Page 69 of Truth

“I don’t know.” Brianna glanced up at me before turning her attention to Ross. “I’m going to try. I don’t know... if I can handle being around all those people.”

Jade spoke up. “When are your classes? Maybe I could go with you the first few times or something. I might not be able to sit inside with you, but there are always benches out in the halls where I could wait.”

“That’s a great idea.”

Cal seemed to love Jade’s suggestion, and once I thought about it, I had to agree. The only other person I’d seen Brianna this comfortable with was Lily. If Jade was willing, I didn’t see a problem in her going with Brianna to her class for a while. It would be good for her to have a female she knew and trusted on campus with her.

“Brianna’s class doesn’t start until the fall. It’s an evening class. Would you still be on campus then?”

“I can be. There’s always homework to do, and it would give me an excuse to go to the library and get it done.”

Before we got too far off track, I wanted to get Brianna’s opinion. “What do you think, Brianna? Would it help if Jade went to class with you for a while?”

“Yes,” she said, picking nervously at her skirt. “I’m nervous about going on my own.”

“It’s settled, then. You just let me know when and where, and I’ll be there.” Jade smiled.

Everyone finished their cake, and Brianna stood up to take the empty dishes to the kitchen. I watched as she walked away, enjoying the view of her ass swaying slightly as she moved. Her legs were covered in thigh-high stockings. The lace around the top was hidden by her skirt, but I knew it was there. All that was missing was a pair of heels.

I shifted in my seat, trying to get comfortable without losing sight of her.

“What’s going on?” Ross demanded in a furious whisper.

Reluctantly, I pulled my attention away from Brianna. “You’re going to have to be more specific. What exactly are you referring to?”

He hesitated as Brianna rejoined the group.

“Do you have any moisturizer, Anna? I’m not sure why, but my hands are really dry.”

Brianna turned toward me.

I nodded, letting her know it was all right.

“It’s in my bedroom. I can go get it.”

“Do you mind if I come with you?”

“Okay.”

Once the women were out of the room, Ross leaned in, leveling an angry stare at me. “Those things Walker was saying about you were true, weren’t they... Sir?”

“As I told you a minute ago, you’re going to have to be more specific.”

“Don’t play dumb, Coleman. You’re a lot of things, but dumb isn’t one of them. You like to beat women. Tie them up and beat them. You like women who are able to be manipulated, bent to your will, so they won’t fight you and what you want. What I want to know is how you hid the evidence? Do you only leave marks where they can’t be seen?”

“I’d be very careful what you accuse me of, Ross.”

“Then answer the question, damn it!”

“All right. I’m a Dominant.”

“A what? Is that supposed to mean something to me?”

“You mean to tell me that you’ve never heard of BDSM? Domination and submission? Bondage and discipline?”

All the color drained from his face. “I’ll kill you.” He swiftly stood to his feet and moved toward me.

I stood, ready to go on the defensive should it be warranted.

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