Brie's Submission (7-9) (Brie's Submission Boxed Set Book 3)

by Red Phoenix

She smiled sadly. “Not so much.”

  “Clear your mind,” he ordered gently.

  She closed her eyes and listened to the birds singing as they greeted the new day. It was easy finding peace beside Tono, and it didn’t take long before her spirits were lifted.

  “Thank you, Tono.”

  “Today will be a good day,” he stated, as he leaned over and gave her a hug.

  She wrapped her arms around him, resting her chin on his shoulder. “Yes, it will,” she agreed.

  They headed to the hospital early so that he could be prepped for surgery. Once Tono was settled in his room, Brie left to check on Faelan.

  She noticed he had a grimace on his face when she entered the room, but it disappeared as soon as he turned towards her. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

  At the mention of the word cat, she laughed softly. “Did you hear what happened last night?”

  “Yes. Lea called to wish me luck and filled me in.”

  Brie shook her head, thinking back on the night’s events. “It was nuts, Todd.”

  “Sounds like it.”

  She took his hand, gazing into those ocean-blue eyes, and saw a look of foreboding in them. “How are you doing this morning?”

  “I don’t want to do this, Brie. I’m only consenting for the sake of others, not myself.”

  She lifted his hand to her cheek and admitted, “I don’t care what your motivation is as long as you go through with the surgery.”

  “How is Nosaka doing?”

  “He’s at peace. There’s no doubt he wants to do this.”

  Faelan broke eye contact and looked out of the window. “He’s a brave man.”

  “Yes, he is. I think his courage comes from knowing this will save your life.”

  He looked at her again. “I don’t like being on the receiving end.”

  She kissed his hand and laid it back on the bed. “I know.”

  “If anything happens…”

  Brie shook her head. “Don’t.”

  He ignored her plea. “If anything happens, let Mary know she was my last thought.”

  Brie looked at the ceiling to hold back the tears. Once she had them under control, she looked him in the eye again. “I promise to tell her if needed, but I won’t have to. The surgery is going to be a success.”

  “And one more thing.”

  “What else?”

  “Thank you.”

  Brie smiled. “I’ll have you know there’ll be a piece of chocolate waiting for you when you wake up.”

  “I’d prefer to wake up to heavy bass.”

  She winked, giggling. “I’m sure that can be arranged as well…”

  Faelan’s parents entered the room, so Brie took her leave, hugging them both on her way out. She could see the excitement and hope radiating in his mother’s eyes.

  “This is really happening,” Mrs. Wallace exclaimed.

  “Yes, it is!” Brie answered, matching the woman’s enthusiasm.

  “We can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”

  “Ren Nosaka is the hero here.”

  Mr. Wallace spoke up. “We just finished visiting with him, Miss Bennett. What a remarkable young man.”

  “I wholeheartedly agree,” she said. “I’m headed back to him now.”

  As she was leaving, Faelan called out, “Brie.” She turned and smiled at him. “Don’t forget what I said.”

  She knew what he was referring to, but refused to consider that he might not survive the surgery, and answered, “Heavy bass. You’ve got it!”

  Brie returned to Tono and found him surrounded by jars of preserves. “Wow, Todd’s mother sure has been busy.”

  Tono chuckled as he looked them over. “It’s a virtual fortress of fruit.”

  She picked a jar up, examining the homemade label crafted with care and smiled. “This appears to be a fortress of fruit protection made with love.”

  “I like that sentiment.”

  “His parents are so excited, Tono. I don’t think they believed this day would ever come.”

  “How is the Boy?”

  “Struggling, but still going through with it.” Brie put the jar down and walked over to him. The reality of what was about to happen hit her full force.

  “How are you, Brie?”

  “Good.”

  He laughed softly. “Why do you bother lying to me?”

  Brie shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes.

  “It’s okay. You can voice it out loud.”

  “I’m still afraid for you.”

  Tono stared at her for a moment, then motioned Brie to him. “Listen to my heart.” Brie pulled down the railing and rested her head lightly on his chest. His slow, steady heartbeat resonated in his chest, declaring his vitality and strength. The sound of it soothed her growing fears.

  She lifted her head and smiled at him. “It’s strong.”

  “Remember that when you sit in the waiting room.” Her fears suddenly seemed foolish as she stared into his warm gaze. He reminded her, “I will be okay.”

  Brie nodded.

  She gave him one last kiss on the cheek for luck when Flora, one of his attending nurses, came in and announced that he was being taken to the operating room. Brie headed to the waiting room still riding high on Tono’s confidence, and burst out in giggles when she saw Master Anderson, Lea and Autumn waiting for her.

  “I didn’t expect you guys to be here!”

  “Before he left, Thane insisted I stand in his place today,” Master Anderson explained.

  She ran to hug him, thankful for his added strength while she waited through the dual surgeries.

  Brie looked upwards and silently said, Thank you, Sir! before giving Lea and Autumn both hugs. “You guys are the best.”

  Autumn held up two ‘Get Well’ signs she was holding. “I thought we could hang these up in their rooms.”

  Lea looked at them and grinned. “Hey, we could have a little fun decorating their hospital rooms. What do you think?”

  “Sounds a lot more fun than sitting around here worrying,” Brie replied.

  “We should go to a party store if we want to do this properly,” Lea insisted.

  Master Anderson sat down. “I’ll stay here and hold the fort.”

  Brie’s eyes lit up. “Fort? Oh, that gives me a great idea for Tono.”

  The girls giggled and chatted as they made their way to the elevator. Two hours later, Brie was placing the final touch, a little flag on the top turret of the fortress she’d created out of Tono’s jars of preserves. “He’s going to love this!” she stated proudly, stepping away from the windowsill to admire her creation.

  “Brie,” Master Anderson said, walking into the room, his voice tense with worry. “You need to come. Something’s happening. I’m noticing a lot of activity.”

  Brie’s stomach sank, her whole body becoming numb as she rushed out of the room. She ignored the shouts of the nurses as she scooted through the closing doors of the restricted area and ran down the hallway until she found the operating room with all the commotion.

  She stared through the glass window to see Tono surrounded by a crowd of nurses and doctors. Alarms were blaring as they rushed about, but her eyes were glued to the heart monitor—her worst fears realized as she watched the straight line move across the screen.

  “Tono…”

  Time stopped. She felt the numbness consume her body while she watched helplessly as the paddles were brought out. His chest lifted from the table as the electricity was applied, but he lay back down limp and unmoving, the line continuing with cruel conviction.

  Brie turned away and slowly slid down the wall, hugging her knees to her chest as she struggled to breathe. All thought faded into darkness as fear took hold of her. She heard faint voices insisting she leave the area, but she did not respond until she felt the strong arms of Master Anderson lifting her.

  “He’s gone,” she whimpered.

  Master Anderson said nothing as he ca
rried her to the waiting room and cradled her in his protective arms. Lea and Autumn sat on either side of her, crying silently, but she was in too much shock to shed a tear.

  Tono.

  Master Anderson understood his role well and held her even tighter, sharing his strength while reminding her that she was not alone.

  A short time later, Flora came into the room and walked straight over to Brie. She stood up to face the nurse, even though she was afraid of what Flora had to say.

  “The surgeon wants you to know that Mr. Nosaka has been revived and his vitals are reading normal. Dr. Shepherd will speak to you later, once the surgery is complete. He expects Mr. Nosaka should be moving to the recovery room in the next hour or so.”

  “Can I see him then?” Brie managed to choke out.

  “No, I’m afraid not—he’ll need to be closely monitored—but once the doctor gives his consent, you will be sent for.”

  Brie touched her arm, needing her reassurance. “He’s okay, Flora?”

  “Everything appears normal, Miss Bennett. Mr. Nosaka is a healthy man, and Dr. Shepherd remains optimistic he’ll make a full recovery.”

  Once the nurse had left the room, Brie finally broke down, letting out all the pent-up fear and pain that had been building inside her. It was a cathartic release in the arms of her friends.

  Both surgeries were successful, but it was hours later before Brie was allowed to see Tono. He was still being closely monitored, but the surgeon surprised her by agreeing to let her visit him briefly.

  She moved the curtain aside and was stunned to see Tono gracing her with a faint smile, tubes running everywhere from him. The nurse monitoring his vitals pointed to where Brie could stand.

  She moved to his side, her heart in her throat as she stared down at him.

  He gazed up at her—the two speaking volumes without words. When he lifted his hand weakly, she grabbed it, holding on to it with both hands.

  Brie swallowed hard to get rid of the lump in her throat so she could speak. “You left me, Tono.”

  “But I came back,” he whispered hoarsely.

  Brie kissed his hand, covering it with fresh tears. “I was so scared.”

  “It’s okay.”

  Her lip trembled as she nodded.

  “The Boy?”

  “He’s in recovery too.”

  “Good.”

  “It’s best that you keep this short,” the nurse said curtly. “The doctor only agreed because Mr. Nosaka insisted on it.”

  Brie leaned over and gently kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  “I could feel your fear.”

  “Now you will only feel my healing thoughts.”

  After she left him, a second nurse directed her to another bed in the recovery area. “Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have asked that you speak to their son.”

  When Brie pulled back the curtain, she was shocked by the contrast between Tono and Faelan. His skin was ashen in color, and he looked despondent.

  “The surgery was a success,” she reminded him.

  Faelan looked at her with such agony that she hurried to his side. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nosaka almost died.”

  “I was just with him. He’s fine. You don’t have to worry.”

  “He should never have taken the risk.”

  “But he did, and now your body has a healthy kidney. This is a good day,” she insisted.

  “How can you say that when his heart stopped on the operating table?” Faelan closed his eyes, the devastating pain easy to read on his face. “I almost killed another man today.”

  The overwhelming guilt he carried hit Brie. “Todd, don’t.”

  He opened his eyes. “I’m not worth another man’s life.”

  “Tono believes you were worth the risk.”

  “And he almost died because of it. I’m nowhere near as good a man as he is. Not even close.”

  For the first time since knowing Faelan, Brie heard humbleness—not arrogance—coming from his lips. “You most definitely were worth the risk he took, based solely on what you just said.”

  “What?” he growled. “You enjoy seeing me grovel?”

  “No, I like seeing you humble. It’s a positive step.”

  He gave her an icy stare. “Get out.”

  “Normally I’d be offended, but I kind of like it when you’re feisty.”

  “Out. Now.”

  “Fine, but heavy bass and chocolates are waiting in your room. Not that you deserve it.”

  He snarled as she left, but it was music to Brie’s ears. She was convinced that Faelan would be okay.

  Brie dug her phone out of her purse, needing to hear Sir’s voice, and was disappointed not to have any messages or texts from him. She tried to call, but it immediately clicked over to voicemail, so she was forced to leave a message.

  “Please call, Sir. I need you.”

  After spending time with Lea, Autumn and Master Anderson at an old-fashioned diner across from the hospital, Brie excused herself. Food held no interest for her—all she could think of was Tono.

  “I hate to cut this short, you guys, but I’m heading back to the hospital.”

  “Wait, Brie,” Lea said. “Before you go I have a little funny you can share with Tono.”

  Brie knew it would be bad, but suspected Tono might appreciate it. “Hit me.”

  “I love everything about pain play except for one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “The pain part.”

  Brie snorted as she shook her head. “Is that even a joke?”

  “It made you laugh.” Lea grinned.

  Autumn giggled. “Hey, I liked it.”

  Brie looked at her incredulously. “But Autumn, you like all of her jokes.”

  “Because they’re funny!”

  “Girl, I need to take you to see a real comedy act. You have no idea what funny is.”

  Autumn looked shyly at Brie. “I have one I think he might like.”

  Brie assumed it would be terrible, but urged her to share anyway. “I’m sure Tono will enjoy it. Give it to me.”

  “What’s round and tastes like an orange?”

  “Hmm…” Brie thought for a moment, but nothing came to mind. “You’ve got me stumped.”

  “An orange.”

  Master Anderson burst out laughing. “I like that, Miss Autumn. Simple but effective. You have my seal of approval.”

  Brie shook her head in disbelief. The fact that Lea and Autumn were equally unfunny was astonishing to her.

  After promising Master Anderson she would return to his house soon to get some rest, Brie made her way back over to the hospital. She was happy to find that Tono had been taken to his room by then—a positive sign.

  When she walked in, she noticed that most of the tubes and monitors had been removed. “You look more like yourself, Tono.”

  He nodded, managing a pained smile. “Don’t feel like it yet.”

  “It really hurts, huh?”

  “The drugs help, but it only takes the edge off.”

  “I wish I could do something to help you.”

  “I know what would help.”

  “Anything, Tono.”

  “Come lie with me.”

  She looked back at the door, worried. “Do you think it’s allowed?”

  “I don’t care.”

  Tono grunted as he scooted over to make room for her. His heart monitor shot up, but quickly calmed down as he worked through the pain.

  “Oh, Tono,” Brie whimpered. “I can’t stand seeing you in agony.”

  “Come, then,” he insisted.

  Brie lowered the railing and carefully lay down, covering them both with the extra blanket before settling down beside him.

  “I feel better already, toriko.”

  She noticed he’d used her sub name, but at that moment it was exactly what she needed to hear. She’d almost lost him…

  As she lay there with Tono, listening to the reassuring rhythm of his
heartbeat, she was haunted by the image of his lifeless body lying on the operating table and the tears started to flow.

  “There’s no reason to cry,” he gently chided.

  “Today I came face to face with how fragile life is.”

  “It is fragile, which is why every moment must be savored.”

  Brie looked up at him. “This experience highlighted just how much you mean to me.” She settled back, laying her head lightly on his chest.

  He kissed the top of her head. Again the heart monitor jumped as he worked through the pain caused by the effort, but it quickly returned to its slow, steady beat.

  “Have you decided where you’ll be headed after you recover?” Brie ventured.

  “I’m beginning to think Denver might be a good place to settle.”

  Brie snuck a peek at him. “Is that because a certain ice skater lives here?”

  He chuckled, then groaned loudly. “Laughing hurts.”

  “Then I’d better save Lea and Autumn’s jokes for another time.”

  “Feel free to share them.”

  “No, although they aren’t funny, I would never risk hurting you.” Brie grinned knowingly at him. “So you like Autumn, don’t you?”

  He smiled. “I would like to know her better.”

  “I bet you’re unaware that she helped decorate the room. She made that for you.”

  He glanced at the sign that read, Get Well Soon, Master Ren Nosaka!

  “Did she now? That was thoughtful of her.” He looked over at the fruit fortress Brie had built on the windowsill. “I appreciated my fortress of protection as well.”

  “It seems you really needed it today.” Brie settled back down again, smiling to herself. “Considering all that’s happened, this has ended up being a good day.”

  “A very good day,” he agreed, holding her closer.

  “Tono?”

  “Yes, toriko?”

  “The world is a much better place with you in it.”

  When Brie returned to Master Anderson’s home, she found a big bowl of soup waiting for her. “I want to warm your belly before I put you to bed, young Brie. I noticed how little you ate at the diner.”

  She smiled apologetically. “But I’m not hungry.”

  Master Anderson pulled out a chair and directed her to sit. “Still, you will eat my soup even if I have to force feed you. I can’t shirk the duty Thane entrusted me with.”