by Vi Keeland
Once the L-word was out, the room became silent. He slowly brushed a strand of hair from her face, looking at her with those warm, brown eyes. He said nothing, but his smile was radiant, like the sun. It thrilled her heart to see it.
Tono gently helped her up. He stood before her, taking off his jacket and laying it neatly on the floor. Then he proceeded to undress in front of her. She watched in admiration as he exposed his model-worthy body. When he was completely nude, he picked up his jacket and pulled a small piece of jute from a pocket. “Hold your wrists out, toriko.”
Brie struggled to hide her grin. The rope was so short. How could he possibly do anything impressive with such a small piece of rope? Tono’s eyes sparkled as he secured her wrists together in a cross pattern, leaving her arms open. He pushed her gently onto the mat and removed her thong first. He kissed it before placing it on the floor. He removed her heels next, slowly and reverently. Her stockings came off last.
Tono flipped her microskirt up and stroked her bare pussy. Brie’s body responded, automatically pressing against his hand, desiring more of his intimate touch.
“So beautiful,” he murmured. Instead of claiming her with his tongue, Tono stood and pulled Brie up. He leaned over and lifted her tied wrists over his head. With her arms around his neck and her face just inches from his, he picked her up. She automatically wrapped her legs around his naked hips and felt the sexual tension when her swollen lips made contact with his hard cock.
Tono danced with her in his arms, kissing her deeply as he kept time to a song only he could hear. His tongue drew her in like an undercurrent. She lost herself in the kiss, no longer aware of her surroundings.
Her pussy gently rocked against his shaft as he moved, causing a slow buildup that accented the song he created between them. “Oh, Tono,” she whispered.
He lifted her hips up and slowly slipped his cock into her. She threw her head back and cried out in ecstasy. He continued to dance with her, his cock planted deeply within.
Brie pulled on her bound wrists, drawing his lips back to hers. He moved in a circular pattern around the room, sliding himself in and out of her moist recess. Her building orgasm was approaching its peak. Brie braced her wrists against the back of his neck and rubbed her erect nipples against his sweaty skin. It proved his undoing and she felt his cock pulse rhythmically inside her as he groaned hoarsely.
The constant rubbing had sensitized her clit to near climax. She whispered, “Bite me, Tono,” needing his teeth to bring her over the edge.
He hesitated. “No.”
Tono chose to give her a passionate kiss. Brie readjusted and concentrated on the magic of his tongue. Soon her body shuddered in its own release. He continued to hold her in his arms afterwards, as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking.
Brie winced when the warning bell rang. She hated to break the spell, but time was running out and they had to talk about his father. “Tono…” She stopped, her heart pounding with dread as a deathlike silence filled the room.
Finally, he spoke. “Toriko, my father is mistaken.”
She stiffened in his embrace. “What does he mean by telling you I’m not good?” she asked, tears blurring her vision of his face.
Tono leaned forward and kissed them away. “He does not understand. My father has never shared the connection we share.”
“But what did he mean by it?”
Tono closed his eyes and did not speak. It scared her. When he opened his chocolate eyes again he said firmly, “What he says does not matter.”
“But it matters to me,” she insisted.
He moved over to the couch and set her down, then began untying the jute. “My father believes you have a ravenous spirit.”
Ice crystals coursed through her veins at the declaration. “What does that mean, Tono?”
He gazed into her eyes and paused before answering. “He does not believe I will be enough for you.”
Her heart skipped a beat at hearing her greatest fear voiced by his father. Tears threatened to take over, so she squeezed her eyes tightly shut.
“My father is wrong, toriko,” he said soothingly. He was tender as he dressed her.
Brie opened her eyes to stare at her handsome Dom while he dressed himself, wondering the whole time how they could survive his father’s disapproval. The Japanese culture placed a high value on the bond between parent and child. Worse was the fact that Tono’s father had also trained him. It demanded an even higher level of respect. But what really scared Brie—what made it difficult for her to breathe—was the fact his father might be right, and Tono and Brie both knew it.
She stood up and clung to Tono, flinching when the second bell sounded. She struggled to let go of him.
Tono took her face in his hands. “Do not let my father’s words sway you, toriko. Choose the man who will love and guide you.”
Marquis entered the room and encouraged Tono to leave. Brie watched him walk away, heartsick at the separation.
“Do you have what you need to make a decision, pearl?”
She looked up at Marquis and answered with a simple nod.
“Good.”
They walked out of the room to the festivities now in full swing. It would be a full hour before the collaring ceremony. Brie saw Lea already mingling with the crowd. She looked over the sea of people and noticed several familiar faces.
I guess it’s time to begin my goodbyes… Brie thought.
She approached Baron first. He was engaged in a conversation with Mr. Gallant, but ended it as soon as he noticed her. “Ah, kitten…”
She grinned at the striking Dom. “I want to thank you, Baron.”
His white teeth gleamed against his dark skin. “It was my pleasure and honor.”
Brie smiled shyly when she admitted, “Remember that first night? I was so scared of you.”
His large thumb traced the edge of her bottom lip. “It concerned me, but we got past that.”
“You were gentle and kind.”
He chuckled in his deep baritone. “Not too gentle, I trust.”
She kissed his thumb. “Just right.”
“Thankfully, Headmaster Davis picked the best man for the job.” He thrust his chest out and smiled heroically. “He insisted I push you to the edge that first night, but you handled yourself well and I must say you have blossomed since, kitten. You are a true submissive now.”
She tiptoed to kiss Baron’s enticing, thick lips. “I owe my success to you. You saw me through that first night.”
“No, you succeeded all on your own, kitten. Although I must admit it was enjoyable being a part of your training.”
Mr. Gallant interrupted their conversation. “Pardon me, Miss Bennett, but there are quite a few people who would like to speak with you tonight. I recommend you spread yourself around as much as possible.”
She bowed to her teacher and his beautiful wife, giving Baron one last peck on his luscious lips before moving into the crowd. Brie did a double-take when she saw her boss, Mr. Reynolds, from the tobacco shop. What is he doing here?
His wrinkled face broke out in a familiar grin as she came up to him. “Brie, you look positively stunning.”
She was suddenly reminded of her attire and blushed. This was Mr. Reynolds, after all. “This is my wife, Judy. She has been anxious to meet you.”
Brie looked at the older woman, who had streaks of gray throughout her jet-black hair. The woman had a captivating smile. “Such a pleasure. Jack has only nice things to say about his favorite employee.” She leaned in closer. “I think you saved his sanity on numerous occasions.”
She looked back at Mr. Reynolds, wondering at his presence here, but she didn’t have to wonder for long. “I know it must be a shock to see me, but I have known Thane for a very long time. Since he was a baby, in fact.” He pointed at Sir across the room. “You see, he’s my nephew.”
Brie gasped. Mr. Reynolds was related to Sir? She stared at Mr. Reynolds and nodded stupidly as she tried
to take in his words.
“That night you met, he was actually coming by to visit me. Apparently, he was so taken by a certain young lady that he up and left without even saying hello. I have to admit I was shocked he left the card, and even more so when I saw you wearing his collar.”
Mr. Reynolds knew what was going on the entire time?
“Thane’s either at work or over at the Center. I had high hopes when I saw the collar around your neck, but I should have known better.” He laughed lightly and held up his glass in a mock toast to Sir. “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.”
Brie’s gaze gravitated towards Sir. He was smiling at some remark Master Coen had made, but his smile made her sad. Sir had poured everything into the Submissive Training Center. Lea, Mary and she were all products of his dedication and would move on from the school, partnered with Doms worthy of their new training. He, however, would remain behind—alone.
“So, Miss Bennett, have you decided who you are going to ask to collar you?” Mrs. Reynolds asked excitedly.
“Judy! You don’t ask something like that,” Mr. Reynolds scolded, putting his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “We don’t get out much. Please forgive her enthusiasm.”
“That’s okay,” Brie replied, but she began looking around for a means of escape. She saw Faelan standing a short distance away, obviously wanting to talk to her. She made her excuse to the couple. “I’m sorry, there’s someone I must speak to.”
Faelan’s blue eyes were trained on her. She walked away, listening to Mrs. Reynolds’ profuse apologies, feeling the weight of Faelan’s stare as she approached. Brie kept her eyes down, unsure how to begin.
“It changes nothing,” he declared, lifting her chin up to look into her eyes.
“What did you do with her?”
He shook his head. “That is privileged information, blossom. It would be uncouth to speak of our encounter.”
“I didn’t care for it,” she said simply, turning her head from him.
“It couldn’t be helped,” he answered, forcing her to look him in the eye.
“Do you want Mary?”
His reply was quick. “She’s a beautiful girl.” His answer did not please Brie and he knew it. “Blossom, it is you I want to collar. I have wanted nothing more since that night on the beach when I discovered what you are. Do not doubt that.”
She glanced over and saw Mary watching their exchange. “Excuse me. I need to talk to that woman.”
Brie left Faelan standing there and headed straight towards Mary. The woman stiffened visibly, and Brie watched her transform into her nemesis of old.
“What?” Mary growled. “I told you I wanted my chance with him. I never hid my intentions from you, bitch.”
“You know I am considering Faelan as my Master.”
“Which is exactly why I had to make my move tonight.”
The look in Mary’s eyes was something new. There was a look of vulnerability underneath all the bravado. Brie didn’t need her to complicate matters further. “Stay far from him,” she snapped, then walked away before she said something cruel.
Lea caught up with Brie. “What’s going on?”
“Do you know what Mary did?”
“Yeah. I can’t believe she would go after Faelan like that. What did he say to you afterwards?”
Brie sighed. “Well, he claims I’m the only one he wants to collar, but he admits he has the hots for the cow.”
“What about Tono? What happened with him?”
Brie rolled her eyes in an attempt to keep the tears from forming. “Oh, his dad thinks I’m no good.”
“That’s bullshit!” Lea blurted loudly. Several groups of people turned towards them and Lea clamped her hands over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Brie,” she whispered, “but I just can’t believe that. You are the best sub to graduate from this place. How can he say that?”
Brie struggled to say the words that rang in her head. “He says I have a ravenous soul…”
Lea wrapped Brie in her arms and pressed her against those very large breasts. “No! Don’t even go there. You have a beautiful soul and Tono is lucky to love you.”
Brie buried her head in Lea’s chest, suddenly feeling like a little kid. “I love him, Lea. I do, but…”
“But what, sweetie?” she asked, moving Brie’s hair out of the way so she could hear her better.
Brie said in the barest of whispers, “I don’t know if our love will be enough.”
Lea squeezed her then, long and hard. Brie could feel the blood pounding in her head from the lack of oxygen, but she didn’t move from her friend’s embrace until Lea let go. She held Brie by her shoulders and smiled. “What did the sadistic Dom say to his helplessly bound sub as he cut at her bonds with a machete?”
Brie shrugged, struggling to participate in Lea’s poor attempt at distraction.
Lea answered with a huge grin, “Tonight, we’re going vanilla!”
Brie shook her head at the terrible joke, but let a weak smile make its way to her face. Lea was always good for a laugh. “I’m going to miss you, girl.”
Lea protested. “Oh, no, you’re not getting rid of me that easy. Sorry, Stinky Cheese, you are stuck with me for life.”
Brie gave her an overenthusiastic hip bump that set her off balance. Lea was just about to return the favor when her face went slack and her jaw dropped.
“Radost moya.”
That deep sound reverberated through Brie and she turned slowly towards his voice. Rytsar Durov stood before her in all his Russian glory. She suddenly felt shy standing before the impressive Dom. Brie quickly looked to the floor and tried to calm her erratic pulse as she bowed before him.
Brie snuck a peek, and then smiled when she saw the mischievous glint in his eye. “My warrior returns,” she whispered.
His low rolling laughter filled the entire commons. “Radost moya has grown up, I see.” He lifted Brie off the ground and crushed her to his chest. She’d forgotten how strong and muscular he was.
She wasn’t sure how to act, now that she knew he was a prominent Dom in Europe. It was as intimidating as she’d thought it would be. Brie looked up at him shyly, “It seems you speak English.”
He winked as he lifted her higher and kissed her hard on the lips. She was instantly transported back to her warrior fantasy, where he had fulfilled her every desire. It left her shaky and weak.
Rytsar placed her back on the ground and motioned to one of his entourage. The beefy bodyguard produced a package and handed it to Rytsar, who in turn handed it to Brie.
“This is for you, my little joy. In honor of your graduation.”
Brie slowly unwrapped the gold paper and lifted the lid of the box. Inside was an exquisite set of golden handcuffs encrusted with small jewels. She touched the multicolored stones in admiration. “Thank you, Rytsar. It’s stunning.”
“Something useful your Master might enjoy.” He looked up and motioned Sir over, then slapped him heartily on the back. “I cannot stay, moy droog. However, I wanted to congratulate you on training such a rare beauty. If she could handle Russian winters I would claim her for my own.”
Sir looked genuinely pleased when he answered Rytsar. “I am glad you came, Durov, although I am disappointed that you cannot stay. We should get together and catch up.”
“Yes. Drag your sorry zhopa out of this school for a couple of weeks and join me in Russia. I promise to show you a grandiose time.” He raised his hands in the air, spreading his arms wide.
Sir’s laughter warmed Brie’s heart. “Yes, well, some of us have to work for a living.”
Rytsar growled loudly. “Peasant.”
Sir answered in mock disgust, “Aristocrat.”
The muscular Russian laughed as he smacked Sir hard on the back again. “Come join me later tonight. You know where.” He turned his attention back to Brie. He took her hand and turned it palm up before planting a sensual kiss in the center. “Choose wisely, radost moya.”
W
ith that, he left with Sir, who escorted the entire entourage out—the impressive Rytsar and his three beefy bodyguards. When they were out of earshot, Lea whispered appreciatively, “Damn…”
“Yeah,” Brie replied.
Lea asked to look at Rytsar’s gift and dug the handcuffs out of the box, holding them up for a better look. “Girl, he couldn’t have come up with a better gift for a sub who likes bondage.”
“Yeah, yeah, put it back,” Brie ordered, feeling embarrassed by the expensive gift.
“Oh, no, you have to wear this. It’s far too pretty to keep inside a box.” Lea took the key attached to the cuffs and opened one up, looping it around the chain on Brie’s waist. She stood back to admire her work. “Yes, now you are utterly irresistible.”
Brie looked down and swung her hips, listening to the pleasant jingle of the cuffs. It did look like a lovely accent piece. She looked up to thank Lea, but saw that her friend had moved over to talk to the Sheik and his five comely harem girls.
Rachael Dunningham took the opportunity to step over and talk to Brie. “Hello, Miss Bennett. I want to let you know what a pleasure it has been to work with you.”
“No, thank you, Rachael. It was your helpfulness and professionalism that convinced me this school was legit. If it weren’t for you, I never would have enrolled.”
“Speaking about enrollment, you might be happy to learn that the young lady you emailed about has contacted the school. Candy Moore will be starting the next session in two weeks.”
Brie was thrilled by the news. “Rachael, that’s absolutely wonderful! I’ve worried about her ever since that day on the bus.” She gave Rachael a big hug, and then another for good measure. “I’ll start payments next week.”
Rachael smiled amiably. “No need. She has procured a sponsor.”
Brie leaned in close. “Can I ask who?”
“Normally, we don’t divulge such information. However, you have a vested interest in the girl so I don’t see any harm. Mr. Gallant is paying her tuition.”
Brie glanced over to where Mr. Gallant stood with his arm around the waist of his submissive wife. What an extraordinary man.