“I shall. The same can be said for us. It is good to see you thriving, Miss Bennett.”
The drive home was agreeably quiet. Sir seemed as satisfied by the night’s events as she was. It pleased Brie that he had openly acknowledged his feelings for her in front of Marquis. Although Sir hadn’t used the ‘L’ word, the meaning was the same. She assumed it was a big step for him.
The night still had one pleasant surprise left. After they returned to the apartment, Sir told her to work on editing her film while he polished a presentation he was to give the next day.
They sat on the couch beside each other with their computers. It was so pleasant and sweet that Brie decided to google something she’d been curious about. Sir had once told her that he was a condor, and said it with such tenderness that she knew it held significance to him. She typed in the word ‘condor’.
Brie glanced over the stats of the bird, noting that she had been right. They were a type of vulture—not sexy in the least. However, the California condor was the largest bird in North America. It wasn’t until she got to the behavior of the creature that she finally grasped Sir’s meaning. She was surprised to learn the birds lived to be incredibly old—like fifty to sixty years—and the males waited until they were sexually mature before picking a female. Her heart skipped a beat when she read the words, ‘condors mate for life’. That was what he’d meant!
‘I’m a condor’ had to be the most romantic thing she’d ever heard.
She glanced at Sir, hardly able to contain her joy.
He looked up from his screen and smiled. “What?”
“You’re a condor, Sir.”
He raised his eyebrow. “Yes, I am.”
She smiled shyly. “I’m a condor, too.”
Her Parents
Brie was grateful to finish out her last day at the tobacco shop. Her boss had given the two new employees the day off so that it was just like old times—just the two of them. Although it was bittersweet to leave Mr. Reynolds behind, she couldn’t wait to be free of the place. It was so mind-numbingly boring compared to the life she was leading now.
At the end of the day, Mr. Reynolds handed her a small gift.
“What’s this?” she asked, both surprised and touched.
“A little remembrance. It has been a pleasure working with you, Brie. You will be sorely missed around here. My only consolation is that I will see you on an odd holiday or two.”
“What? Don’t you get together with your nephew more often than that?”
“No. He’s a busy man. I understand.”
She smiled brightly. “I’ll see if I can change that.”
“Open it,” Mr. Reynolds encouraged.
Brie carefully unwrapped the pretty paper. She lifted the lid and smiled as she took the gift out of the box. It was a keychain with a tiny pack of Treasurer cigarettes hanging from it. The very cigarettes Sir had asked for the first night they’d met in the shop. “Mr. Reynolds, how did you know?”
“Thane was surprisingly open when he asked about the cute little cashier at my shop. He knew very well we don’t carry those pricey cigarettes here.”
Brie held it up to admire. “I will treasure this always,” she said with a giggle, giving him a hug. “Truly, it means a lot to me. This little shop is where Sir and I met, where my life really began. Every time I look at it I will smile and think of you.”
“I’m glad you like it, Brie.” He discreetly wiped a tear from his eye, shaking his head. “This shop won’t be the same without you.”
She gave Mr. Reynolds another hug. It was hard saying goodbye to the man who’d been a father figure to her since she’d moved to California. She smiled at him sadly, knowing she wouldn’t see him on a daily basis after this.
He shook the melancholy look from his face. “So, enjoy yourself in Russia. Be sure to take pics, but only show me the ones you can post publicly,” he joked.
It was still weird having Mr. Reynolds aware of her alternative lifestyle, but it was comforting too. He was the only person outside the BDSM community who knew about it—well, besides his wife.
She pulled her keys from her purse and placed them on the new keychain. “There—now you’ll be with me wherever I go.”
Brie gave him a final kiss on the cheek before heading out of the door. She turned around as she walked away from the small, brick building. “Bye, tobacco shop. It’s been real and it’s been fun, but I can’t say it’s been real fun.” She snickered to herself as she jumped in her car.
Her new life had officially begun, and tomorrow she was heading off to Russia. But first, Sir had to meet her parents.
Brie was a jumble of nerves as they drove up to her parents’ Nebraskan home. She had a bad feeling about the visit, but Sir would not be swayed. She stared out of the window of the rental car, looking at the old place. She’d spent her teenage years here in the small, two-story house on the corner lot, with her devoted but overprotective parents.
“I always hated bringing my boyfriends home to meet my parents,” she mumbled, “especially my dad, Sir.”
“Is there a point to telling me this?” Sir asked, a hint of humor in his voice.
“Dad would rather I set my sights on my career than waste my potential by getting involved with someone, Sir.”
“Understandable…” He got out of the car and opened the door for her.
She took his hand hesitantly. “They’re not exactly open-minded either.”
“You have mentioned that before, Brie. We’re only sharing our status as a couple,” he reminded her gently as they walked up to the house.
Brie looked up at her Master as they stood on the front porch—strong, chiseled features, with a decidedly mature appearance. She was afraid his age would be an issue for them, but hoped her parents could see past it.
She closed her eyes, trying to quiet her nerves as Sir reached over and rang the doorbell. It seemed like forever before she heard the unlocking of the latch and the door finally swung open. Her mother, a short, rotund woman with bright green eyes, greeted them with a smile that quickly turned to a concerned frown as she looked Sir over.
“Hey, Mom!” Brie gave her a quick hug to ease the tension. “This is my boyfriend, Thane Davis. Thane, this is my mom, Marcy Bennett.”
Sir held out his hand and smiled. “It is an honor to meet you, Mrs. Bennett.”
Her mother took his hand and blushed as she shook it. Brie could see it in her mom’s eyes—that glimmer of attraction towards the commanding Dom—but it disappeared as soon as her father entered the picture.
“What is your name, sir?” her father asked, in a voice already laced with judgment.
Despite the uncomfortable moment, Brie burst out in a nervous giggle. Sir…
Her dad glowered at her before addressing Sir again. “Well?”
“My name is Thane Davis, Mr. Bennett.” He held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Her father looked at Sir’s offered hand with disdain before engaging him. “I am a frank man, Mr. Davis.”
“I find frank talk refreshing,” Sir replied.
“What the hell is a man my age doing with my little girl?”
Sir seemed untroubled and asked, “Wouldn’t it be best to discuss this inside?”
Brie’s mother scanned the neighborhood, as if suddenly afraid the whole world could hear them. She stammered, “Oh! Yes… Come in, come in,” gesturing them into the house frantically.
Sir put his hand on the small of Brie’s back as he guided her forward. It helped to calm her already frayed nerves. This was not starting off well…
They sat down in the front room, the unused room reserved only for company. Brie’s first instinct was to kneel at Sir’s feet, feeling in need of his comfort. Instead, she sat beside him.
Her parents sat opposite them with disparaging looks on their faces.
Sir responded to her dad’s question. “Actually, there is only an eleven-year difference between us, Mr. Bennett.??
?
“Only?” He turned to Brie. “You never mentioned you were dating an older man, daughter.”
Brie bowed her head in shame, knowing now it had been a mistake. “Dad, I love Thane. I didn’t mention his age because I wanted you and Mom to meet him in person. I was sure once you met him, you would see what an exceptional person he is.”
Her mother frowned again. “We did not send you to California so some ‘producer’ could turn your head with promises of fame.”
Brie shook her head, mortified at her accusation that he was a lecher. “Mom—”
Sir put his hand on Brie’s knee and smiled. “I assure you that my intentions are honorable…and,” he added drolly, “I am no producer.”
“Don’t tell me you want to marry her!” her father retorted.
Brie blushed a deep shade of red. Marriage had never been discussed and it was embarrassing that her father was bringing it up now.
She was grateful when Sir answered him with unrattled calm. “No. However, you should know that I care deeply for your daughter.”
Her dad laughed. “Oh, I can just imagine how deep your feelings are for my little girl.”
Brie squeaked, “Dad! It’s not that way at all! We love each other.”
His smile was patronizing. “Brie, I believe you have fallen in love with this shyster, but I don’t believe for a second your feelings are returned. He wants only one thing from you.”
Brie covered her face with her hands. It was dreadful to have Sir treated with such brazen disrespect by her parents. She wanted to curl up and die.
Sir’s voice remained reasonable. “If it were as you say, would I be here meeting you in person?”
“I think you came hoping to throw the wool over our eyes, but we aren’t twenty-two like Brianna.”
Sir sat farther back on the mauve couch, a subtle show of confidence in an uncomfortable situation. “I’m sure you agree that this visit was necessary. I’m in a serious relationship with your daughter and came to meet you out of respect for your position as Brie’s parents.”
“Is that right?” Brie’s father asked sarcastically. He turned to Brie and demanded, “Have you been over to meet his parents?”
Brie gasped and then looked down, shaking her head. Oh, how she didn’t want to go there—not now!
“My father is dead and my mother left when I was fifteen. We have been estranged ever since.”
Brie’s mother’s expression instantly changed. “Oh…I am so terribly sorry.”
But leave it to her father to go right for the jugular. “How did he die, Mr. Davis?”
Sir did not hesitate. “Suicide.”
His answer had Brie’s mother wringing her hands and saying repeatedly, “I’m so, so sorry…”
However, Brie’s father had the opposite reaction. “That alone makes you unsuitable for our only child. Your father was unstable. I do not want an emotionally weak man to have anything to do with my daughter.”
Brie could not remain quiet any longer, horrified by her father’s callous response. “Dad! Thane’s father was a famous violinist who suffered a tragic death. What a terrible thing to say.”
Her mother gasped. “Not Alonzo Davis, the musician who killed himself after—?”
Sir interrupted, his voice devoid of emotion. “Yes, Alonzo was my father.”
For once, Brie’s dad remained silent. It seemed her mother couldn’t stand the suffocating hush, so she popped out of her seat. “Let me get us some tea. Everyone likes tea, right?” She disappeared into the kitchen before anyone could answer.
It broke Brie’s heart that Sir had wanted to meet her parents, but all they had done was put him down from the moment they’d opened the door. “Should we go, Thane?” she asked, feeling desperate to run.
“No,” he replied, squeezing her knee reassuringly.
The room stayed uncomfortably silent until her mother returned with the iced tea. She poured everyone a glass and sat down, asking in an overly pleasant tone, “So, how did you two meet?”
Sir was kind enough to humor her. “I met Brie at the tobacco shop where she worked.”
Her father instantly picked up on that. “Worked?” He looked at Brie with concern. “Don’t you work there anymore?”
“No, Dad. Yesterday was my last day. Thane wants me working on the documentary I mentioned. The one the well-known producer has shown interest in.”
Her mom piped up, “Oh, you mean the documentary about your girlfriends learning the ropes in Hollywood?”
Brie struggled not to snicker. Learning the ropes…
Sir stated proudly, “Your daughter has real talent as a filmmaker. I asked her to quit so that she can devote her time solely to the project.”
Brie’s father’s eyes narrowed. “What? Are you supporting my daughter now? Paying her rent?”
“We’re living together,” Brie corrected.
“Are you, now?” her father said, looking straight at Sir.
“We are in a committed relationship,” Sir replied smoothly.
“What kind of child have I raised?” her mother lamented. “You barely know this man and you’re already living with him?”
Sir’s reply was quick and to the point. “What kind of daughter have you raised? You have raised an intelligent, talented woman, one who is respected and cherished by those who know her. Simply put, you have raised a beautiful person, both inside and out.”
Brie blushed under the unreserved praise of her Master.
Her parents were left speechless. Finally, her father cleared his throat. “Yes, we agree that Brie is an exceptional woman, but she is still young. I don’t like the idea of her being fettered in a relationship.”
Brie wanted to giggle. Fettered… Her father’s choice of words was perfect.
“I will say it again. I care deeply for your daughter.”
“I don’t trust you,” her father shot back. “After what happened between your parents, I don’t see how you could be anything but a philanderer or an utter control freak. Either way, neither is healthy for my daughter.”
Sir didn’t seem intimidated in the least. “Although I do admit to a need for a certain level of control, I too want what’s best for Brie. If it turns out I am not what she needs, I’ll willingly step aside.”
Brie’s father made a grunting sound as he sat back in his chair, digesting Sir’s words.
Her mother pleaded with her, “Brie, honey, why the rush? I don’t understand how you can go from just meeting each other to living together. Give it time; give yourself a little space before you commit yourself to something like that.”
Her dad looked at Sir suspiciously. “Why did you really come today, Mr. Davis?”
“I plan to take your daughter out of the country. We are headed to Russia and I felt it was important for all of us to meet.”
“What?!” Her dad turned to her mother, a look of sheer disgust on his face. He turned back to Sir. “Just because your father was rich and famous does not give you the right to do whatever you want or…” he looked directly at Brie, “take whatever you want.”
Brie couldn’t stay quiet any longer. “Dad, this isn’t a case of me asking your permission to go to Russia. We came today so you could meet the man I love. That’s it. I don’t need your permission for anything. I’m twenty-two, remember?”
He stood up, fuming. “Do you know how stupid that sounds? Twenty-two. You’re still just a kid!”
She closed her eyes, collecting herself before replying, “I’m an adult, whether you want to face that fact or not.”
“You’re not an adult!” her father answered emphatically.
Her mom moved over to her father, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Bill, we need to be reasonable here. Brie could have kept us in the dark and taken off to God knows where.” Her eyes started to tear up. “She’s all we have. I couldn’t bear not knowing where she is.”
“My point exactly,” Sir stated.
Brie’s father snarled at him
, “You do not have permission to take her, Mr. Davis.”
Sir nodded his understanding but answered calmly, “Then I leave the decision to your daughter.”
It was time to change the traditional dynamics of child and parent. Her parents needed to see her as an adult, free to make her own decisions—and her own mistakes. “I respect you both, but I am choosing to go with Thane to Russia. Either you can accept my decision…or not.”
Her father wouldn’t even look Sir in the eye when he spoke. “I do not approve of you, Mr. Davis. However, it is obvious I have no influence over my daughter so I will do as she says and accept it, but do not think for one second I am happy about this.”
“I will take good care of her.”
Her father snorted in disgust.
“Don’t you dare let anything happen to our Brie, Mr. Davis,” her mother added. She grabbed her daughter in a death grip. “I’ve missed you so much, Brie darling! We never talk anymore…and now this.”
Her father said gruffly, “If anything should happen—anything at all—little girl, you call me and I will be on the next flight out to get you.”
“You don’t have to worry, Dad,” she said, reaching out to give her father a hug. He moved out of her reach, making his feelings painfully clear.
“It will be unnecessary to come for her, Mr. Bennett.” Sir said, getting up and pulling a card from his breast pocket. He held it out to the man. “But if you wish to speak to her, this is the number to reach both of us. Keep in mind the time difference and the fact we will be out sightseeing much of the day and into the night.”
Her father refused to take the card.
Her mom let go of Brie to take it from Sir. “Thank you.” She added apologetically, “I am truly sorry about what happened to your family.”
Brie saw it even if her mother did not—that brief flicker of pain before Sir replied. “It was an unfortunate situation but life moves on, as it should.”
“Yes,” her mom agreed, patting him hesitantly on the shoulder.
Sir smiled kindly. “It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Bennett.” He looked over to her father. “To meet you both.” Then he glanced at Brie. “Shall we?”