“And you have no idea about me,” Tono stated firmly. “Still, you can choose to be a positive force in the world or a negative one. I see no point in wasting my life being negative.”
Faelan looked at Brie and said in an accusatory tone, “I suppose you subscribe to the same philosophy?”
“It comes naturally to me.”
He rolled his eyes. “Well, it doesn’t for this man.”
Tono struggled to stand, accepting Brie’s help when she offered it. Once he was on his feet, he straightened his back with great effort. “It’s as easy as that. I choose to stand, even though it hurts. I accept the assistance of others because it eases the journey.”
He held out his hand to Faelan. “Stand with me, Mr. Wallace.”
“There’s no way I can walk,” he retorted.
“I’m only asking you to stand. Each obstacle you overcome will make you stronger.”
Inspired, Faelan attempted to swing his legs over the edge of the bed after Brie lowered the side rail. He grunted in pain and frustration after several attempts, then lay still. When Brie tried to help, he slapped her hands away irritably.
“Get away, I can do this.” After resting for several minutes he tried again, but the pain proved too much. “I can’t,” he finally cried, laying his head back in defeat.
“Why didn’t you take Brie’s hand?” Tono asked.
“I’m a man, damn it, not a mouse.”
“You look like a mouse to me.”
Faelan’s nostrils flared in anger. He gritted his teeth as he lifted himself again, letting Brie help him to swing his legs over the edge of the bed. He reluctantly took the hand she offered as he pushed himself off. The jolt when his feet made contact with the ground caused him to grunt in pain, but he slowly straightened his back and glared at Tono, eye to eye.
The Asian Dom bowed his head in acknowledgement. “A good effort. The next few weeks will forge your character in ways you cannot foresee, and will solidify why you were spared those many years ago.”
Tono had purposely exposed Faelan’s greatest fear—the burden of surviving, which he had carried all his adult life. The look of vulnerability on Faelan’s face when he stared at Tono nearly did Brie in.
“You believe that, Nosaka?”
“I know it for a fact. You were meant for great things, Todd Wallace, and this was the path you were destined to take in order to prepare for it.”
When Brie saw Faelan wobble slightly on his feet, she took his arm and helped him back onto the bed. He continued to stare at Tono, as if he were afraid to believe him.
“You can endure pain, and you can do the same with disappointment, because both will hone your spirit. In some ways they are our greatest allies, even though we resent their company.”
“Is that what life is to you, Nosaka? A constant struggle?” Faelan asked, shaking his head. “What’s the point of going on if we’re only meant to suffer?”
“I don’t feel that way at all. I’m simply sharing my philosophy on living a satisfying life. I invite the lessons of pain and disappointment so that I will not dwell on them. Without resentment, I am free to enjoy the many facets this life has to offer.” He looked at Brie. “Including deep and abiding friendships.”
Brie looked at Tono, overcome by a feeling of love and gratitude. Faelan noted the expression on her face.
“Are you truly happy, blossom?”
She met his gaze and smiled. “Yes, I am.”
Faelan tilted his head slightly as he studied her. “That must be why I found you attractive when we met. I never understood my obsession with you until now.”
She gave him a questioning look. “I’m not quite sure how to take that.”
“You are a positive force in the world.”
She blushed under the intensity of his magnetic blue eyes and murmured, “Thank you.”
Faelan growled unexpectedly as he started scratching again. “God, I hate this constant itching. It’s going to be the death of me.”
“Think of it as purposeful torture.” Tono suggested. “You are being tested to prove which is more powerful—the discomfort, or your will.”
Faelan breathed in deeply, forcing himself to stop scratching. After a few seconds he snarled, his body twitching in discomfort. “It’ll require everything I have to fight against it.”
Brie encouraged him, “Then let it take over. Don’t fight it. I know it goes against your nature, but by submitting to the sensation—mentally allowing it—you’ll tap in to a different kind of strength… At least, that has been my experience as a submissive.”
“Sage advice,” Tono agreed.
“I suppose if that fails,” Faelan snorted angrily, “I’ll try standing again, ’cause that hurts like a motherfucker.”
Tono chuckled, then groaned in pain. “On that note, I will return to my own bed, but I don’t plan on remaining there long.” Tono grasped his IV pole and started towards the door.
Faelan called out, “Nosaka.”
Tono turned slowly to face him.
“I appreciate it.” Although he was obviously uncomfortable expressing himself, Faelan continued, “The kidney, the risk you took… This second chance—I won’t let you down.”
“I know your character, Mr. Wallace, and never questioned your success.”
Faelan surprised Brie by putting his hands together and bowing his head to Tono.
Tono let go of the pole and returned the bow, a look of mutual respect on his face.
Brie felt lighter in spirit as she followed Tono out of the room, sincerely impressed by both men. Tono had the ability to strike at the heart of a problem, but in a way that empowered the individual, while Faelan remained young and stubborn, but showed an inner strength few possessed—now it was laced with a newfound humility that would carry him even farther.
She walked alongside the Kinbaku Master as he made the arduous trek back to his room. Brie stared at him in wonder as they walked, blurting, “You saved a life—literally. There aren’t many people who can make that claim, Tono.”
“To have that kind of opportunity is rare,” he agreed, smiling even though he was panting with effort from the walk.
“Todd is lucky to have you in his life,” she said, wrapping her arm around him in support, “but not half as lucky as me.”
Baron’s Sultry Session
Brie was surprised to come across Ms. Clark just outside the hospital when she was leaving. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to pay my respects. Why so shocked, Miss Bennett?”
“I suppose I’m not used to seeing you outside the school setting, Ms. Clark,” Brie muttered, feeling completely unprepared for a confrontation with her.
The Domme put her fingertips together, highlighting her long, blood-red nails. “I wanted to inform you that I will be present when you film with Baron.”
“That’s not necessary,” Brie assured her, feeling her hackles rise at the suggestion.
“Nonsense. You need someone to film the tight shots, don’t you? I’m the best option you’ve got if you want it to pass Mr. Holloway’s exacting standards.”
“You have experience shooting film?” Brie asked her in disbelief.
Ms. Clark’s eyes twinkled with unsettling merriment. “There’s so little you know about me, Miss Bennett. If you would prefer someone else, I’ll respect your wishes. However, I guarantee you’ll compromise the shoot if you do.” Ms. Clark gave her a nod and walked into the hospital without allowing Brie a chance to respond.
Unfortunately, Ms. Clark’s assertion proved to be right. Brie was unable to find anyone comfortable enough with the camera to take over the shoot for her. She lamented the fact to Master Anderson that night.
“You should be grateful. It’s rare for Samantha to offer help of that nature.”
“Well, it doesn’t feel like an honor to me. It feels like she’s spying on me because Sir’s not around. Speaking of Sir, were you able to reach him today?”
Ma
ster Anderson shook his head. “I left several messages on Lilly’s phone and eventually ended up calling the hotel. Although I speak very little Chinese, I established that he was out for the day, as was Lilly.”
Brie frowned.
“Until we hear differently, let’s assume that whatever is happening has his full attention. I’m sure he’ll call later when he has the time and inclination.”
Brie grudgingly took his advice, but found it difficult to concentrate as she drove to the Denver Academy. She arrived an hour early, not thrilled about having to scene with Baron in front of her former trainer. She was certain the Domme would be looking for flaws to point out to her later.
She had convinced herself that Ms. Clark didn’t care for the idea of her being alone with Baron, even though Sir had given his permission. The thought of that provoked Brie to no end, but there was little she could do. Mr. Holloway had made it clear in her last meeting that she needed different angles and plenty of close-ups capturing facial expressions in each scene. Brie was afraid the lack of those elements had been the reason Holloway nixed Marquis’ compelling performance. With so little time left, she couldn’t afford to make the same mistake twice.
She placed Tono’s flower in her hair and calmly waited for the Domme. When she heard the clicking of heels out in the hallway, Brie lifted her chin. She greeted Ms. Clark with a smile when the formidable woman entered the theater.
“Miss Bennett, it’s fortunate we finally have a chance to speak alone.”
“I’m sure you won’t mind if I set up while we talk,” Brie answered, wanting to establish that the film was her primary focus.
“We’re both professionals here,” Ms. Clark replied coolly, but Brie didn’t miss the hint of annoyance lurking behind her tone.
It might have thrown Brie off in her earlier days, but she took a deep breath and set to work placing her reflectors. “What do you want to talk about, Ms. Clark?”
Her answer took Brie completely by surprise. “I want to speak to you about Lea.”
Brie stopped what she was doing and stared at the Domme.
Is Ms. Clark about to confess her love?
“What about Lea?”
“I’m sure she’s mentioned her feelings for me.”
Brie nodded.
“Although I’m fond of the girl, it’s recently become an issue.”
Brie suddenly felt ill. “What do you mean, an issue?”
“As you’re aware, Master Anderson is going to head the school in LA and Baron plans to join him, but I’ve gotten the impression that Lea plans to stay for my sake.”
Feeling the need to protect Lea, Brie kept her answer vague. “She hasn’t decided yet. I know she likes Denver, and her friend Autumn lives here.”
Ms. Clark narrowed her eyes. “Miss Bennett, don’t be coy with me. Lea has declared her love on several occasions.”
Brie stared at her numbly, feeling certain her best friend was about to get her heart broken by the Domme.
“As I said, I…care about Lea,” Ms. Clark stated, a red hue coloring her cheeks. Maybe Brie had misread the situation. “Because of that, I need you to do me a favor.”
“Go on.”
“Since you are such good friends with Lea, I was hoping you could convince her to return to LA when Master Anderson leaves.”
Brie’s jaw dropped. “But you just said—”
“Lea is an extraordinary person, but she’s still young. I want to see her take full advantage of her potential while she remains free and unattached.” There was a hint of regret in her voice when she added, “I’ve wasted too many years chasing ghosts. Lea should not suffer for it.”
“So you love Lea?” Brie asked hesitantly.
The Domme shot Brie a look that let her know she had overstepped her bounds by asking. However, Ms. Clark surprised her by responding to her question a few moments later. “It’s the reason I’m letting her go. She wouldn’t leave if she knew my true feelings—you and I both know that.”
For the first time, Brie felt empathy for the woman.
“You need to make a strong case for Lea to return to LA. It’s best if she feels she made the decision to leave. It’ll comfort her if she has moments of doubt later on.”
“What about you?” Brie asked, realizing this would be the second time Ms. Clark had lost out on love.
“I’ll be taking charge of the Dominant Training at the Academy. I need to focus on my skills rather than relationships.”
The Domme’s candidness left Brie mute. She returned to setting up her equipment. “I’ll do what I can, but you know Lea has a mind of her own. She’s held out hope you would collar her.”
Ms. Clark surprised Brie by coming up behind her, so close that she could feel the woman’s warm breath on her neck. “I’m depending on you to release her from that dream, Miss Bennett.”
Brie didn’t move, her heart suddenly racing. She turned to face the Domme and found herself staring at Ms. Clark’s sensuous red lips.
“I’ll…do my best.” It was unsettling having those bright-red lips so close to hers. Why on Earth did she have the urge to kiss them? Brie shook her head and scooted away. This wasn’t the first time she’d felt an uncharacteristic stirring for her former trainer.
What was it about the woman that inspired such an instinctual—albeit unwanted—attraction? She found herself blushing and turned away, hoping Ms. Clark hadn’t noticed.
“Succeed, Miss Bennett, or I will be forced to hurt her, and I don’t want it to end like that between us.”
Brie could better understand her friend’s obsession with the Mistress now that she knew Lea’s affections were returned, but she wondered if it was possible to break her of such a powerful attraction—especially if there was any chance Lea suspected Ms. Clark’s true feelings.
It seemed like an impossible task, but for Lea’s sake, she would try.
Baron entered the theater, a playful smile on his lips as he asked in his deep, baritone voice, “Are you ready for me, kitten?”
Brie felt familiar chills as memories of their first encounter together flooded her mind. “Baron!”
Ms. Clark picked up the camera, pretending to look over the equipment as she composed herself. Brie caught the Domme staring at her intensely on several occasions as Brie talked to the Dom. She wondered if Ms. Clark regretted being so open with her. She’d certainly exposed a side of herself Brie had never seen before.
While Baron waited, Brie changed into simple black lingerie that showed skin but did not bare any intimate parts. She covered up in a silk robe before double-checking her equipment. Brie was definitely curious how he was going to play out the scene this time around.
Back when she’d first known Baron, he had frightened Brie because he reminded her of the violence she’d experienced as a child in grade school. Yet he had been so gentle that night, he’d been able to make a difficult lesson one she still looked back on with fondness.
Before they began, Baron explained, “I want you to think back on how you felt the second night we scened together. Let those feelings play out as we scene today. I’m striving to evoke the same emotions a new sub experiences when punished for the first time under the caring hands of a Master.”
“I’ve never forgotten that lesson, Baron,” Brie admitted. “It spurs me daily not to disappoint Sir.”
Ms. Clark focused the camera on Brie and replied snidely, “And yet you still do, Miss Bennett. Maybe a second lesson is necessary.”
Baron shook his head at the Domme. “Don’t insult my kitten, even in jest.”
Brie loved Baron for his protective nature!
After going over the details of the scene with Ms. Clark, Brie slipped off her robe, shedding her director’s persona as she bowed at Baron’s feet.
He rifled through his tool bag, retrieving an item before ordering her to stand before him. Brie let out an audible gasp when she looked up, caught off guard by the dark leather hood he was wearing.
Of cours
e… Baron had worn a similar mask for that second session, and just like that night, it made the dark Dom seem dangerous and foreboding. She instinctively lowered her eyes.
“Look at me,” Baron commanded.
Brie gazed up into his hazel eyes and was reminded again of their calming effect.
He handed her a tiny vial. “Rub five drops of this on your clit before you join me.” He left her to her task as he made his way onto the stage and waited.
Brie dutifully poured a few drops from the vial onto her fingertips and slipped them under her panties, covering her clit with the oily liquid. She did it a second time to apply all five drops her Dom had commanded.
She already knew the effect it would have, and was not surprised when heat started building between her legs. There was no doubt that Baron wanted to make this simple lesson a challenge for her.
She wiped her hands on a towel before joining him on the stage. As she approached the masked Dom, she felt familiar fears from her past take hold, and she willingly embraced them.
She needed to be scared.
Thinking back to that second day of training, she’d had no real connections with Sir, Marquis or even Tono at that point—there had only been the dark Dom, the stage and her own desire to explore her submissive nature.
She ascended the stairs with that in mind, meeting Baron as an inexperienced sub unsure of herself on her second day at the Center. When she reached him, Baron gave the order, “Turn and face the camera, kitten.”
Brie turned away from him, looking at the camera with an expression she hoped conveyed both anticipation and fear. In truth, her heart was beating rapidly, just as it had that night.
Ms. Clark held up her fingers and counted down before hitting the record button. Baron took the cue and wrapped one arm around Brie’s torso, highlighting the contrast of their skin tones. He placed his other hand over her heart and chuckled. “It’s beating fast…”
Brie nodded.
“Have you ever tried a sex swing before?”
“No, Baron,” she answered, as she had during her initial session with him.
“Good,” he replied in a deep, soothing tone. “I enjoy introducing subs to new devices.”