by Red Phoenix
“Thank you, Sir Davis. You really didn’t have to make me a meal, but thanks,” Lea joked, grabbing the meal from Brie.
Sir shook his head good-naturedly as he took it back. “Watch yourself, Lea.”
Brie was amazed at Lea’s boldness. Not too many people were brave enough to joke with Sir. It made her love Lea all the more. “Call you tomorrow?”
Lea gave her a big hug. “I’m counting on it, subbie.”
On the drive there, Sir surprised Brie by stating, “Although I have made dinner, there is something I want you to cook especially for Marquis Gray once we get there.”
She hid her disappointment with a smile. Having to cook for Marquis was humiliating, especially after the egg fiasco just before graduation. “Yes, Sir.”
He winked at her. “I know he will appreciate it.”
She wondered about this sudden trip to visit them and asked, “Is everything okay with Celestia, Sir? Is she having trouble recovering from her emergency appendectomy?”
He chuckled. “She is well enough. I think this is more for Marquis’ sake. He has been at home taking care of his sub for more than a week, and I think it is driving him mad.”
Brie was struck again by the paradigm shift—first with Ms. Clark and now with Marquis. She had always imagined him to be almost Zen-like in his approach to life. The idea that Marquis was going stir-crazy seemed so…human.
“I couldn’t help over hearing part of your conversation with Lea,” Sir stated. “During our stay in Russia, Ms. Clark’s name is not to be mentioned.”
Brie couldn’t imagine what had happened to provoke such a command.
“I won’t, Sir.”
“I personally don’t care for gossip, but in this case it was beneficial. You needed to be aware of that dynamic so you would not mistakenly mention it. Although the incident occurred years ago, there are still raw nerves on all sides.”
“May I ask what happened, Sir?”
“You may ask, but I will not answer. It is a private matter.”
Brie cringed, feeling bad for prying. Humbled, she assured him, “I will not ask again, Sir. Please forgive me.”
“Lea is a natural gossip. I know that is not your nature.”
She didn’t want Sir to think badly of Lea. “I promise we will work hard next time to make up for today.”
“See that you do,” he replied as they pulled into the driveway of a sprawling, ranch-style home. He added, almost as an afterthought, “It would be nice to be settled, Brie. I’ve never been a fan of boxes.”
Sir’s comment warmed her heart. It was his way of saying that he wanted her there permanently. She blurted, “I love you, Sir!”
His devastating smile set her heart aflutter as she got out of the car, but those feelings of momentary bliss disappeared as soon as she stood on Marquis Gray’s doorstep.
I’m a Condor
Sir rang the doorbell and told Brie to stop fidgeting. “You will do fine,” he promised, just as the door opened.
Brie tensed when she saw Marquis Gray. It had only been a couple of weeks, but she had forgotten what a commanding presence he had until those dark eyes greeted her. She quickly looked down, not wanting to be reprimanded.
“Well, isn’t this a nice surprise?”
“I doubt you could call it a surprise when you demanded we come,” Sir replied with a smirk.
“No need to speak of it to Celestia. I wouldn’t want her to feel she was a burden to anyone.”
“I suspect she is not the problem,” Sir murmured as he held up the dish he’d prepared. “This is for later. My sub is going to make you an appetizer first.”
Through hooded eyes, she watched Marquis for his reaction. She did not miss the look of revulsion that flitted across his face. “How kind of you.”
She wasn’t sure if he was speaking to Sir or to her, so she kept her head down. She was determined not to fail him—or Sir.
“But first, you two really must see Celestia. She has been cooped up here since I brought her home from the hospital after the surgery, and she is in dire need of company.”
Brie followed Sir as Marquis led them through the house. It looked like a model home one saw in magazines. Tall, vaulted ceilings, an expansive fireplace, tons of perfectly placed knick-knacks. Not what she had imagined for Marquis at all. It made her wonder if Celestia had been the decorator. If so, she was quite talented. The place maintained a homey and inviting feel, despite its perfection.
Marquis took them to the great room. It was equally impressive, with its wall of books, large screen TV, and huge bay window. The room had it all, including a smiling Celestia, who was lying on the couch.
“May I, Sir?” Brie asked.
“Of course.”
She walked to Celestia’s side and knelt beside her, grabbing her hand. “How are you? I was so scared when I heard what had happened!”
Celestia’s angelic voice was as pure as Brie remembered. “I am doing well, Miss Bennett. Marquis is overly protective of his sub. He won’t let me do anything while I recover.”
“Doctor’s orders,” Marquis corrected.
Celestia smiled up at her Master. “You take good care of me.” He offered his hand and she kissed it tenderly.
It was sweet. The two had a special bond Brie adored.
“It is good to hear you are well, Celestia,” Sir said kindly. “You are greatly admired and your bad health was a distress to us all.”
Celestia bowed her head. “That’s very kind of you to say, Sir Davis.”
“Miss Bennett,” Marquis said, “I hear you have had issues with Mr. Wallace since the collaring ceremony.”
She looked at him warily, only nodding when she glanced into his perilous eyes. They penetrated her to the core.
“I’ve spoken to him once and we will be meeting with him as a panel while you are in Russia. He is in significant need of direction. However, I can’t help but wonder what you feel for the young Dom.”
She looked to Sir before she spoke. He nodded, so she answered Marquis openly. “I care about Mr. Wallace, but only as a friend.”
“That must stop.”
She looked at him in shock. She was about to protest, but remembered his position and asked respectfully, “May I ask why, Marquis Gray?”
“He cannot distinguish the difference. He is convinced you feel the same and will not be able to move forward if he continues to receive mixed signals from you.”
Sir put his hand on Brie’s shoulder, stating, “I’ve already told her what to do if she encounters him again.”
“I am not talking about that, Sir Davis. I am talking about her private thoughts. I personally believe those connections are equally potent. Even the simple act of dwelling on Mr. Wallace continues a link that needs to be severed. Until he is in control of his emotions, you should banish all thoughts of him.”
Brie thought Marquis was being overdramatic, but then she thought back to the many times she had fantasized about Sir during her training. She’d felt a very real connection to him then, and look at them now…
She glanced at Sir, not wanting to commit to anything he did not agree with.
Sir addressed Marquis. “Although I doubt Brie will have any thoughts of the boy while we are in Russia, I believe it is a valid point.”
Brie nodded to Marquis. “Then I will sever my thoughts, Marquis Gray. I don’t want him to hurt anymore. Faelan deserves a fresh start.”
“Fine.” Marquis looked down at Celestia lovingly. “I believe my sub is due for some sustenance.”
Sir inquired, “May we have free rein of your kitchen?”
“Certainly.”
Sir guided Brie into the immaculate kitchen. He looked through the refrigerator before giving her directions. “It looks like you have all the necessary ingredients.” He shut the refrigerator door and faced her. “I want you to create the best damn omelet he’s ever eaten.”
Brie felt her stomach sink to the ground. Her worst nightmare! Cooking a
n omelet for Marquis? “Only if it pleases you, Sir,” she replied, stating her reluctance respectfully.
He chuckled. “It pleases me.”
Her sigh was heavy when he left the kitchen. An omelet for Marquis… Oh, the humanity!
Brie gathered the needed ingredients, including his favorites: green onion, bacon, and Swiss. She counted out the eggs and noted there were only enough to make three omelets. She hoped it would be unnecessary to use them all.
While the others talked in the adjacent room, Brie set to work. There was a sense of excitement, despite the fear. She knew how to cook this omelet and if Sir wasn’t willing to partake of her skills, at least Marquis could.
It only took two tries to make a perfect omelet. Sir had provided a covered plate so that she could properly display it. With pride, she placed the silver lid over it and walked into the room to join the group, the plate held proudly in both hands.
“Ah, you look as if you have created a masterpiece,” Marquis complimented as he sat down on the couch next to Celestia.
“I could not have done it without your patience, Marquis Gray. I am grateful,” she said with a bow as she placed it on the coffee table, along with a fork and napkin.
“I am anxious to try it.”
Everyone watched as he lifted the lid—Celestia with her pleasant smile and Sir with a playful smirk. Brie bit her lip in anticipation.
The look on Marquis’ face would have been comical if she hadn’t been the one to make the dish. “Oh, no…” He quickly slammed the lid back down and closed his eyes.
The room was silent.
He said, in a voice of forced calm, “Miss Bennett, I appreciate the effort you put into the dish. However, after our last session in the kitchen I have sworn off omelets forever.”
Sir put his hand over his mouth to hide his snicker. Celestia, on the other hand, took pity on Brie. “I would love to sample your work.”
With much effort, Marquis took off the lid again and cut a small piece for her. He lifted the fork to her lips and turned away as she chewed.
“It’s simply lovely, Miss Bennett. So light and fluffy. Thank you.”
Brie bowed. “My pleasure, Celestia.”
“Whose idea was it to cook the omelet tonight?” Marquis asked as he cut another piece for Celestia.
Brie said nothing.
“I see.” Marquis turned to Sir. “Your idea of a joke, Sir Davis? It wasn’t enough to put me in charge of the cooking unit last session, I take it.”
Sir bit back his amusement. “I wanted you to enjoy the benefits of your labor, Gray. It was only fair. You know how I detest eggs. The whole Center smelled of it for a week.”
Marquis actually smiled then. “You have an overly sensitive nose, Sir Davis.” He raised his eyebrow and stated, “Surely you’re not suggesting I chose that particular dish with you in mind?”
“That is exactly what I’m suggesting.”
He chuckled. “Unfortunately, I ended up punishing us both.” He gave Celestia another bite before addressing Brie. “Although the sight of this dish nauseates me, I must compliment you on the work. I can tell it has the right texture, and apparently you remembered what I prefer in an omelet. Kudos, Miss Bennett.” His praise gave her an unexpected thrill. “And…” he lifted the fork to Celestia’s lips again, “my sub seems to enjoy the flavor. A job well done. How many tries did it take?”
Brie said proudly, “Two.”
“A vast improvement indeed. There is hope for you yet.”
“Thank you, Marquis Gray.”
Sir spoke up, “Unfortunately, we must cut this visit short. Brie and I both have work to do tonight, but I have your meal warming in the oven.”
“It was lovely of you to come, Sir Davis. Miss Bennett,” Celestia said, trying to get up.
Marquis gently pushed her back on the couch. “Stay still,” he chided. “I’ll see them out.”
As they walked to the front of the house, Marquis told Sir, “To be honest, I questioned whether you would be a good match for Miss Bennett, despite her infatuation with you. Especially when I heard the reports of her interactions with Mr. Wallace afterwards. However, tonight those concerns have been silenced. I see a peace in her eyes I have not seen before.”
Brie’s heart nearly burst with joy when she heard his observation.
“It is good to hear you acknowledge that fact,” Sir replied. “I did not make the decision lightly, nor did I do it solely for my own benefit.”
“Understood,” Marquis answered. “But one had to question your intentions, based on your previous actions.”
“What one might label as a ‘breach of protocol’, another might see as a fated encounter,” Sir responded.
Marquis shook his head as he opened the door. “Regardless of whether I agree with you or not, I wish you both safe travels. Miss Bennett, I hope you will visit again soon. I am sure my sub will enjoy your tales of Russia.”
“Thank you, Marquis Gray. Please tell Celestia how happy I am to see her looking so well.”
“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 parent’s 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.