by Red Phoenix
The next goodbye was much more expected and enjoyable. Sir and Brie met with his mother in his lawyer’s downtown office. Ruth had complained that it was far too stuffy and impersonal, which was exactly the reason Sir had chosen it.
When they entered the room, Sir asked Mr. Thompson straight away, “Are the papers ready?”
“Of course,” he said, handing Sir the stack of documents.
“Excellent. Let’s get started.”
Ruth did not seem to care for his abruptness. “Wait one second, son. I think we need to have a little discussion first.”
“This is the discussion. The terms are simple. I will provide you with transportation and supplies if you agree to go to China for three years as a medical volunteer.”
“That is not having a discussion; that is telling me what to do. I’m your mother, damn it. I don’t deserve to be treated like a common business transaction.”
“I see no mother before me. What I see is a manipulative, self-centered beast with a total lack of a conscience. I hope the work you do over the next three years opens your eyes to the truth.”
“Fuck you, Thane. And I’m not going to some third world country!”
Sir shrugged his shoulders, pushing the papers towards her. “You don’t have to. However, people are out for blood, Ruth. I’m giving you a fresh start because I need to believe there is a human heart beating somewhere in that chest.” He pushed a pen towards her. “You can worry where your next meal and lawsuit is coming from, or you can sign this and be gone within the hour. Your choice.”
“I won’t do it. At least not until we speak. Alone.”
He lifted his sleeve to glance at his watch. “You have two minutes to make a decision. After that, the offer is rescinded.”
“You are a hateful bastard.” She glared at Brie. “This will be you one day, girl. One day you’ll be sitting in a lawyer’s office, being told that you are no longer loved.”
Sir cleared his throat. “That’s now a minute and thirty seconds.”
Ruth looked startled and grabbed the papers, looking them over. “Will I get an allowance afterwards?”
“No, you are only being supported for the three years you volunteer. After that, you are on your own. No contact with either of us will be tolerated on your return,” he said, glancing in Brie’s direction.
“Why would I ever sign this?”
“Because you have burned all your bridges. Show the public you’re genuinely sorry for manipulating their good hearts by taking this time to give to others. Possibly in three years they will have forgiven you, or forgotten that you exist. It’s a win-win, either way.”
She looked at the document again and whined like a spoiled child, “But I don’t want to.”
“Thirty seconds,” Sir answered.
Ruth quickly scribbled her name on every page, then threw them at Sir. “Bastard!”
Sir gathered the papers and handed them to Mr. Thompson. Then he stood up and walked Brie to the door.
Ruth came unglued. “Don’t walk away from me, Thane. Don’t you dare walk away from me, you fucking coward. You’re a failure as a man. Everyone knows it. Beating up little girls and abandoning your mother like this. It’s disgusting!” When she got no response, Ruth screamed, “You should have died with your father! You hear me?”
Sir opened the door without pausing, putting his hand on the small of Brie’s back.
Ruth redirected her wrath. “That money’s mine, bitch. Don’t you think for one second you’re getting any of my son’s money. I’m his mother; it’s mine!”
Sir guided Brie out of the door and turned to face the beast. “But I have no mother.”
He shut the door on a torrent of profanities.
Sir winked at Brie. “Satisfying on so many levels.”
Brie tightened her grip on him, extremely proud of how he had handled the wretched woman. Sir had been compassionate without giving an inch of his soul.
He let out a long, ragged sigh as they waited for the elevator. “The beast is no longer my problem.” Sir looked at Brie and gave her a cheerless smile. “From now when I remember Ruth Davis, I will think of the woman my father once loved. The reality is that I lost both my parents when I was a boy.”
When they returned home, Sir quietly put the framed picture of his father in the living room. It marked his emancipation.
Pearls
Sir’s involvement with the documentary caused his business to take a severe financial hit—a hit that would take years to recover from. Brie was shocked when he listed the number of clients he’d lost during a discussion with Master Anderson.
“Impressive,” Master Anderson commented, showing only amusement at the amount.
But Brie was devastated. “I feel horrible, Sir. I never thought my film would impact your business so negatively.”
He looked at her with compassion. “I always knew there’d be a significant cost, Brie. It’s an investment I was prepared to make. I realized it would obligate me to pursue clients outside the States to offset the losses.” When he saw her continued distress, he gestured for her to kneel beside him. “Unlike you—a girl who tends to make impulsive decisions based on her heart—I weigh the risks and act accordingly.”
She rested her head on his thigh. “I do admire how you calculate the costs, Sir. It’s as if you play a game of chess with life.”
Master Anderson laughed at the statement. “Yes, that’s exactly what you do, Thane.”
Sir sounded amused. “I’m not sure I care for the analogy, Brie. However, it is true that while you are constantly surprised by the aftermath of your decisions, I rarely am.”
“You’re very wise, Sir.”
“Tsk, tsk,” Sir said as a warning before lifting Brie over his knee, raising her skirt. “What did I say about that word?”
Brie struggled not to smile when she apologized. “I’m sorry, Sir. Not wise, definitely not wise. I meant knowledgeable.”
He smacked her hard on the ass. “Try again.”
“Sage-like.”
“No.” He spanked her even harder.
“Intelligent! Intelligent!” she squeaked.
He rubbed his hand over her red ass. “Acceptable.” He put her skirt back down and returned her to her kneeling position.
Sir spoke to Master Anderson as if nothing had happened. “When will you be leaving?”
“By the end of the month. I already have a warehouse in mind. I plan to be there before renovations start.”
Sir chuckled. “I’m certain your neighbors are going to miss you.”
“It has been impossible. I tell you, ever since the documentary, the women won’t leave me alone. What started out as harmless flirtation has quickly turned into cougar wars. Best to leave before someone gets hurt.”
“Or shot.”
Master Anderson grinned smugly, but his smile fell when he saw the herb garden on the counter. “Thane, I gave you this garden to take care of.” He walked over and caressed the yellowing leaves. “They’re screaming for light. You can’t expect them to produce a pleasant flavor if you don’t give them the food they require.” Without asking, he moved an end table near the window and placed the small herb garden on it. “There. Now the plants will be happy, but you’ll have to water them more.”
Sir growled with irritation. “I never asked for a garden.”
“But you will care for it. Think of it as a part of me when I’m gone.”
“Great. Then I’ll be sure to flick the leaves and poke the roots every time I water,” Sir said sarcastically.
“As long as you water me, I’m okay with being flicked and poked.”
Brie giggled on Sir’s thigh.
Master Anderson glanced at his watch. “Unfortunately, as much fun as I’m having entertaining young Brie here, I can’t stay longer.”
Sir stroked Brie’s hair one last time before he got up to see his friend out. “I trust you’re still coming tonight.”
“Of course. Wouldn�
��t miss it.”
Brie was pleased to hear that Master Anderson would be there. She’d been looking forward to the huge party at the Training Center all week. It was going to be the biggest gathering to date. Sir said the film had been great for the Center, but the increased enrollment necessitated an expansion. A whole new wing was being built at the college to accommodate future classes. Everyone associated with the Center would be there to celebrate.
In honor of the event, Sir had purchased a special gown for her. “It only makes sense that the woman responsible for the expansion looks stunning for the party.”
The gown was a black, sequined seduction with a high, modest neckline in the front and a low back that exposed the barest peek of her brand. Sir seemed to find it highly erotic, and kept grazing his hand over her mark.
Before they left, he surprised her by removing the condor necklace. Brie protested, “But I love that, Sir.”
“Tonight you only wear your collar and this around your neck,” he replied, holding up her strand of pearls. He looped it once and let the length drape gracefully down her back.
“My goddess, my slut,” Sir murmured as he lightly bit her shoulder.
Oh, this was going to be a grand celebration indeed!
When they pulled up to the Training Center, Sir parked his Lotus in his old spot— reserved exclusively for the headmaster. Sir chuckled as he got out, stating, “Coen needs a little aggravation.”
They’d come early to help with set-up, but the commons area was already decorated with layers of black and iridescent pearl, giving an air of sophistication to the festivities.
Brie touched the hanging silks and cooed. “Wow, I love how elegant this looks, Sir. Very classy.”
“Class is a given with anything associated with Center,” he responded with a smirk.
It took a second before she got his joke and started laughing, but Headmaster Coen cut her merriment short when he entered.
“Very funny, Davis. Repark your car now.”
“You can’t be serious.”
The headmaster responded angrily, “I assure you, I’m quite serious.”
Sir grinned like a mischievous schoolboy as he fished his car keys out of his pocket. He gave Brie free rein to explore the Center while he went to change parking spots.
As she walked down the silent halls, Brie was bombarded with memories—Baron’s initial challenge and those damn six-inch heels. Experiencing her first auction with Rytsar, followed by lessons on deepthroating. She’d learned to overcome her fear of the cane with Marquis, and discovered the joy of flying under Tono’s skilled hands.
As she made her way back to the commons, she ran her fingers against the wall smiling to herself as she pass the bondage room. She remembered her second night at the Center, waiting in the hallway for Sir to unlock the door after class…
Good memories.
She was determined to drag Mary and Lea back here while the party was going on. It would be fun to reminisce together. Now that the film was complete and all the excitement of the release was over, she needed to set aside girl-time on a regular basis.
Brie was startled to see the silhouette of a man standing in the hallway ahead of her. It was definitely not Sir. She stopped in her tracks until she heard a hearty, “Radost moya!”
“Rytsar!” she cried, running to his open arms. “I had no idea you would be here tonight.”
The Russian picked her up, laughing, “I am part of the Training Center experience, am I not?”
“Well…you are for me,” she answered, struggling to breathe in his powerful embrace.
Such a sadist.
When he had nearly squeezed the breath out of her, he set her down, chuckling to himself. “Why don’t you run off with me? I will teach you the power of pain and you can teach me the power of lyubov’”.
“Hands in the air. Step away from the sub,” Sir ordered from behind him.
Rytsar put his hands up. “We’ve been caught before we could make our grand escape.” He turned around and walked to Sir, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Moy droog, I am still convinced I could make her into a masochist. I just need a few weeks alone with her.”
Sir held out his hand to Brie as he replied, “Not going to happen, my friend.”
Walking down the hallway with a Dominant on either side brought back memories of the cabin and a pleasant warmth between her legs. She looked up at the handsome Russian and thanked him for her extravagant birthday gift, adding, “Rytsar, the cabin is really too much.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Truth, radost moya? It has to be the most selfish gift I’ve given.”
Sir snorted, slapping him hard on the back. “I suspected as much…”
Brie asked Sir, “Would it be okay if I tell him?”
“Why not?” he answered with a smile.
“Rytsar, you are the very first person to hear,” she said excitedly. “We’re leaving in two weeks for Italy and you’ll never guess—” She saw the glimmer of hope in Rytsar’s eyes and knew what he was thinking. “No, you’re still not an uncle.”
He frowned, shaking his head at Sir in mock disappointment.
“I don’t have time for babies, Rystar. I’m going to begin filming my new documentary.”
Rytsar raised an eyebrow. “Another film?”
“Yes! This one will be about Alonzo Davis, the man behind talent.” Brie grinned at Sir. “Recently, there has been a surge of interest in his music.”
Rytsar slapped his hand on Sir’s shoulder, “I’m glad to hear it, moy droog.”
Sir answered somberly, “Yes, it’s time people know the truth about my father and there is no one else I would want to tell it.” He kissed the top of Brie’s head.
As they walked into the commons, Brie was thrilled to see that it was already filling up with people. She spotted Mary and Faelan across the room and asked, “May I, Sir?”
“You may speak to whomever you wish tonight,” he answered.
She bowed and thanked him before bounding off to talk to Mary.
Unfortunately, Mary burst her bubble about girl-time with the first words out of her mouth. “Guess our big news!”
Brie noticed the possessive way Faelan had his arm around Mary and felt certain she knew the answer. She said playfully, “Is there a certain piece of neck jewelry in your future?”
Mary looked mortified. “No, you idiot! You know I’m not ready for that shit. We’re going to join a commune.”
Brie laughed at her reaction. She could tell Mary wanted a collar, and the tight hold Faelan had on her let the world know his feelings. It wouldn’t be long…
“So a hippie commune? That’s cool, Mary, but I can’t see you as a flower child.”
Blonde Nemesis rolled her eyes. “It’s a BDSM commune, bitch. Everyone works for the community, but the beauty is that you can live your D/s life out in the open. It’s kind of like The Haven, but twenty-four seven. Just think, Faelan could come up to me while I’m peeling potatoes with the group, order me to bend over and fuck me, just like that. Nobody would bat an eyelid because it’s totally accepted. The vanilla world left behind.”
Brie was amazed. “I never knew there was such a place.”
“Oh, yeah, it’s up north. There are even a few couples who have been with that commune for years. God knows the things we can learn while we’re there. Imagine living with a bunch of like-minded people—what could be better?”
Brie didn’t like the idea of losing Mary. “What about your job?”
“I’m taking a six-month sabbatical, so it’s no big deal.” Mary groaned. “God, I’m so fucking tired of being hounded by idiots who saw the film. I can’t tell you the number of vanillas hitting on me. Hell, both Faelan and I could use a break from that crap.”
Faelan spoke up. “We’re young and free to leave our jobs temporarily. Seems like the perfect time to explore the lifestyle in more depth, don’t you think?”
Although Brie was not excited about them l
eaving, she hung onto the fact that it was a temporary loss. “Yes, Mr. Wallace, I can certainly understand the allure.”
Mary’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Brie, you’ll never guess what happens the first night.”
Brie couldn’t hide her smile when she answered, imagining Mary with a ring of pretty flowers in her hair dancing around a maypole, “I have no clue.”
“The day we arrive, they throw a huge party for us.” Mary looked up at Faelan with a lustful grin. “At sunset, Faelan will bind me to the center table and present me to the community. Then they’ll spend the whole evening sampling the newest submissive. Doesn’t that sound wickedly hot?”
The idea of being taken by a group of Doms was both hot and frightening, but Brie was certain Mary could handle it. Ever since the night at The Haven with Faelan, she’d been different. She seemed complete, as if she had found a part of herself that had been lost. Mary could still be a bitch, of course, but she seemed like a much happier bitch.
Unfortunately, Lea hit Brie with even harder news. Brie could sense something was up when Lea hugged Brie so hard and for so long that her friend’s boobs nearly smothered her.
“Isn’t tonight exciting, girlfriend?”
Brie shrugged. “It‘s just a party for the new wing. Nothing to asphyxiate me over.”
“Well, maybe not,” Lea giggled. “But look around you. All this is because of you. You made this happen, Brie.”
She waved away Lea’s comment. “Nah, it was all of us. I just happened to have a camera.”
Lea pinched her cheeks and wiggled them painfully. “Aren’t you just so cute? Can’t accept a compliment to save your life.”
God, Brie had missed this—the silliness of being a girl. “Hey, Lea, I was thinking of starting up our girl-time again.”
Lea frowned. “Oh, I’m sorry, sweetie. I’m going to be busy packing.”
Brie’s smile froze on her face. She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. “What do you mean?”
“I’m headed to Colorado, baby!”
Brie’s stomach sank. It’s Ms. Clark all over again.