Brie shrugged. “Once in a lifetime opportunity. Couldn’t let Autumn miss out, now, could I?” She then asked, “Autumn, would you like to meet the man who is going to make Lea fly today?”
She seemed startled by the suggestion and sat back down. “Oh no, I would prefer not to, Brie. Let me just sit here and watch.”
“If you’re sure,” Lea stated, “then it’s time to get this party started!”
“Let’s,” Brie agreed. She called up to Tono, “Are you ready?”
He gave her a thumbs-up, looping the first rope through the hanging metal ring above him. While Lea rejoined Tono on the stage, Brie readied the auditorium lights with a remote control, turning them down except for one solitary beam that shone from above, highlighting the couple.
She whispered to Autumn, “I’ll need you to be quiet through the entire performance. My mic will pick it up anything you say.”
“Got it.”
Even though Tono hadn’t given the signal to start, Brie turned on the camera to capture this moment. It was one of her favorite parts whenever she’d scened with Tono—the process of becoming in sync with each other before the formal scene began. Brie suspected movie-goers might find it as romantic as she did.
Lea knelt on the jute mat he’d placed on the floor, and Tono settled behind her with his hands on her shoulders. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. Brie knew that he was instructing her to breathe with him, as he slowly embraced her in his arms. Brie closed her eyes, slowing her own breath, and soon felt soothing peace enter her soul. She was amazed Tono still held that kind of power over her.
Brie opened her eyes to find him staring at her through the lens, waiting for her to begin the countdown. She blushed, held up her fingers and silently counted down from five before cuing the music.
The musical piece Tono had chosen for the performance was a combination of traditional flute and low bass drums. It started off dramatically but soon slowed to a sensual beat, drawing Brie into its erotic spell as Tono and Lea swayed to the captivating rhythm.
Brie adjusted the lighting, dimming it to a soft glow as she turned up the black lights, so the dyed jute could reveal its intense colors. She bit her lip as she watched Tono pick up the first bundle of rope and begin binding Lea in a rope harness of fluorescent purple. His movements were graceful, sensuous and precise.
Brie’s skin tingled as if she could feel the jute caressing her own skin with its magical touch.
The next color Tono chose was a bright pink, which he used to bind Lea’s wrists and legs. He pressed her gently to the floor, continuing his binding by tying Lea in a pose reminiscent of a dancing ballerina.
Tono stood, grabbed the glowing yellow rope from the metal ring above him, and secured Lea’s bonds to it. Brie leaned over, whispering to Autumn, “Lea’s about to fly.”
The two watched with rapt attention as Tono took the strands of rope and pulled on them with such skill that Lea was lifted gracefully from the ground, as if floating by her own power. He tied the jute off and cradled her face, kissing her on the lips before pushing against her shoulder to start her twirling in circles.
“Head back,” he commanded.
Lea threw her head back and the pose was complete, the ballerina caught in mid-air.
Brie heard Autumn gasp loudly, and smiled to herself. She didn’t reprimand the girl, because the vision before them was extraordinary and poignant. Gasping was a totally appropriate response that the audience would echo.
Tono continued, binding Lea in several different positions. Each was reminiscent of the last but building upon it, becoming more complicated and challenging as he progressed. The bindings the Asian Dom created accentuated Lea’s sexuality while remaining elegant, artfully emphasizing her female form as she floated gracefully above the stage.
The entire performance was breathtaking and romantic, enhanced by his occasional kisses and light touches throughout the scene. By the time Tono finished, Brie had fallen completely under his spell—along with Lea.
Brie turned off the camera and sighed quietly to herself. That was pure perfection, Tono…
Autumn clapped enthusiastically, the moment Brie stepped away from her camera. “Bravo, bravo!”
Lea was still coming down from subspace after the scene, and was a little slow as she attempted to walk down the steps of the stage. Tono took her by the arm and guided her, sitting her next to Autumn.
“Mr. Nosaka, that was incredible!” Autumn gushed, standing up to face him. “I’ve never seen anything like it, never imagined anything like it even existed.”
Tono held out his hand to shake hers. “Thank you for the kind words. I’m Ren Nosaka.”
She tilted her head, looking questioningly at him. “But Lea always calls you Tono Nosaka.”
“That’s my title because we work together. Tono means Master in Japanese.”
“Oh!” She giggled nervously. “Well, that explains that.”
To ease her obvious embarrassment, Brie asked, “What did you enjoy most about the performance, Autumn?”
“All of it! The rope, the music, the overall character of the dance—and it did feel like a dance to me. But what I loved most is that it also possesses the effortlessness found in ice skating.”
Brie noticed Tono staring intently at Autumn, and then he did something she would never have imagined the gentle Dom would. Tono reached over and gently tugged on Autumn’s veil so that it fell to one side, exposing her face.
“That’s much better,” he complimented.
Autumn stared at him in shock, but no words of protest escaped her lips. She automatically went to cover the scar on her face with her hand, but let it drop to her side.
“Brie told me you’re like poetry on the ice,” he said kindly. “I would like to see you skate sometime.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “I’m not nearly as graceful as you made Lea today.”
“I could teach to you to fly, Autumn.”
Her eyes widened as if she was enamored by the thought, but she quickly backpedaled. “Oh no, Mr. Nosaka. It wouldn’t be the same.” She knocked on her artificial leg. “I would look ridiculous up there.”
“You wouldn’t wear it,” he said with a confident smile.
A flush crept up Autumn’s face when she answered, “I couldn’t possibly, Mr. Nosaka.”
“Please call me Ren.”
“Okay…Ren,” she said, nervously twirling a strand of her hair with her finger.
Brie turned her attention to Tono and was struck by the change in his countenance. His eyes were sparkling and his smile melt-worthy. Was it possible a new romance was budding before her eyes?
Oh, please, please let it be so… she thought.
The Cat’s Out of the Bag
It 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 Todd 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 often. 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 be beneficial to 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 Todd.”
“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 Denver 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.”
“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 and set it on the table. “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—Anderson 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 Mr. Wallace and Tono.”
“We’re all praying for them, kitten,” Baron said compassionately.
“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 subs 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 added, “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 collea
gues. 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 explained. 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 divulge any more of his devious plan. “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.