Brie nodded.
“Are you ready, pearl?”
“Yes, Master.”
Mozart filled the room as he warmed up her skin with light hits from the flogger. It took several minutes for her to relax but as soon as she did, he leaned in and asked her color.
“Green.”
He shifted his stance and brought more strength to each swing. Brie moaned as the endorphins flowed and her limbs began to tingle, but she begged him to increase the strength of his hits.
“I am not your pain addiction,” he reprimanded. “You take what I give you.”
She felt ashamed, knowing he’d rightly perceived her desire to escape through pain.
“I will leave no marks for your Master, pearl. Fully appreciate each contact against your skin and you will not need it stronger,” he instructed. “I give this to you as empowerment, not escape.”
Celestia squeezed her hands in encouragement. Brie took a deep breath and rolled her shoulders before straightening her back for more. She received the next stroke with a different mindset. It sent shivers of electricity through her. She harnessed it.
Each successive stroke increased her resolve. I am powerful. I choose my submission… I choose whom I will serve.
She wanted to protest when he stopped, but realized their time was running short. The music ended and he removed the blindfold. “Better?”
Brie nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Master.”
He took her hand and helped her up. He nodded to Celestia, who moved gracefully to the bed in the corner of the room and lay down. Marquis Gray guided Brie to it and commanded her to lie beside his sub. He joined them on the bed, sandwiching Brie between them. It was comforting on a level she hadn’t experienced before.
“Remember that I told you not to settle for the status quo.”
She shivered unwillingly and felt both bodies press against her. Brie whispered, “I will miss you, Marquis Gray.”
“You have been an experience, pearl.”
Celestia spoke up, her voice pure, like spring rain. “I’ve been interested in your progress ever since I heard about your near-dismissal, Miss Bennett.”
Brie remembered that night clearly. The panel had suggested Sir step down as headmaster and she had almost been kicked out of the submissive program altogether.
Marquis’ laugh was low and heartfelt. “I saw your strength even then. I knew you would survive the taint of Thane’s interference.”
“Taint?” Brie questioned.
“Admit that you have been influenced by that one private encounter.”
Brie shook her head. “I was influenced the day Sir came into the tobacco shop.”
Marquis Gray snorted. “Still, he used his position to take something that was not his to possess.”
“Marquis Gray, I wanted no other.”
He shook his head angrily. “You were his student. It was unconscionable.”
“Still…I do not regret it.”
“Your defense of the act does not negate the transgression. Coen wanted both of you out. If it hadn’t been for Gallant’s unwavering belief in you, you would not be here.”
“I never understood Master Coen’s aversion to me.”
Marquis corrected her. “Coen would do anything to protect the sanctity of the program. The fact you eventually earned his respect speaks volumes.”
Brie braved a question she had been wanting to ask. “Why does Ms. Clark hate me?”
“Hate is a strong word.”
Celestia answered her. “You act as a whetting stone for Mistress Clark.”
Marquis reached over Brie and stroked his submissive’s cheek. “True enough, love.”
Brie’s heart warmed at the term of endearment coming from the fierce trainer’s lips. Their relationship was exactly what she desired for herself.
“You unbalance our normally controlled Dominatrix. Although it was entertaining to watch, Coen was right to be concerned and we set things in place to limit your exposure to each other. Every trainer comes across a student they cannot instruct. It happens.”
“Then why was I partnered with her this last time?”
“Thane did not want you to leave the school with a negative impression of Dommes. He asked Clark to repair any damage she had done. You should know she willingly agreed.”
“Well, I was almost convinced her feelings towards me had changed.”
“Do not dwell on it.”
Brie looked around the room and said wistfully, “I will really miss this place.”
“The Center is only a stepping stone, pearl. Your true destiny lies beyond. Don’t look back.”
She frowned when she thought of Faelan next door and Tono off somewhere, talking to his father.
Marquis grabbed her chin, focusing her attention back on him. “You seem confused by the unexpected turn of events tonight, but your decision remains the same.”
She looked into his dark eyes and disagreed. “That’s not true. I don’t know what to do now.”
He shook his head, but was slow to elaborate. “You have already decided. I saw it in your eyes earlier. You simply haven’t accepted it yet.”
He sounded so confident that Brie believed him. “How is it you understand me better than I do myself? You always have.”
“Men are driven by sex to understand the feminine mind. Not by money, career or recognition.”
His words were profound and resonated through her. She finally understood her attraction to D/s. The unique sexual relationship was conducive to a deeper connection between a man and woman. A connection not found elsewhere.
The bell rang with its ten minute warning. Marquis had her stand as Celestia covered her back in soothing lotion before placing her corset back on and tying it tightly. Brie realized he had been gentle in his flogging so that it did not hurt overly much. He’d thought of everything—he always had.
Celestia brushed out her hair and touched up her makeup in the few remaining minutes. “I want you to be perfect for your Master,” she said, smiling like a proud mother.
My Master…
Marquis guided the two of them out of the room and Brie ran smack into Mary. Faelan was nowhere to be seen.
“What the hell, Mary?” Brie hissed.
“You’re the one who taught me to follow my heart,” she answered defensively. “Besides, if I don’t look out for myself, who will?”
“But Faelan?” Brie growled.
“Yes, Faelan.” Mary turned away from her and whispered something to Master Coen before disappearing back into the room.
Brie was about to scream the word ‘bitch’ when she noticed Tono out of the corner of her eye. She could barely control her joy and eagerly motioned him into the room. Marquis nodded his agreement and gestured for Tono to join Brie. The smile on his beautiful face chased away all her ugly thoughts.
“You came back,” she said, trying not to sound as relieved as she felt.
“Of course, toriko. I would never leave you for long.”
She blushed at the thrill his words brought. The instant the door closed, he grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. He shut his eyes and simply held her. She could sense his distress and trembled in the embrace.
Tono responded to her fear by pressing her head against his chest, holding her tighter. She accepted the constriction and breathed with him, standing in silence as she soaked in their simple harmony.
Brie eventually pulled away, knowing that she only had a limited time. “Tono…” She took his hand and tried to lead him to the couch. Instead, he directed her to the mat.
“Present yourself to me, little slave.”
Brie obediently dropped to the floor and arched her back in a beautiful curved shape, with her legs spread wide for his pleasure, just as he had instructed her in their first session together. She kept her head down, waiting for his next order.
Tono fisted her hair, pulling her head back and kissing her deeply. “My toriko, how well you remember my preference.”
/> “I delight in pleasing you, Tono.”
He smiled as he gracefully knelt down on the mat, gesturing her to him. Tono wrapped his strong arms around Brie and she laid her head back on his chest. She wanted to voice the question that was burning a hole in her heart but she chickened out, choosing instead to ask the first question from her list. “Can you tell me how old you are?”
He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “I am thirty.”
She quickly did the math and announced, “You’re only eight years older. That’s not bad.”
“Glad you approve, little one.”
She giggled softly. “I already know what you do for a living…so I guess I’ll go on to the next question. Why did you choose to become a Dom?”
“My father is a master of Kinbaku. It seemed only natural that I should follow in his footsteps. You see, I have been trained by the best.”
The mention of his father threw Brie off, so she changed the subject. “What do you think of my film career?”
“I will support you fully, toriko. I have the unique ability to travel with you on location, no matter where you end up shooting. I can continue my photography and do seminars anywhere. Your career choice is not an issue for me.”
“But I thought you liked to stay in LA?”
“It is my preference, but not a necessity. I would enjoy seeing you succeed in your passion, and I desire to support you.”
She grabbed his cheeks and kissed him soundly. “It means a lot to me, Tono. More than you know.”
“I know your heart, little one.”
“So I assume we would be together twenty-four seven.”
He ran his fingertips down her neck and over the swell of her breasts. “I would have it no other way.”
“Your place?” she asked, with a touch of sarcastic acceptance.
“It matters little.” She looked at him in surprise. He answered her next question without being asked. “My contentment is not dependent on the location.”
Brie smiled, liking all of his answers so far. “Would you have a problem with me working at the tobacco shop until I get my big break?”
He surprised her when he said, “Yes.”
She was about to argue the point, but he caressed her cheek lovingly. “You should not work a retail job, toriko, when your career involves film. I expect you to devote your time fully to it.”
Brie broke out in a huge grin. “You would support me until I make it a success?”
“Of course, little slave. Your success is our success. However, I would require your beautiful form on my own film occasionally.”
She knocked him over with her enthusiastic embrace. They landed on the mat together, her laughter filling the small room. “I love you so much!”
Once the L-word was out, the room became silent. He slowly brushed a strand of hair from her face, looking at her with those warm, brown eyes. He said nothing, but his smile was radiant, like the sun. It thrilled her heart to see it.
Tono gently helped her up. He stood before her, taking off his jacket and laying it neatly on the floor. Then he proceeded to undress in front of her. She watched in admiration as he exposed his model-worthy body. When he was completely nude, he picked up his jacket and pulled a small piece of jute from a pocket. “Hold your wrists out, toriko.”
Brie struggled to hide her grin. The rope was so short. How could he possibly do anything impressive with such a small piece of rope? Tono’s eyes sparkled as he secured her wrists together in a cross pattern, leaving her arms open. He pushed her gently onto the mat and removed her thong first. He kissed it before placing it on the floor. He removed her heels next, slowly and reverently. Her stockings came off last.
Tono flipped her microskirt up and stroked her bare pussy. Brie’s body responded, automatically pressing against his hand, desiring more of his intimate touch.
“So beautiful,” he murmured. Instead of claiming her with his tongue, Tono stood and pulled Brie up. He leaned over and lifted her tied wrists over his head. With her arms around his neck and her face just inches from his, he picked her up. She automatically wrapped her legs around his naked hips and felt the sexual tension when her swollen lips made contact with his hard cock.
Tono danced with her in his arms, kissing her deeply as he kept time to a song only he could hear. His tongue drew her in like an undercurrent. She lost herself in the kiss, no longer aware of her surroundings.
Her pussy gently rocked against his shaft as he moved, causing a slow buildup that accented the song he created between them. “Oh, Tono,” she whispered.
He lifted her hips up and slowly slipped his cock into her. She threw her head back and cried out in ecstasy. He continued to dance with her, his cock planted deeply within.
Brie pulled on her bound wrists, drawing his lips back to hers. He moved in a circular pattern around the room, sliding himself in and out of her moist recess. Her building orgasm was approaching its peak. Brie braced her wrists against the back of his neck and rubbed her erect nipples against his sweaty skin. It proved his undoing and she felt his cock pulse rhythmically inside her as he groaned hoarsely.
The constant rubbing had sensitized her clit to near climax. She whispered, “Bite me, Tono,” needing his teeth to bring her over the edge.
He hesitated. “No.”
Tono chose to give her a passionate kiss. Brie readjusted and concentrated on the magic of his tongue. Soon her body shuddered in its own release. He continued to hold her in his arms afterwards, as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking.
Brie winced when the warning bell rang. She hated to break the spell, but time was running out and they had to talk about his father. “Tono…” She stopped, her heart pounding with dread as a deathlike silence filled the room.
Finally, he spoke. “Toriko, my father is mistaken.”
She stiffened in his embrace. “What does he mean by telling you I’m not good?” she asked, tears blurring her vision of his face.
Tono leaned forward and kissed them away. “He does not understand. My father has never shared the connection we share.”
“But what did he mean by it?”
Tono closed his eyes and did not speak. It scared her. When he opened his chocolate eyes again he said firmly, “What he says does not matter.”
“But it matters to me,” she insisted.
He moved over to the couch and set her down, then began untying the jute. “My father believes you have a ravenous spirit.”
Ice crystals coursed through her veins at the declaration. “What does that mean, Tono?”
He gazed into her eyes and paused before answering. “He does not believe I will be enough for you.”
Her heart skipped a beat at hearing her greatest fear voiced by his father. Tears threatened to take over, so she squeezed her eyes tightly shut.
“My father is wrong, toriko,” he said soothingly. He was tender as he dressed her.
Brie opened her eyes to stare at her handsome Dom while he dressed himself, wondering the whole time how they could survive his father’s disapproval. The Japanese culture placed a high value on the bond between parent and child. Worse was the fact that Tono’s father had also trained him. It demanded an even higher level of respect. But what really scared Brie—what made it difficult for her to breathe—was the fact his father might be right, and Tono and Brie both knew it.
She stood up and clung to Tono, flinching when the second bell sounded. She struggled to let go of him.
Tono took her face in his hands. “Do not let my father’s words sway you, toriko. Choose the man who will love and guide you.”
Marquis entered the room and encouraged Tono to leave. Brie watched him walk away, heartsick at the separation.
“Do you have what you need to make a decision, pearl?”
She looked up at Marquis and answered with a simple nod.
“Good.”
They walked out of the room to the festivities now in full swing. It would be a full hour b
efore the collaring ceremony. Brie saw Lea already mingling with the crowd. She looked over the sea of people and noticed several familiar faces.
I guess it’s time to begin my goodbyes… Brie thought.
She approached Baron first. He was engaged in a conversation with Mr. Gallant, but ended it as soon as he noticed her. “Ah, kitten…”
She grinned at the striking Dom. “I want to thank you, Baron.”
His white teeth gleamed against his dark skin. “It was my pleasure and honor.”
Brie smiled shyly when she admitted, “Remember that first night? I was so scared of you.”
His large thumb traced the edge of her bottom lip. “It concerned me, but we got past that.”
“You were gentle and kind.”
He chuckled in his deep baritone. “Not too gentle, I trust.”
She kissed his thumb. “Just right.”
“Thankfully, Headmaster Davis picked the best man for the job.” He thrust his chest out and smiled heroically. “He insisted I push you to the edge that first night, but you handled yourself well and I must say you have blossomed since, kitten. You are a true submissive now.”
She tiptoed to kiss Baron’s enticing, thick lips. “I owe my success to you. You saw me through that first night.”
“No, you succeeded all on your own, kitten. Although I must admit it was enjoyable being a part of your training.”
Mr. Gallant interrupted their conversation. “Pardon me, Miss Bennett, but there are quite a few people who would like to speak with you tonight. I recommend you spread yourself around as much as possible.”
She bowed to her teacher and his beautiful wife, giving Baron one last peck on his luscious lips before moving into the crowd. Brie did a double-take when she saw her boss, Mr. Reynolds, from the tobacco shop. What is he doing here?
His wrinkled face broke out in a familiar grin as she came up to him. “Brie, you look positively stunning.”
She was suddenly reminded of her attire and blushed. This was Mr. Reynolds, after all. “This is my wife, Judy. She has been anxious to meet you.”
Brie looked at the older woman, who had streaks of gray throughout her jet-black hair. The woman had a captivating smile. “Such a pleasure. Jack has only nice things to say about his favorite employee.” She leaned in closer. “I think you saved his sanity on numerous occasions.”