy’s eyes sparkled with intrigue. “You mean you don’t know where your own wedding will be?”

  Brie shook her head, smiling at Master Anderson. “But I’d sure love a hint.”

  Master Anderson laughter filled the restaurant. “My lips are sealed, pet. I’m not spoiling the surprise for you.”

  “Drat,” she pouted.

  When the baby fussed again, Brie walked over to Troy. “It has certainly been a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Dawson. I must say you have a lovely wife and the cutest little boy.”

  “Thank you. I’ve enjoyed sharing lunch with you. I hope our paths cross again.”

  “Me too,” she said with sincerity.

  Brie hugged Amy next, the baby between them. “You have a beautiful family.”

  “Thanks, Brie. It’s been a real treat getting to know you better.”

  “I feel the same way.”

  “Come, pet,” Master Anderson commanded.

  Brie played with the collar around her neck so that Troy noticed, and purred, “My pleasure, Master.”

  She trusted Troy would take the hint, hoping Amy might enjoy a little side of kink in the near future…

  Tono Experiences Flight

  Brie was shaking with excitement as she pulled up to the Academy.

  Tono laughed beside her. “You’re behaving like a little kid at Christmas.”

  “That’s exactly how I feel, Tono,” she giggled. “You know me so well—you always have.” She reached over and opened the glove box, pulling out the small container that held the orchid comb he’d given her. “I never film without it.”

  Tono opened the box and lifted out the delicate white orchid, admiring the flower. “Do you mind if I put it in your hair?”

  “Please, it would be my honor.”

  He smiled as he carefully placed it in her hair, his lips coming dangerously close to hers in the process. In another time and place, she would have leaned forward to kiss those lips, but neither of them made a move towards the other.

  Tono sat back to admire it when he was finished. “It looks as good in your dark hair as I’d hoped.”

  Brie lightly touched the petals and smiled. “Thank you, Tono. I’ve gotten many compliments on it.”

  “It’s unique, like you.”

  She gazed into his chocolate-brown eyes, trembling with joy. Something was going to happen today, she could feel it in her bones.

  He looked at her questioningly. “What’s got you so anxious?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe because I get to film you today? I never thought I would have the chance again and you know I love watching you in your element. The icing on the cake is that I get to hang with Lea and you get to meet Autumn. I think this is mounting up to be the perfect storm of happiness.”

  Tono looked at her curiously. “I didn’t realize Autumn was coming.”

  “I hope you don’t mind. I invited her as soon as I knew you would be partnering with Lea.” Brie got out of the car and popped the trunk, handing Tono his heavy duffel bag full of jute. He slung it over his shoulder and offered to take some of her equipment, while Brie explained, “This is a rare chance for her to see what Lea does. Plus Autumn is such a graceful person on the ice, I’m certain she’ll fall in love with your art.”

  “If you think she’ll enjoy it, I’m fine with her watching.”

  Brie stopped pulling out her camera equipment from the car for a moment to warn him, “She’s really shy, Tono. Autumn has never seen bondage of any kind, so this is a huge step for her. Don’t be offended if she hides from you.”

  Tono gave her a half-smile. “I’ll keep that in mind when we meet.”

  Brie picked up the rest of the equipment, bumping shoulders with him. “I can’t believe you’re really here with me!”

  As they walked towards the school, she thought back to the dream she’d had about Tono a few nights earlier, and realized that it must have been her soul hinting at their upcoming reunion. The soul connection she had with him was truly rare and beautiful.

  While Brie set up her camera equipment in the auditorium, Tono laid out all his rope on the stage. He then hung the black lights that would add to his unique performance. “I’ve chosen a toned-down version of my act, since you’ll be filming it for the documentary.”

  “That’s perfect, I thin—”

  Hands covered Brie’s eyes as big boobs pressed against her back. “Guess who?”

  “Pamela Anderson?”

  Lea giggled as she turned Brie around. “Aren’t you cute?”

  Brie noticed that Lea was wearing the red kimono she’d worn for Brie’s twenty-third birthday surprise. Seeing it brought back a flood of pleasant memories involving the three of them… She grabbed her best friend, squeezing the breath out of Lea. “Oh, I’ve missed you!”

  Lea gave as good as she got, and the two were left gasping for air by the time they were done.

  Then Lea turned to Tono, bowing formally. “I’m thrilled to be working with you again, Tono Nosaka.”

  “I’m looking forward to it as well, Ms. Taylor.”

  Lea grinned, bursting out, “By the way, I’ve got a joke for you.”

  Brie groaned. “Why am I not surprised?”

  Lea was not deterred by her lack of enthusiasm. “So, God, in all His wisdom, promised the Dominants that good and obedient subs would be found in all the corners of the Earth…then He made the world round.
”

  Tono chuckled lightly.

  “A+ for me!” Lea squealed.

  Brie teased her, “Forced to grade your own jokes these days?”

  “Hey, I’m the only one who judges them fairly.”

  Brie hugged Lea again, her heart overflowing with happiness. She wanted so desperately to beg Lea to come back to LA, but knew the decision was not an easy one for her friend. In the end, what Brie honestly wanted was for Lea to remain true to her heart, even if it meant staying in Denver.

  “So, Tono Nosaka, is there anything I need to know about this scene today?” Lea asked.

  He led her up onto the stage and went over the progression of the rope ties. Brie went back to setting up. She looked through the camera’s lens, focusing it on her best friend, and watched Lea nod enthusiastically while Tono explained the scene to her. Brie felt a twinge of jealousy knowing that her girlfriend was going to experience flight with the jute Master.

  Once again, woman, you owe me one.

  Brie nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt an unexpected tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Autumn, dressed in blue jeans and a T-shirt, wearing a thin veil that covered the lower half of her face.

  “I’m sorry, Brie. I didn’t mean to startle you like that.”

  “Oh, no, that’s okay.” She giggled, hugging Autumn tightly. “I’m glad you made it!”

  “Me too. I’ve wanted to see what Lea does here.”

  “Well, you’re in luck, because you’ll also get to see Ren Nosaka, a world-renowned Kinbaku artist. Since they’re going over the scene right now, why don’t you sit beside me and we can chat while I finish setting up?”

  Autumn quietly took a seat, admiring the comfortable leather auditorium chair. “I didn’t realize the school was going to be such a fancy place.”

  “Master Anderson believes in quality.”

  “I see that.” Autumn watched as Brie finished making the final adjustments to her equipment, and commented, “You must enjoy making films.”

  “I love it!” Brie answered, not holding back the excitement she felt towards her craft.

  Lea heard them talking and looked down from the stage. “Is that Autumn?”

  “In the flesh!”

  Lea let out a joyous squeal as she ran down the steps. She hugged Autumn tight, looking over her shoulder at Brie. “You sneaky devil.”