The Ties That Bind (Brie's Submission Book 22)

by Red Phoenix

  “But…” he growled ominously. “I had not counted on my boots buried in the back of the closet.”

  Brie bit her lip, trying desperately not to laugh.

  “Master Anderson may have been the brains behind the sneak attack, but it was your simple but effective touches that truly made this deadly.”

  Brie couldn’t hold it back any longer and started to laugh. “I’m so sorry, Rytsar.”

  He smirked. “Nyet. You are not.”

  She burst out in a full-on belly laugh, imagining the sexy Russian and all of those deadly bodyguards running in sheer terror just like she had, hoping to get the little silver packets with yellow smiley faces out of the house before detonation.

  It was priceless!

  “Do you forgive me?”

  He snorted. “Do you forgive me for returning the favor?”

  Brie giggled, telling him how she had unwittingly flashed one of their neighbors as she tried to get rid of the thing. She grinned afterward. “I loved it.”

  “As did I, radost moya…” His low chuckle filled the room. He nuzzled her neck before biting down on her delicate skin, sending delightful shivers down her spine.

  Send-Off

  The following day, Brie went with Sir to see Rytsar and Faelan off. She’d left Hope with her parents out of concern for Faelan, uncertain how he was handling his grief over Kylie now that he intended to leave for Russia with Rytsar.

  Marquis Gray answered the door and nodded respectfully to the Russian before addressing Sir and Brie, “It is good you two came as well.”

  Brie held her breath as Marquis Gray ushered them into the house. She had hoped to see an improvement in Faelan but, as soon as they entered the room, she was disheartened to see he was even more pale and gaunt than before.

  “Are you ready for this?” Rytsar asked him.

  Faelan glanced in their direction, the grief in his eyes so palpable that Brie gasped in pain.

  Celestia walked into the room, carrying the crying child. Brie wondered if the little girl could sense Faelan was leaving her. The desperate sound of the baby’s wails broke her heart.

  Faelan winced and closed his eyes. “The sooner we do this, the better.”

  Sir picked up the suitcase in the hallway while Rytsar slapped Faelan soundly on the back. “It will get better.”

  Faelan let out a low grunt as if he didn’t believe Rytsar. He then turned to Marquis and Celestia and frowned. “I’m sorry for the burden I have become.”

  “You are not a burden,” Marquis stated firmly.

  Glancing briefly at the bereft child in Celestia’s arms, Faelan said with regret, “It’s unfair of me to ask this of you.”

  Celestia was quick to answer. “We do this out of love for you both, Todd.”

  Marquis clasped his shoulder. “Do what you must to reground yourself for your daughter. She deserves no less from you.”

  Faelan nodded curtly and turned to leave.

  The child’s cries intensified when he walked away. Brie held her breath, her heart aching for his little girl.

  Faelan suddenly stopped in his tracks and walked back to his daughter, holding out his hands. Celestia placed the crying baby in his arms.

  He cradled her against his chest and gently hushed her. The tiny baby quieted, then looked up at him with teary eyes.

  “I will come back for you. I promise.” Faelan kissed her on the forehead before handing her back to Celestia.

  Brie saw Faelan swipe his eye as he rushed out of the room without looking back. Following quietly behind Sir, Brie listened as the child began to wail again.

  Once outside, it crushed her when Faelan stared up at the sky and said, “I’m barely hanging on by a thread, Kylie.”

  “Do not look back, only forward,” Rytsar stated gruffly as they walked to the vehicle.

  Sir handed the suitcase to Rytsar’s man and stood beside Brie, wrapping his arm around her. “If you need anything, Wallace, don’t hesitate to call Brie and I.”

  Faelan held out his hand to Sir. “You helped saved my life once. I’d prefer not to owe you a second time.”

  Brie instantly thought of Tono and struggled not to show any emotion when Faelan gazed into her eyes. “Look after Celestia for me, blossom. I don’t know how long this will take and she’ll have her hands full with my little girl.”

  “I will.”

  Faelan suddenly frowned and looked away. “I can’t imagine life without Kylie. I don’t even want to…”

  “I know,” Brie whimpered.

  When Faelan met her gaze again, she was hit by the immensity of his grief. “Life means nothing without her, blossom.”

  She took his hand and squeezed it. “But you’ll find a way.”

  Faelan glanced toward the house briefly, before turning to Rytsar. “You’ll live to regret letting me tag along with you.”

  Rytsar snorted. “You’re wrong. I am a man who no longer lives with regret.”

  Brie felt chills, moved by the profound truth behind his words.

  With Sir by her side, she watched Faelan get in the vehicle. He called for Little Sparrow, who jumped in to join him.

  Rytsar nodded to Brie. “He will be a changed man on our return, radost moya.”

  “I’m grateful…for everything.” She swallowed hard to keep her emotions in check.

  Rytsar winked at her. “There is nothing I’d rather do than ensure the creature is no longer a threat to you.”

  “You’ll keep us apprised of the situation?” Sir asked him.

  “Of course, moy droog.”

  Sir furrowed his brow and looked at Rytsar thoughtfully. “I hope to repay you for helping with my sister.”

  “Nyet.”

  Leaning toward him, Brie heard Rytsar whisper, “I do this for me as much as for you, comrade.”

  As Brie watched them drive away, she felt a great emptiness in their wake.

  Once they were out of sight, Sir guided Brie back inside. They were greeted by the loud wails of the little baby. Brie immediately went to relieve Celestia. “Let me hold this little bundle of sad cuteness.”

  “Celestia,” Marquis asked, “would you brew us some chamomile tea and bring a cup for yourself? We could all use a moment of calm.”

  After she left, Marquis addressed Sir. “I know it is not my place, and you are within your right to say no, but I would like to be kept informed on how things progress in Russia.”

  Brie was certain Marquis was speaking about Lilly and wondered how Sir would respond to his request. Even though Sir had found a solution Marquis approved of, there was no mistaking that the trainer remained concerned about Lilly’s welfare.

  Sir stared at Marquis for a long time before answering. “When I have news worth sharing, I will make a point of letting you know.”

  Marquis nodded.

  Celestia returned, carrying a tray. With grace and a sense of formality, she poured the tea and handed the first cup to her Master. She then handed one to Sir and then poured the next cup for Brie.

  Bouncing the crying child in her arms, Brie told her, “No, sit down and enjoy the tea while it’s still hot. Grace and I are getting reacquainted.”

  Celestia smiled and did as Brie asked, but never took her eyes off the child as she sat and sipped her tea.

  Brie noticed Marquis quietly observing his submissive.

  The moment Celestia got up to pour him more tea, he stopped her. “Rather than another cup of tea, I would find a flogging session more relaxing.”

  Celestia looked at him with pleading eyes, clearly needing that release. “Yes, Master.”

  Glancing at Sir, Marquis asked, “Would you mind caring for the child while we take a few minutes to ourselves?”

  “Take as much time as you need. In fact, we could take her home with us if you’d like.”

  Celestia’s concerned gaze darted toward the baby.

  “No, that is unnecessary,” Marquis assured him. “The child has suffered enough separation for one day.�
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  Turning to Celestia, he held out his hand to her. “Come with me, my love.”

  Celestia took his hand, a little gasp escaping her lips as he lifted her to her feet.

  “It has been far too long,” he murmured as he escorted her out of the room.

  Brie felt immense joy as she watched them walk out of the room together.

  “They have a tough road ahead,” Sir stated once they were gone.

  Brie looked down at the unhappy child. “I wish I could let Grace know it’s going to be okay.”

  Sir stared at the crying child with a troubled expression. “These next few months are going to be difficult, but she is not the only one I worry about. It’s important that Marquis and Celestia look after themselves, as well.”

  Brie perked up. “I know your aunt and uncle have offered to babysit, and I would be happy to help.”

  He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, laying his hand on her pregnant belly. “You need to take care of yourself and our own little girl.”

  Brie stared up at him, loving how Sir looked out for everyone—especially her. “I know Mary has a long list of people who want to help.”

  “Excellent. I’ll speak to Miss Wilson and see if we can’t schedule a rotation of people. Knowing Gray, it’s not something he would consider asking for himself.”

  Even with a wailing infant in her arms, Brie was overwhelmed by the beauty of this moment. “I love everything about you, Sir.”

  He smirked. “Foolish sub…”

  Taking the baby from her, he told her, “Let’s go on a long walk so Celestia can concentrate on her Master rather than a crying child.”

  Brie walked the neighborhood beside Sir, moved beyond words by his thoughtfulness. Her heart was so full of love for the man, she felt like she might burst.

  Knowing how emotionally invested Mary was in the success of the second documentary, Brie called her when they arrived home hours later and let her know about the failed negotiations.

  Brie had secretly held onto the hope that Mr. Cummings would return with an updated contract the next day, making this call unnecessary. Unfortunately, that hadn’t happened, and Brie didn’t want Mary to hear about it from anyone else.

  “What’s up, Stinks? Got some fabulous news to tell me? You’re welcome, by the way.”

  She answered truthfully, “I appreciate everything you’ve done, Mary.”

  “Wait! Something’s wrong…I can hear it in your voice. What happened?”

  Brie let out an anguished sigh.

  “They contacted you with an offer, right?”

  “They did.”

  “Did they insult you with a shit deal?” she growled angrily. “Those mother fuckers…”

  “Not exactly.”

  Mary was silent for a moment. “What did they offer you?”

  “I can’t say.”

  “What the hell, bitch? I deserve better than that from you!”

  “You do, but I signed a confidentiality agreement.”

  “Fuck!” Mary snarled. “I know you can’t say who it is, but did you at least meet the person behind all this?”

  “No. I still have no idea who it is.”

  Mary huffed. “Are you telling me this was all some fucking ruse?”

  “No, I believe the offer was genuine. In fact, it was a good one.”

  Mary demanded, “Why didn’t you take it, damn it.”

  “There was one issue I couldn’t ignore.”

  “Let me guess…you can’t tell me what that is,” Mary snarled.

  “Actually, my lawyer said I can.”

  “Well? Spit it out.”

  Brie sighed heavily, reliving the shock and disappointment. “I asked for final say over the film and they all walked out.”

  Her confession was met with silence.

  Aware of all the sacrifices Mary had made trying to make this offer a reality, despite Holloway’s displeasure, Brie was prepared for an ugly tongue-lashing.

  Instead, Mary laughed. “Damn it, Stinks…I couldn’t be prouder of you than I am right now.”

  Brie snorted in disbelief. “Really?”

  “Absolutely. You have no idea who’s behind this or what their motives are. Why trust your documentary and reputation to someone who won’t even show their face to you?”

  Brie was touched by Mary’s reaction. “After all you’ve been through…everything you’ve risked for me, I thought—” She cleared her throat, her emotions suddenly getting the best of her. “You never cease to amaze me, Mary.”

  “I hope you know I would have throat punched you had you agreed to that deal.”

  Brie burst out laughing. “Now, that’s the Mary I know and love.”

  “So, what’s the plan now, Stinks?”

  “I’m going to continue making my next documentary. Holloway has no power over my future. Tono said so himself.”

  “Oh, so you’ve been talking to the rope Master, have you?”

  Knowing Mary was currently living with Lea to avoid Holloway’s wrath, Brie immediately changed the subject to avoid exposing the secret of Tono’s health. Lowering her voice, she asked, “I need to know something.”

  Mary immediately replied in a snarky tone, “You can ask, bitch. But that doesn’t mean I’ll answer you.”

  Brie frowned, worried about her. “Now that we know there is no other offer coming, what are your plans?”

  Mary’s voice suddenly became cold and defensive. “What do you mean?”

  Brie was afraid this was the reaction she would get, but forged ahead anyway, “With Greg Holloway.”

  Brie could feel the tension building when Mary snarled, “What about him?”

  “Are you going to finally dump the creep?”

  She burst out laughing as if the question were absurd. “Once Greg hears the offer fell through, he’ll want me by his side so he can gloat every chance he gets. There’s no getting out of this.”

  “Mary, just say the word,” Brie begged. “You have a team of people that can help you get away from the bastard.”

  Her voice gave Brie chills. “I don’t think you understand, Brie. Now that the threat of the offer no longer exists, Holloway will be even more powerful than he was before. Things are about to get real ugly.”

  “Then you have to get away now!”

  “You have it all wrong. Without me there, you will pay in ways you could never imagine. You think Greg will stand by and let you go on your merry way as if nothing happened?”

  “Mary, I—”

  “I knew this was a possibility, Brie. My eyes were wide open when I made the decision to help you. I don’t regret it—not for a second.”

  A lump formed in Brie’s throat. “You don’t have to accept this as your fate.”

  Mary let out an exasperated sigh. “Don’t you get it? Without me on the front lines, your future is forfeit. You have no idea the lengths Greg will go to make you and your family pay for this failed coup. Oh, wait…” She laughed sarcastically. “Actually, you do. But I guarantee, what he did to me and my mother will pale in comparison to what he’ll do to you—unless I’m there to stop it.”

  Ice ran through Brie’s veins when she heard Mary’s assertion. Remembering Tono’s words about Holloway’s effect on her future, she said confidently, “I refuse to believe that.”

  “Fine. It’s better if you don’t. But I know the truth, Brie. So let me do what I have to do.”

  “No, I can’t let you sacrifice yourself.”

  Her laughter was harsh. “I’m the whole reason you’re entangled with the bastard, so I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to protect you from his wrath.”

  “But, Mary—”

  “Don’t worry about me. He’ll gloat for a couple of months, do his best to humiliate me in front of his friends. Hell…if I play him right, it won’t be long before he’ll get tired and move on to some new conquest of his. You were just a means to an end, Stinks. As long as I’m there to distract him, he won’t need to torm
ent you.”

  “I won’t let you do that!” Brie cried.

  Mary’s voice became ice cold. “This is my life, bitch. Nobody gets to control what I do—not even you.”

  “I’m not okay with this plan, Mary.”

  The tone in her voice grew more hostile. “This isn’t up for debate, and if you talk to anyone about it, I’ll jump down the rabbit hole so fast, it will make your head spin.”

  Brie had no idea what she meant, but it terrified her.

  Although she knew Mary’s actions came from a place of love, because of her violent past, the way she expressed it was dark and twisted—and Brie wasn’t sure if Mary would survive it.

  “You better not betray me, bitch,” Mary warned, her voice full of venom.

  Brie heard a rapping knock in the background, followed by Lea’s cheerful voice. “Hey, just a heads up. Hunter’s going to be here in a few.”

  “Oh, yay!” Mary answered in a sarcastic tone.

  Mary lowered her voice and whispered into the phone so only Brie could hear, “At least now I don’t have a reason to stay here anymore.”

  “Who are you talking to?” Lea asked.

  “Stinks.”

  “Hey, Brie!” Lea called out before telling Mary, “Hunter said you’re invited to join us.”

  “No to whatever your weird boyfriend has planned. I want nothing to do with it.”

  Lea snorted in amusement. “We’re just going to the zoo, silly.”

  “Exactly. What kind of lame-ass takes a grown woman to the zoo when they could be getting their freak on?”

  “Whatever…”

  “So, anyway, Stinks,” Mary continued, dismissing Lea.

  “Tell Brie she’s invited to join us at the zoo with Hope if she wants,” Lea called out.

  “Ignore her,” Mary advised Brie. “All they do is make out when they think no one is watching.”

  “We do not!” Lea protested.

  “Yeah, right…”

  “Anyhoo, let’s get together soon, Brie,” Lea sang out. “I miss my Stinky Cheese!”

  “Get the hell out, Lea. I’m trying to have a conversation here.”

  “Fine, but my invitation still stands for you both.”

  Mary huffed loudly after the door closed. “Lea is a fucking pain to live with. Always cheerful and smiling, and those incessant jokes…it seriously makes me want to punch something.”