She whispered, “So ready, Master.”

  Sir wiped his hands on a towel before he laid his body on top of hers, resting his shaft in the valley of her ass. “My cock is going to find its way,” he growled in her ear.

  Brie watched their reflection as Sir rolled his hips, rubbing his shaft against her sensitive sphincter. He teased her as he hovered over the area and then slipped on by, again and again.

  She whimpered softly but did not move, loving the frustration of his roguish teasing. He played with her until her body ached to be filled. She moaned when he changed angles and his rigid cock pressed hard against her taut hole.

  Because of the addition of the jewelry filling her pussy, the round head of his manhood seemed much too big for the access he demanded, but they both knew how eagerly she would grant it. The tight outer muscle eventually gave way to his insistent pressure, and Sir pushed himself in. Brie watched his progress in the reflectionin the as he controlled the speed and depth of his cock.

  His satisfied sigh made her quiver inside. Nothing was as thrilling as pleasing Master, especially in this intimate way.

  “Oh, téa…”

  The way she was lying on the Tantra chair gave her no leverage to push against his gentle thrusts. She was completely at his mercy and whim—the collar and chain emphasizing that fact in a primal way. She was suddenly reminded of the brand in the closet and asked hesitantly, “If you were to brand me, Master, where would you put it?”

  He grunted, placing his fingers just above her tailbone and caressing the area lightly. Her pussy contracted in fear and longing. The idea of being permanently marked as his was exciting, but the pain…the agony of burning flesh still frightened her.

  Sir leaned down and bit her shoulder, deep enough to leave teeth marks without breaking the skin. Brie moaned as her pussy pulsated in an impending orgasm. She shifted slightly, to stave off the pleasure.

  “Good girl,” he whispered, as he thrust even deeper.

  Brie closed her eyes, concentrating every fiber of her being on the friction of his cock rubbing against the tight constriction of her ass, as the jewelry inside moved with each thrust and teased her clit in the process. In this position, with the added pressure of Sir’s jewelry, she felt the first flutterings of subspace.

  Sir’s demanding, yet sensual contact, his confident domination of her, and the delicate, clinking chain at her neck started a tingling sensation she associated with flight. “I love my Master,” she purred.

  “Your Master loves you,” he replied, giving more emphasis to every thrust.

  Brie started moaning softly, hardly aware she was making noises as she let their connection carry her away. She was floating on a cloud of pleasure, content in the love that surrounded her.

  He wrapped his hand around her throat, just under her chin, and lifted her head back, kissing her forehead. “This man loves you.”

  Sir released the warmth of his come inside her, causing Brie to cry out in pure ecstasy, taking her even higher. She let out a long sigh of total bliss, unable to respond to his declaration of love. Her body answered for her, coming around his shaft in loving adulation.

  Soon after, he pulled out and repositioned the little string. He unbuckled the leather collar and replaced it with the original silver one. Brie’s soul lifted when she heard the gratifying click of the lock, signifying their commitment to each other. Sir picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. Neither spoke, both riding the emotional wave of their connection.

  Sir placed her gently on the bed and lay beside her, lightly playing with a strand of her hair. “I have not felt this whole in a long, long time.”

  She smiled, thrilled that her love had the power to heal.

  Although he had been staring at her, his focus moved past her as he spoke. “Seeing her again, although painful, has brought back a flood of memories for me.”

  “I can only imagine, Sir.”

  “Would you like to see a picture of him?”

  “Please.”

  He jumped off the bed and rifled through his closet, coming out a minute later with a framed picture. He handed it to her as he lay back down on the bed, putting his arm around her.

  It looked like a professional shot taken for a magazine. Alonzo Davis had had long, dark hair and bronze skin. His face had been striking, but it was his eyes that riveted Brie. It was as if she was looking into Sir’s eyes. She let out a gasp of surprise.

  “Not what you were expecting?” he asked.

  “I didn’t expect to see so much of you in him.”

  “Actually, it would be the other way around,” he said, chuckling as he took the photo from her and stared at it intently.

  “He must have been very popular with his female fans,” Brie complimented, touching the picture reverently. “He was an extremely handsome man.”

  He agreed, “My father had a legion of concert groupies. Women who went to every event—some who even sent him their panties in the mail. But he only had eyes for my mother. His fans respected him for that.”

  Sir put the photograph on the bedside table, facedown, and lay back on the pillow. “But my mother managed to tarnish his reputation in the months immediately following his death. Most people who still remember my father believe he was a shameless womanizer. I hate that she did that to him.”

  Brie put her hand over his and squeezed gently. “Maybe we can change their perception.”

  Sir discounted her suggestion. “People would rather believe scandalous lies than the truth.”

  “I don’t believe that, Sir. I think people long to know the good around them. They’ve just been blindsided so many times that they assume the worst.”

  He snorted. “Well, it’s too late to repair it now. Most people don’t know who my father was, and those who do couldn’t care less.” He stared at the ceiling and sighed heavily. “Life goes on.”

  Brie laid her head on his chest. “Thank you for showing me his picture, Sir. It makes me feel closer to you.”

  He put his arm around her. “It was time.”

  She lifted her head. “Sir, would it be all right if we put his picture in the living room? It doesn’t seem right to have him hidden in the closet when he was such an exceptional man.”

  Sir closed his eyes and didn’t speak for several moments. “Brie, I still see visions of him dying when I look at this photo.”

  Brie kissed his chest and murmured, “When you are ready, then…”

  Master Anderson’s Influence

  Brie woke up alone. That never happened with Sir. She scrambled out of bed and threw open the bedroom door. She was immediately assaulted by a savory aroma of onions, bacon, and garlic. Brie hurried to the kitchen, but stopped as soon as she saw him.

  Sir was dressed in only his black sweatpants while he stirred a large pot with a wooden spoon. He looked so damn sexy standing there in the kitchen alone. She hesitated to disturb him, and slinked back to hide around the corner so she could still take in the charming sight.

  He must have sensed her presence. Without looking in her direction, he instructed, “Come and sit down, téa.”

  She was naked and hoped she would not dampen her seat while she watched her handsome Master cook. “Good morning, Master.”

  Still stirring the pot, he explained, “I woke up this morning with the sudden urge to create my father’s favorite meal. I know this does not qualify as a breakfast.”

  Brie smiled, more touched than she could express that he had cooked such a personal dish for her. “I’ve had plenty of savory meals at Tono’s, Sir, and actually have grown to appreciate more hearty meals in the morning.”

  He glanced back and smiled at her. “As fetching as you look sitting at my table naked, I need you to get a pair of bowls and two soup spoons.”

  She immediately popped out of her chair and gathered the needed items, along with napkins and glasses. She set the table and then placed the crocuses in the middle for an added touch.

  Sir nodded his appr
oval. “The dish is called ribollita and includes a host of vegetables, including carrots, cabbage, celery, and kale. But what makes it delicious is the pancetta.” When she tilted her head, he handed her a small piece of round, bacon-like meat. “Taste.”

  She took a small bite. It was more delicate in flavor than bacon because instead of the smoked flavor, it tasted of Italian herbs. “Very nice, Sir.”

  “It’s not just the meat, but the cannellini beans and sourdough bread that elevate it to favorite food status.” Sir explained with a smirk, “I even added a small amount of tomato paste for color, but not enough to taint the dish.” He went back to stirring the pot. “I thought you might like that.”

  Brie finished the last bite of pancetta and licked her fingers before answering. “I like it very much, Sir. Thank you.”

  He took the bowls from the table and ladled the thick stew into them. He brought them back to the table and added a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, before sliding a bowl over to her with a look of satisfaction.

  She took a deep sniff of the steamy mixture and smiled. “It smells heavenly, Sir.”

  He sat down and lifted his spoon, waiting for her to do the same. Together they spooned up healthy portions, and he cautioned her to blow on hers. She couldn’t help smiling as they both took a bite.

  The stew had the consistency of oatmeal, the bread having soaked up all the stock. The combination of the savory meat with onion and garlic gave the whole dish an Italian profile, but the soaked bread reminded her of a French dip, a favorite comfort food of hers.

  She purred after she had finished her first bite. “Sir, I understand why this was your father’s favorite meal. It’s the best stew I’ve ever tasted. I could eat it morning, noon, and night.”

  “I’m pleased you approve,” Sir replied, his eyes sparkling.

  The two of them ate the meal in pleasant silence, savoring every morsel. She could almost imagine Alonzo standing beside them, smiling in satisfaction. Brie wondered if Sir could feel it too.

  After breakfast was over, he beckoned her into his lap. She gratefully climbed into it and laid her head against his shoulder.

  His masculine hands lightly stroked her soft skin. “Brie.”

  She smiled and looked up at him. “Yes, Sir?”

  He gazed into her eyes and said nothing. Then Sir pressed her head against his chest again. “This was good,” he finally stated.

  Brie felt certain he had wanted to say something more, but she readily agreed with him. “Yes, it was the second best way I can imagine waking up.” She glanced at him and blushed when she asked, “Do you think you could teach me how to cook it?”

  He chuckled. “You? Hmm…”

  She bit his bottom lip playfully.

  Sir grabbed her face with both hands and kissed her soundly. “Yes, girl who can’t cook. I will teach you.” He lifted her off his lap and slapped her ass. “But not now. Clean up the kitchen and then ready yourself to visit Master Anderson.”

  Brie made quick work of the kitchen. She was thrilled at the prospect of seeing her old trainer again, mainly because she knew that Master Anderson was a good friend of Sir’s. It would be beneficial for Sir to discuss his mother with someone who knew him well. However, she also liked the trainer on a personal level. Master Anderson had always been kind and respectful to Brie, even when he had held a bullwhip in his hand.

  They arrived at his home before ten that morning. The trainer was out in the front yard, picking weeds. It was the last thing Brie would have imagined a Dom doing. Of course, he did it with his shirt off so that his thick arm muscles were properly displayed. She scanned the houses nearby and noticed several ladies ‘watering their lawns’. Evidently, Master Anderson was doing his part to beautify the neighborhood.

  The impressive trainer stood up and swept the dirt from his hands with an inviting smile on his face. “Well, if it isn’t my old buddy, ex-Headmaster Davis, and his sidekick, Brie.”

  He grabbed Sir in a manly hug and slapped his back several times. Sir returned the gesture with more resounding thuds.

  “Good to see you, Brad.”

  “Likewise.”

  Brie blushed when Master Anderson turned to grace her with his intense green stare. “May I?” he asked Sir.

  “If you must.”

  Brie squealed as Master Anderson picked her up and twirled her around in the air several times. He set her back down, grinning. “Young Brie, it’s always a pleasure to see you.”

  Sir shrugged. “It’s something he used to do in college, but I thought he had outgrown that juvenile habit.”

  Master Anderson smiled charmingly, nodding at the neighbors. “It gives all the married women watching something to daydream about. I don’t have the liberty to touch them, but that doesn’t mean I can’t tease them a little.”

  Sir grunted. “Looking to cause trouble, are you?”

  “No, I just enjoy bringing a little spark to their lives. You should see how they gather when I practice my bullwhip out back.”

  Brie giggled. She could just imagine the stir he caused among the lady-folk.

  “You’re going to get yourself tarred and feathered if you aren’t careful, Brad.”

  Master Anderson laughed. “It might surprise you to learn that a few husbands have asked for tips. Seems the woman here have developed a taste for the bite of a whip. Naturally, I steer them towards crops. Safer for everyone that way.”

  Brie piped up, “Maybe you should teach a class on the bullwhip. I know Tono’s session on Kinbaku was very well received.”

  He smiled down at her. “Maybe I should, young Brie. Point well taken.”

  “How did you enjoy being an official trainer at the Center this time around?” Sir asked.

  Master Anderson directed both of them towards the house. “It was an experience, Thane. The overall atmosphere has shifted under new leadership. There is no question that the rules are being adhered to, but…it lacks something vital since you left.”

  Sir slapped him on the back. “I think you just miss the ribbing we used to give each other after each session.” He chuckled to himself. “I must say, it was agreeable working with you again.”

  Master Anderson opened the door for them and ushered them in. “So, Thane, what brings you here so soon after your return to the States?”

  Sir did not answer him until they had all taken a seat in Master Anderson’s study. Upon seeing it, Brie was reminded of her last visit here, the night she’d hosted the trainer’s party—a night of many memorable encounters.

  She settled down at Sir’s feet, resting her head lightly on his thigh.

  “I had an altercation with her.”

  He held such disdain in his voice that Master Anderson did not need to question to whom he was referring.

  “When?”

  “The beast befriended Brie while I was gone. I was met with her unpleasant presence upon our reunion.”

  “The nerve of the bitch!”

  “You would not believe the lengths she went to. It’s not only pathetic, but desperate. So desperate, it’s given me insight into her motives.”

  “What could she possibly want? She took everything.”

  “I have to assume she is alone and destitute,” he said coolly.

  “But why come to you? I thought the woman was skilled at parting men from their money.”

  “I’m not certain what brought her to this point, nor do I care.” Sir glanced at Brie with a look of regret. “But now Brie has to deal with the consequences of the unwanted reunion.”

  Master Anderson spoke with the candor of a good friend. “To be blunt, I am glad you have her with you. This is not something you should face alone.” He stood up, walked to the expansive bookshelf lined with liquor bottles and poured both of them glasses of Scotch. “Have you spoken to your uncle about it?”

  Sir shook his head as he answered, “No, not yet. Besides you and Nosaka, no one knows of her return. I think it’s best
to keep it that way, but I agree that he should be warned.”

  Brie had forgotten that Mr. Reynolds was related to Sir’s mother. How would he react to the news? She couldn’t imagine the kind old man being brother to such a spiteful woman.

  “Yes—in fact, the sooner the better, Thane. He should not be surprised by her the way you were. You remember how it ended between them.”

  “Yes…” Sir said distractedly, as if he was remembering the event. “Unc felt as if he was to blame for what happened. Foolish on his part.”

  Master Anderson held up his glass. “No more foolish than you.”

  Sir snarled ominously as he took a drink. “Shut up.”

  “You know you came today because you needed someone to be honest.”

  “Don’t be so sure.”

  Master Anderson finished his drink and grabbed Sir’s glass without asking, filling it up with more Scotch.

  When he handed it back, Sir stated, “You should know I don’t care to drink before noon.” Then he looked at Brie. “Would you like some, téa?”

  His question did two things. It acknowledged that he cared about her well-being, but by calling her by her sub name, he was also informing her that she was there to observe and not participate in the conversation unless commanded.

  Brie did not want the liquor to dull her response to him. “No, thank you, Master.”

  Master Anderson sat back down. “I thought a little Scotch was in order. It’s not every day that Ruth Davis comes to call.”

  Sir shot up off the sofa and roared, “Do not use my father’s surname with that woman!”

  Brie was confused for a moment, until she realized that Sir’s mother had even lied about her name. The woman had lied about everything…

  Master Anderson got up and placed his hand on Sir’s shoulder. “A mistake, my friend.”

  Sir exhaled angrily, but sat back down.

  Master Anderson returned to his chair with a calm air about him. “How are you planning to handle it, Thane?”

  “I am siccing my lawyer on her. He’ll find out soon enough what’s really going on.” Sir directed Brie, “Don’t let her get anywhere near you. The woman is toxic in every sense of the word.” He looked back to Master Anderson. “The beast was able to finagle Brie’s business card from her.”