Brie frowned as she took out her phone to check it again. “You know, I haven’t heard from him all day.”
He handed her the spoon. “Take a bite and I’ll tell you why.”
Brie brought a spoonful of the warm soup to her lips and slurped it, purring at the soothing meld of broth and herbs swirling on her tongue.
“One more,” he insisted.
She would have protested, but it tasted so good that she obliged.
“I got a call from his sister this evening. Apparently Thane’s phone disappeared—most likely stolen—although the tracking on it shows that it’s still in the hotel. The theft wasn’t discovered until late in the afternoon, after they returned from visiting his mother. He’s torn apart his room looking for it. From the little his sister shared, it sounds as if things are going badly over there.”
Brie’s heart dropped at the knowledge Sir might have experienced a day as difficult as hers. She hadn’t considered it, and felt terrible now for being short-sighted. “How is Sir?”
“I don’t know. The connection kept cutting out, so we had to keep the phone call short. Thane has no idea what happened with Nosaka today, which may be for the best—considering.”
Brie’s concern showed on her face.
“Another bite,” he insisted.
She swallowed another spoonful, pondering what he’d said. “I wonder why Sir didn’t call me using her phone?”
“I was told he tried several times but the calls failed to go through.”
It relieved Brie to know that Sir had made an attempt. She looked down at her soup, the day’s events weighing heavily on her. “I don’t know how I would have survived today without your strength, Master Anderson.”
“I’m grateful to have been of service, but I also owed you one. It’s fortunate Tono Nosaka survived the operation. Not only because he is a good man, but because losing him would have devastated many people in my circle. Hell, I don’t know if the Wolf Pup could have survived the guilt.”
“You’re not kidding. He’s taking it hard enough as it is.”
“I hope he doesn’t waste Nosaka’s sacrifice.”
“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen, Master Anderson.”
He took the utensil from her and fed her himself. “This must come from him. You are not responsible for what happens.”
She nodded, taking the next spoonful he offered her.
“After I finish with you here, I want you to take a warm shower and go straight to bed. That’s an order.”
She smiled. “Thank you, Master Anderson. For everything.”
“You have been strong, but I have a feeling you will be tested even further by Thane’s situation. Don’t lose heart, and if all else fails, eat a good soup. It will see you through.”
He wiped her mouth with a napkin once the whole bowl had been finished, then dismissed her. Brie did as he commanded, and was surprised when he came to tuck her in.
“Straight to sleep,” he ordered as he covered her with blankets.
Brie called out as he was leaving, “Sweet dreams, Master Anderson.”
“Same to you, young Brie.” He gave her a wink before turning off the light.
Once the door was shut, she turned on her phone for added light and pulled out her journal so she could write. She told Sir everything that had happened that day from the moment she woke up to now, sharing her hopes and fears to the smallest details, like Lea and Autumn’s awful jokes. She wanted him to feel he had been there with her the entire day, and desperately hoped he would do the same for her.
Afterwards, she grabbed Sir’s shirt and pressed it against her cheek. Brie was fearful of what was coming, but she fell asleep determined to meet it with courage.
Positive Force
Brie woke up to the subtle sound of her phone vibrating. She checked it and saw that Sir had texted her from Lilly’s phone. She dialed the number immediately.
“Sir, I’m so glad to reach you!”
“Shouldn’t you be asleep?” he asked. She was instantly alarmed because the tone of his voice sounded distant, cold.
“I was asleep, Sir, but I’ve been waiting for your call and woke when you messaged me.”
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” Sir said irritably, as if he regretted texting her.
“But I’m glad you did. I needed to hear your voice.”
He paused for a moment before replying, “Last night was rough. I’m still recovering from it.”
“What happened?”
He chuckled angrily. “I don’t know what kind of local concoction I drank, but I’m suffering from an intense headache today, and my memory of the evening has been compromised.”
Brie was deeply concerned. Sir wasn’t the kind of man to drown his sorrows with liquor. “Were you with Lilly last night?”
“She insisted we get out of the hotel and celebrate.”
“Celebrate what?” Brie was surprised having assumed things were not going well.
“Lilly saw my mother open her eyes briefly.” He let out a low groan. “It’s the last thing I need, Brie—the possibility that the Beast might recover.”
She couldn’t help questioning Lilly’s claim. “Do you think it’s possible she might have imagined it? We both know how close she was with your mother.”
“I have considered it, trust me. However, the only way to be sure is to have another scan for brain activity. I can’t cut life support until that question has been resolved. Based on Lilly’s excitement yesterday, I’m afraid she’ll be crushed when the results of the scan come in—and I can’t even consider the alternative.”
“It’s so sad, Sir. Either way, one of you is going to suffer.”
“Yes.”
When Sir didn’t say anything more and didn’t ask about the surgeries, Brie decided to share what had happened to Tono. Her voice caught when she said, “We…almost lost Tono.”
“What do you mean you almost lost him?”
“His heart stopped on the operating table.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she thought back on that moment. “They were able to revive him, but—”
“But what?”
“I saw it. I saw Tono’s lifeless body, Sir.” She broke down sobbing, unable to say more.
“I trust Brad was with you.”
She swallowed hard several times before she could quiet her sobs. “He was, Sir, and he was wonderful support. However, he isn’t you.”
Sir didn’t reply. As the silence stretched, Brie feared the phone connection had been lost.
“Sir?”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”
She suddenly regretted saying anything because of the pain she heard in his voice. “I’m fine, Sir. I don’t know what I would have done if Tono had died, but he didn’t.”
“How is Nosaka now?”
“When I left him last night he was in pain, but in good spirits.”
“And Wallace?”
“The fact that Tono’s heart stopped has really messed him up.”
“I’m not surprised. Wallace has lived with the guilt of that young man’s death for most of his life. I can only imagine what effect Nosaka’s own brush with death has had on him.”
“It’s bad, Sir. He looked so despondent after the surgery. I don’t think he’ll ever forgive himself.”
“If anyone can center Wallace, Nosaka is the man to do it.” Sir abruptly changed subjects. “Have you had time to work on the film?”
“I’ve filmed Tono’s scene. I hope to shoot Baron in the next day or two, but he says he needs permission from you.”
“Why would he require permission?”
“Baron wants to reenact the scene he and I did together the second day of training. He says it will involve the swing and clitoral stimulation with a toy, but no penetration.”
Another long pause followed before he answered. “I trust Baron, but question whether you would you be able to use the footage in the film.”
&n
bsp; “I believe so. I will be wearing clothing to cover the important parts, and if it’s shot properly, the action can be alluded to instead of shown.”
“Call Holloway to confirm it. If he gives you the green light, Baron has my permission to proceed with the scene.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Brie paused before asking, “I would also like permission to speak with Ms. Clark privately.”
“In regards to what?” he asked, sounding slightly annoyed.
“She wouldn’t say because Baron was present at the time.”
“You already know how I feel about Samantha, but if you’d rather not speak to her, you can tell her I would not allow it.”
“To be honest, Sir, I’m curious to find out why she wants to talk, but I can’t help thinking about Rytsar’s concern.”
“I highly doubt Samantha means you harm.”
Again, she noted the irritation in his voice and wondered at the cause. “You’re right, Sir. Thank you.”
“Let me know how the conversation goes. Is there anything else?”
He was trying to end the phone call, but she wasn’t ready to let him go, so she asked, “Do you mind if I read you my journal entry from yesterday?”
Her request was met with silence, but to her relief he finally said, “Please do.”
Brie read her emotional entry, choking on her tears several times as she read it to him. She waited to hear his response, hoping he would comfort her. Instead, she heard detachment in his voice when he confessed, “I was unable to write anything last night. I don’t even remember how Lilly and I made it back to the hotel.”
Goosebumps rose on her skin knowing Sir wasn’t engaged with her. She was certain something was fundamentally wrong with him. “Please talk to me, Sir.”
But he did not allow any further conversation, stating, “There’s nothing to talk about. Start your day, Brie.”
“I want to fly out to you.”
“I left you with a duty to perform. Give Nosaka my regards,” he ordered before hanging up.
She headed to the shower, needing to eliminate the cold chill that had settled over her. Afterwards she sought out Master Anderson, seeking his wisdom as a long-time friend of Sir.
Even though it was still early, Brie knocked lightly on his bedroom door. She heard nothing and was about to return to her room when the door opened. Master Anderson stood before her in nothing but his pajama bottoms.
When he saw the look on her face, he insisted that she come in, sitting her on his bed. “What’s going on?”
Brie looked around, suddenly distracted. Unlike Sir’s bedroom back home, there was nothing here that hinted at the BDSM lifestyle. She noticed family photos on the dresser but was too far away to see the faces of his kin. There was a feeling of intimacy being in his bedroom, as if another layer of the man was being peeled away.
“What’s this about?” he asked as he sat down beside her. “I assume you must have spoken to Thane.”
She nodded sadly. “You mentioned that Sir and I might be tested, and based on my conversation this morning, I’m afraid you’re right. Something’s wrong with Sir.”
“Tell me what happened.”
“I guess Lilly claimed that his mother opened her eyes, and she’s convinced the Beast is recovering. Naturally the idea of that has Sir in a tailspin.”
“I can only imagine…” Master Anderson muttered.
“But even more disturbing is the fact that Sir went out drinking with his sister last night and totally blacked out. That doesn’t sound like Sir at all.”
Master Anderson’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll see if I can’t talk to him myself. It could be that he doesn’t want to burden you with his problems after what happened to Tono.”
“I’d be grateful to hear if he shares anything more with you, Master Anderson.”
He growled under his breath. “Something is definitely wrong.”
“I know.” Brie’s bottom lip trembled as she fought back her tears.
Master Anderson held out his arms to her and she settled into them, soaking up his strength and comfort. He squeezed her tight, chuckling softly. “You are a tiny thing to carry so much weight on your shoulders. Would you like me to make you some more soup?”
She shook her head, a giggle escaping at the suggestion, even though she was upset. “I can handle whatever comes our way as long as I know what it is that I’m facing.”
Lifting her bodily from the bed, Master Anderson put her down facing the door. “Get yourself ready to head to the hospital. I’ll speak to Thane today and let you know what I learn.”
Brie left his room feeling more confident with Master Anderson on the case. She felt certain he could get Sir to confess what was really going on.
“Good morning, Tono.”
He looked up from his arm, where the nurse was drawing blood, and smiled at Brie. “Every new morning is a good morning.”
She nodded in agreement. “How are you feeling today?”
“Actually worse than yesterday.”
Brie frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Tono shrugged with a grimace. “It’s to be expected.”
“Well, if that’s the case, I hate to think how Todd is doing today.”
“I’m going to walk to his room so I can see for myself.”
“But you just had surgery!” she protested, not willing to have him sacrifice his health further.
Flora, the nurse, explained as she finished taking the last vial of blood, “Miss Bennett, it would be best if Mr. Nosaka starts walking today. It aids significantly in recovery.”
Brie frowned at Tono, still concerned. “But you’re already in so much pain…”
“And yet I must walk.”
Brie sighed in frustration, lamenting, “I wish I could take some of the pain—that I could help somehow.”
“You can. Once Miss Flora is done, take me for a stroll. Based on how I feel today, I have a suspicion that Mr. Wallace is in serious need of company.”
Flora glanced up with a look of concern on her face at the mention of Faelan, but quickly looked back down, continuing her work.
Tono told Brie, “And that’s all the motivation I need to get on my feet.”
Brie watched helplessly as Flora helped Tono to stand. Although he grimaced in pain several times, the Asian Dom never made a sound, but she noticed his white-knuckled grip on the IV pole.
Tono took a couple of deep breaths before asking, “Would you help me, Brie?”
She hurried over, offering her arm as support, but cringed when she heard his sharp intake of breath as he took his first step. Tono wobbled momentarily from the pain, but straightened his back and willfully took another.
“Excellent!” Flora praised from behind him. “With that kind of determination, you’ll be walking out the hospital doors in no time.”
He gave her a slight nod. “I’m certain that under your exceptional care, my recovery will be doubly quick.”
Tono took it slowly, halting several times to rest and regain his composure, but not giving up until he was standing in front of Faelan’s hospital room. It was no surprise to Brie that Todd’s parents were standing outside it, looking bereft.
Mrs. Wallace looked at Tono in shock. “How? How are you walking so soon after surgery?”
“It’s a requirement if I am to heal.”
She shook her head, tears falling down her wrinkled cheeks. “My boy is in no shape to walk. He seems even worse today than yesterday.”
“That is why Mr. Nosaka came to speak to him,” Brie said, putting her hand on the woman’s frail shoulder, instinctively wanting to comfort her. “He knows the pain your son is suffering and can help him to fight through it.”
Brie hadn’t been prepared to see Faelan in the same condition he’d been in on her first visit. His eyes were closed and he was breathing in short, shallow gasps.
“Mr. Wallace,” Tono called.
When he got no response, Brie begged, “Faelan, please open yo
ur eyes.”
His eyelids fluttered open, but when he saw who was standing before him, he closed them again, growling as he scratched weakly at his arm. “The itching won’t stop.”
“I’m sure you’ve been told that once the kidney starts functioning fully, the itching should cease.”
Faelan opened his tortured blue eyes and stared at Brie. “It’s driving me crazy, Brie. I can’t make it stop.”
“There is a solution,” Tono informed him.
Faelan’s gaze rested back on Tono, his tone desperate. “What?”
“Get out of the bed and start moving.”
Faelan’s nose crinkled into a sneer. “Are you out of your fucking mind, Nosaka? I can barely move, much less walk.” He scratched angrily at his chest, snarling more loudly.
“Trust me, the pain of moving should take your mind off the itching. It will also speed the healing process.”
Faelan huffed in resentment. “You may have donated your kidney, but you have no idea how much I’m suffering right now.”
Tono sat down slowly, sucking in his breath as he did so. Once he’d settled into the chair, he looked at Faelan and smiled. “I agree. I do not know the level of your suffering.”
Faelan stared at him, the anger in his eyes slowly transforming into guilt. “You almost died.”
Tono nodded. “I stopped breathing, it’s true. However, I was fully present. I saw the doctors working to revive my body and I felt the presence of Brie with me. It was a remarkable experience.”
Brie turned to him, stunned to hear he’d had an out-of-body experience. And yet…it gave her considerable comfort too. Even in death, they’d been connected.
“Why do you do that?” Faelan complained. “Why do you put a positive spin on everything?”
Tono raised an eyebrow. “It’s how I have chosen to lead my life. How have you chosen to lead yours?”
Faelan looked away, unable to meet Tono’s candid stare.
“You’ve been given a rare opportunity, Mr. Wallace. A second chance ripe with possibilities. What you decide to do with it is totally up to you. You are in control.”
“You make it sound so easy, Nosaka, but you have no idea how hard I’ve had it.”