Page 97 of Bound by Love
“Yes, it was your irritating ‘gnat tactic’ striking again,” Sir said, shaking his head.
“But it was effective,” Rytsar said proudly. He turned his attention on the tiny infant cradled in his arms. “I told your papa that he was in control of the situation and to take what was his. And do you know what he said to that?”
Brie couldn’t wait to hear.
“Your papa insulted me.” He smiled sweetly at Hope. “His exact words were, ‘You are the fool. Just because something is offered does not mean one should claim it.’” Rytsar nodded, staring at Hope as if she were talking to him. “I agree completely. Your papa is crazy.”
Brie looked lovingly at Sir, understanding why he had felt that way at the time. He was afraid of destroying her because of the demons he had carried inside.
“There was only one answer to his ridiculous statement,” Rytsar continued, glancing over at Brie with a smirk. “I was honest with your papa and told him I would not respect him if your mama wasn’t wearing his collar the next time we met. And, guess what,moye solntse?” His smile grew wider. “He listened to yourdyadyaand took matters into his own hands.” Rytsar held the baby up in the air, smiling at her. “Andthatis how you came to be.”
“Not exactly,” Sir stated drolly.
“Nope, that’s not how it played out, Rytsar,” Brie told him, remembering how devastated she’d been when Sir had said no.
Rytsar lowered Hope, cradling her in his arms as he stared at Brie in confusion. “How did it go, then?” he demanded.
Is this news to Rytsar?she wondered. “Well…” She glanced at Sir, remembering the pain of that night. “I was about to choose Tono, but I was plagued with second thoughts.”
“Go on,” Rytsar encouraged.
“I threw caution to the wind and turned around to offer Sir my collar, instead.”
“And…?”
“He turned me down.”
Rytsar looked at Sir in disbelief. “Why have I never heard this before?”
“Let her finish, old friend.”
“I was completely crushed and had to get out of there before I totally lost it in front of everyone.”
Rytsar wore a look of shock. Turning to Sir he said, “Obviously, something happened because she wears your collar.”
Sir’s lips curled into a smile. “I resigned as Headmaster so I could claim what was mine.”
Rytsar nodded approvingly. “You do like to be dramatic.”
“Sir is anything but dramatic,” Brie laughed. “However, he did break my heart that night.”
Sir gazed at Brie, his eyes expressing his regret.
“All that being said…” he stated to Rytsar. “Had you not been there, I might have made the biggest mistake of my life. Thank you, brother.”
Rytsar grinned mischievously. “So you owe me.”
Sir chuckled. “I do, and your payment comes in the form of remaining this little girl’s godfather despite your poorly timed joke today.”
Rytsar let loose a bout of low laughter. “Fine, comrade. So be it.” Hope suddenly got fussy in his arms.
“Little one, there’s no reason to fret,” Rytsar told her. “I know exactly what you need.” He walked over to Brie and handed the baby to her. As soon as Hope had settled in Brie’s arms, the baby turned her head, opening and closing her mouth hungrily.
Rytsar sat down next to Brie.
Since breastfeeding in front of him was natural to her, she eased the material of her blouse down and unlatched her nursing bra to expose her full breast.
Hope instantly latched on and began sucking noisily. Brie closed her eyes, groaning at the ache caused by her milk rushing in.
