by Red Phoenix
Brie smiled, letting out a sigh of relief. Of course he would be thoughtful of their growing relationship.
“It is time, téa. Look up and tell your Master goodbye.”
She met his confident gaze, but could not stop her bottom lip from trembling. “Goodbye, Master.”
He grazed her lip with his finger. “Be my good girl. Follow Nosaka’s orders dutifully and with a servant’s heart.”
“Yes, Master.” She could not stop an errant tear from escaping.
Sir wiped away the wetness with his thumb without mentioning it. “I look forward to seeing your completed documentary and hearing about the lessons you learned from Nosaka on my return.”
Brie spoke the words that had been pounding in her head, in time with her heartbeat, since she’d woken up that morning. “I will miss you…”
He smiled, but she noticed it did not reach his eyes. “For the first time since my father’s death, I am experiencing that emotion as well. I do not care for it, but I assume it is a positive sign.”
Brie took his hand and kissed it, choking down her emotions.
His countenance changed to that of a trainer, his voice unemotional and firm. “So now you begin your three-week adventure in the hands of another. Do not burden him with tears. Look at it as the unique opportunity it is.”
She accepted that his defensive barrier had reared its ugly head again. “I will, Master.”
“The transfer is a formal, but simple ritual. I will present you to Tono Nosaka. You must bow at his feet. When he places his hand on your head, it signifies his acceptance of you as his temporary submissive.”
Sir exited the car and walked around to open her door. He pulled her small suitcase from behind the seat and then held out his arm for her to clasp. “Head held high, but at a respectful angle. Chest out.”
Those were the same words he’d used the night he’d collared her. She forced herself to smile, even though each step towards the house was killing her inside.
Tono opened the door moments after Sir rang the doorbell. The Asian Dom was dressed in a traditional brown kimono that matched his chocolate-brown eyes. “Welcome, Sir Davis. Won’t you both come inside?”
Sir guided Brie ahead of him. “Thank you, Nosaka. I plan to keep this short.”
“As you wish,” he replied, closing the door behind them.
Tono escorted them into the open living room. Brie vividly remembered the lack of interior walls and the modest décor that spoke of his Japanese background. His home radiated tranquility, helping to calm her nerves.
Brie was disheartened that Sir hadn’t been exaggerating about not wasting time. “I present to you my sub, téa.” He nodded to her.
Brie instantly knelt at Tono’s feet, in an open kneeling position. She closed her eyes when she felt his light touch on her head and had to struggle to hold back a sob in response to the physical transfer of power.
“I accept your sub, téa, for the duration we have agreed upon,” Tono answered.
“Here is a key to her collar.”
Tono took the small key and closed his hand tightly around it, bowing to Sir respectfully.
“I leave her in your capable hands, Tono Nosaka.” With that, Sir turned around abruptly and left, without addressing Brie again. She couldn’t believe he was really gone until she heard the roar of the engine as the Lotus sped away. The lonely echoes of it could be heard long afterwards.
“Toriko.”
Brie looked up, biting her lip, trying not to cry. He held out his arms to her.
Brie stood up and accepted his embrace. She closed her eyes, fighting the feeling of abandonment enveloping her. To combat it, she concentrated on matching her breath with Tono’s. This is your life for now…
His calming voice rumbled from deep inside his chest. “He needed to leave for his own peace of mind.”
She pressed her head against him and nodded meekly in agreement.
“Are you ready to serve your Master, toriko?”
She broke away and bowed at his feet again, reconfirming her commitment to him. “It would be my honor, Tono.”
“Remove your shoes and place them at the front door. Then fill the kettle with water and bring it to me after it boils.”
While she followed his instructions, Tono exited out of the back door. Brie stood by the stove, not allowing herself to think. She listened intently to the water warming in the kettle instead. There was something soothing about the sounds of the water as it slowly reached a soft, rolling boil. Waiting gave her time to adjust to this reality.
Tono was a wise Master.
Master… Brie shook her head in protest, but stopped herself short. Tono had chosen to serve as her Master during Sir’s absence. He deserved a willing sub. Sir expected it, and Tono merited no less.
When the water came to a raging boil, she took the teakettle off the stove and joined Tono outside. The sounds of trickling water and birdsong greeted her.
“Good,” he replied when he saw Brie. “Place it on the table and sit beside me.”
She did as he had asked, kneeling on the small pillow beside him. Brie broke out in a smile when she saw the tea set, the one he had painted with his signature orchid. “I remember this.”
He poured the water over the tea leaves to let them steep. “If I recall correctly, you consumed a lot of tea that day.”
Brie giggled to herself. “I certainly did. I’ve never forgotten that lesson, Tono.” She paused, then added, “Thank you.”
They sat in respectful silence waiting for the tea to steep, the sounds of nature filling in for the lack of conversation. It was…heavenly.
When Tono deemed it ready, he poured the tea and offered her a cup. He said solemnly, “It is an interesting place we find ourselves, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” she agreed, waiting until he took his first sip before taking hers. She purred when she tasted it. “I forgot how good your tea was, Tono Nosaka.”
He smirked. “You and I have similar tastes, little slave.”
It would be so easy to fall into this role with him… She looked deep into his brown eyes and whispered, “To be honest, I’m scared.”
He nodded, not seeming to be surprised by the admission. “This is a precarious role we have been given. To act as partners, but to remain detached.”
Is it possible? she wondered to herself. Brie took another sip of the warm liquid, grateful for its soothing effect.
He took a piece of jute from his pocket. “Hold out your left wrist.”
She did so, watching with curiosity as he wrapped it several times around her wrist and tied a beautifully intricate knot. “I have the right to remove your collar, but I do not think that would be wise. Instead, I am giving you this.” He lifted her wrist to his lips and kissed the knot. “A visual reminder of my mastery over you, but one that does not replace your original commitment.”
She lightly touched the jute and smiled. “It is an honor to wear this, Tono Nosaka. Thank you.”
He surprised her by grasping her jaw and giving her a kiss. It was a simple, closed-mouth kiss, but immediately focused her attention on his masculinity.
“I have agreed to refrain from intercourse. However, you should be aware that if I were free to do so, I would ravage you right now on this table.” He picked up his cup and sipped his tea slowly. “Understand my feelings. It is with great restraint that I will walk these next three weeks with you.”
“Why have you agreed to do this?”
“I find it a worthy challenge. There is no other man who cares for your well-being as much as I do…other than Sir Davis. I could not allow you to flounder alone, or in the hands of a man not suited for you.”
“But at what cost?” she asked quietly.
“I love you, toriko. That is my reality. What is imperative to me is that you are safe and able to complete your project. On that score, Sir Davis and I are in complete agreement.”
He read the concern on her face and added, “It may be bec
ause of my Eastern upbringing, but I accept this role. You and I are connected. Choosing another Master did not alter that fact, although it changed the dynamics between you and me.”
Brie took another sip of tea, overcome by the wisdom and compassion of the man beside her. She put her hand over his. ‘I am glad to be here…Master.”
He grunted and moved his hand away, pouring more tea for them both. “From now on, you will call me simply ‘Tono’, as you did in the past.”
She drained the cup slowly in congenial silence, until a plane flew overhead. She couldn’t help but think of Sir and felt a painful ache in her chest.
Tono interrupted her thoughts with instructions. “I want you to go to my bedroom. There you will find the clothes I have set out for you. Wear nothing underneath. You will remain barefoot at all times while in my home. Return to me after you’re dressed and present yourself.”
Brie rocked off her heels and stood up, bowing to Tono before walking back into his home. She found a red kimono waiting for her on his bed. It was similar in style to the one she had worn for him during the photo shoot, but this one was more modest in length.
She undressed and slipped the silken kimono onto her shoulders. It caressed her skin like a lover’s touch, making her smile. On the bed lay a sash. She did her best to wrap it around her waist in an artful manner.
Tono laughed when he saw her. “That’s all wrong.” He stood up and moved over to Brie, untying the sash. The kimono fell open, exposing her naked flesh. He stared at her appreciatively for several moments before repositioning the kimono and instructing her on how to tie the sash properly. Tono moved behind her and cinched it tight.
She ignored the sexual electricity that sparked from the contact. “Thank you, Tono.”
“You will practice tying the sash ten times before bed tonight.”
“Yes, Tono.”
He went back to the table and sat down, patted the pillow beside him. She joined him as he refreshed their tea and told her to partake. They both put their lips to the cups at the same time. So simple, and yet an intimate act to share with him.
Being here with Tono, caressed in beautiful silk, leisurely drinking tea within the confines of his exquisite garden seemed as natural as breathing.
Revealing Dreams
After tea, Tono instructed Brie to work on her documentary. He followed her into the bedroom, where he had set up a desk for her work station. It looked incongruous with his simple oriental décor, but it had everything she required to complete the project.
“I wanted you to have the best tools to work with, toriko. I am proud to be a part of your dream, even if it is simply providing you with the environment in which you can produce it.”
Brie wrapped her arms around her new Master’s waist. “My words cannot express—”
“There is no need. It is my pleasure as your Master. Sit here while I watch your genius.”
She smiled bashfully. “The tea has made its presence known, Tono. Let me excuse myself first.” When he nodded, she entered the bathroom.
She was about to close the door when Tono ordered, “Leave it open,” while he sat down at the desk.
Brie took a deep breath as she mentally accepted the review lesson.
She sat down on the toilet, upright and with all the grace she could muster as her pee trickled into the water. Despite the flush on her skin, Brie appreciated the stripping away of her pride that exposing such a private act to inspection evoked.
He nodded his approval when she came out of the bathroom. “I saw the moment of hesitation, but much more natural the second time, toriko.”
“I am still learning, Tono,” she responded, suitably humbled.
“As each of us are, little slave. That should never stop.”
Brie returned to the desk and uploaded her documentary onto the fancy new computer. “It still needs a lot of work, Tono. This is really a rough draft of sorts…”
Tono chastised her. “Hush. I want to see it without explanations. This is what you presented to the producer, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Then that is all I need to know.”
Brie knelt down on the ground beside him and the two watched her original movie. Unlike Sir and Mr. Holloway, Tono was full of expression as he watched. He laughed out loud, but looked visibly upset when Brie spoke of Mary’s breakdown while in his care.
After the ending credits, he clapped. “I don’t care what your producer said—that is a masterpiece.” He picked her up and twirled her in the air. “We must go out and celebrate!”
Tono would not let her change, bur allowed her to wear traditional Japanese sandals to dinner. The two went to a local pizza joint, where they stood out like sore thumbs in their Japanese attire. She slid into the seat, quite mindful of the fact she was naked under the kimono. It enhanced the awareness of her own femininity.
She looked across the table at Tono. With or without physical contact, there was an arousing connection between them. It amazed her how Dominants could easily change a normal, everyday experience into something sensual and alluring, even something as innocuous as eating pizza. She bowed slightly when his gaze fell on her.
The hustle and bustle of the place was momentarily forgotten as she stared into his chocolate- brown gaze and received his silent praise.
The waitress scooted over. “Mr. Nosaka, great to see you again! What can I get started for you?”
“I would like you to bring my three favorites, Miss Mallory.”
“Three whole pies?” she asked, looking surprised.
“Yes,” he answered, with a playful smirk in Brie’s direction.
The waitress dutifully wrote down his order, obviously knowing Tono’s favorites without asking. “My pleasure, Mr. Nosaka. I’ll get Tony started right on those.” Her blush and subconscious hair-flip as she walked away from the table let Brie know the girl had a crush on her new Master.
“I came across this place by accident. Best pizza in the world,” Tono announced proudly. His enthusiastic claim was that much cuter considering he was wearing a traditional kimono.
Miss Mallory was quick to deliver his requested favorites, but became flustered when she spilled his glass of water while trying to make room for the three pizzas. He gently clasped her wrist, his touch immediately calming the girl. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” He soaked up the water with several napkins and handed them to her with a nod.
The girl smiled appreciatively. “Thank you, Mr. Nosaka.” She turned to Brie, acknowledging her for the first time. “He’s a good man.”
Brie reached over the food and put her hand on Tono’s, squeezing lightly. “I know.”
The look he gave her was unreadable, but he broke the contact, demanding that she partake.
Brie gladly succumbed to the temptation set before her. Tono hadn’t been kidding; it was the best pizza she’d ever tasted, with the unusual toppings and brick-fired crust. Her favorite by far was the simple white pizza with spinach, smoked mozzarella and garlic, but she very much enjoyed the sesame chicken with spicy sweet and sour sauce, and the unexpected surprise of the pizza pie with turkey sausage, red onion and pecan.
With Tono’s encouragement, she spent the entire meal discussing her film and sharing her plans for additional scenes. She’d never had such a captivated audience before. Tono listened intently, his enthusiasm for her work deliciously contagious. His sincere excitement tickled Brie and gave her hope that she would be a success.
When they had finished their meal, Tono stood up and offered his hand to her. Brie took it, and felt the eyes of the other diners on her. She moved with grace, deliciously aware of her nakedness beneath the thin material. Tono put his arm around her waist and escorted her away from the table, to the envious stares of several women. She felt a thrill of pride as she walked out of the door beside him.
While they strolled back to his place, she laid her head on his shoulder. “I’ve never had so much fun discussing my work. Thanks,
Tono.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I knew you were good, but I never understood how truly talented you are. This will be a huge hit.”
She grinned gleefully. “It helps to hear it. It’s easy to doubt yourself, especially when you’ve put so many hours into it. It all becomes a blur and then you start wondering if you’re fooling yourself by thinking any of it is good.”
He stopped and physically turned her to face him. “You are no fool. This is a true gem. Do not lose sight of that, toriko, no matter what obstacles are thrown your way.”
Tono’s confidence had a significant effect on her. He’d infused her with renewed conviction. Even if Mr. Holloway did not bite, she felt certain her documentary would be produced.
“Toriko, I was excited before about your documentary, but now that I have seen it…I am inspired,” he said, pressing her body against his in a heartfelt hug. Her body reacted to the contact, wanting to melt into the embrace shamelessly.
Tono pulled away and they continued walking in silence. It was a delicate balance, this act of giving herself to a new Master. Her submissive heart wanted to please him, but she could not dishonor her true Master by giving in to her need.
Part of her wished that she could live two alternate lives—one with Sir and one with the extraordinary man beside her.
That night, Brie made sure to practice tying her sash ten times before undressing for bed. Tono nodded his approval, and then pulled a straw mat from the corner of the room. He rolled it out, then placed a pillow from the bed on the mat and handed her a folded blanket.
“When I was a child I slept on the ground. It is where you will sleep now.”
Brie was surprised, but bowed in thanks. “It is my honor, Tono.” She dutifully lay on the mat next to his bed, feeling a bit like a pet. But to her surprise, it was not a negative feeling. She curled up in the blanket and closed her eyes in contentment when the lights went out.
She surveyed the room, impressed by the group of people attending. So many beautiful women dressed in colorful gowns, hiding behind decorated masks. She lightly touched the one covering her own eyes, elated to be wearing the color crimson. It marked her as his; everyone knew the one to whom she belonged.