by Red Phoenix
“Mom, I would be willing to bet that I know Thane far better than you knew Dad when you two married.”
Her mother huffed at her remark. “We went to high school together!”
Brie giggled. “Well, Mom, Thane and I went to school together, too.”
“What do you mean?”
Brie was too scared to explain it more than once, so she answered, “When Dad and Thane come back out, I’ll tell you everything. Just trust me when I say that I am confident in my choice of Thane as my partner, and there are legitimate reasons I feel that way.”
They sat in uncomfortable silence as the two men continued to have it out with each other in the study.
Her mother asked, “Brie, do you understand why your father is so protective of you?”
“No, Mom. I’m a grown adult now, yet he still he treats me like a baby.”
“Sweetheart, do you remember that incident when you were a child? When you were beaten and stabbed with a needle?”
Brie looked to the floor—for a brief second she felt the stab of the needle, the humiliation and terror of the moment. “Of course I do, Mom. I was scarred by that experience.” But then Baron came to mind and Brie physically relaxed. She gazed into her mother’s eyes. “Until recently.” Brie smiled as she assured her mom, “I’m okay now.”
Her mother took Brie’s hand in hers and squeezed it. “I’m grateful you feel that way, but your father has never forgiven himself. It has eaten him inside knowing that he wasn’t there to protect his little girl. Since then, your father has done everything in his power to keep you safe.”
Brie suddenly made the connection as her entire childhood flashed before her eyes. “Is that why we moved to Nebraska?” she asked in disbelief.
“Of course. He wanted to raise you in a small town, away from gangs and violence. It about killed him to let you move to California after college.”
That revelation softened her heart towards her father. All these years he had carried the burden of that terrible day, but she had never known it. Brie tried to ease her mother’s mind by explaining, “Mom, I’m an adult now. I don’t need Dad’s protection anymore.”
Her mother squeezed her hand harder. “We love you, Brie. You can’t expect us to stop caring just because you’re getting older. It doesn’t work that way. It’s a parent’s right to worry.”
It hit Brie then just how deeply her news was going to upset her parents. It was so much more than just the embarrassment of the film they were going to struggle with. BDSM seemed like abuse to an outsider. It was imperative she help them understand the truth.
“Mom, you need to trust that I am happy and confident in the life I have chosen. You can see how happy I am, can’t you?”
“I’ll admit you are glowing today. But just because you are in love now doesn’t mean it will last.”
Brie smiled, silently asking for patience. “Answer me this. When you told Grandma and Grandpa you were getting married, how did they take it?”
Her mother rolled her eyes, chuckling when she answered. “They wanted us to wait a few years.”
Brie nodded in agreement. “See… I think it is a completely normal reaction for a parent. But it’s like you’ve always said, Mom. When it’s right, it’s right. I love Thane. We were meant for each other.”
“But his age is disconcerting, Brie.”
She protested. “It’s only eleven years, Mom. When I’m thirty, no one will even bat an eyelid.”
“You are twenty-two now,” her mother stated firmly.
Brie was about to argue the point when both men burst out of the study.
“Marcy! You will not believe what this bastard has been doing to our daughter!”
Brie rushed into the house and over to Sir’s side. He sat down on the couch with an air of calm, but she did not miss the flush on his skin. It was nothing compared to her father, who was a deep lobster red.
“Stay away from that bastard, Brianna!”
Brie sat down next to Sir and raised her chin in defiance. “Don’t be disrespectful to my boyfriend, Dad.”
“Don’t you mean ‘Master’?”
“Wha—?” her mother gasped.
So Sir did not ask for my hand… Brie realized he’d simply informed her father about his role in her life. It made sense, and she suddenly felt embarrassed for entertaining such a silly idea. She appreciated that Sir was man enough to face her father’s wrath head-on, but now it was time to bring her mother into the discussion. With trepidation, Brie began, “Mom, Thane and I have chosen to live a Dominant/submissive lifestyle.”
Her mother stared at them in confusion. “What does that mean, Brianna?”
Her father growled, “He acts as her ‘Master’, Marcy. He chains our little girl up and beats her.”
“That’s not it at all, Dad!” Brie cried in frustration. She reined in her emotions and turned to her mom, stating more calmly, “Dad is exaggerating. You need to listen before you make any judgments about us.”
Her father’s reply was cold and harsh. “Why would we listen to the girl who is being abused?”
Brie popped off the couch and put her hands on her hips. “Dad, do I look like I am being abused? I love the way Thane makes me feel.”
“Brianna,” her father snapped, “you know nothing else. You have only had this poor excuse of a man to compare against.”
“That’s not quite true…” Brie sat back down and took a deep breath before she broke the news. “I have been in the service of several exceptional men.”
Her mother’s jaw dropped. “Are you a…lady of the evening?”
Brie closed her eyes, biting back the torrent that threatened to escape from her lips. She felt Sir’s reassuring hand on her knee and used it to maintain her control.
Sir told Brie, “I have explained to your father the dynamic of our relationship and the fact I was headmaster of the school you were trained at.”
“School?” Brie’s mother stared at her and then turned on Sir in disgust. “How dare you take advantage of our daughter? You…you pervert!” She stood up and demanded shrilly, “Get over here, Brie, right this instant or I’m calling the police.”
Brie’s nostrils flared as she struggled not to lose it. “We are doing nothing wrong, Mom! It would be stupid to call the police, but go ahead. Be my guest. Make a fool of yourself, see if I care!” Brie faced her father. “I came here to tell you something exciting about my film career. I think you would be proud if you knew, but you refuse to listen so I am not going to tell you. I’ll just leave so you can find out about it along with the rest of the world. I don’t need to deal with your intolerance.”
Her father held out his hand to her. “Brianna, I will listen if you step away from him and tell us your news. I want to know the words you speak come from you and not your puppet master.”
Brie was about to refuse when Sir spoke up. “Do as your father asks.”
She was surprised by his response, but dutifully got up from the couch and walked over to her parents. Both of them gathered around her in a protective manner. Brie glanced back at Sir. He simply nodded, encouraging her to speak.
She looked at the concerned faces of her mother and father, understanding the time had come to be upfront with them. No matter how this played out, she had Sir’s arms to fall into when it was over.
I can endure this…
Brie began by telling them about her documentary and the fact it had been accepted by a popular producer. Her mother sat down partway through her description of the film, looking bereft.
“Brie, you are going to let the world know about your lack of morals?”
“No, Mom. I am going to share the incredible experience I’ve had and explain in an entertaining way this lifestyle I have chosen.”
“So you expect us to be proud of you?” her father said with contempt.
“Can’t you at least support me? You can ask me anything. I want you to understand why I have chosen submission as my path.”
Brie was hurt, but needed her mother to be on her side. “Look, Mom, you don’t have to agree with what I do, but I would still like you to see the film.” She said hopefully, “I brought an extra copy with me.”
“I refuse to watch a porno, especially one starring my daughter!” her father fumed. “Brianna, I have never been so disappointed in you in all my life.”
“It is not a porno, Dad! You don’t know me at all if you think that.”
“You’re right. I do not know you at all. You have become a stranger to me.” Her father looked past Brie and added, “Do you understand how much I loathe your ‘boyfriend’?”
Brie tried to appeal to his fatherly nature. “Dad, I understand that you want to protect me and I can even appreciate that you think Thane is the wrong person for me, but I’m telling you that I love Sir and trust him completely. I’ve never been happier or felt more cared for.”
She saw a look of pain flit across her dad’s face and realized she’d hit a nerve she hadn’t meant to. “That man is a bad influence,” he stated icily.
She looked back at Sir and smiled. “No. He’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”
Brie’s mom forced a thin smile and said in a curt, parental tone, “I respect you have a will of your own, Brie. You believe this is what you want, but you are too young to know what’s good for you. You’re easily influenced because of your tender age.”
“So basically, in your eyes I am still just a child?” Brie asked incredulously.
“Yes, Brianna,” her father affirmed.
“Well then, it all comes back to the fact that I’m legally an adult. I have the right to make this choice. It’s my life. I would rather have you hate me than pretend to be someone I am not.”
“I could never hate you, Brie,” her mother protested, giving her a hug. “But this is not the life I want for you.” She tucked a lock of hair behind Brie’s ear. “It’s morally wrong, sweetheart.”
“How? I’m in a committed relationship. What is morally wrong about that?”
Her mother shook her head, not accepting Brie’s answer but not having a quick comeback to dispute it.
Her father warned Brie, “Nothing you say will ever convince me that what you are doing is acceptable.”
“I understand, Dad. But this is my calling. I can’t change who I am, even if it disappoints you.”
“Then leave. If my opinion doesn’t matter, I don’t see any point in discussing this further. You’re willfully planning to embarrass us in front of the nation. The truth is, you care more about yourself than your own parents. As disappointed as I am, I accept that. But I do not respect your choice of ‘partner’ or the lifestyle you have chosen.”
Brie looked to her mother and whimpered, “Mom?”
She stared at Brie with a look of misgiving. She looked to her husband before stating, “I agree with your father.”
Brie was stunned and stood there frozen, as if in a trance. Were these really her parents? The people who had loved and raised her since birth?
Sir’s warm voice filled the room. “Brie, I think you have accomplished what you set out to do here.”
His gentle reminder helped her to refocus. If this was all her parents were capable of giving at this point, then she would have to accept it. Hopefully, there would come a time when they would welcome her back with open arms—once the shock dissipated. But if that day never comes… She looked at them both sadly, bereft at the thought.
Brie couldn’t keep the tears back when she told them, “Okay, I will leave because you asked. But consider this: you always taught me to follow my heart, no matter the cost. That’s what I am doing now. I hope someday you will understand and be proud.”
She took Sir’s arm and started towards the door.
Her father declared behind her, “I will never be proud of you for this. Never!”
Lesson: His Belts
Sir opened the car door and helped Brie into the rental. She remained silent, still in shock over her parents’ rejection. Just before they pulled away, her mother ran out of the house. “Brie, can I have the film? I want to see it before the rest of the world.”
Brie gratefully pulled the disc out of her purse. “Of course. Mom, I want you to see it. I’m really proud of this film.”
“I can’t guarantee that your father will ever watch it, but I will. I need to stay connected, even if I disagree with what you are doing.”
Tears of gratitude ran down her cheeks. “That means a lot to me, Mom.”
Her mother gave Brie a quick hug through the car window before running back into the house.
Brie turned to Sir. “Thank you for getting me out of there before I cracked.”
His smile was forced. “I struggled myself, Brie.”
She leaned over and pressed her head against his shoulder. “Are you okay, Sir?”
“Your father is a provocative man. His heart is in the right place, but his methods are…off-putting.”
Brie snorted with anger. “Off-putting? That’s far too kind. He was horrible.”
Sir turned towards her. “All I have to do is put myself in his shoes, and it makes it easier to accept his reaction.”
“So you told him about us, Sir?”
“I felt it was important to do it man-to-man.”
“I’m sorry it didn’t go better with my parents.”
He started the car and muttered under his breath, “It went…well enough.”
Brie sat back in her seat and stared at her parents’ home through the rearview mirror as they drove away. Would she ever be welcomed back into her childhood home after this? Even if she was allowed to visit, would she ever feel welcomed again?
“We have to give them time,” Sir stated with confidence.
Brie sighed miserably. “Yes, they just need time…”
Although Brie was glad to be traveling with Sir again, the pain of her parents’ rejection tempered her excitement when he informed her that he was taking her to Italy. She sat down dutifully beside him at the airport gate with a forced smile, trying to hide her feelings of despondency.
Sir handed Brie his phone. “Call Rytsar. Let him know the secret you’ve been keeping from him. He’s been insufferable ever since we left Moscow.”
Brie gave a weak smile as she pressed the speed-dial button for Rytsar and waited. It took several rings before he answered. The Dom shocked her by spitting out a string of irate Russian words before she had a chance to speak. Brie looked at Sir in surprise, shrugging her shoulders.
He smirked as he pointed to his watch.
Brie groaned inside, realizing she’d caught Rytsar while he was sleeping. Sir was evil, on so many levels. She said in her brightest voice, “Hi, Rytsar, it’s Brie Bennett. How are you?”
He grumbled more Russian profanities.
“I’m sorry to have called you at such a bad hour, but Sir just gave me permission to tell you my secret.”
He growled, “Inform your Master that he’s a mudak.” He paused, and then barked, “Go on.”
She blushed when she realized Rytsar was serious. She put her hand over the phone and repeated his exact words to Sir.
“Hang up on him,” Sir ordered with a grin.
Although she hated doing it, Brie pressed the off button.
The phone immediately rang back. Sir grabbed the phone from Brie, taking his time in answering it. “What was that, Durov?”
Brie could hear a litany of angry utterances coming from the phone. Sir took his rant with a bemused smile. “For your information, Brie just finished talking with her parents and I was under the impression you wanted to be the next in line to know. Sorry I was mistaken. Talk to you later… Oh… What was that? Ah, you do want to speak to Brie after all? I thought you might.” He chuckled evilly. “Who’s the Master now?”
He hand
ed the phone to Brie while Rytsar was still cussing him out.
“Hi, Rytsar, it’s Brie again.”
Rytsar immediately stopped his tirade and took a deep breath. “Good morning, radost moya.”
“I have some exciting news to share!”
He laughed. “I’ve already deduced it.”
She was intrigued. “Please tell me.”
“You’re pregnant. Why else would you wait weeks and tell your parents first?”
“Oh-em-gee! I’m not pregnant, Rytsar. I am too young to have a baby! Are you kidding me?”
She heard Sir chuckling softly. She looked at him, pointing to the phone and shaking her head in amusement.
Rytsar sputtered. “I’m sorry… I meant no offense.”
Brie stifled her laughter, not wanting to offend the Dom. “It’s fine, Rytsar. I forgive you.” She was too excited to hold back the news any longer. “If you can believe it, my documentary now has a popular producer behind it!”
“That’s impressive, but why all the secrecy, radost moya?”
“We were told to keep it quiet until it was official.”
“So, no baby Brie in eight months?”
She laughed at the absurdity of it. “No. Sorry to disappoint you.”
“And here I was looking forward to being a dyadya. Ah, such is life… Congratulations on your documentary nonetheless. I am honored to have bound and fucked such a talented woman.”
Brie was instantly reminded of her warrior fantasy that the Russian Dom had so artfully played out for her. She looked at Sir and blushed. “Um…thanks for the congrats.”
“I assume I’m mentioned in your film.”
“Of course!”
He said in jest, “Then it is guaranteed to be a hit.”
She giggled. “Naturally…”
The blaring sound of their flight being announced over the intercom drowned out his reply. Sir gestured for Brie to give him the phone. She handed it back to him, grateful Sir had given her a chance to share the news with a friend who would be glad to hear it.
After Sir hung up, she thanked him and added, “I needed that, Sir.”