by Red Phoenix
Brie chuckled lightly as she thought of Finn. “I think you’re just being paranoid.”
Mary looked her straight in the eye. “No, I’m not. Don’t forget, I speak from personal experience. Secret admirers are the Devil’s spawn.”
Brie looked at her with sympathy.
“You know one of the things I hate the most?” Mary shook her head vehemently. “I know I said I didn’t want to talk about Greg, but that fucker stole the magic of Disney from me. It’s the only thing that kept me sane all of these years, and now…” She slipped her sunglasses back on and picked up her cup of coffee, sipping it silently.
She remembered how shocked she’d been when she learned Holloway was the one who left the movies on Mary’s doorstep as a child.
Brie could only imagine the loss Mary felt having that cherished part of her childhood ripped away, remembering the multitude of Disney figurines that used to line Mary’s apartment.
“Greg not only took away my future,” she said with a catch in her voice, “but the only thing I loved about my past.”
It angered Brie. “No! Holloway does not get to have that kind of power over you. Your love of Disney helped shape you into the person you are today. It’s one of the quirky things I like about you. The only thing that monster did was introduce you to the films. You are the one who internalized the positive messages you found in them and used them to survive. You did that. Fuck that asshole. He doesn’t get to claim any part of it from you.”
Mary sat back in her chair. “Wow, Stinks. I think someone here may have had one too many shots of espresso.”
Brie took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “I just don’t want you to lose that part of yourself, damn it!”
Mary took another sip of her coffee. With her shades on, her expression was unreadable. “I’ll take that under advisement.”
Brie looked at her friend with compassion. “I love you, Mary.”
Mary smirked. “Good God, Brie. Don’t go declaring your love for me after your little outburst.” She looked around the room in pretend shame.
Brie rolled her eyes, spotting traces of Blonde Nemesis peeking through. Mary always backed away whenever she felt people were getting too real. Still, Brie was grateful she’d come.
Sir had been right, Mary needed her.
But, the truth was, Brie needed her just as much.
Brie was relieved to hear Rytsar was returning to the States. Sir made a special request that he join them on the night of his return.
The Russian was unusually late that evening despite having flown in early in the afternoon.
“Do you think something is wrong, Sir?” she asked worriedly, looking at the clock.
Sir raised an eyebrow. “He may be dealing with an issue a certain duo left for him.”
Brie blushed, having forgotten about the humorous prank. “I sure hope he can forgive me.”
“We’ll find out soon enough,” he chuckled.
Rytsar arrived a full hour later than expected. Brie was nervous. She fully expected him to barge into their house demanding an explanation from her.
Instead, he came bearing gifts for all three of them—an elaborate Staunton chess board with inlaid wood and hand-carved chess pieces for Sir, a sweet child’s tea set made of wood with tiny flowers painted on them for Hope, and an exquisite Russian lacquer music box for her.
When Brie wound it up and opened the lid, she was moved to tears on hearing the haunting melody of Pas de Deux from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
“I love this, Rytsar.”
His eyes flashed with approval. “I have always been fond of this particular song.”
“Well, I certainly didn’t expect to receive gifts on a fact-finding mission for Lilly,” Sir stated as he looked over each chess piece with admiration.
“I am a man of passion, moy droog, and need no excuse to give gifts.”
He turned to Brie and said with a glint in his eyes. “Don’t you agree, radost moya?”
Brie forced herself to play it cool when she answered—even though she suspected she was about to be interrogated by the Russian about the prank. “Yes. Gifts given from the heart are always cherished.”
“Particularly when they are unexpected,” he added.
Brie knew he was leading her to confess, but she’d promised Master Anderson to admit to nothing and replied, “Those are the best kind.”
“Da…” He gazed into her eyes. She was held captive by that intense blue gaze and fought hard not to crumble under it.
“What’s wrong, radost moya?” Rytsar inquired with a sly grin. “You look as if you have something to say.”
She suddenly held up the music box and smiled. “It’s so pretty. Thank you.”
He leaned in closer, pinning her against the wall. “Is that really what you want to tell me?”
Brie let out a nervous giggle. “I can’t express how grateful I am you’re back.”
He stared deep into her eyes, demanding more.
She held her breath, her heart racing. Brie was close to breaking under his intense stare, and silently chided herself for taunting the sadist.
What the hell was I thinking?
“I hear there is news about your film.”
Brie let her breath out slowly, unprepared for the question. Realizing she was safe for the moment, she smiled at him beguilingly. “Mary told me that some unknown entity has been gathering a dream team in Hollywood, and she suspects it has everything to do with my second documentary—although no one has been able to confirm it. It’s crazy, because the entire thing has been shrouded in mystery. No one in Hollywood is willing to publicly cross Greg Holloway. But the best part is that it looks like my original documentary will be receiving an honorary award.”
Rytsar slapped his hands against the wall beside her head, making her jump. “That is excellent news, radost moya!”
“It is!” Brie grinned with excitement, spurred on by his enthusiasm.
“You wouldn’t happen to know who that might be?” Sir asked him.
Rytsar grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I do not, moy droog. However, when I discover who it is, I will show them my gratitude—personally.”
“Don’t you find it strange that they’ve been able to keep it a secret?” Sir asked.
The Russian shrugged. “With enough money, anything is possible…”
Sir raised an eyebrow. “Agreed, and there’s only one person I know who has that kind of money.”
Rytsar chuckled, a grin spreading across his face. “It’s not me, moy droog. Unfortunately, having no experience with the inner workings of Hollywood, I’ve made little progress in that area.”
Brie smiled, hearing his confession. “So, you have been trying.”
Rytsar snorted. “Of course! I am invested in this film on several fronts. Not only do I believe in the message of the film, but I have an important role in it. Besides, I happen to love the director.”
She blushed, touched by his declaration.
“Well, if it’s not you, then who?” Sir pressed.
Brie decided to reveal her benefactor. “I believe it’s Finn. Although I don’t have any solid evidence, he respects my work and has a reputation for being a rebel in Hollywood.”
“Didn’t he refuse to meet with you even after you sat in his office for over a week?” Sir reminded her.
“He did, Sir. However, I understand why now. Finn must show a pretense of solidarity with Holloway or he risks being blacklisted in Hollywood.”
“I would like to speak to this Finn person,” Rytsar stated.
“Please don’t!” she begged. “Not yet. I could never forgive myself if we inadvertently brought attention to him and destroyed his career.”
Rytsar tilted his head, frowning slightly, but said, “As you wish, radost moya.”
He turned his attention on Sir. “Shall we discuss what is distressing you, comrade?”
Sir let out an exasperated sigh. “Am I that obvious?”
Rytsar laughed in answer. “Come, sit.”
Sir gestured for Brie to join him on the couch and explained what happened during his recent confrontation with Marquis Gray.
Rytsar interrupted. “Why did you go to that man?”
“Ironically, he asked me the same question.” Sir chuckled with irritation.
“Moy droog, Gray does not understand the seriousness of the situation. All his moral ideals have no place here.”
Letting out a long sigh, Sir admitted, “It was the point of contention between us.”
“Do not be troubled,” he assured Sir. “We both know the woman is dangerously unstable. Dr. Volkov confirmed it with extensive testing.”
“True. I was not surprised by the doctor’s findings,” Sir conceded.
“You know what must be done, and I am the man to do it.”
Dread washed over Brie. The moment she had agonized over was playing out before her very eyes. “We can’t.”
Rytsar looked Brie dead in the eye. “I will not lose you or the babe to such evil.”
“Brother,” Sir said gruffly, pain lacing his voice. “I want Lilly dead as well because I’m not willing to risk the life of my wife or children, but…”
“But what?” Rytsar demanded.
“Marquis said something that still resonates with me. If I make this one moral concession—no matter how justified—I will eventually become like my mother and Lilly.”
Sir turned to Brie. “Gray said he saw it clear as day.”
Chills ran down Brie’s spine.
“When Gray did not give me the answer I wanted, I asked him for a session with the flogger. I needed the pain to disappear, if only for a moment.”
Brie nodded, understanding completely.
“But, he denied me even that,” he snarled. “Gray said he refused to act as my pain addiction.”
She sucked in her breath, remembering when Marquis Gray told her the same thing at the Collaring Ceremony.
“Why would he tell you that?” Rytsar snorted. “You are no masochist.”
“No, I am not.” Sir closed his eyes. “However, he was right.”
“Moy droog…” Rytsar protested.
Sir opened his eyes, his expression pained when he admitted, “My primal instinct is to kill Lilly and eliminate the threat to my family—but I fear it will change me. I believe that is the reason I sought out Gray’s counsel.”
“Oh, Sir,” Brie cried, reaching out to him in support.
Agony hardening his expression, he confessed, “It seems I must risk losing my family or I will become the very thing I want to kill. Neither choice is acceptable to me.”
Firsts
Sir asked Brie to invite Faelan and Kylie to join them for an afternoon on the beach. “It would be good for me to get Wallace’s perspective on the situation, and I’m sure Kylie would appreciate time relaxing in the sun before her life is no longer hers.”
Brie laughed. “She has no idea what she’s in for. Her life will never be the same.” Glancing at Hope, she added, “But, I have no regrets.”
He put his arm around her, gazing at their daughter. “No regrets.”
When the two arrived, Brie headed to the beach with Kylie and Hope so the two men could talk privately about Lilly. She noticed Kylie was already showing. “How far along are you?”
She giggled, looking down at her small baby bump. “Turns out I’m four months. Doctor Glas says the baby is healthy and is progressing well.”
“So, you did decide to go with my pediatrician.” Brie said, pleased to hear it.
“I did, and I do enjoy his Scottish accent! He’s been incredibly patient with me and my hundreds of questions.”
“Dr. Glas is great. I loved having him as my doctor for Hope and I’m grateful that he’ll be delivering our next baby, too.”
“So, you’re about one month along, right?” she asked.
“Yep. Sounds like I’m a trimester behind you.”
“I’m happy we’re in this together, Brie.”
“Me, too. We can share all the crazy little things that happen during pregnancy.”
Brie led Kylie out to the sunshade that Sir had already set up. Putting Hope on the beach blanket, Brie handed her a toy shovel and bucket to play with. Hope immediately began banging them together.
“While we enjoy the sun, she’ll get to stay safe under the shade,” she told Kylie.
“She’s such a lucky girl.” Kylie sat down on the low beach chair and laughed. “You know, I have no idea what I am going to do when I am eight months pregnant. I can’t believe how much my body is changing.”
Brie giggled. “You have so many changes ahead, girl. Our bodies metamorphosize into baby-making machines. It’s like you become part of a miracle, and when you feel them move inside you…” She sighed happily. “It’s pure magic.”
Kylie’s eyes lit up. “I didn’t know what that feeling was at first. It was like a little flutter. And then, when I realized it was the baby, I tried to get Faelan to feel it.”
Brie grinned. “Yeah, he won’t be able to feel it for a little longer.”
“Well, we spent hours trying.” Kylie laughed, then turned to the ocean and let out a satisfied sigh. “I’m so happy right now I can hardly stand it.”
Brie loved hearing that. “I’m happy for you both.”
“So, I do have a couple of questions…”
Brie spent the next hour answering all of Kylie’s many questions. It was nice to be the experienced one this time around.
“Do you have any food cravings?”
“Not yet.” Kylie sounded a bit disappointed. “However, I can’t stand the smell of garlic and I’ve always loved that smell. What’s up with that?”
“Pregnancy hormones can cause crazy things.” Brie giggled. “Luckily, I haven’t experienced that one myself. With Sir’s Italian background, it would be a rough nine months in the kitchen if I couldn’t stand the smell of garlic.”
Kylie grinned. “I have to say Faelan has been amazing—so attentive and caring. You really get to know a man on a different level when you carry his baby.”
“Agreed.”
They soaked up the rays of the sun as they continued to chat. Eventually, their men came out to join them.
“What are you two up to? Plotting world domination?” Faelan joked.
Kylie rubbed her tummy, smiling up at him. “One baby at a time.”
Brie closed her eyes as they all lay listening to the waves, enjoying the warmth of the sun.
Faelan broke the pleasant silence. “As far as your situation with Lilly…I think there is something you need to consider.”
Sir turned his head toward him. “And what would that be?”
“Faith.”
Sir snorted. “What do you mean by that?”
“If you end the threat, you know the path it will lead you down. Based on that alone, you have to choose the alternative and have faith.”
Sir grunted. “I am not a man of faith.”
Brie reached out to him. “I wouldn’t say that, Sir.”
“It’s true,” he insisted. “I have zero faith in the future, only in what I can control.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t learned that lesson by now.” Faelan chuckled. “Any control you think you have is only an illusion.”
Sir shook his head. “I wholeheartedly disagree.”
“Take me for example,” Faelan continued. “I thought I was going to be a famous football star and sacrificed everything for it, but look at me now.” He held out his hand to Kylie to squeeze it. “Funny thing is, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Even losing this.” He tapped the patch covering his eye.
“I believe life is a series of choices. We go down paths of our own making, but there is an element of the unknown that influences our lives.”
“How very philosophical of you,” Sir stated. “But that has no place in my world.”
Faelan smirked. “Or it does, but you are un
willing to accept it.”
Sir shook his head, chuckling with amusement.
When it came time for Faelan and Kylie to leave, Sir collapsed the sunshade and they walked back to the house.
Faelan dropped his car keys, and Sir knelt to pick them up.
“Sir…” Brie said in awe as Hope took her first steps toward him.
He turned to look and held out his hands to her. Hope was so excited that she lost her balance and tumbled to the floor.
Unfazed, she pulled herself up using the couch and tried again.
“You can do it,” he encouraged as she took several uncertain steps toward him. Sir met her halfway and scooped her into his arms. “Good job, little angel.”
Brie rushed over, gushing. “You did it! You’re such a big girl.” Grinning at Sir, she said, “I was too excited to get it on video.”
“Never fear.” Faelan held up his phone. “I got it.”
“Thank you, Faelan!”
Brie covered Hope in kisses before Sir set her down on the floor and let her try again. Her heart melted when she noticed Faelan taking Kylie’s hand as the two watched Hope slowly make her way across the floor.
It was a poignant moment.
“Would you guys like to come to Hope’s birthday?” Brie asked. “We’re having a small gathering but would love it if you could come.”
Kylie glanced at Faelan and grinned. When he nodded, she answered, “We’d love to.”
“No need for gifts,” Sir told them.
“What?” Kylie laughed. “Can’t we buy her anything?”
Brie grinned. “Since Hope has everything she needs as a one-year-old, we decided no gifts this year. But you can donate to Baby2Baby in her name if you’d like. They provide children with diapers, clothing, and other basic necessities.”
“We’ll be happy to contribute. Shoot me the link,” Faelan said, opening the front door for Kylie. “When is the party?”
“Next Saturday at three,” Sir answered.
After they left, Brie rushed back to Hope and cooed. “Now, show Mommy just how many steps you can take.”
Brie stood back to stare at the pink and purple streamers, multiple flower balloons, and twinkling fairy lights. Bumping shoulders with Lea, she said, “Not too bad, eh?”