by Red Phoenix
“If there is anything I can do, brother…” Sir stated, looking at him in earnest concern.
“There is nothing you can do at this point,” Rytsar answered. “I need to spend uninterrupted time alone with the boy. I have no idea how a man can make up for two years of absence in a child’s life.”
“You will find a way, and the boy is still young,” Sir assured him. “He may not even remember a time when he didn’t have a father, as he gets older.”
Rytsar sounded doubtful when he answered, “I suppose it’s possible…”
“When are you planning to come back?” Brie asked, dreading his answer.
“I do not know, radost moya.”
She nodded, her lips trembling, despite her best efforts to keep her emotions at bay.
“Whatever my decision, I will return to discuss it with you both,” he assured her with a sad smile.
“We will be here when you need us,” Sir stated, getting up to give him a hug while Rytsar still held Hope in his arms.
Brie stood up to join them, wanting to surround Rytsar with their love.
The Power of Gray
Knowing they would both struggle while Rytsar was in Russia, Sir asked Brie to invite Marquis Gray and Celestia over to the new house. “Of all the people I know, Gray will give us the perspective we need on this.”
Brie wholeheartedly agreed and immediately called to invite them.
“Of course, we will come,” Marquis replied on the phone. “But may I ask if there is a reason for this sudden invitation, Mrs. Davis?”
Brie was glad he couldn’t see her blush. “Yes.”
“Good to know. We will be there at seven.”
It was amazing to Brie that Marquis still played such an important role in both of their lives, especially when she considered the animosity that he and Sir had felt toward one another when she first joined the Submissive Training Center.
As her trainer, Marquis had been very protective of Brie and held it against Sir for breaking the school’s code of conduct by scening with her in private. Even after the collaring ceremony, Marquis had ridden Sir hard, holding him to an incredibly high standard.
It had caused Sir to deeply resent Marquis Gray, and yet he still respected the trainer—even during those periods when he thoroughly despised the man.
Marquis was extraordinary. He seemed to have the uncanny ability to see into a person’s soul. It made him both fascinating and terrifying to be around.
“Sir, they said they’d come,” Brie told him after she had ended the call.
“Good. It will be nice to see them both and to thank them again for taking care of Hope during the move.”
Brie smiled. “Yes, and we can finally show them the new house now that we’re all settled.”
“I think a good Ribollita is in order for our guests,” Sir suggested. “Will you assist me?”
“Of course,” Brie answered enthusiastically. She loved cooking with him in the new kitchen because it was so spacious, and the beauty of it was only enhanced by the ocean serenading them from outside.
Although Brie’s cooking skills had certainly improved through much practice, she preferred prepping the ingredients so she could watch Sir in the kitchen. It was like watching an artist at work.
They had established a wonderful tradition since moving into the new house. Whenever Sir cooked recipes from his childhood, they played Alonzo’s music. It reconnected him with his father, and she could see an actual change in Sir as he prepared each dish. While he cooked, Sir became more relaxed and joyful, moving about the kitchen with a smile on his face.
Brie loved that Hope would come to associate cooking with seeing her parents together in the kitchen and being serenaded by her grandfather’s violin.
Sir left the Tuscan stew simmering on the stove, filling the whole house with its delicious smell. When their guests arrived, it was the first thing Marquis commented on.
“What an inviting smell.”
“A family dish of my father’s,” Sir informed him.
“And which one of you made it?” Marquis asked, having sampled many of Brie’s failures in the past.
Sir put his arm around Brie and answered proudly, “We both did.”
“I needn’t worry about being poisoned with salt then,” he replied, giving Brie a wink.
Brie blushed, remembering the night when she’d ruined the beautiful custard she’d made by accidentally adding salt instead of sugar.
Turning to Celestia, she said apologetically, “I still feel bad about you eating that.”
Celestia smiled kindly. “Don’t be, Brie. It is a fond memory of mine and a testament to how far you have come.”
Celestia had this gentle way about her that always set Brie at ease. In some respects, she was the polar opposite of Marquis, bringing calm and acceptance where Marquis always brought intensity and challenge. Together they were the perfect combination.
“By the way, we brought you a housewarming gift,” Celestia said, pulling a square box from her purse.
“Thank you!” Brie smiled at both of them as she took it. Untying the blue bow, she opened the lid and saw a set of marble coasters with “The Davis Home” etched in them.
Brie teared up. The word “home” had such a wonderful permanence about it.
She showed them to Sir while she wiped her eyes discreetly.
“That was very thoughtful. Thank you to you both,” Sir told them.
“It’s a true pleasure to see you doing so well as a family,” Marquis Gray stated.
Sir looked back at Brie and gave her a charming smile. “On that front we are golden.”
Marquis Gray nodded, obviously picking up on what was not being said. However, rather than confront Sir on it, he asked, “Where’s that cat of yours?”
“Shadow?” Brie asked.
“Yes.”
“Follow me and I’ll show you.” Brie walked them into the great room where Hope had fallen asleep in her carrier. “You can pretty much find Shadow wherever Hope is. I think it’s adorable. It’s like Shadow has appointed himself as her personal guardian angel.”
Shadow had been staring at the baby, but when Brie mentioned his name, he turned his head toward the group, blinking at them with those big green eyes.
“A remarkable animal,” Marquis said.
“Why? Did you become chums while you were watching him for us?” Sir joked.
“In a manner of speaking, yes,” Marquis answered, looking fondly on the cat.
As if to confirm his statement, Shadow stood up and walked over to Marquis, rubbing his cheek against his pants leg.
“Wow, Shadow doesn’t normally take to people,” Brie told him. “Although I can’t say I’m surprised he likes you. The two of you have similar stares.”
Marquis raised an eyebrow. “Do we, Mrs. Davis?”
Brie nodded, suddenly embarrassed for voicing it out loud. “So…this is the great room. Doesn’t it have an amazing view of the ocean?”
“It certainly does, Brie,” Celestia agreed, instantly making Brie feel at ease again.
“Let us show you the rest of the house while the Ribollita finishes simmering,” Sir suggested. Unlike before, he started with the upstairs first.
Marquis was quick to compliment Brie’s new workspace. “I’m glad to hear you are returning to your films, Mrs. Davis. You have a simple and honest narrative that this industry sorely needs.”
His rare praise overwhelmed Brie. “Thank you, Marquis. Sir has strongly encouraged me to invest more time in my next project.”
Marquis glanced at Sir with approval. “As he should.”
“I’ve always been supportive of Brie’s career,” Sir stated. “While there have been several setbacks outside our control, there’s certainly no reason she cannot commit her time and energy now.”
“I quite agree.”
“Are you planning to release the second documentary soon, Brie?” Celestia asked.
“To be honest, I’m l
eaning that way, although I long to do Alonzo Davis justice with a documentary worthy of his talent.”
She felt as if she was failing the commitment she’d made to Alonzo, a man she had never met but felt connected to, by returning to the other project.
“There is enough time for everything, if you are patient,” Marquis assured Brie.
Those simple words gave Brie profound comfort. “I appreciate hearing that, Marquis.
Sir saved the master bedroom for the last of the tour and smiled as Celestia went on and on about how gorgeous their Italian-themed bathroom was.
“It’s nice, but I am noticing a curious lack of BDSM equipment,” Marquis stated. “There is plenty of space, yet not so much as a single flogger to be found here.”
Sir took Brie’s hand and kissed it. “We have an announcement.”
Marquis looked him dead in the eye. “Go on.”
“We’ve decided to leave the BDSM community.”
Celestia gasped.
Marquis Gray glanced at Brie before stating. “If that is the case, you have done a severe disservice to your sub.”
“Are you serious?” Sir scoffed.
“Completely,” Marquis said, his dark gaze focused on Sir.
Sir broke under the scrutiny and threw his head back, laughing. “Gray, do you seriously think Brie and I would give up the lifestyle?”
Marquis narrowed his eyes. “Are you making a jest?”
Sir smirked in answer before calling out, “Open. Five-two-one-one-four.”
The secret door slowly opened and Sir gestured proudly to it. “We took our example from the Gallants, as well as Master Anderson, and have hidden our playroom from the curiosity of others.”
Marquis chuckled, shaking his head as he entered the room. When he saw the bondage table, he crinkled his brow. “Is that…?”
“No, it’s a replica.”
“Ah…” He nodded thoughtfully. “Oddly appropriate.”
“I thought so,” Sir agreed, giving Brie a private wink.
Marquis glanced around their well-supplied room. “I must commend you for using the Gallants as an inspiration. They have done an exceptional job maintaining the intimacy of their D/s relationship as full-time parents.
“Oh, this truly is a wonderland, Sir Davis,” Celestia commented.
Brie smiled at Sir. “It is a love letter written in physical form.”
“It certainly is,” Celestia agreed.
Sir gave Brie a look of such tenderness, that she felt butterflies in her stomach.
“On that note, I say we go to the dining room and enjoy the Ribollita.”
While they were eating, Marquis complimented the richness of the Tuscan stew before remarking, “As perfect as this all seems, there is something out of balance here that I cannot put my finger on.”
Sir sucked in his breath, then glanced at Brie. “Actually, it’s the reason we asked you to come tonight.”
“Would you rather finish the meal or speak of it now?” Marquis asked, putting down his spoon.
“Naturally, we should finish,” Sir said, looking across the table at Celestia. “We cooked this meal as a thank you for caring for both Hope and Shadow during our move.”
Celestia smiled gently. “It was our privilege to help, Sir Davis. Your daughter is a delight and, as you have already heard, Marquis made a connection with Shadow.”
Marquis looked at them both. “When I officiated your wedding, we vowed to support you as a couple. If you ever have need…” He took Celestia’s hand. “…we are always here for you.”
“It’s deeply appreciated.” Sir cleared his throat. “Especially at a time like this.”
“Why don’t you put your father’s music on while we finish the meal,” Marquis Gray suggested.
Brie had to keep back the tears when she heard the haunting notes of his violin fill the room. They finished the meal in reverent silence. It truly felt as if Alonzo was with them, infusing them with his presence.
After the meal, they retired to the great room. Brie immediately picked up Hope, holding her close, not looking forward to this painful conversation.
“Tell me what has you troubled,” Marquis began simply.
“Obviously, this stays between the four of us,” Sir began.
Marquis Gray nodded. “Naturally.”
Sir explained what had transpired with Rytsar after receiving the letter from Russia.
Brie spoke up. “We are concerned about Rytsar and want to support him, but we are also facing the possibility of…” She struggled to say the words, “…losing him.” Tears welled up in her eyes.
Marquis looked at them both and asked, “Do you have a formal ménage relationship?”
Sir shook his head. “Formal? No. But the three of us fully expected to continue what we had. It was part of our motivation for moving to this beach house.”
“We are feeling at a loss,” Brie told him.
“Brie and I are seeking the proper perspective going forward. We want to be supportive of our friend, even though we are emotionally bereft.”
“It’s a natural emotion. However, it can be tempered with a healthy mindset. I assume Durov feels the same?”
“He does, but he naturally feels a responsibility toward the child. I know him well and fully expect him to move to Russia once he returns.”
“But…we love him,” Brie whimpered.
“Sometimes the greatest expression of love is to sacrifice your own desires for the good of the other person.”
Brie shut her eyes, forcing back the tears.
“I do not believe the three of you would continue to be happy now that you know of the child’s existence.”
“Agreed. The child needs his father,” Sir replied somberly. “Although I know this, I am still struggling. Durov has been through hell his whole life, and I have always had his back. I’m afraid this has the potential to be a different kind of hell for him. Stuck in a loveless partnership for the sake of the child…but there is nothing I can do.”
“No,” Marquis agreed, “there is not. This is his decision to make.”
“But I know it has the potential to kill his soul,” Sir stated frankly.
“Only Durov can decide what he’s willing to sacrifice for the child.” Marquis Gray looked at the two of them in concern. “It seems all three of you will be asked to sacrifice for this child.”
“Not just the three of us,” Brie said, looking at Hope. Brie realized that her daughter was going to lose him, too, and she was sad for Hope.
Brie understood sacrifice. She had faced it once before with Sir in Italy when she had offered to let him go so that he could pursue Isabella. She had believed Isabella was a better match and was willing to step aside for Sir’s sake.
It was the hardest thing she’d ever done, but it was done out of pure love.
Now it seemed she was facing a similar situation—except for one thing. She wasn’t sure this woman was the best choice for Rytsar. However, she did know Rytsar was the best thing for that little boy.
“We will survive this.”
“You certainly will,” Marquis assured her.
“But I’m still uncertain if that will be the case for Anton,” Sir growled. “I can’t help feeling this could be a trap.”
Marquis laced his fingers together thoughtfully. “Do you think it’s possible that your experience with your sister has clouded your ability to be unbiased in this situation?”
Sir sat back in his chair, folding his arms. “I don’t…” He paused for a moment. “Perhaps.”
“Your real struggle may be more about yourself than a legitimate concern over Durov’s situation.”
Brie saw the look of disgust on Sir’s face and knew he was directing it at himself. Her heart broke, and she called out to him, “Sir…”
Brie did not miss the momentary flash of darkness in his eyes and she gave Marquis Gray an uneasy look.
Marquis Gray, however, did not seem concerned. “What you need
is a clear mind.” Looking at Brie, he added, “Your wife knows the power of a good flogging.”
To Sir, he said, “I’d be willing to do the same for you.”
“A flogging?” Sir seemed thrown by the offer and got up to walk away. “I came to you looking for answers, not a flogging.”
Brie held her breath, believing that Marquis Gray’s offer was exactly what Sir needed, whether he realized it or not.
“Give me a minute,” Sir stated, heading outside.
The three of them watched as he stood on the porch, looking out at the ocean.
“It’s fine if you want to leave us to talk to him,” Celestia assured her.
Brie shook her head. “No. Sir left us because he needs time alone to think this through.”
“You agree it will help?” Marquis asked her.
“Of course. It’s exactly what he needs.” She glanced back at Sir. “I just hate seeing him in pain.”
“I’m proud of him,” he stated. “The Thane Davis I knew would not have reached out for help.”
Brie nodded. “Sir has changed a lot in the last few years. He isn’t willing to suffer in silence any longer.”
“That’s the sign of maturity.”
Brie frowned slightly, her eyes drifting back to Sir. “I wish that his maturity hadn’t come at such a high cost.”
“We aren’t given a choice on what we will face in life, but we do get to choose how we react to it. Thane is a prime example of that.”
Brie gazed back at Sir, saying with admiration, “He is a perfect example.”
“And you, Brianna, are his compliment.”
She blushed.
“I’ve never forgotten the meek girl who walked into the Training Center. I understood your potential the moment I saw you, but it meant nothing until you understood your power and believed it yourself.”
Brie remembered how intimidated she had been by Marquis Gray in the beginning. “I appreciated that you always pushed me, Marquis.”
“You are a rare pearl.” He glanced at Celestia and smiled. “We both feel that way.”
“We certainly do,” Celestia agreed. “It is easy to help those you admire.”
Brie laughed. “You are the ones to be admired.”